Vacation is undeniably an opportune bonding time with family and we enjoyed all the places we’ve been to.  It  brought us to lots of  interesting places and  had us experienced activities we have not dare tried when we were young.  Part of our itinerary is to experience river water rafting in Davao City, island of Mindanao but before the real thrill, we consulted Wikipedia and accordingly ”Rafting or white water rafting is a challenging recreational activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water.  While in the office, we were assured that experienced guides and professional life guards will join the group and I asked few questions before I finally let go of the payment for a group of 6.   The package is quite expensive but never mind.. it will only be once in a lifetime experience.

Our children were very much excited with the thought that they are going to do it  finally.   I was included while we were planning our itinerary to river rafting adventure, however, I backed out after seeing the video clip.  I don’t think I can actually survive that adventure fearing I might drown for I don’t really how to swim.  A life vest might not save me enough because I might panic so I better not take the risk.  Understandably it was the young blood who are risk takers!

So a group of 6 was formed, my 3 children, a nephew and a friend and my husband who was concerned of just letting the youths on their own joined too.  I know that he is also apprehensive but his concern for the group outweighed his fears.  Good for hubby for he knows how to swim so it would not really be that hard for him to adjust in the water.

signing waiver

As advised, they should be in the office before 7am for rafting orientation.   They were asked to sign a waiver since it is considered as an extreme sports and their helmets and life vests were distributed.   Initial rafting orientations ensued and they were then transported by jeepney to the starting point  for the 13 km of adrenaline rush with more than 15 rapids.   Upon reaching there, they were given another basic rafting orientation and were taught on how to put on their life vests, the basic rafting techniques and different rafting lingos they will hear as instructions.

rafting orientation.. teaching them how to paddle

the 15 km. water rafting thrill

high five  after challenging rapids

break

It was more than 3 hours of water rafting and braving the wind and heat.   They were really exhausted and famished and when they reached the end of the line, lunch was served. It was an experience to cherish!

thumbs up!

Helmets off and thumbs up to their guide Mr. Onin for one great rafting assistance!

We went to the Eastern province on a mission trip…. me and hubby had to avail of promo fares and luckily despite the hassles of getting a booking, we were able to get 2 tickets.

OMG, it was my first time to board a 2 seater aircraft and I was whispering to hubby that the plane might be blown away by a strong wind.  Well, now that I had experienced the promo ride, then I have something to share with friends… that no food or drinks served and if you ordered, it will be for a fee.  So better fill up your tummy before boarding the aircraft and in case hunger pang strikes, just sleep during the flight…lol.

Still I enjoyed the ride…. and was sure glad to landed safe to our destination…

The handsome compensations and benefits we are receiving as overseas workers are undoubtedly good enough to tide us with our family expenditures and to top it all, we have the luxury to go for well planned vacation trips to our hearts desire.  We’ve been on our company’s payroll for more than 2 decades and we believe that we deserved to be rewarded for all our efforts and sacrifices. And the latest family bonding time that we had was an exciting and unforgettable Walt Disney tours!. We make it a point that whatever blessings that we are enjoying are to be shared to our extended families as well, so everytime we planned for private tours almost everybody are considered while we our doing our budget  for the trip. Last year, the “chosen ones” received free tickets and hotel accommodation sponsorship from us but with stern instructions that they need to provide their own pocket and shopping monies.

part of the group…. family bonding time

It was the biggest family group trip we had so far… 15 in all  (Mom, 2 sisters, 1 brod, 1 brother in law, 3 nieces, 2 nephews and my family of 5).  You could just imagine how hard to assemble them in one place and head counting should be done first so nobody will be “home alone”.  Our  main itinerary last Christmas holidays was the Disneyland park adventure and the children adored the place, untiringly going from one ride to another while we adults patiently kept guard.   We practically became their “baggers and hangers because everytime they sighted an interesting ride, they excitedly tossed their bags and hanged their heavy coats on us. Oh well, we don’t mind really as long as they are enjoying, besides I had to accompany my 76 years old mom on the bench too tired to walk any further but we too enjoyed seeing them from afar really having a real good time!

leap of joy

not to be outdone… jump shot adult style

The grand parade of Disney characters was a sight and the experience is to treasure forever!    Towards the end of the day, though Mom was kinda tired , it was surprising that she somewhat got energized when Goofy, Mickey and Minnie plus Winnie the Pooh emerged and we adults were among those who excitedly lined up for photo opportunity with them.  You bet.. Mom was obviously happy! (see her pic with Goofy below!)

feeling young again!

The grand fireworks displayed which we waited patiently wrapped up our Disney adventure.  Everything about Disney is magical! And we don’t have any second thoughts whatsoever of  coming back for another awesome  Walt Disney World Resort tour (with another set of family members, I guess).   It is really true that the moment may be temporary but the memories are forever!

awesome… magnificent.. magical fireworks display!

It inspires us more to work and earn and share our blessings.  This early, another Disney tour is on the planning board…

Exciting!!!

Just like Jessica’s parents, being her god mother, I am also super proud of her.  Her mom excitedly phoned me about my god daughter who was accepted as foreign exchange student in Germany.  Undeniably, Jessica is a smart girl, outgoing and adventurous and we knew all along that she will really go places and it did come true!    Her family is 100% in support of their only child, and that when she chose to become a foreign exchange student and study abroad,  Benjamin and Jill (Jessica’s parents) gave their blessings right away.   They believe that it is one of the most rewarding experience that will ever happen to their daughter.  We all believe that she can perfectly take care of herself while in a foreign land and she can easily adapt to her new environment because knowing the young lady, she is ambitious, matured  and with good breeding !   Her plans to study abroad will give her the opportunity to experience different culture, meet new people and study in a new environment.  It was such a good choice… Germany!  Her foster family are based in Berlin.

To bid the young lady a good voyage, the family hosted a farewell party and it was held in their luxurious villa in the outskirt of the city.  Of course, I was invited and I was sure glad that I came with my hubby!  The elders took turns giving all sorts of advices, tips and words of wisdom to Jessica .  She was very attentive listening particularly to her great businessman Uncle Simon, who is a certified” jet setter”  who advised her to bring all  her pertinent documents.  He also  instructed Jessica that in case her papers necessitates translation services, he mentioned about a well trusted company which he always avail in Munich while on business trips.   He was referring to Translia, a reputable translation company whom he highly recommend for its accurate, polished translation and on the dot delivery.

Not long after Jessica’s arrival in Germany, she happily wrote her mom that her foster parents  are nice, accommodating and easy to get along with.    She joyfully told  Jill that her Uncle Simon was right about endorsing an  Übersetzungsbüro (see! she already picked up some German word).  She explained that the word means translation company and that she too is one  satisfied customer of Translia.

We are all looking forward to her many mails about her stay in Germany…..  We miss her so much!

My cousin was too proud to show how lovely her tan was  after  5 days of frolicking in the white sand beach of  Puerto Princesa, Palawan, south of the Philippine Islands.   She and her husband spent their early summer holiday get away in what she claimed a paradise.  The serene place, pristine blue water, white sand beach resort is where they spent their honeymoon.   It is believed to be a haven for lovers and she won’t stop recounting their adventures (and misadventures) as they explored the place.   Well, she was almost sun drenched but couldn’t care less, even her hubby would lovingly refer to her as his “black beauty” queen.  It was pretty obvious, they had a grand time and would even go back to the place next summer.

Deep in my heart, I also wanted to go and see for myself the place that this cousin of mine has been raving about. I also heard a lot of exciting stories from friends during their stay in Palawan.   I am too keen to find promo tours to the south of the Philippines usually offered by a popular airline company. Yes, I prefer the promo tour so that I can take along my whole family (plus the extended ones) so it will be as enjoyable as ever like what we did when we went on a group tour to HongKong 2 Christmasess ago.   We were 14 in all and though it was really hard to travel and sight see in group, nevertheless,  it was really fun!  My children had a nice bonding moment with their cousins and you bet, the picture taking was endless.

Surely, this planned beach experience will be doubly fun for them because they  are all water lovers!   The problem with me is that I don’t fancy the beach and I will not dare swim or bask in the sun knowing that I get burn easily and I hate it  because it always take several weeks before I get back to my true color.    However, I will not allow myself to be the “kill joy” of the trip.    Nevertheless, I am always prepared for the beach scene, ever  ready with my wide brimmed hat, pair of sunglasses, bottles of sunblock lotion.   Of course, I will use my beach wear (for photo opportunity) but I will not swim, promise!   Never mind the youths, I know that they care no less as long as they are happy!

white sand beach…breathtaking view….

A paradise!

I tagged this ad picture posted by my cousin and really, as plan progresses, there is increased excitement with the thought of an all  new experience and adventure.   Actually, we are always like that, we always look forward to trips with the whole family.  So, even it is still on the planning stage, I am already going to book my annual vacation this early so that my colleagues will give way to the summer fun awaiting us.

Now, it is their turn to go for a Christmas vacation… give and take….

Every Wedding Anniversary, my husband never fails to surprise me.  I am not really the materialistic type but I love receiving gifts.  For me, a sincere gift is a tangible expression of love and it always brings happiness and security to our relationship. I am very appreciative of whatever gift my husband can afford to give. There were great individual gifts that I have received from him as we sail through our marriage – some cheap, others expensive but definitely all treasured –be it a bouquet of flowers, a compilation of my favorite love songs, our picture together or a simple yet heartwarming card.  Gifts were abundant every wedding celebration we had.   His love language is in the form of giving gifts… how thoughtful he is!   I believe that he always put a lot of effort in finding nice presents for me…with such good taste and  generous heart, he loves to give precious gems and expensive watches.   Last year, I thought I have received the best gift ever; it was a pair of diamond earrings, but this year 2011 as we are going to celebrate our 25^th year anniversary, he enthusiastically announced that our celebration will be a romantic getaway in an exotic place- this time it will be an exciting Fiji holiday! You bet! My jaw almost dropped upon hearing it!   Yes, I also love to travel; it is something I love to do!  I have heard so much commendable remarks about the place from friends who just came back from their honeymoon in Fiji  in the South Pacific Island. They were raving on how fascinating and enchanting the place is!

Indeed, I am blessed!  When I reflect on those past years of our marriage, I wondered how we ever clicked together because we were two different individual.    I am proud that we have survived all the battles most couples have gone through in their married life.   And a lot prouder, that we have seemingly became a role model for our children to follow, for having reached a quarter of a century of being together.  So, I also considered being married and staying married for the longest time, my greatest achievements in life.

The silver anniversary is a very special moment to mark in our union together, so we chose to splurge in this holiday trip!  I can’t contain my excitement because soon, we will be able to experience the wonders of Fiji island ourselves.

What about my Anniversary gift to him?  Simple! It is  the Gift of love – unconditional and unfailing love!  Sweet, isn’t it?

It is on the plannning board now!  The plan for an Asian trip will be mid year 2011 but booking should be done earlier to avail of the promo fares which are 50% off.    However, yesterday when I tried to arrange  for June or July flight,  all promos were already fully booked.   HOwever, I am still hoping that we can chance upon a good date so I am checking CEB site from time to time.

We are planning to go to Singapore, it will be a group tour again just like what we did last December 2009 when we went to Hongkong.  We were 15 in a group and we had a good time!   My children (and relatives too) are looking forward to the planned trip and hopefully I can already have the early booking confirmed.

This time it will be a Singapore tour, actually our second time in the city and first time visit of my Mom, siblings , nieces and nephews.  I know that they will find the city interesting as much as they enjoyed our Hongkong trip last December.   The Universal Studios is a big come-on and for sure they are going to enjoy the many rides and attractions it offers.   I will also arrange for Malaysian tour while in Singapore.  It can be travelled by land and I would love to try again the steep cable car ride to reach Genting highlands.

I hope all  of these plans will materialize.   It is a family bonding time we hope to do yearly… we want to  go on group trip while we still have the means to do it, while we have a job good enough to support our trip and while my husband and I are not still afflicted with arthritis and rheumatism.

Anyways, we make sure that even our extended families will enjoy the many blessings we are receiving by sharing it to them in many ways like  including them in our tour plans.

Yeheyy… I know that they are smiling from ear to ear because of the free trip.  Oh well….

The travel bug has bitten us once again and really, it has started to bother us.  This time we are “itching” to visit Singapore.   We heard that the Universal Studio is operational and we think it is about time to revisit the place since it was year 2002 when we’ve been to that beautiful city.

While on board our car going to the airport to meet a friend, we were able to weave our next travel plans and it thrilled our children no end.   They were giving endless inputs and thoughts on how they will enjoy and appreciate more the sights and sounds of Singapore.   Their minds were on fast forward mode and they were talking as if the following day will be the big day.

So, this early we are mapping out every plans as:

1. made early booking and to purchase online tickets  ahead of time to avail of promo discounts
2. call my sister and asked whoever family members are interested for a group tour
3. call my son to find out if our choice dates will not in conflict with their school calendar
4. block our vacation schedules in the office, file and get leave approval
5. remind my relatives that they need to save for the trip (pocket and shopping monies) if they are really interested to join
6. inform our Mom about the trip so she will strive hard to be A-okey and that her high blood pressure will be maintained to its normal level to avoid hassles because of her health problem
7. make arrangements or compromise with other family members  like those who were not able to join last December in Hongkong will now have their turn for a Singapore trip
8. most important- we will  continuously pray that the trip will push through as planned

Wow.. we are dreaming big again!  We will go for it!  Yehey!!!

The plane landed in King Khaled International Airport at 12 midnight but my husband and I for some reasons were late.   Hubby dropped me off on Level 2 of the airport  instead of going with him in the parking lot.  And there I found these 2 anxiously waiting for us.

Sure, they were more than glad and excited to be back for a while.  They will only renew their residency permit (iqama) and semestral break will be over by October 3.  They will be flying out of Riyadh on the 4th in time for school.

Today is Saudi National Day and so timely, we will have a day to bond together.

This is the start of busy bonding days with them!

The Middle East Conference was our ultimate reason when we went to Bahrain few days ago and satisfying our food tripping came only as a big bonus.  Yes, we were satisfied to the max and we ate to our hearts delight!  There is deep religious philosophy why Islam forbid pork but I have no intention to contest or debate about it.   We all have our own philosophy in life and there should be mutual respect.

We were  in Bahrain for  our spiritual growth and we also enjoyed food tripping!  However, I have two regrets… my first regret is that we don’t have so much time to tour the city.  We were not able to see the legendary “Tree of life” which we have learned  existed for 400 years standing alone and survived in the midst of the desert.  The mysterious location of the tree of life was believed to be the actual location of the Garden of Eden.  I hope to visit the site one day!

My 2nd regret is that I have to sweat out all the cholesterol because of that food tripping.  Oh well, “if there is gain… there is pain!”  We gain weight, absolutely there  will be pain on how to lose it.

My oh my….

We ate to our hearts contentment!