May 2004 Blogs

Geneva, Switzerland - Manila, Philippines

(May 22, 2004) In-flight, I met Mirien, a stunning Dutch blonde, who was the flight attendant. That made the travel pleasurable. Our plane landed in Manila on schedule. Dad was there to pick me up. That's where Ginny and I parted ways. Before the day was over, I found myself at the hottest place in town - Greenbelt 3 with all its bars, restaurants and dance clubs. Add high zoot with all the attitude...more »»

Goodbye Geneva

(May 21, 2004) Because of luggage weight limit between countries and air carriers, I could no longer check in the same 2 bags that I had with me. I had to leave most of my things at the airport and simply do with a carry on. That was a shock. But the flight went well to Chipol Airport where Ginny and I awaited our flight for Manila....more »»

Geneva: Spring, Boat Tour, Absinthe, Swiss Army knife

(May 20, 2004) Ginny finished everything at the UN yesterday and has the whole day to herself. It was nice having a relaxed breakfast with her and resuming our leisurely tete-a-tete by the balcony overlooking the lake and the Jet d'eau....more »»

Back to Geneva

(May 19, 2004) After France and Italy, I finally got back to Geneva, tired. I slept the whole day and met up with Ginny, Kitty and her husband Andy, at Bahay Kubo, a Filipino restaurant in the Cornavin area. I had the pleasure of meeting them last year in Toronto. We all talked about music, food and the personalities in their environment....more »»

Milan, Italy with Naomi

(May 18, 2004) Naomi and I took the train to Milan to tour the city and sample Milan's signature dish - Risotto ala Milanese. Of course, we had to make a mandatory stop at Armani Emporium....more »»

Genoa, Italy with Naomi

(May 17, 2004) Genoa had a few highlights - savoring Pesto Genovese with a cook who happened to be Filipino, having a lazy afternoon on a jetty bench with Naomi napping on my lap, and indulging in horribly cheap wine....more »»

Marseille, France with Naomi

(May 14, 2004) Naomi and I commuted the scenic bus route to Vieux Port and took the suggested walking tour of the city. Marseille certainly has its unpretentious charm. We did enough of the walking until we got hungry....for my much-awaited Bouillabaisse!...more »»

Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe

(May 10, 2004) I went walking around Paris the whole day - Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Napoleon's tomb and Pompidou Center and met a few strangers. It was a full day....more »»

Arriving Paris from Geneva by TGV

(May 9, 2004) From Geneva, I took the high-speed TGV train to Paris at speeds of 350 km/hr. I was in Paris in 3.5 hours where my host Kishore met me. After a quick meal with Kishore, I wandered on my own....more »»

Day 8: Carouge, Plainpalaise, Cathedral de St. Pierre, Bresse Chicken

(May 8, 2004) Saturdays are great for the outdoor flea market and farmers' day. Carouge was especially charming selling different types of honey depending on what flowers were available to the bees. I was tempted to buy Bresse Chicken, but at CAN$60, it would have been reckless....more »»

Day 7: Red Cross Museum, Museum Ariana, Swiss fondue

(May 7, 2004) I visited Museum Ariana, a chateau-like house with mostly jars and plate collections of a once prominent Genovese. I ended up at the Red Cross Museum and viewed the Russian Gulag exhibit. Later, it was Swiss Fondue with Ginny by Lake Geneva....more »»

Day 6: Old Town, Clock Flower, Bresse Chicken

(May 6, 2004) I ate baguette, Swiss cheese and a yogurt drink as I walked around town - Old Town, Jardin des Anglais, Place de Bourg de Four. This was the cheapest filling meal I could have while exploring Geneva....more »»

Day 5: UP Democratization Program

(May 5, 2004) Ginny and I talked about UP and how the academic standard has diminished because of the democratization program. Students from some obscure barrio garners enough points as a minority and gets into UP but doesn't really have what it takes. Ultimately, he drops out. Meanwhile, students from Ateneo are not able to get in. He is penalized in effect for being privileged. Everybody loses....more »»

Day 4: Astral projection

(May 4, 2004) While sleeping, I had a sleep paralysis. I was immediately aware that this was a trigger for an out-of-body experience or an astral projection. I knew exactly what to do given my dismal failures in the past....more »»

Day 3: UN, Mentors, City Walk

(May 3, 2004) The day started by attending a UN meeting presided by Ginny. I met Joe Schekla, perhaps a diplomat who's a mentor-material. The rest of the day was spent walking around Geneva and savoring its cleanliness and organization....more »»

Day 1-2: Goodbye Toronto, Hello Geneva

(May 1, 2004) I woke up around 9 am getting 6 hours sleep from all the last minute packing. I called up a few friends but the whole feeling was overbearing. I thought about seeing the kids one last time, but nobody was there. I just felt so alone. I wasn't not even scared or apprehensive of what lies ahead....just alone. In a few hours, I begin a new chapter in my life in Geneva....more »»

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