turtlebackpacker

Free Beer and Wine

2013-06-16T01:05:00.003+02:00

I am on my final stretch in my studies in Italy. Four more exams to take, one paper on corruption and hopefully a research worthy to be called a master thesis.

Here's a breather post. The photos just tell the drinking culture of Germany and Italy through funny self-expression of people. Open thy eyes to the surprises that usual things can offer you.

Please press and wait...

What? Push button to signal pedestrian crossing.
Photo taken at Hügelstraße 10, Darmstadt, Germany on March 2012
Translation: Please press (the button) and wait for ~~green~~ beer.

Water into wine...

What: Free drinking water fountain or nassoni

Photo taken at Viale degli Ingegneri, Facoltá di Ingegneria Universitá degli Studi di Roma, Roma on February 2013

Translation: Wine water ->

Aside from the drinking culture of the these two nations, the photos also tell about how Germans, as always generalized, strictly make and obey rules such as road and traffic regulations. While the nassoni tells of Rome's history on water system and aqueducts that provided public water to the people.

N.B. There were no beer or wine from those buttons.

Geo-Tagged: Erftstadt and Brühl

2013-06-12T09:52:00.002+02:00

Few days after settling to my summer 2012 temporary homebase, the Christ family visited me. Prior to this visit, they were wondering 'Where and why in the world are you staying in Erftstadt?'

Yes, you heard it right, I stayed in Erftstadt. I used to live in Darmstadt. And do you know that I had visited friends in Willingen, had a family in Herzberg and went to Wetzlar for a short day trip. Where in the world was I? These are small and often unheard places I had been. Their names may not had really made a mark in the map, but they contributed a very important spot in my heart! So let me briefly talk about my Erftstadt and Brühl experiences.

Erftstadt
Stayed from July 31 to September 26, 2012

This small city is a 20-minute drive from Cologne. There you go, now you know the Kölner Dom and a little bit in the outskirt I found a family who had welcomed me to their house during the summer vacation in Germany. Tita Emily and Tito Jörg had offered me a place to stay while waiting for my move to Rome. Tita Emily is my mother's highschool batch. I was so happy to have a mom and instant family, not just for the summer but forever. Tito Jörg is always funny and he even seemed to be my dad interrogating about me and my boyfriend. I was Keira's bed and roommate, played with little smart Marcelo and said Hallo und Wie gehts to Jens.

Tita Emily and Tito Jörg. Jens, Marcelo and Keira.

Lechenich, a smaller component of Erftstadt were I lived, has its own character with old structures such as the Herriger Tor built in the 1300 and the old German houses with wooden frames. Even though this is a small town, there also exists a small community of Filipinos that I also met during my stay.

Erftstadt. Herriger Tower built in 1300. Lechenich intersection and the 'City Center'

Tita Emily and I were in charge of the kitchen. Feasting because we can both enjoy some Filipino foods. I prepared chopsuey, champorado, biko, choco malagkit, and leche flan.

As a small walkable city, I explored it easily by having a bike trip or running to the nearest field. I had some Los Baños moment and transported briefly to my hometown.

Sunset run in Erftstadt. I thought I was along the Pili Drive in Los Baños on my way to IRRI!

Brühl

August 3, 10 and 11, 2012

When the Christs visited me in Erftstadt, we went to a nearby town called Brühl - 20 kilometers south of Cologne. This small city has a big mall, a big amusement park called Phantasialand, and number of small water bodies.

That day, I finally met Mian! The Christ family - Holger, Simi, Mian and I had chill afternoon and fun by the lake, walked around it, and made catching up on what's happening in the Philippines. Simi and Holger always amaze me how their lives had been so updated on Philippine politics and events.

Simi, Holger and Baby Mian!

Lake. Verboten: No Parking. LB Flaskbacks. Berry picking and the Ducks.

The trail we trod gave me another Los Baños moment. I thought I was on a hike through the Makiling Forest Reserves for some time. When I saw the 'Verboten' (prohibited/ forbidden) signs and berries along the way, I woke up from my daydreaming. The small lake is actually has its own land use plan. Can you imagine that? There were designated places for parking, for swimming, for fishing, for anything. So, you cannot just take your swimwear and swim or your grill to barbecue anywhere. Rules are rules in Germany.

Near the lake is an amusement park called Phantasialand. I was there twice. First, I was in China. Secondly, I was a little child again - around the world.

Tita Emily and her family brought me to Phantasialand for a night show. For two months, there were free acrobats and entertainment shows. While taking the photos, I felt like saying: Mom, I am not in Europe.

Asia Night events at Phantasialand! Acrobatics and fun for free

And what is the entertainment business without Filipino singers? Pinoy pride brags it all as I met and become friends with mainstay performers in Phantasialand!

Followed by live performances of our talented Filipino singers! Go ate Elena!

I went back to Phantasialand with Keira, and that time we had tried the rides from the different themed areas. We are happy to have VIP passes that we cut lines and went first!

Phantasialand Panoramic Day Shot!

We were with this family, thus the VIP passes!

Berlin part of Phantasialand with the playful act! Go manong, you're on photo!

It feels so great to by kid again! Went to the rides and enjoy the sun! Eat ice cream, pizza or fries. Whatever I want. This time, I am not restricted to ride as I was before when I was little. (Confession: I used to be weakling and dizzy kid even for a Manila-Calamba bus trip.)

Weeeeh! Water Up, up and away. The dragon mascot - inside is Kuya Jake, another Pinoy!

3D and Ice Skating. Indoor activities to rest for a while!

I had no photos on the thrill rides that we had. I was afraid that my camera would be washed by the water waves or thrown outside when we go upside down and crazy fast. See the last photo that made my day! Earlier in the morning, I attempted to ask for a face paint, but was denied. Those were for KIDS ONLY. I was determined to have my first ever face paint and tried again before the sun went down. Face paint is for KIT ALSO.

Finally, I got my turtle face paint! Someone is soooo happy!

I never thought there's a theme park in Brühl or even thought I will be spending my summer in this part of Germany.

Where is Brühl and Erftstadt? Small towns and places yet geo-tagged on my memory and my heart.

Water Cities (Part 1)

2013-06-06T15:52:00.000+02:00

My blog which is suppose to highlight my musings and wonderings in Europe had been quiet. So before I finally head home soon, I hope to post randomly on whatever I can think of.

To give an urban development student edge, let me feature some of the cities I have been that captured my (erm, not heart) attention and worth coming back if I have more time or if someone special wants to visit this place again with me.

Amsterdam

Travel Date: August 21 to 23, 2012

A few day stop in Amsterdam, after visiting Brussels and the Flanders. I couchsurfed at Faryel and Maarten's flat along the old buildings in the city of Amsterdam.

I cannot imagine how many hordes of bikes I had seen everywhere - especially near the main train station! Bikes after bikes after bikes. I am glad I had experienced biking the city and just got lost all around the old amazing canal system of Amsterdam. The city planners had done great job, no fear of flooding.

Need to pose on the famous I AMsterdam display! One of the many canals in a bright sunny summer.

A bit lost where I was but I did enjoy the night view of the water city!

Chicken BBQ with satay sauce, Stroopwafel, Fried mussels with garlic dip and freshly-pressed orange juice

There are so much to see in Amsterdam and my three-day stay was not enough. But one must not miss a walk along Albert Cuypstraat - a market stretch for literally anything. I had a food trip below €10 - the chicken with satay sauce tells of the historic relation of Indonesia and the Dutch, the big stroopwafel was hot and freshly made with caramel-like syrup oozing in every bite, and the fried seafood and dip of your choice paired with fresh orange juice. Satisfying for a weary traveler on a budget!

Hamburg

Travel dates: February 8-9, August 26, 2012

The first time I was in Hamburg was during our German Tour in class. It was the coldest week of the year, and the coldest week in my whole life (so far)! We spent a lot of time visiting city planners, looking at model cities and practices, and walking outside the cold! In the Philippines, we had the death march where prisoners of war were forced to walk over 120 kilometers under the scorching heat. And i felt we had the death march under the freezing cold of -18°C. Brrrr.

Hamburg in winter. The town hall in green. And that's ice baby! Look closer and take some plunge!

The Alster Lake froze and was open to the public when we were there in winter! I was so adrenalized when we were able to convince our German professor to let us drop by even just for 15 minutes to the frozen lake! They told us that the lake had not been frozen and opened to the public during the past 10-15 days. History in the making and I was there!

Anyway, the cold issue did not stop me from adoring Hamburg! In fact, I made another short visit in the summer of the same year. Just the smell of the sea and the view of the port made me feel closer home, what more if I can have a taste of fresh seafood!

Alster Lake in winter and summer!

It's summer after all, treading the 19th century store houses and the HafenCity

Should I let you know that Hamburg is my Lieblingsstadt (favorite city) in Germany. After knowing their city planning and development initiatives (e.g., participatory and community-based planning, flood mitigation strategies, energy efficiency), I just enjoy Hamburg.

Venice

Travel Date: October 26 to 28, 2012

My trip to Venice came as a big challenge to keep my expenses low to the minimum possible. This is one of the most expensive cities I had been in Italy. Couchsurfing in Italy proved to be really hard if one chooses to be picky on their hosts. So i ended up booking on a cheap hostel and then transferred to a better single room the other day. Yeah, I know, it was a bit hassle, but I must look at my budget.

First impressions on Venice is the city's cleanliness! After living in Rome for quite sometime, I am happy that this city is much scrubbed and eye-pleasing as a tourist-magnet. I also enjoyed seeing a more 'organized' and seemingly functioning bike lane and transportation system. Well, that's what I pay for higher prices!

Ponte di Rialto and the lover's Gondola

Ok, so here I am in a wonderful and romantic city without the love of my life. Gideon and I tried to establish a video call, but it didn't work out. So i just took photo of the gondola where we can eventually sit down together and navigate through Venice's water ways and kiss under the bridge!

Quaint water scenes and Piazza San Marco

How to go around Venice? I got lost in and around the Venetian streets and small alleys. Directions to the main places and squares will lead you, don't worry. If you want to shell out more money, you can try getting into one of the vaporetti (plural of vaporetto or Venice water bus) and cruise along Venice or nearby Murano and Burano islands.

Eat sumptuously even on a budget!

As this trip was a budget challenge, I was able to manage, of course!

Day 1, I arrived very, very late from Rome, food not an option but I still got some cookies.

Day 2, I went to the Venezia Marathon house where they served free ice cream and foodies. I also bought some bread, butter, tomatoes and apples to supply my budget tummy which cost about €6.00. I had panino and white house wine (late lunch/ snacks) for €5.00. Seashell pasta in white wine sauce (dinner) for € 12.00.

Day 3 breakfast was still supplied by the bread and apples and had broccoli soup and pizza marinara (lunch) for €14.00. Yeah, it is hard to get away from this tourist menus!

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Let me see until what part this water cities will bring me. I have the Flanders in my mind, Vienna, Oslo, and Copenhagen.

What for me is a water city? A city geographically located by the river, sea or body of water. A city that had depended, developed and emerged from its reliance to the water usually by trade and tourism.

Ordinary After Class Day

2013-04-29T00:50:00.000+02:00

After submitting my paper ahead on time, updating my blog is indeed a treat for me.

I turned my ordinary routine to a simple happiness one Tuesday afternoon from class.
Celebrating the gift of life after 10 days (this statement is a confusion for those who don't understand what i am talking about, basta! ), I was craving for gelato this very day!

I grabbed un cono piccolo of gelato with pistacchio e cioccolato flavors. My feet felt so good walking with my ballerinas on a spring day! My heart abounded with joy with the cherry blossoms and of course, gelato!

Lalala... camminare!

Pink pompoms and blue sky

Sometimes I forget to be thankful for simple happiness, this day reminded me to be grateful to the Lord.

More than satisfied with my pistacchio and chocolate gelato

La mia casa gialla e un gatto grasso

I cannot remember why I brought my camera to class but I had it so I just used it to capture the moment. Sometimes I forget to be thankful for simple happiness, this day reminded me to be grateful to the Lord.

My university (Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata) is located far, far away (about an hour or more) from the city center of Rome. But from my house, it is just 25 minutes walk. So whenever I am not rushing, I enjoy the field, the flowers, the sky, the mountains, and every single thing on my way and back to the university.

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Some Italian/ Foreign words scattered in this post:
basta Italian, expression: enough; Filipino, expression: that's it, no more arguments!
un cono piccolo Italian: a small cone
camminare Italian, verb: to walk
la mia casa Italian: my house
giallo Italian, yellow
un gatto grasso Italian: a fat cat

Winter in Germany

2013-03-06T17:50:00.002+01:00

Draft which was not posted on time. So here it is...

I had a slice of my winter season when i visited Germany for a week last January. That is in between of our exam weeks from January 16 to 23. It was great that I was able to meet my families in Deutschland!

He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly;
He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes;
He casts out His hail like morsels; who can stand before His cold?
He sends out His word and melts them;
He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow. Psalms 147:15-18

Yey! White all around and I am back in my Darmstadt Uni.

January 23

Back in rome! :) thank God i was able to go home safely after more than two days that Darmstadt transportation were interrupted because of the iced transport system.

It was snowing every morning in Darmstadt. Small powdery snow flakes blanket the city white.
Ironically, I feel alive to be freezing and have city walk. It amazes me every morning where does the snow come from. It never snowed this way when I was in Darmstadt last year!

On sunday afternoon (January 20), it started to rain, gentle yet it continuous rained til evening.

So, the result? the snow covering roofs, signages, buildings melted. Turned to ice and icicles. Roads were glazed by a thin, shimmering glass of ice. It was so slippery walking as i rushed to get the next tram to my next appointment! If i wasn't able to get hold of the nearby poles, I could had slipped and slided twice (or more).

Twigs, branches, flowers and leaves, posts and pavements were covered in glass ice. It was so amazing to behold! At a point in time, the life were preserved by ice.

Another amazing sight for me are the snow covering roof tops, sign boards, buildings, edges of almost everything turned to icicles as it rained on Sunday.

Winter in Darmstadt. At the Architecture Faculty. Luisenplatz. Jang who wants to dance Gangnam in cold.

Cool Bike, Frozen Pizza and Glazed Mailbox!

Life frozen in time

Coming from the tropics makes me so amazed with all these things I had first experienced! Life and lifeless things frozen in time. It is astonishing that trees look lifeless survive the winter and carry through their usual photosynthesis activities come spring.

Things i miss in Darmstadt

2012-11-29T19:49:00.000+01:00

Two months away from my first home in Europe - Darmstadt, Germany - makes me think of the things i miss in Deutschland. In my random thoughts, here they are:

1. Bike. My friend Jenny lent me her cool bike for 8 months. My Brazilian classmate, Marcelo, called it 'Feharri.' I miss how I can easily access grocery shops, the university, the church, the city center, nearby parks and places. The bike lanes and road discipline are also part of it.

Mein Fahrrad (My Bike). Spring/ Off-Road Bike Day/ Last day with my bike

2. Pfand. About € 0.15 to 0.25 redeemable payment of selected glass and plastic bottled products so one will be encouraged to return them to shops for reuse and recycle. It can also be known as 'deposit' for bottles.
Pfand. It is just fun for me to get my refunds from my Pfand!

Look for Pfand sign on bottles!

3. Student Semester Ticket. Upon registration in the University, all students are entitled of a semester ticket that allow them to access Hessen's transportation system. I can just hop in any bus or regional train whenever I want.

4. My roommate's voice. Linda became one of the very few people who had seen regularly my morning look and usually the last person i see before going to bed. I miss hearing her caring voice saying 'morgen, hast du gut geschlafen?' or 'Kittt, guten nacht, schlaf gut und träum schön.' (morning, did you sleep well?, Kittt, good night, sleep well and beautiful dreams.)

O, Linda!

At Mathildenhöhe (Artists' Colony), one of Darmstadt's jewels.
One of my final goodbyes (for now) in Darmstadt

Darmstadt. Where in the map is this place? Very few people knew of this city, 30 minutes south of Frankfurt. No matter how small it is, how unheard it is for many, I call it home. I usually tell people that you could just appreciate Darmstadt and even call it 'home' if you had stayed there, build relationships and look on its precious and hidden jewels. Simple urban life!

Summer Statistics

2012-10-26T04:36:00.002+02:00

Before I embark again for another trip, though this upcoming one is a short one, I have to, at least, write down where I had been this summer 2012 (European time summer which is August and September). My posts had been silent lately, as it is the usual case. So here I am breaking down where I had been, how long, and some smart spending points.

Across countries literally turtlebackpacking

My first backpacking trips were not spent in the Philippines, but in a few European countries from ABCD to P! Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Poland. Covering over 21 cities and towns in West and East Europe including my first Scandinavian land, I started my first step spending a calm midday in Cologne.

First stop at Köln with Turtany while waiting for my carpooling driver

I brought my turtle, Turtany, during my entire trips which served as a trusted headrest and pillow. And a 35+5L backpack which include all what I need for my days on the road. Since this is a summer trip, my clothes are not so bulky, no thick jackets necessary and i can squeeze them all to less than 7 kilos (including my MBP). Check my turtlebackpacking routes 1 and 2 from tripline.net.

Planning and smart spending

Instead of finding for a short-term internship, I had planned for my trips during the first half of August, right after finishing my first masters degree from Darmstadt, Germany. Planning had been a tiring and exciting experience and patience was much needed! On the process, I can imagine how my brother's long isangdaan journey in the Philippines had been meticulously planned.

I was trying to exhaust the cheapest way to get to my next destinations that I had tried
hours of walking, mitfahrgelegenheit.com or carpooling, long cross countries bus rides and long overnight train/ city night line. Hitchhiking was not for me, as I do not want to compromise my safety on foreign land as a girl.

I also sent countless couch requests to secure free accommodation and meet up with the locals. Of course, most of the places I had been, I had friends and friends of friends who generously accommodated me and made my experience worthwhile and fulfilling.

With Faryel, friend of friend, of Amsterdam Cupcake Company and her cake pops

I tried to bring down my expenses and go down the cheapest possible. But then, there are things to be savored, treats deserved that I moved from a cheapo to smart spending whenever which is applicable. Few smart spending travel points:

fruits from the market and food from local grocery shops can help save from over-priced snacks and breakfasts. since I was able to manage to save for my accommodation, I treat myself to good meals!
advanced booking helped me save over 25 percent on transportation. add here purchasing weekly, three-day or daily tickets depending on my travel plans and time allocation.
go around the city before inside the museums. as I do not want to spend money to pricey museums, I take time to enjoy the free city façades and sights.
photos and postcards are my cheapest souvenir. aside from my photos and few videos, I purchase postcards in every city I am. send them home before I leave the place. eventually, when mails would be really rare, postcards and stamps from everywhere will be great keepsake.
savor and enjoy. I know that I am not superwoman who can brush through a city for a few hours or days, instead of running from one famous building to the next historical stop, I try to stop, savor and enjoy the moment.

At the Viennese Postbox

Summing up summers' trip

All in all, I had spend 37 days, 19 hours and 47 minutes on the road during my two sets of backpacking trips in Europe. I am glad that I was able to spend continuously 1/10 of the year or for over 3.2 million seconds of my life treading a part of the world. So here's a victory jump at Paris' Arc de Triomphe. Wait for my turtlebackpacking series!

Roam-a-Roma

2012-10-25T00:24:00.000+02:00

Here's my first week and one of the close encounters to Rome city center.
At the end of the first week of our Mathematical Economics class, the Mundus Urbano - Rome group hurriedly went to the Welcome Day 2012 organized by the Erasmus Mundus Association. This event aimed to prepare the EM students to the Italian cultural, academic and gastronomical life.

Mundus Urbano - Rome group: Me, Jamileh, Manuela, Tharmendra, Lea, Aleksei, (Matthew is still in Darmstadt, Germany); and EM Students

We arrived late but just on time, uhmm, for lunch. So our empty and hungry stomachs went rejoicing after seeing the lunch cocktails prepared. It was a real-tummy filling experience.

Fusilli, Risotto, and Panini

Unfortunately, we missed the morning session, but we are ready for the practical activities in the afternoon. All of us signed up for the Homemade Pasta-Making session led by Chef Ben Hirst of Ristorante Necci. Soon I will try out doing my own fresh pasta and practice until I can cook some when I get back to Los Baños.

We wonder when will they teach us how to make great sauces. Just not to forget, the pasta dough's ingredients: a kilo of semola di grano duro (semolina flour), 1/2 liter water and a teaspoon of oil.

Chef Ben showing us how to make fresh pasta while we show off how we can do it as well

After making efforts to create our own pasta, we decided to spend time walking in the city. To a place where we can relax before waiting for another Italian aperitivo.

Ever touristy sites of Rome. The fantastic four looking at the cityscape

How blessed and privileged are we to stay and study in Rome? *big grin* The city actually is small relative to other cities I had been. But amazingly, Italian cities had this picturesque sense generally.

A short stop at Manuela's flat at Ponte Lungo and off we go to Ristorante Necci for another feasty meal. We had met also other students from different parts of Italy taking various Erasmus/ Erasmus Mundus tracks. What can we say about the night's aperitivo? Let the plates explain.

How can we stop? Foods from the Ristorante Necci are simply delicious

What a start!

The eternal city of Rome to where should I compare you? As an urban economic specialist, I will look at cities now in the international level. It may not be an apt comparison, but do you know that the city of Rome, half the land area of Davao City of the Philippines, has almost the same population of the Davaoeños at 2.7 million. Comparing their unemployment rates during the 3rd quarter of 2012, Davao is nearly at full employment level (4.6 percent, LFS), while Rome has more than twice (10.7 percent, NASDAQ).

How great!

2012-10-11T02:49:00.000+02:00

So groß ist der Herr, sing mit mir!

So groß ist der Herr, Ihn preisen wir.

So groß, so groß ist der Herr!

Grande è Dio

canta che Dio è grande è Dio,

e si vedrá che grande è Dio,

è il nostro Dio.

How great is our God, sing with me,

How great is our God, and all will see,

How great, how great is our God.

After the summer break, at last, I was able to attend worship service again.

Adesawa, my new found Nigerian friend, saw me shifted emotions when the members at Chiesa San Lorenzo, Roma were preparing the Lord's table. She asked me if I miss my family, I said yes. I am not sad, I told her, I am actually happy. But more importantly, I miss having Sunday worship services with co-believers in Christ. That moment, I was so glad to be in the church.

Indeed, He is greater than all the famous cities and places I had been too. His creations speak of His glory. If there is a consolation of traveling solo in the uncomfortable morning and midnights in Europe, it would be seeing the sunrises, sunsets and moonsets - magnificent display of the skies.

Catching sunsets at Amsterdam (L) and bus trip from Vienna to Brno, Czech (R)

Skies over Napoli at 23:00 and 6:30

And no matter what language people sing, if it comes from the heart, they are sweet aroma before the Lord.

All roads lead to rome

2012-10-09T00:02:00.001+02:00

and so I am here.

How can I not start writing again, now that I am in Roma.

From Germany to Italy, via train! It took me a total of 33 hours of travel all-in-all including my stopovers in Darmstadt, Heidelberg, Wilhelmsfeld, München and Venezia. (Which I still have to put up in this blog)

first glimpse of sunrise in my new flat from my balcony

I was so eager to move in to my new flat in one of Rome’s suburbs in the south, Giardinetti. I was expecting for a flatmate, but apparently, it is hard to convince people to live near the university than in the city center.

Found the house in early September (with Eds' help) and I really, really liked it, looking forward really on how I would fix it to feel at home for the next nine months stay in Roma.

Unfortunately, I was not able to move in unless I have my codice fiscale (fiscal code) or what I think is similar to the Tax Identification Number (T.I.N) in the Philippines. Without this, I would not be able to sign my contract, buy a yearly transportation pass or even buy my prepaid card, and other important administrative matters.

It took me a lot of patience, really.

I was so blessed to have a Pinoy family in Roma who are so willing to have me there while waiting for my codice fiscale. Whenever I was there, I feel I am home in the Philippines. We talk in Filipino, eat pinoy food, watch Filipino teleseryes and a lot more. They are one of the hundred thousands of Pinoys in Rome. Sometimes I am confused where I am, I feel that I am in the Philippines, but in a different city because of the big Filipino migrants in Italy.

At first I was surprised to meet them literally every corner i go. I hear them talking to me on the street. And I am confident that I can ask directions and help. Whenever our eyes meet, we communicate with a nod, a wink or a smile saying: ‘Oi, kabayan!’ (Hey, fellow countryman!).

"Sometimes I am confused where I am, I feel that I am in the Philippines, but in a different city because of the big Filipino migrants in Italy."

I am glad that I was able to finally move in and process the first steps 'legal' and government levies to new entrants to Rome.

Few of Rome's history pieces

There’s a lot to write about about my first experiences! Really, really excited to explore more the city.

when i was in the Philippines, I just know that all roads lead to cubao. now international highways point to rome as references in time and history. Isn't it amazing to be part of this city even for a short period?

back to cologne

2012-08-07T15:05:00.001+02:00

Kölner Dome+me. This was supposed to be my Christmas greeting card if I was not able to go home to Pinas

My first time in Cologne (Köln auf Deutsch) was during the last weekend before we had the Christmas 2011 holidays. I visited my friends Simi and Holger living in Bonn and they brought me to see Cologne for the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas bazaar) and the famous Dom. We drove from Bonn (after having a very nice vegetarian soup and Knödel) to catch the Dom before it closes.

Simi and Holger preparing our dinner. Colorful veggies to wonderful soup. Simi kneading Knödel

We made it while the priest was saying the final prayers and were able to sneak into the crowded Dom. Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) is a famous landmark of the city. This gothic church is the largest in the Northern Europe (see and google it for yourself!). You can go up through the spiral staircase with more than 500 steps to have a view of the whole city. But since the Dom was soon to be closed, I wasn't able to climb.

But

we strolled along the River Rhein

walked in the old city and its quaint alleys

enjoyed the evening scenery of Germany's carnival city

and I had my first beer Gaffel Kölsch

Kölsch, just like water? Prost!

Quaint, e?

Now, after leaving Darmstadt, I am glad to live near Cologne. And for the past week that I am staying with a great German-Filipino family in Erftstadt, I had been to Cologne three times. Erftstadt is 20 kilometer southwest of Cologne, easy ride of less than 30 minutes between the two cities.

Hmmm.. now in a new town, I wonder how much of Cologne will I be able to know and understand in terms of its city development. I hope to spend time to know more about the city beyond its High Street (Hohe Straße), Lindt Chocolate Musuem, and Dom.

i kissed mensa goodbye

2012-08-04T23:12:00.003+02:00

Mensa means canteen and/or cafeteria. Affordable food, drinks, snacks are served.
Schnitzel, salad, soup, pasta, pizza, fries, chocolate pudding, cakes, asian wok meal and a lot more.

Clockwise: bistro lamps, hobbit-like door, mensa

Most of my classmates knew that I am no mensa fan. As much as possible, I prepare my own food for many reasons. I cook better rice than mensa rice to name one. But if I don't find time to prepare my lunch, mensa provides many options for me.
Mensa is not just a place where to find something for our hungry stomachs, but also a safe venue to exchange our thoughts on different things.

-Extension of discussions cut short during the morning class
-Experiment time for german and other 'European'-named dishes (and criticism to soggy pasta and salty soups)
-Catching up from each others' weekend trips, last night's party, papers and exercises due
-Laughing and chill breaks from class

Last meal together in mensa? I had that pizza right there with onions and pesto.

Towards the second semester, mensa then became more meaningful for me because I found a Filipina friend working there, Ate Neneng, to whom I can always connect. Our short hi-hello-ich muss bezahlen-tschüss were enough to link me to the Philippines. As I learned more about her, I found out that she cooks very, very well. Unfortunately, she is not mensa's cook. It could had raised the bar of asian food served in mensa.

Ate Neneng and her birthday treat. Das ist besser als mensa. Looks, smells and tastes better than mensa.

It saddens me to leave my university and thus, in my last day in Technische Universität Darmstadt, I kissed mensa goodbye.
I had my last meal (for now) in mensa
at the last day
of my last month in Darmstadt
as the last customer to order, pay, and eat in mensa.
The cashier lady actually talked to me that I have to finish my food as fast as I can because they have to wash the dishes.

Last meal: Seelachs fillet with lemon and sour cream dressing, mixed vegetable, chocolate pudding

It was an awkward feeling to have the lasts in mensa. See you next time,
I hope to go back and
eat again in mensa,
and relive our Mundus Urbano moments.

Marburg, Korbach, and Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe en route

2012-07-03T21:59:00.002+02:00

From Darmstadt, on my way to Willingen and Brilon this weekend, I had a 40-minute stop in Marburg, Germany. So instead of counting trains and passengers at the railway station, i decided to check out what's outside the station. One thing that interests me about Marburg is that my friend Steffi will move there by September and she will leave in the castle. I knew it, she is a real princess in disguise! Another thing, the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) - Europe is located in Marburg. So I had a short walk in the fine sunny weather...

Marburg church and buildings by the river

Closer look to the St. Elisabeth church and a traditional German house

Capturing my colors before rushing to get my train
Felt great that i don't have to wear jacket!

One street in Marburg is interestingly named after Robert Koch, a german bacteriologist I learned in school. Time spent there was too short and I hope to be back. Or maybe I can stay there for weeks during the break. (*praying*)

Now in Korbach, I have to wait for more than an hour to get my train to Willingen. It was lunch time and I was so tired to walk to the city center to grab some food. Instead, I tried to finish the weird (but intelligent) book borrowed I from Jenny Bausch. It was Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. Well, Korbach, a town in Northern Hessen, boasts of its rich history of gold mining, thus the gold chips embedded on the road.

Korbach's gold chips on the road

After an overnight stay full of activities in Willingen, Brilon and conquering mountains (thanks to Tita Gloria and Tita Emily and their families for accommodating me!), I had another stopover, this time it is in Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. The station did not provide so much of seats, so I decided again to step out to the city. I had a long time reading and staring at Kassel's interesting/ tourism spots. Unfortunately, I had barely an hour to set afoot somewhere and come back just in time to catch my train. So, I just decided to walk somewhere and found myself sitting on one of the benches outside. Singing, wondering, praying, and just being in silence. I feel that I am transported in Los Baños for a time and this makes me at peace and happy.

On the bench...breathing fresh air...resting...

The first time I had a short stopover in Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe train station I was wondering if those serving in one of the bakeshops/ cafeteria were Filipinas. This time, I was able to order in my own language and had a short chitchat with them. *big smile* Brezel and Schokocroissant! :) Haha, na-OP ang isang aleman habang nag-uusap kami at nag-oorder ako sa salitang di nya alam! (One of the german customers felt out-of-place when we talked and I ordered in a language she did not understand!)

With love and handmade for your eyes too and your mouth up

Little by little the reality that I am leaving Darmstadt is sinking in. I just have a month to stay here, and I know I am not yet prepared to leave Darmstadt... I think I will never will.
I was glad with my stopovers, I was able to make use of my time efficiently :)

View Marburg, Korbach, and Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe en route in a larger map

Forty.Vierzehn.Quaranta.Apatnapu

2012-06-12T01:00:00.002+02:00

Today marks the forty day countdown before my program ends here in Darmstadt, Germany. It had been 268 days spent in Europe. (My short visit in the Philippines including travel time was already deducted).
Forty
Vierzehn in German
Quaranta in Italian
Apatnapu in Filipino
Recently, i had been packing my things - vacuum-packing my thick and bulky winter clothes and shoes, checking accumulated papers/notes and hopefully scanning them. Not just because I had to leave soon but because I will have a new friend coming to accompany me all throughout the month of June. It was a ~~bit~~ sentimental cleaning and gathering my stuffs - which should I throw away, which I want to keep. Old train tickets, tourists maps, receipts, information flyers from museums, pine cones, gathered dried leaves, weird seed in the forest and many more. How can i keep all these things? Is it really possible not to lose any part of my European journey? *Sigh*

Mein Zimmer (My room). Well-prepared room welcomed me at 3:00 am, 1 September 2011, Germany time.

How sweet is it that my roommate Linda had prepared this welcome cut-outs for me? Herzlich Willkommen which means a hearty welcome in Deutsch.

It had been a long and enjoying time spent in Germany and well, Europe shall I say. And I have to admit I have not been diligent in sharing all my escapades, my thoughts and reflections in my course and experiences, and even weird and wonderful people, places and things!

There are a lot to tell, I wonder how and when shall I start. So i share random thoughts that I hope to even blog about.

my first continent crossing/ long-trip and the beautiful view of the desert, the sea, of changing time zones
how wonderful my roommate Linda is, her family in Herzberg am Harz, and her friends
my challenging German lessons in September and March (internal bleeding). and how i survived going to German church!
first Europe trip in October (Darmstadt-Cologne-Aachen, Germany to Maastricht, Netherlands) which I was a bit nervous because of the train transfers and language barrier. Thea was just laughing at me when we met.
Mundus Urbano experiences, reflections in the Philippine context and perspectives in urban development, transportation in the Philippines, culture and a lot more. how shall I describe our programs' participants composition?
first snow experience in Bonn, Germany where Simi and Holger accommodated me. bike around Bonn and the German Historical Museum. drinking Kölsch - a typical Cologne beer
Paris trip with Jigay, Juliet and Baba :) awestruck! i still cannot imagine I had been in Paris!!!
my struggle to finish a half-meter bratwurst (sausage) in Göttingen Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas bazaar/ night market)

How can't I track all these sights I had been to?

my visit to the Schramms in Herzberg am Harz, and the second, and the third one. my experience of a German Medieval hilly town's celebration
playing with cute and cuddly kids - Janne, Leni, Caleb, Felix
our Germany excursion in February (Leipzig, Berlin, Hamburg, Dortmund and Ruhr Region)! Walking outside along the remaining Berlin Mauer (Wall) at -18 to -20°C! the frozen Alster lake in Hamburg! thrilling experience
study mode and partaking to the World Bank's intensive E-Learning course on Safe and Resilient Cities
running in Darmstadt? and biking, and walking? it is just so safe here!!!
my Karlshof International group, our songs and prayers in more than three languages and the international worship service in Darmstadtium. taste of heaven!

Wonderful people! How shall I start talking about who?

Darmstadt and its historical places, gardens and neighborhoods
Mein Fahrrad and my helmet and their owners and how wonderful to see the sun again and shed off heavy layers! :)

From typically German, European to Filipino! :)

all the food that I had cooked and tried :) waah endless pictures and yummyness. Can you imagine I had tupig here in March? the great Filipino (usually Filipinas) community and our celebrations and parties with all the foods I miss way back home
the vineyard hike and understanding John 15 deeper. solo trips and adventures where my bike, my feet and my semesterticket will bring me for FREE
how i celebrated my first birthday outside the Philippines and how amazing it was!

What had happened when!!!

Waah! I cannot go on, my mind is totally exploding trying to think about ALL that had been. And my heart just become so thankful and overwhelmed!

Honest confession, even I had spent more than nine months already in this place, there are still a lot of times that I just stop, think and ask... Am I really in Germany? Is this really happening? Or am I just dreaming? Leaving my heart thankful again as always.

Of washing - Abwaschen

2012-05-27T19:45:00.001+02:00

During my first months in Darmstadt, I met wonderful people named Maria and Sebastian - very good-hearted, young German couple who touched my life in many ways. They invited me in the church, to their house and to other places in Darmstadt.

One day, I was invited (again) for a dinner in their house and I also agreed to cook a Filipino dish for them. With much thinking, I decided to prepare Chicken Adobo with Potato and Boiled Eggs, and of course, rice!
It was a great night, and even greater with Stefi's presence, some red and white wine, fresh apple juice and Basti's (aka Sebastian) ice cream with melted chocolate. It was a great night full of stories and sharing!

Then we started to clean up the dining table, and i thought we are off to go home. But then, I was offered to wash the dishes with them! Wash the dishes? Was?! (What?!) They must be kidding me.

In the Philippines, guests are not allowed to move a finger and help in meal preparation, or even tidying up. Guests are guests and treated as royalties. (though it still depends who the guests are.)
In this context, such invitation to wash the dishes means a very good relationship between the guests and the hosts. It is such a compliment to be offered to do a household chore! From then on, my dishwashing story had been one of the stories retold to the couple's guests. Moreover, they told me that if had been in their house for more than three times, I should find my way and get whatever I want from the kitchen. Uhm.. recounting my moments with Mia (aka Maria) and Basti ...eins..zwei..drei..vier..mehr als drei (one..two...three...four...more than three...). I lost counting..

"In this context, such invitation to wash the dishes means a very good relationship between the guests and the hosts."

Saubere Küche (clean kitchen) at Donnersbergring

Linda (my flatmate) and I also make use of the dinner to dishwashing time as our 'catching-up-with-one-another-how-was-your-day-and-what-are-your-plans-for-tomorrow' moment.

Abwaschen - verb, unregelmäßig (irregular), to wash the dishes

Backtracking...56 days to go before Darmstadt studies end...

26 before 27

2012-04-29T00:44:00.001+02:00

How the break was spent in Darmstadt? It was too late for me to plan where to go during the Holy Week but I had a really great time in Darmstadt. Before the turn of another year in my life, i had celebrated more than 26 kilometers of physical activity as a way of thanksgiving to my faithful Creator.

13.3 kilometers

Eberstadt to Darmstadt Bike Route 23

Google Maps via Dailymile

It was my first time to ride a bike for longer-than-house-university-route and for 'real' biking experience. I was so excited that day to check the Frankenstein Run 2012 route (as i was planning to join the run). After checking the map where I should head, I prepared my stuff and went by tram to Frankenstein. Yes, Frankenstein, the one that was said to influence Mary Shelley to write about the famous fiction.
Unfortunately, i was not able to reach the Frankenstein Castle because i was a little bit lost and i find it too difficult to go with my heavy bike. But it was a great ride!

"Varied terrains, from off road, road, paved slightly rolling steeps until Beerbacher Straße. Checking out FrankensteinLauf 2012 route at 10-11°C. (at least I know what to expect). Few meters between Reuterallee and Heidelberger Landstraße, my mtb got a little trouble. But then I was able to go home safe. More, more, more!" (Dailymile log)

Before and after. Tired and gasping after the rolling climb. And a smile on my way down after a short stop.

Stop at Beerbacherstraße intersection.

Bike and running trail that reminds me of home.

As I was not able to reach the Frankenstein Schloß (castle), i decided to look for the race's starting point. A little bit lost, but then I found my way to Mühltal-Bad (Mühltal Bath or Swimming Pool). From the outside, I can see a diving board and uncovered pool. Since it was still a little bit cold, the pool was still closed. Maybe I can try to visit again when its open.

Very much elated to finally find my destination! Yipee

On my way home, I got a little trouble with the bike as the chain was stuck in between the crank and the body. Oh well, I am not a bike person and it was hard to explain. When the trouble was fixed, I had a greasy hand on my way home and was glad to arrive safe and complete. Bike courtesy of Jennie and helmet from Mia.

13.3 kilometers
Ober-Ramstadt to Vivarium, Darmstadt Group Hike

Google Maps via Dailymile

After the Karfreitag Gottesdienst (Good Friday Service) at Stadtmission, Hannah and I were a little worried because the sun was not shining and it was a little cold outside for the walk. Mia and Sebastian invited us so i went to church with my bible, new Asics leggings paired with mini black skirt and ballerinas, banana-carrot-pineapple cake, apple, 2 sandwiches, and water bottle.
Stefi and I went with Mia and Basti to have lunch in their house. Ate lunch, packed our stuffs, i changed to my sporty attire and we went to Ober-Ramstadt - Mia, Basti, Basti's officemate, Officemates's wife and 11-month old cute and bubbly son Felix, Hannah and Johannes, Matthias, Stefi and me.

Overlooking settlements in Ober-Ramstadt gray afternoon.

The pack led by Sebastian.

"It was a great walk with Mia, Basti, Hannah, Johannes, Stefi, Matthias, dear Felix and his parents! A little shiver (7-9°C) but I was on the go for the walk! Some short stops and picnic! :) Sun was up at 5pm. Great time to spend Karfreitag!" (Dailymile log)

This walk reminded me so much of Los Baños. *Sigh* Every step was similar to Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve. I feel I was transported every minute and was in trance! We had few stops to see the forest's attractions. There were big swings, a small garden of herbs and plants in the forest, information about the trees and a lot more which makes it suitable for learning and leisure activities. It amazed most of the group to see mice along the way. Haha! We had the major stop to have a picnic: warm coffee, cake, fruits and water break.

We finished in Vivarium, which is close to my university. I had never imagined we will be walking that far and i was glad I had survived the temperature with only two layers and thin sports leggings. I was able to endure it while others are on their thick jackets (not to mention some are in their winter jackets!) Finally, the sun was shining at 5:00 p.m. and we grabbed some ice cream before we part ways. Thanks for the Ulmann's invitation, for Basti's leading, Baby Felix's cute smile and laughter, Mia's cake and coffee, and everyone's company and stories.

I never realized that i had 26 kilometers of fun before reaching 27! There is so much of praising and unexpectedly happy heart experience as i approach the last days of my 26th.

I wish to go back to Ober-Ramstadt and be amazed in the old buildings and see Raps yellow field in a sunny afternoon!

Wonderfully sunny and bright

2012-04-05T21:19:00.001+02:00

Now that the sun is still up until 8:00 in the evening here in Darmstadt, why not write about a wonderful sunny experience that I had. Puerto Galera is my yearly Holy Week destination! Why? Having fun and enjoyment are understatement on how the Lord's creation amazes me, mouth-watering food, wonderful people, sun, sea and sand!

I bask under the sun, walk along the shore and go crazy with the sand! Oh lala! When I am tired, I can have a restful short nap or goodnight sleep in the hammock city, with the wind and waves singing me a lullaby. Hammock city is a covered hut with more than 10 hammocks of different sizes, colors and designs!

We plunge into the depths of the Word and rediscover how everything began and came to be! Those never fading and precious gems from the book of Genesis makes me fall in love more of the Creator who makes everything around me so alive! Have you imagined how colors came to be? Or maybe how many shades of green we have?

Food makes me sing and I never stop until I get enough! Burp! We cook our own lunch - creatively and mouth-watering! It looks good in the photo but the real yummy goodness the photo cannot capture. Fresh fish! Grilled meat! Vegetables! Salad! Tons of rice and a lot more! No one can maintain his/her weight during this week. At least one kilo added! Right Ate Weng, our brilliant master chef!?

I explore and take pleasure in the wonders of the creation. We do not beach bum, nope, nope, we have to burn those calories from the palatable experience and move our butts up, under and all around! A trek to the waterfalls, real rock climbing and bouldering, snorkeling and interacting with live underwater creatures, knot-tying and lotsa fun!

And I am surrounded by wonderful people! Creative and crazy, wacky and weird, loved and loving. We discover our identity and uniqueness in Christ, His Word and creation! How amazing we do not look like even the most colorful underwater creature or the loveliest flower! Simply unique! No one is like anyone else!

Jumps of exultation and exuberance!

Oh, how everything else comes alive!

I can hear the gentle waves in the morning and rolling and crag crashing at the close of the day.

The sunrise and sunset majestically unfolding before me.

The sweet smiles, loud and roaring laughters.

The bongos and guitars joining our singing's melody in chorus with the birds and wind.

And the calmness serenity throbbing my heart to worship!

I miss ECHO Adventure todo-todo!
What a wonderful sunny, bright and significant summers I have and will have. Guys, enjoy Puerto Galera ECHO Discovery Camp 2012. See you in 2014! :)

--- Writing from Darmstadt and wishing I was there. These are ECHO Discovery 2011 experiences in a nutshell, April 17-23. Photocredits from manong deneb, tren, jacy, and hanna. We stayed at Mengie's Beach Resort, Talipanan, Puerto Galera, Philippines. 45-minute boat ride from Batangas City Port.

NoynoyINGermany

2012-03-28T23:02:00.001+02:00

In the bliss of writing about my experiences during this bright, sunny and happy Springtime, I decided to take time off from writing my paper due three days from now to share an unexpected afternoon with Pinays in Darmstadt.

From my German language course, I headed to Rewe to buy talong and saging (Aubergine+Banane). I was happy to see some Filipinas hanging out in the food court near Rewe. So after buying what I need, I decided to approach them. I had met already a couple of them, and some of there are new faces, but no matter how long I have known them, still I belong (irregardless of age too!). The usual short "Hi, I am here to drop by, bye" extended to more than two hours - hanging out and "Noynoying."

As usual with Filipinos, we are so flexible and always find time to stay, chill and relax. What I get from discussions and kamustahan is that some of them will meet to exchange some goods (abutan), and others will roam around Darmstadt city center to find flowers and colorful dresses for the Hawaiian party to be hosted by another Filipina on Friday. So while hanging out in the foodcourt, with plates in front of us as props to say that we are customers, our group grew and grew! We talked about a lot of things, whatever, wherever and whenever applicable! Guess what we talk about?

Indeed, you are right!
'What's going on with.... (insert name of a particular Pinay/Pinoy)?'
Exciting moments in the Filipino teleserye entitled... wait a second, I am googling about Cristine's and Piolo's new show... Dahil sa Pag-ibig (oh, so there's a new show)
Looking for afternoon extra work
Sharing what we think about one's new hairdo
I asked about what detergent I can use to make my used-to-be-white clothes white again (Suggestion: Ariel, and there is also a product to make your used-to-be-black black again)
Dream to put up our Filipino merienda store in the food court (which ended to our wishful droolings and remembering Pinoy deserts: halo-halo, sago't gulaman, turon, banana-Q, siopao, kakanin, etc...)
Preparation for Saturday Hawaiian party (Tip: bring a decent bag with plastic for take home tupig and siopao made from the Philippines)
Jokes and funny experiences in their work
Facebook photo tagging (Oops, sorry Tita I don't have one)
Urlaub (vacation) plans and
Politics/ Noynoying.

Healthy choice: Kiwi Yoghurt at chika station 2. Gut geschmack!

Yes, Noynoying. When we shifted discussion to what's happening in the country, some of us decided that we are also 'noynoying' that time - term coined to the current president's alleged inaction to all the important issues in the Philippines. Some refer to many crime incidences that increased in the country with today's administrative term.

Seriously, coming from urban economic development perspective (as this is one of the main issues about the government's situation), it is really hard to juggle every aspect: which one should be prioritized? where should we start? we have limited budget, we have inherited a lot of problems from previous presidencies, and a lot more. In my studies, we are given sample cases on how to manage and develop the complexities and interwoven concerns of cities especially from the South (or developing country) experience. And it is really a tough job to propose alternatives with all the constraints. Thus, our interdisciplinary composition in the class helped a lot in coming up with decisions and manage an hypothetical urban scenario. But running a country should not be equated to a class case. The people of the Philippines do not just need a clean and transparent government, but one that acts.

Good thing to know about how (at last! after almost two years) the government's directives to fast track public infrastructures. I may have no factual data but my guess is that the last highest public spending was during the election. What would have we achieved if these pump-priming activities where initiated earlier? Simple economics say that investing and pump-priming activities will dictate a livelier economy, more people spending, more economic activities and opportunities. Are we too conservative of keeping our money 'safe' and postpone developments? Did the Filipino stop paying their taxes that development has to be held back from them? I had a thought when the Pinays in Darmstadt had a quick discussion about our government - how these hardworking Pinay are contributing to the gross national product, but then their efforts (thru remittances) are not translated to concrete actions perceivable by their families in the Philippines? Pump-prime the government and the leadership. Sluggishness will put as to the tail of the Southeast Asian countries. Maybe statistics prove that our economy is growing, but then, is evident even to the lowest-earning Juan?

Moving on..
Even though it is not yet holy week, we had stations already! From food court, to a short pause after seeing another Pinay, to Eis Café (ice cream bar, where we had round two of chitchats), up to finding Hawaiian stuffs I tagged along. I was with them in two shops, then decided to go home to write my paper and do my German class homework.

It is just a great experience to be surrounded with these wonderful people and talk in meine Muttersprache (my mother tongue). Oh well, we are talking primarily in Tagalog with English and German words interspersed all along. And I am very glad how my German understanding progressed that I can get along with their stories in German words!

Links Likes and RTs

2012-02-25T00:31:00.001+01:00

Connecting. It is now easier, so much easier with the technology that we have, especially from the developing countries. I can go on enumerating its benefits to many of us who became users and subscribers of this worldwide environment connected via internet. Even super-ultramarathon away from the Philippines, news and bits travel faster to me. Well, yeah, i do not have my personal FB or Tweeter accounts, yet there are ways to learn what's happening about something somewhere.

We, the Filipinos are maintaining our top spot as the Text (Short Message Services or SMS) Capital of the World. Why is this so? Sending SMS or simply 'text' is way cheaper than voice calling - more practical and convenient. A 2009 survey says that Filipinos collectively sends 1.39 billion text messages daily. That means with over 70 million subscribers, each person sends an average of 20 SMS everyday. I wonder how much messages were flooded when we had some historical events in the country like EDSA II ousting former President Estrada and various calamities that hit the country - Ondoy, Pepeng, Sendong and others. A 2010 senatorial candidate even used SMS as a political springboard appealing to the masang Pilipino (Filipino masses) through a consumer protectionist policy.

SMS and Economy

And what's more? Filipinos don't just want to communicate and reach out thru this texting facility. We even go further by offering a lot, I really mean a LOT, of services by just one message sent. Sending greetings on-air. Voting for tons of reality shows. Joining game shows (TV, product, radio, etc). Purchasing. Sending comments, suggestions, complaints. Scamming. and so on... Six years ago, i purchased my graduation shoes using money transferred to my mobile.

Developing countries, especially the Philippines, is way advanced in using the SMS facility than developed countries. Yep, more advanced. Here in Germany, there are no SMS gimmicks and services that I used to enjoy in the Philippines. To cite some: Banking transactions have to be through the internet, ATMs or personal bank appearance. Unfortunately, no SMS facility yet. TV show polls are still through calls, none through SMS. I can't even share my mobile load credits.

In the World Bank's Social Media, Jobs and Microentrepreneur webcast, the Philippine mobile users were praised for being capable of memorizing keypads. Yes, we do, it is so easy, we can do whatever while keying SMS anytime. More so, we are capable of memorizing our and special someone's mobile number. Aha! That is the reason why my friends were amazed when I recited to them my number.

One thing I came to realize is how texting transformed lives of many Filipinos economically. With the growing demand for mobile services, loading through mobile cards became less attractive. Small stores, kiosks and individual became retailers of mobile credits. Mobile repair shops mushroomed and became a thriving business. Non-mobile and non-communication service businesses also prospered not just in urban areas but reaching as far as the rural lands and mountains! Though no data might capture it, i am sure thousands of employment were generated directly and indirectly because of this technology.

Airport and Connectivity On

Moving on to social networks and sites. I have learned through the webcast about Apps Economy. There had been a growing economy on applications (Apps) for various platforms during the previous years. It was mentioned that much of the Apps developers and engineers came from the Philippines! Oh wow, Kudos to Filipinos! Our ingenuity, creativity and innovativeness are reflected unhindered by the constraints of finances and other resources. Not to forget that at the dawn of 2000, a Filipino student caused many systems across the globe to shut down because of the 'I love you' virus. Though produced bragging rights at first, we then realized the negative results after causing over $ 1.0 billion damage.

Comparable to the SMS facility, social networking sites had created job opportunities as well. Studies show that: 1.3 percent of the economy grows for every 10.0 percent increase in national broadband usage. Economy had been moving through online media. The reason why almost all products in Philippine TV commercial has facebook and/or tweeter account. Even local commercial establishments create their own business pages thru this social networking, and one can just find him/herself tagged regularly.

There are some thoughts I am pondering while writing this post. Because I don't have the answers, but i have questions.
- Are our laws and policies effectively implemented with the pace which technology, Filipino creativity and freedom advances?
- How do policy-makers treat the large IT market?
- How could technological development be dispersed to urban poor, rural areas and marginal sector of the economy?
- How does this affected our society especially on spending real-face-to-face-time with family and friends? After all, we are all still humans, needing personal touch than mere PMs, SMS even MMS.

_____
This blog is inspired after watching a replay of World Bank's WebCast on "Social Media, Jobs, and Entrepreneurship" during Washington's Social Media Week.

Enjoying and Adapting. Coping Mechanism 2.

2011-12-29T09:23:00.001+01:00

From the dry and wet Philippine seasons to four seasons in the temperate country. How will a tropical raised survive winter and cold temperatures?

Eis und Sonne

Ice and Sun

Italian ice cream. Vanilla and Pistachio medley.

I arrived in Darmstadt in summer moving towards autumn. A perfect timing transitioning from tropical Pilipinas to cold Alemanya. I remember during my first day, my flatmate Linda accompanied me all throughout the city center, to my university and hows on daily tram/bus commuting. On my first weekend, it was a perfect sunshine just like in Los Baños. I was wearing sleeveless and eating Italian ice cream with Linda, Sina and Jenny. Yummy and rich!

Mia, my dear friend, walked with me one summer evening to the Rosenhöhe (Rose Garden Park). We stayed there until half past 7pm since sunset begins at that time. She also fetched me to bike to the woods another afternoon, passing Orangerie on our way back and ended the day once more with gelato.

Summers are no problem. Just a little bit of adjustment on people I see around: sun bathing in the parks and building rooftops. There are no one carrying umbrella to protect from the sun. I always want to pull my fancy umbrella to protect my kayumanggi skin from the sun, however, i’d look stupid and crazy. Umbrellas are Regenschrim (protection from the rain or Regen usually). And they waited at least nine months to have the sun and they are there to enjoy it.

Kurbis and colors of autumn
at Aachen, Germany.

Farben

Colors

I never realized how beautiful autumn colors are unless i had experienced it. Shades of red, orange, rust, gold and hints of greens. Wonderful. Colorful. Add into the autumn touch the sound of crackling dried leaves laying on the street. So crisp, music to my ears. See them changing the environment you are revolving, creeping vines along buildings, season for kurbis (squash and pumpkins).

By this time, temperature starts to decline. At first below 20°C, then below 15°, then below 10°. Ahem, i realized i may say goodbye to my bike anytime soon in autumn. Biking during this time might paralyze me. One morning on my way to my German Language class, my hands started to freeze when i biked without my gloves. As I entered the class, my hands were numb and i cannot feel them for the next five minutes.

One autumn afternoon, Linda and her friend, Jenny (Senior BS Sozialarbeit Studentin), were busy reading and researching for their thesis. They told me that the flat heater was on, because it was very cold. I didn’t feel cold at all, wearing my sleeveless tops and thin leggings. (What’s the matter with my German friends?).

Healthy frühstück (breakfast). Greens,
tomatoes, bread and orangesaft.

Another teatime afternoon, Linda and I sat by our dining table to take some break from our labors in studying. Linda with her triple-layered get up was having a tea, and me? Seriously, was on sleeveless, my shortest shorts and socks. Not feeling cold at all. What am I doing? Acclimatizing. Feeling the cold temperature seeping through my skin. Getting used to the environment.

My adaptation seem to worked very well plus another good measure: eating lots of vegetables and fruits. With the changing temperatures, the body may not adapt fast to it so munch on vitamins-enriched foods to boost my system. Voila! I think i was the only person in the class who haven’t had any serious cold and coughs or fever during the temperaturwechsel (temperature changes). Real fruits in the morning, fruit juices and yoghurt.

Es ist kalt. It is cold.

Schnee Snow

Winter signified its coming days when i first saw some frost! During field work around a neighborhood in Frankfurt, i noticed some white thingy covering grasses. It was new to me and i kept on asking Jamileh (my Iranian classmate) what are those. And she told me that it was nothing, those white thingy were normal. Looking closely, they are frosts! Wow, my first frost beholding my tropical eyes. I pulled my Nicaraguan (Noel) and Bangladeshi (Sharmin) friends, those who haven’t laid eyes and experience such frost. And indeed, they also was happy to see some frosts too. As we walk around the neighborhood, we started writing on frozen cars windshields and hoods : ‘Freezing’ and ‘Eis Kalt’ (ice cold).

First frost at Frankfurt.

Usually, winter comes before calendars turn December. This time, we had extended rainy and cold days and i had been long anticipating for my first snow. After my Philippine presentation on urbanization, i had a short sleet rain as i stepped out my class. After a few steps, i hurried back to my class and told them ‘It is raining ice!’ I was so excited to see it falling before me, but they told me that it is ok and i won’t be killed by the falling icedrops. With a little disappointed face, i walked home again and the short sleet rain was over.

Snow walking at Technical University Darmstadt.

Mid-December, i visited my friends Simi and Holger in Bonn and we walked around the night with 0°C. Absolutely cold, but it was so nice to behold more than centuries old buildings. My first snow was experienced in Bonn early morning. As i have to catch my train back to Darmstadt, i was waiting outside for the bus on a rainy, dark and snowy morning. Moving from Bonn southwards to Mainz, I saw white covered houses and structures fleeting to a fair day in Mainz.

Two days after, i woke up very, very early in the morning at 4:00 am and saw snow falling in the dark morning. As i opened my eyes four hours later, everything was white outside! Got two messages from Simi and Mia who were excited as me to see the first snows in Darmstadt.

I was wondering where the snow are stored. Where the Lord has laid them and get them ready for winter days. The day was filled with snow ball fights and was ended by the small Christmas gift-giving celebration. Weather forecasts said there will be no snow on Christmas day, maybe before the year ends there will be snow again.

Before winter came, i was mastering the adaptation to the cold temperature. Its all in the mind i tell my classmates who are also not made to live in temperate countries. (Well, its not always in the mind. It would be detrimental if i would not take necessary precaution). Some winter tips:

1. Layer up with thick socks and leggings. Go out and enjoy the weather. Simi and Holger (German couple who had experienced the tropical Philippines for the past decade.)

2. Protect your head and throat section. Bundle up with shawl. Polina and Helena (Russian girls from our masters program).

3. Enjoy it! Stefi (German friend who bikes rain or shine, cold or colder.)

4. Drink Glühwein. Linda and parents. Glühwein are hot wines served at the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas markets).

5. After a warm shower, finish it up with a cold blast to close the pores.

6. Lots of fruits, juices and liquid.
7. Enjoy and adapt the season changes.

Changing colors outside my window in four months. (1) Bright summer (2) Colorful autumn (3) White winter.

A Taste of Home. Coping Mechanism 1.

2011-12-16T01:52:00.000+01:00

Before I came here in Deutschland, I know that the biggest challenge I will face will be homesickness. So people left and right are trying to reach me up to the last minute to assure that they can bid goodbyes, instructions, advices and share ways on how to survive the overseas life. Well, people with experiences away from home understand a lot how it feels far and alone, especially I am up to finishing my two-year study before going home. (Erm, not final, subject to changes.)

My program requires me to stay siebenhundert einunddreißig Tage (731 days) or more depending on my final year of study which will be in Rome. More than a hundred days had passed, and a lot more. Counting it now by days gives me a deep sigh and longing that clock will turn faster.

Fun. Flight. Fight. Fit. Tita Lily told me that these are the four Fs one may undergo whenever outside the country for a relatively long period of time. She said I should define where I am and constantly check on it so I know how to react on things. Where I am there? Hmm, I have to say I am not sure since it is a mixture of all.

Two weeks ago, Linda (my German flatmate) and I were discussing about the increase in prices because of the uncertainties brought by the oil producing countries. For this reason, she is consulting me for the possible increase in some household expenses (especially demand for heat at this part of the year is high). Ways on how we can use our 'energy' sources wisely was proposed. In this light, one of my coping mechanisms was threatened.

I had no concrete lists of how to cope up with the feeling of being low and sad, however, I just discovered lately that cooking became one of my means to manage this overseas-homesickness. As i told in my earlier post, I was not the best cook in the family, however, with the magic hand of God, everything I cook became an absolute hit!

"...Cooking became one of my means to manage this overseas-homesickness."

Adobong Baboy Espesyal. Pork adobo never fails
to satisfy a hungry stomach...

The day Adobo became special - 10 days after my arrival in Darmstadt. It was a feast of the scents that made my heart smile. Soy sauce and vinegar in perfect harmony with peppercorns, Laurel leaf and lots of garlic. I cooked a lot and stored it as my comfort food for some days. Indeed, like wine, Adobo became fantastic when aged. Adobo is one of the Philippine common dish served with rice - can be pork, beef, chicken (or mixture of the three), fish or vegetables (usually with sitaw or eggplant). One can also add boiled egg, potatoes and sometimes hotdog.

The dawn of Filipino cuisine to the German palate (and plate). Because of my adobo attempts' success stories, I gained a lot of confidence to introduce this dish and cook for my German friends. Mia and Basty invited me, plus Stefi. They experienced chicken adobo with boiled egg, potatoes and rice. It was a big hit that Mia was trying to save every drop of adobo sauce! And Stefi volunteered herself for the next Filipino food I will cook. It was amazing as well that adobo blends well with red or white wine that Basty served.
Quaint experiences. It was my first time to eat adobo using fork and knife. For my German friends, eggs are usually for breakfast. Rice is an occasional substitute for potato, not potato AND rice, but potato OR rice. However, this dish made the 'unusual order' of eating possible. Egg for dinner, rice and potato plus the wonderful adobo. "Sehr lecker," sagen sie. ("Very delicious," they say).

The next adobo espesyal was served to my International Student Group. Every now and then we have international nights where one can share about his/her country. So it was my turn. During the Filipino night I served adobo and chopsuey. Once more, a success story! This time not just for the German taste but for Cameroonian, Columbian, and Indonesian alike.

A lot of my cooking experiences here are very soothing. A therapeutic occurrence which transports me to another dimension. Every mouthful of food I cook brings me back home, a memory which transcends geographical boundaries! Hmmm, feels and tastes home.

Hundred days after

2011-12-09T23:42:00.001+01:00

Should I not attempt to pen what had transpired for the past hundred days, or should i wait before it is too late. Should I wait for the snow to come down in Darmstadt or the semester to end?

Commencing today, I shall not miss the chance of articulating the life and experiences as a student more than 10,000 kilometers away from home. I shall not wait for another Paris trip, for the next sleet rain falling down on me, for the next solo trips in Germany and beyond. Tada! Sharing to you the things i am glad i knew and learned before this experience:

Posing for the free Blumen (flower) at my first
European travel. Aachen, Germany. 1st of October.

Manage to travel by myself and... No i am not a lonely drifter, and i enjoyed traveling with companions, especially when i can lean on Gideon's shoulder. But for the past 18 years or more of my life, i have learned to commute and managed to travel. Tracing back in 1993, i think, i commuted from school to home by jeep at PhP 1.00 or by tricylce PhP 2.00. From short Calamba to Los Banos trips at age 13, to Calamba-Alabang route when I was 15, to traversing more than six municipalities/city to get to my University. From wherever in Manila, to jumping from islands to islands until I get to Boracay. From Luzon to Mindanao and land trip South Thailand bound to Kuala Lumpur (whew! it has been a long history of being manageable in traveling alone). Bottomline, i had a lot of experiences that strengthened me and made me bold wanderer. ...to get where i should be. Of course, the whole journey is a long process, and one should end at the right goal: the right destination (preferably with the most efficient time and within budget). Aside from bold experiences, maps are very, very useful and early research on how to get to where. JourneyingJames' travels gave me freedom and guts to roam around as well.

Ride a bike... A very basic skill to learn. Fresh are the memories and wounds inflicted to me while i was learning to ride a bike...and i am thankful i really know how. From the little streets of Elepaño Subdivision in Calamba, to rocky roads to the top of Bora, to the easy rides in Los Baños (uh oh! i have to confess that I am no Laguna Giant Biker, I have to get off my bike and walk it until I past the steep uphill to the University Health Service). Now, getting around the city is easier with mein Fahrrad (my bike) especially when i only have 15 minutes or less to catch my class....and be safe. This is very important. Being cautious and alert in crossing street. In Germany, some autobahn (highways) have no speed limits. Traffic signals must be observed carefully and I should stay on bike lanes.

Nilaga Espesyal. Boiled pork and Gemüse (vegetables: potatoes
carrots, corn, cabbage).

Cook... Good to learn the basics from my mama and papa and little sister. I can fill up my hungry Filipino mouth and also cook for my German friends. I have to make another confession that I am the least in the family when it comes to preparing a meal. To redeem this position, I am the best baker! ...and satisfy the palate's desire. Check my friends on their first Pinoy dish experiences and they are after the next feasts. Some magic has been in here, everything I cook I am satisfied. masarap. sehr lecker. delicious.

Know my networks... From a first-timer away home, it is but a must to find a network of people and find the sense of community with them. (Being part of a community does not mean absolute homogeneity). ...and connect with them. I had found the German counterpart of my University organization. From them, i had found a lot of instant friends and community. Flat and roommate. Friends and events to spend some time outside University. Church and international community. Another network is a miniature of the world revolving around me everyday - that is my International Masters Program where more than 20 countries are represented. And of course, Filipinos that are easy to be spotted in prominent tambayan (hang-outs) in Darmstadt.

Essentials and must be remembered since these just form a third of my first 100 days.