I have always admired you . How you chooses to fight your battle . You are more than just a pretty face . In my eyes you are My Whatever friend .
My Whatever friend that I can call whenever I am depressed , confuse or just discussing a soap , recipe or just be silent in the other side of the line . You are like a Ray of Sun that would brightens my thoughts with your comforting words .
Ate, even if you would steal the thunder of my tantrums everytime that is directed to you , I still love you and Thank you for being my AMAZING WHATEVER FRIEND ❤
We took this picture at the very start of the pandemic .. unaware that the world will change .. Ate soon , when all of this will be over we will see each other again .
A beautiful face with a soul so vulnerable. She fought a battle unseen by anyone . Your tears are your strength . Your smile is weapon . Barbs , you are more than just your name
It is an honor to see YOU beyond the smile and social image . Your beauty is far beyond that.
Barbs always remember this … YOU ARE ENOUGH and Greatly appreciated to those who cared for you deeply.
On your birthday I wish you more love , travels , good health and smile . Charina and I love you dearly..
Happy birthday Nonnie
You are enough , your beauty shines beyond your social media image . And it is an honor to see YOUR HEART . We love you !!
No matter how vast the universe if the stars and planets will align you will meet the people that are destined to be part of you .. This is what they called Destiny . One of the many mystery of Life .
My Noonies
We have met years back but our friendship has just developed recently.
My nonnies are my happy pills . We could talk about all kind stuffs. Our chat group is free flow venting -fangirling place .. A space where we could just be silly . Unafraid , feeling fully accepted and respected .
Charina
Charina and I known each other way back in our elementary years. I always remember her as my pretty classmate with an amazing smile . She was in my eyes the chinese garter queen and jackstone warrior.
I am glad the my friendship with her have blossomed . She is my fangirl Nonnie who would gladly share my passion with the small kdrama details .. Nonnie Cha , you just don’t how glad I am to know that behind those pretty face is a woman who is sensitive , amazing friend and a fangirl . Thank you for coming into my life .
Barbie
My nonnie Barbie ,her nickname describes her beauty . Her love for OOTD is immense .
Barbs as I called her is one of the most pretty loving yet sensitive soul . She has her own battle that no one knew . I love her vulnerability that shines across her pretty OOTD .
Barbs, we have been through quite a lot I have considered more than just a friend .. like Cha you are part of me and the journey that we all part take will be done with grace and smile .
Keep those heels high along with our head . You are more than just a pretty face.
The story of us will continue .. in between breaks and binge watching ..
A date that has full of memories and reasons to celebrate .
6th of January 1973 at 3 am I was born into this world called life . Every moment that I have lived is a series of lessons to be learned and Ripples of victory to rejoice..
6th of January 2019
A reconnection of camaraderie is born . Friendship arouse from this reconnection .
A friendship that is base on one purpose: To serve the community , To shed light to those who are invisible .
6th of January 2019 The Moonwalkers89 was created .
6th of January 2022 the end and a start of a new begiinning .
Not so long ago our Friend Jennifer was diagnose of stage 3 breast cancer . For months we have walked with her . We rejoice chemo after chemo ,and all the little victories that she experienced .
Small steps towards recovery , towards a new life . At times the road is steep but her spirit is fierce. She is a fighter in all aspects ( we wouldn’t call her sister bully for nothing ) .
Alas! the last chemo is near insight . On the 6th of January 2022 our Ter Jen will have her last chemo .. Half of the battle have been fought and won . Full victory is almost here !
This I know on the 6th of January Love, kindness and friendship is born . We will celebrate this till the end .
“There is an unspoken bond you create with the friends you travel with.” – Kristen Sarah
Arriving Athens
After almost 2 years of not flying due to the pandemic travel restrictions , It is again about time to explore .
For the last three years my highschool batchmates and myself have agreed to try to have a yearly reunion in form of travelling .
Exploring a specific country of our choice .. This year was the much anticipated scenic island of Santorini .
The Preparation
While almost all of us have anticipated to see each other , to have some kind of bonding . Still a cloud of uncertainties hang around our minds as the travel restrictions and travel advisory changes every week .
I have cancelled 3 accomodations as the participants of this travel reunion were very uncertain and were depending on the travel advisory .
It was not until the last week before the agreed date that I have the final list of the attendees of this adventure .
The souvenirs were finally finalized and ready to travel with me .
The souvenirs
Six of us took the leap of faith and decided to have a good time in Santorini .
The Arrival
We were arriving into 2 groups . The early birds arrived on the 26th of november while the Mighty Three will arrived on the 27th of November at 22 hrs ( 10 pm )
26th of November ( the D-day)
Ralla left Texas on the 25th she had a 19 hrs flight and will be waiting for us in Athens (Jen and myself)
Jen have to take the train from Sweden going to Denmark as she will take her flight to Santorini in Denmark. It was an exciting adventure as I call it while Jen refers it as one of her stressful trip .. Stressful in the sense that we were already boarding and Jen was still battling with the security checked in . She was one of the last 3 people who boarded the transit bus .. Ralla and myself were sooo relieved to see her and she was wearing a smile that says ” I made it “
Just in time The early birds
My journey … well it was very laid back arrived at Brussels National Airport super early . That I have time to take pictures ( what else to do 🙂) . My connecting flight from Athens to Santorini have a 30 mins time so I just ran and got there in time .
At Brussels National Airport
Ralla was our gate informer since she was there ahead of us .
She said I look good while I thought she looks fab after that 19 hrs flight .
The Early Birds arrived in Santorini
We have a mixed feeling once we were landed in Santorini. We were ecstatic and the same time hungry ( 🙂🙂).
Santorini airport is a small airport and I could imagine that during peak season this airport could be very crowded ..but tonight it is just us , it took Ralla less than 5 mins to pick up her bagage . As we went outside a handsome greek ( He was soooo Greek handsome that Ralla almost forgot her orange lugage😆) with Jen’s name waited for us . He took us to our accomodation which was located at the heart of Fira / Thera( capital of Santorini) .
CENTRO HOUSES APARTMENT our home for the next 6 days
Our house has 2 bedrooms and a sofa bed ( this will be Sim’s cave ) . Alexandra will come and clean the place every 2 days . It has a huge terrace that would give you a chance to enjoy the sunrise every morning , the back terrace is facing the Aegean Ocean . Our host Lila was very accomodating she gave us some suggestions and provide us a good transfer transportation .
The majestic Santorini sunrise
After we had our important house rules we explore our place decided which room will be ours .. ahhh the perks of being the early birds🙂.
The Roomies
Seattled and Hungry … so we went and explore square which was just a couple minutes away from our house . We were still in our dreamy mode , can’t believe state of mind ( we are in Santorini after almost 2 years of not flying) like little girls again we were giggling and just happy to able to have this trip.
We had our 1st dinner at El Greco. The food was just okey . Actually it is enough to feed a hungry stomach that has an excited soul . We have choosen the table outside , it was windy outside but this didn’t stop us . Jen and Ralla both ordered Risotto with seafoods while I had a stuffed vegetables , some tzatziki , greek salad and some wine .
El Greco gave us a welcome some bread while waiting for our orders and they were very nice to offer us some OuZo . A typical apperatief dry anised flavored drink .. our food arrived , the serving were gigantic that both Ralla and Jen failed to finish thier risotto.
After dinner we decided to have a late walk around the square of Fira .. the streets was quite aside from the fact that it is the end of the season already the Covid restrictions also played a huge role in the nightlife of Santorini . Tonight the streets was ours to explore ..
Drinks , chats at El grecoTzatziki , risotto with seafoods , stuffed veggies , greek salad and moreFirst night ..the streets was ours to explore
27th of November : The Akrotiri -Emporeio hike, Metaxi Mas and the arrival of Sim, Viv and Liv
I started the day with a short trip to the bakery , I actually love it since it gives me this feeling that I am from Santorini ( except I dont speak greeks 😜) and not just a tourist … I love walking through this empty streets , admiring the houses and saying good morning to every person that I met ( I hope they understood what I said ) . What I have observed was the breads were mostly with sesame seeds and a little bit dry. I bought some bagels and a bread with chocolates filling topped with sesame seeds
Sesame bread with choco fillingThe first glance of Fira
Meanwhile back at Centro Houses Jen and Ralla were doing what they have agreed to do the night before … a picture of them having coffee at our terrace ..
My Roomies
After breakfast , Nikos our designated driver for the next 6 days picked us up and dropped us at The Red Beach of Akrotiri . He will then picked us up in Empereio and dropped us in Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia and from there he will picked us up and bring us back to our house
Today , we will be having the 5km( 4.8 km to be exact) walk from the Village of Akrotiri -Emporeio . I will talk about the Red Beach later since we will be revisiting the place again together with the rest of the gang.
On our way to Akrotiri , Nikos was kind enough to stopped at the Caldera for some pictures , He also told us about the products of Santorini which were cherry tomatoes and the Santo wines . He explained why the grapevines were being weaved instead of letting grow they way in France. We learned everyday some new facts about Santorini thanks to Nikos .
The Caldera
The Hike Akrotiri -Emporio ( the hike of revealation)
This was a 4.8 hike , for Jen who is a first timer with long hikes this is very far. The weather was warm while the hiking path was not that scenenic .
I would refer this hike as the “Hike of Revealation “. It is in this hike that I grew more fond of Jen . I admire her calmness even if google took us several times to the out of nowhere path. Her determination , to the point that she breaks her limits . Jen surprises me in so many ways ..
Ralla, I know how she love dogs but I was still surprise when she gave up her water for Georgie ( our adopted dog for this hike) who was obviously very thirsty . To me, that was an epitome of selfless love this is a huge contrast with Her hard , super independent personality .
The scenic view We rest every now and then the sun was warm and the wind was refreshingUs with Georgie ( not his real name)
Georgie (not his real name ) as Ralla baptize him was a street dog from Akrotiri who have decided to follow us through our hike in Emporeio.. He was so attached to Ralla that when we enter into a small coffeeshop after we have reached Emporeio he panicked and frantically retracing Ralla’s scent. He even walked in the middle of the road luckily the drivers were nice and stopped at a confused dog who have again lost his friend . The Georgie -Ralla bond had its bitter sweet ending .. and it breaks our heart that we can only offer him water .
The instant bond between the two
After an hour or so hike we have reached Emporeio .
She made it !! We were all very happy!!
Metaxi Mas
I have read about Metaxi Mas when I was reading and planning out our Santorini trip . Both bloggers and food reviews named Metaxi Mas as the Best Restaurant in Santorini.
So, I booked a table for 3, Arriving there quite hungry ( we had a light lunch and we had a death march remember ). The moment I sat and started talking to the friendly waitress I began my Fangirling moment .. you can tell that I have been reading about their Taverne and before the menu was given I already knew what should I eat.
As expected , Metaxi mas holds its “Best Restaurant” title from the starter till dessert everything was perfect .
After we ordered they have offered us a tray of meze ( cheese , olives and bread ) and Raki ( an anais flavored alcoholic drink that is popular in the islands of Greece ) . Our shared starter came it was the famous oven -baked asperagus ( its really very delicous creamy yet crunchy ) and the Santorian baked white aubergine , we didn’t have the white aubergine since it was almost w the end of their session but I think its only the color of the auberhine that was different the taste … well I think it is the same
The tray of Meze and yes Raki should also be documented
Ralla, who have been telling me she would have an octupus cuisine in Greece eversince this trip was planned . So it was no surprise that she ordered Grilled Octupus served with Santorian Fava , this the first time I tasted a fava . It looks like hummus but has a finer texture . Jen got the grilled lamb with fried potatoes and me Grilled pork belly with sweet and spicy glazed served with fried potatoes. After our main course we had a complimentary cheesecake dessert .
What a foodiexperience !
So , you may wonder if we have broke the bank with all these food … the answer is No! We paid around 27 euros each which is very affordable given the quality of food that they have served .
If you are looking for a Santorian – Cretan cuisine experience then you must visit Metaxi mas in Exo Gonia .
The mighty 3 have finally arrived
The mighty 3
Jen and I waited for The mighty 3 to arrived home .. Sim initiated a video call to asked which door was our house But instead of talking with I was talking with Jen who sat across me .. and was also saying Helloooo?Hellooo ..
We realized they are downstairs !! Faster than the heartbeat I openned the door and there they are !!! I have bonded with Viv and Liv recently but Sim … it was almost 2 years since the last time I saw him. He deserve this long overdue hug! The six of us exchanged the warm greetings a fast updates … Tomorrow will be the official start of our reunion !!!
Here, there and everywhere
Our mornings was always hectic taking turns to the bathroom .. until its time for us to gather around for breakfast . We chatted almost anything and everything . We always start with where to go , covid updates and disperse … I would always say ” omg its 9:30 Nikos will be here in 30mins “ and we disperse ourselves do all the last minute “thing” 🤣😊
Breakfast , dinners and in betweens we love having that moment
We have started our walked in Fira ,Firostefano ,Imerovigli where you can hike around the Skaros Rock Viv whom I didn’t expect to join , Alvaro a Spaniard that I randomly chatted asked to talk one of our group picture , I then learned that he will be hiking around Skaros rock , So I decided to invite myself and tagged along . We werd chatting about running and hiking we were surprise by a voice ” wait for me” … And there she is so sexy as a vamp Viv! . Like Jen , I was also surprise by Viv”s strength . She walked , took some pictures and that happy positive spirit never died down even during the steep walks ..Here laughter is very infectious …. With her lighthearted spirit the hike around Skaros became more fun .
Alas ! We have reached the back of the Skaros Rock ,we paid social media homage by taking couple of picture on top of the chapel that you will find at the end of skaros hike . The chapel is facing in front the Aegean Ocean and I should say it is worth a hike
It was a wonderful hike !
Oia , as we.all expected was very white and quite after all it is the end of the tourist session.. One of my fun memories in Oia were the Silly dogs of Sim ,not really his dogs but like Georgie the silly dogs bonded well with him . They were playful , friendly and daring . At one point they saw a black cat , chased him up to the edge of the rooftop …Sim’s reaction when he saw how these dogs ” fly ” and stop on time so they won’t fall still makes me laugh to date .
Felix and the silly dogsSim and his silly dogs
The Sunset in Oia has a different charm in the summer ( the sky turns orange ) and in the winter but it is still as pretty as what they describe it
A quite Oia nikos said that it is very different during summer time when all the shops are open and you would walked shoulder to shoulder with people Taking advantage of that winter sunset view As darkness embraces Oia
oooh I should say one of the perks during low session is that you can buy souvenirs half a price . In one of our walks around Fira for our quest of finding the Three bells of Fira we went in a jewelry shop Ralla , Liv and Viv would like to buy some gifts for christmas . The store owner who was a very friendy woman at her late 60’s asked when are we heading back home . Ralla answered the dates of our flights, to our surprise she gave 5 of us ( sim was …I dont where ) an evil eye pendant to give us protection on our upcoming trip …ahhh Greek hospitality
Ahhhh a token from Santorini
We continued to explore Santorini with Nikos from Pyrgos the second capital of Santorini after the people transfered from Skaros to Pyrgos and now in Thera or Fira . Nikos , showed us the traditional houses and explained why is it on some part of the streets (uphill) in cobble stones . He said it was for the villagers protection against the pirates who have horses .
Apparently Horses cannot ran on cobblestones . It is more easier to catch the thieves .
Went up to Profitis Ilias in hope that the monastry was opened . The Monastry was close but the view on top of the mountain is worthwhle to take some pictures . According to Nikos all the small churches on the mountaintop in Greece is called Profitis Ilias church . The reason is that prophet Elijah or Ilias is often associated with mountains. He was said to have lived in a mountain grotto.
Then the magnificient volcanic sands from Akrotiri ‘s Red beach , Perissa’s Black sand and the Natural sculpture designed cliffs of the Vlychada beach . The overwhelming carved cliffs that resemble a sculptor’s work but is, in fact, a natural process owed to the volcano, the wind and the sea.
Pyrgos and everywhereNature’s at his best the overwhelming carved cliffs of Vlychada beach .
On a stormy day we explored the caldera of Fira ..It was soooo windy that Jen was afraid that the wind might blew her away ( literally) . We tried to go down to old port of Fira but it was too windy and too many stairs. We manages to witness the sunset there which is basically the same with the sunset view in Oia only cheaper . Oia is known for the posh hotels and shops.
We don”t let the weather dedictate our fun It took us 2 days to understand google .. Thanks to Viv who would do everything to find The Three bells of Fira . Oh at some point we have stopped using the maps beacause it confuses us 🤣🤣
Declaration of Love
What makes Santorini Iconic ? Is it the white washed houses ? The tanquility of the Caldera? The amazing sunset ?
All that I have mentioned above are just the cherry of the cake . What makes Santorini magical is the people that you have spent your time with.
It was the early morning walks to the bakery , the evenning visit to the grocery . That moment that I sat next to an old Greek man who was talking in Greeks while I was hold my milk waiting for the store owner who was chasing her garbage bag that was blown away by the wind on the stormy morning … learning that it is wiser and safe to used 6 clothes clips when your hanging your clothes in the evenning because the your house is facing the ocean .
And lastly , it was living with these 5 beautiful souls . To be able to be vulnerable with trust . To feel their compassion on every story that has been told .. To share that laughters on every funny stories and events that happened . To accept and respect the shortcomings of the other . These makes our Santorini experience magically for it has created this unspoken bond of friendship between us .
To Ralla, Sim, Viv , Liv and my Jen I only cook for those I love … 😘
“Being different isn’t a bad thing. It means you’re brave enough to be yourself.” – Luna Lovegood ( Harry Potter Deathly Hallows )
Intoduction :
Last Sunday the 21st of March was Down Syndrome Day to honor this day and as part of the awareness campaign schools and all over social media encourages everyone to wear two different kinds of socks . This day is called “gekke sokken dag” or as translated in englisg crazy socks day . This is to symbolize that IT IS OKEY TO BE DIFFERENT .
Yesterday ( 23rd of March)
It was one of those working days but yesterday gave me some take away to ponder.
Alice my 5 years playmate ( I refer her as my playmate ) along with her sister Aude came to me running as I arrived at thier house . The girls wore two unpaired socks of course I know why…
Alice : Jeeee I am wearing two different socks because it is crazy socks day at my school and Aude too.
Me: ooooh that looks fun .. and do you know why you are wearing those socks ?
Alice : yes , because SOMETIMES IT IS OKEY TO BE DIFFERENT my teacher told us that .
Me : indeed .. that is nice Alice ..
She was about to wear her shoes .. then she stop mid-way look at me and said ” well if is is okey to be different why hide it with a pair of shoes?”
She stopped turn to me and said ” I should wear unpair of shoes too with that everyone will know that IT IS OKEY TO BE DIFFERENT ”
She then go on picked two different kinds of shoes
Reflection :
To a child its is just the way it should be …But to the society that we are existing we should always be reminded that everyone of us is unique .
We must learn to respect and honor our differences whether it is the physical attributes or emotional development.
We must never forget to EMBRACE THE UNIQUENESS IN US .
TO All of US .. BE BRAVE WE ARE BEAUTIFUL IN OUR OWN WAY
I am starting to write moments that I love to remember . In each events ,situations there is that specific emotions that is connected .
Today my Journal of Happiness goes to the simple joy that The Moonwalkers89 shared.
The Story
As I have mentioned in my previous blog ” Moonwalkers” is group of individuals who were highschool classmates and have been reconnected after 30 years .
Each one of them has this unique beauty , strength , talent and wits . Despite of the years that they have been apart the sense of connectivity still burns within them .
They have made to the point that their reconnection would have meaningful purpose . Thus , they have choosen to served the vulnerable communities in their own ways.
These community activities paved the way in strengthen thier relationships from being good friends to becoming families .
No distance too far for those who wanted to be together ..
Community Services as an act of Reconnection
“So long as we love we serve; so long as we are loved by others, I would almost say that we are indispensable; and no man is useless while he has a friend.”
-Robert Louis Stevenson
A quote from goodreads.com
It all started with an informal conversations in between the karaoke and sea breeze of Cabadbaran city . The passion to serve was there but of course there was a question of resources.
As the discussion go deeper the desire grew. They made a pact to meet again on 2022 but for the meantime they must Keep the fire burning through community services .
Each one of them shared its own idea . Allowed their own expertise to contribute whatever project they are in . Everything is being discussed and though the budget is tight they still pursue with enthusiasm . They believe they are ONE
Whether it is feeding for the Lumads ( indigenious group) ,Elderly or the forgotten ones of society they serve with their hearts .
They often said that “the community services did not only filled the hearts of the needy but it has also strengthen thier friendship .It makes them feel like “they Belong” a quote that Fatima always uses .
At the end it is not about how much but it is more of how they made a small step towards doing meaningful act .
Reflection
If we choose to be serve with purpose and developed a friendship founded with respect , love, an open clear communication and admiration the friendship will thrive .
Respect towards each other helps us bridge the growing pains that we encounter along the way . Love makes us more understanding towards the shortcoming of the others . An open and clear communication results to endless hours of worthwhile stories which are interwine with laughters and the feeling of belongingness .
Notes of Gratitude
To the 41 Moonwalkers89 it has been with great pleasure to reconnect the bond with each one of you in a different levels .
Maricar who have encouraged me in forming the group
Bob who is always ready to do whatever ,wherever … you are an epitome of support
Felda , the rockstar with a large wallet how would we exist without your dedication ?
Jennifer for being the best twin and side kick of Felda
Tots who is always ready to give me an enlightenment advises whenever I am confuse.
Jenny (Grams ) my admiration for a powerhouse woman who would unselfishly share her time regardless of the situation ..Grams thank you for always answering my Queries
Jehmymah (Yen) thank you for assisting and sharing the burden with Grams
Lore our balancer
Marelle who edits my thoughts from time to time
Joe, Janet , Ga and Renee for being the life of our gc . I always love your wits
Mela, Rowena ,Joy and Serachel whose doors are always open whenever I would come knocking it .
Maam Jone thank you for always gracing whenever it is possible for you
Sweet, Lani, Fatima ,Grace, Cathy , Cy , Jona , Ana and Kathy for coming home to us ..
Cherrypie for openning my mind about Por cristo
Mary Grace even in your silence I know I can count on you .
Wilfred , Alberto and Arthur the boys who are never hesitated to help whenever we have an activity
Ferdinand (Dnand) thank you for always entertaining my lengthy notes for blending to be one of us.
Randy for being just annoying you 🙂
I am proud to be one of you .. thank you Moonwalkers89 for the lessons and joy that you have shared
May we continue to touch lives .
The essential only games that we often played ..most of us joined not for the prize but simply for fun ..Sweet won the spaghetti package while the rest had vinegars . GRAMS jenny took home the monster pizza which was divided into 4 .. its always about fun and sharing kindness“Real happiness doesn’t come from getting everything you want . It comes from sharing what you have with the people who matter.” -womenworking.com
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