hot pants!

Munich Love

So, I just got back from Munich and  still can't  get over it. I guess it helps that I've traveled to London thrice this month because somehow it made me feel quite immune to the cold weather. When we arrived it was 5 degrees. And starting this weekend snow is going to fall. Winter will finally hit most of Europe. And I am prepared for that I guess. Walking around , visiting parks  and eating out has been the usual mantra for now. I was glad to find one Serbian girl to go with me around Munich. At first she was silent and very shy until we had dinner. We had no idea exactly where to go. We forgot to ask the Concierge for directions. In the end we just let our feet do the work and not surprisingly we found ourselves lost--twice. Oh, I love this kind of adventure especially when you can't find an English speaker. We hopped from one train to another. And praying we won't spend the entire night just trying to get back to our hotel. But somehow it was great exploring on foot with all the wrong turns. I learned to appreciate knowing other people and tasting a foreign city for the first time. ( anyway I always get lost when it's my first time, but this time I just didn't freak out since I was not alone :-) 

Train Ride

Dinner Time 

She got the cabbage stuffed thing-y

of course...I got the Sausage Platter!...I came here for the authentic experience of German sausage!

Iva and me....

happy to be @ the marienplatz

@townHall

care for more sausage???

lovely-ness

So here's my latest adventure in Munich...

Finally...

Keep Discovering

@the Trafalgar Square 

 Everything is up to us. How we react in certain events, how we handle setbacks, how we handle success, how we manage our time. And it's our own responsibility to keep ourselves happy. We cannot let circumstances define us or how people treat us become our auto universe.

me,myself and I---taking a walk @Westminster

Autumn colors...

London Tour 

@ the Piccadilly Line 

    I've been to London three times this month. For some, they will just choose to stay in the hotel and sleep and watch TV instead of going out to explore. Well, that's based from experience. And most of the time it's the main reason why I go out just by myself.

@ the St.Paul's Cathedral 

    When I got this job, it's like I won the lottery. I wanted this so bad. I've been dreaming to see different places, to go as far as I can go. To taste different cultures, to get to to know the foreign and sometimes the odd.
   I guess my trainer was right, once you started seeing the world the way you see the world will change too. I have bigger dreams. I always keep myself inspired. And so far, this traveling gig is like getting brand new fresh air to breathe. To keep on pursuing and pressing forward.
   For the past four months, I've been to 9 countries already. Something I won't be able to do if I get to stay with my old job with the usual routine. I've been happier and more fulfilled. And at the same time more motivated to go to the next level.
  Everyday I feel so blessed to be able to work with amazing and talented people. And today, I got starstruck to meet and even talked with some billionaires on board. Life is full of surprises. You will never know when your big break is going to be, you will never know who will be the next person who will make your smile lasts longer.

TRY! #Pink

amazing song...amazing video.

Fall Fashion

It's my  least favorite time of the year....Winter. I have to brace myself for the cruel wind ahead. Thinking of ways to cover myself...:-)

9 easy ways to make a flight attendant go insane!

Sure, she's smiling now. But just wait till you try and go to the toilet when the seat belt light is on.
An anonymous airline crew member lets rip on passengers' most annoying habits
credits to CNNGo.com
I’ve been working for a well-known commercial airline in Asia for a few years now. On a good day, it’s a five-star hotel in Shanghai, shopping in Paris or winning a game of roulette in Las Vegas. On a bad one, it’s emergency landings, 12-hour long delays and an endless stream of obnoxious/annoying passengers.
Don’t let our svelte figures, exquisitely tailored uniforms and perfect smiles fool you. You do not want to get on the bad side of the person who serves you food, brings you drinks and keeps you safe when you’re stuck in a tin can flying at 35,000 feet.
I’ve put together a list of the nine things that really get under a flight attendant’s skin. Worst of all these crimes against aviation are so common sense -- yet they happen on every single flight.

1. Adopt an 'I paid for my ticket so I can whine all I like' attitude

“My seat is too small.”
“The flight is delayed.”
“The coffee is too hot.”
“The tea tastes weird.“
"The airplane is ugly.”
Stop it right there! I’m sorry your bottom is too big for the seat. Next time upgrade to first class.
And you know what? The plane is delayed because your fellow passenger couldn’t decide which bottle of vodka he wanted to buy at the duty free shop, so he was 30 minutes late to the gate.
Keep complaining and your next drink will be a gin and tonic stirred with a high heel.

2. Play it like Nintendo

Unless it's an emergency, for the sake of all flight attendants worldwide, just pretend that little call button doesn't exist. Just keep on pumping that flight attendant call button. Mario & Luigi aren’t coming to rescue you but the angry King Bowser will.
According to international regulations, one flight attendant is responsible for up to 50 passengers. This means that, worst-case scenario, the cabin crew could be giving someone CPR or delivering a baby while you or your precocious little darling is jamming on that button.
Here’s my advice: just get up and walk to the nearest galley and ask for what you need. Stretching your legs, getting up and walking around the cabin may even help prevent complications such as blood clots, cold feet and the breakdown of your skin.
Also on CNNGo: McMarry me? McDonald's now hosting weddings.

3. Pretend you’re in a restaurant

“Today, we have beef steak with lemon grass and barbecue pork with Japanese rice. Which would you prefer?” asks the beautiful flight attendant.
The man turns to her and says, “I’ll have fish. Do you have fish? I want fish. I can’t eat anything else but fish.”
First of all, a galley on a plane is not a kitchen. We do not cook.
Here’s how to get your fish: send the request when your book your flight if you wish to have a specific meal.

4. Ask unintelligent questions

The dreaded glass of mystery liquid. Also known as water.When faced with a glass full of dark water with bubbles and ice, what do you think it is? That’s correct, it’s cola. How about that clear liquid? Yes, that’s water.
Let’s imagine the whole row is asking these mundane questions, even though they are sitting next to each other. After being asked by around 50-plus people, I am eventually so depressed I just stop answering.
A passenger once even asked me if we had iPads on board. I was speechless.

5. Laugh and whisper

Talking behind someone’s back is rude. It’s even ruder to look at someone and laugh in their face, and then whisper/giggle to the person beside you in your own language.
Last time that happened, I accidentally parked a drink cart in front of the restroom and trapped that funny man inside. Karma comes fast.
Don't miss: 7 greatest expat movies of all-time

6. Talk on the phone after the plane has left the gate

"I'm pretending I didn't hear you tell me to switch off my electronic device as I think that whole 'communication interference' stuff is a load of poppycock."Not turning your phone off is a surefire way to make the cabin crew go berserk. I have to admit, I take great pleasure in yelling at people to switch off their phones. I make a really serious face, then point at the phone and say “OFF NOW.”
The fact is: communicating with the control tower is difficult enough. Pilots aren’t sitting there chit chatting about fashion or pop stars. They are trying to take off and not get struck by another plane that might be landing seconds later, all while your phone’s signal is potentially interfering with communications.

7. Be an irresponsible parent

A young mother once asked me put some coffee creamer in her baby’s bottle. Really. For your information: formula can be carried onto the plane with you.
Meanwhile, some parents assume flight attendants will happily babysit their kids for them while they do something else, like nap or watch a movie.
That’s not in my job description. Not every flight attendant loves children. Babysitting you is already hard enough.

8. Complain that your bags are too heavy

Flight attendants are happy to close the overhead bins. Cramming things into them is another story. (File photo)You came all the way from home, dragged your bags down the stairs to the door, put them in the trunk of the car, drove all the way to the airport, dragged them through security and all the way to your seat.
Suddenly, the bags are too heavy for you to put into the overhead compartment by yourself.
Passengers don’t realize that flight attendants don’t get compensated for any injuries that come of this common situation. The deal is: you brought it, shove up there yourself or we throw it out the door and under the plane.
Also on CNNGo: Stunning undersea photo gallery

9. Ignore the seat belt sign

“When the seat belt sign is on, please take your seat and fasten your seat belt.”
Pretty obvious, isn’t it?
Yet on every single flight there will be people getting up to go to the washroom when the seat belt sign is on. This is somewhat understandable -- if you’re about to wet your seat. Or worse.
And then there are the passengers who just want to walk around and talk to people.
When the sign is on during takeoff, landing or during turbulence, it’s very dangerous to be wandering off. Your face could be smashed into the sink or another passenger’s head.
credits to CNNGo.com                                

Gangnam Style LOndon!

Good morning Monday!

Best Bags @ Paris Fashion Week

Dior

Chanel

Elie Saab 

Valentino 

credits to Fashionologie

A girl can Never Have Enough Shoes @Paris Fashion Week

@ Givenchy 

The prettiest pair I've seen.... How I love to have 'em!

@ Isabel Marant 

another Isabel Marant 

@ Lanvin 

another Lanvin 

again a Lanvin 

@ Valentino 

@ Viktor and Rolf

credits to Fashionologie

The Bargain Lady

 I woke up at past three in the morning local time. Again, I fell asleep while watching Pier's Morgan on CNN. With my stuff all over the place I could hardly remember if I eat dinner or not. Right after I changed into my pajamas I curled up under my sheets and turn on the TV. Here I am again in Beijing the second time around.

The Smog covering Beijing Sky

   We were absolutely full DXB-PEK. The six and a half hour flying time went like a breeze. I guess I prefer busy flights at least I get myself entertained. I have some lovely crew with me and that made everything easier.
     I was considering to treat myself for a massage before going to bed and go to Silk Market the next day. I guess only the latter I really considered doing. Learning from my first experience in Beijing, these Chinese are very clever and very pushy. I don't really want to get myself  too involved in doing business with them. There's always hidden charges, and most of the time tourists like me ends up paying more. So I erased the thought of having a massage ( perhaps in Thailand by the end of this month) and just do my shopping in preparation for my Europe flights ahead. I was doing my things-to-do at 3 am in the morning in Beijing and so I realized to take this interrupted hour of my sleep to do some writing and reflection. Maybe this time I can write a decent entry with a beginning and a conclusion in my Travel Journal.

      Beijing is the least among the destination that I want to see in my Roster  second to Narita-Tokyo. And that's for some really good reasons. The city is huge. Just imagine how massive their airport is and the queue of tourists in the Immigration. And yesterday it was a Chinese Holiday so the amount of people is double. The street was jam-packed. With the strange halo of colors reflecting in the sky at any time of the day pollution is ready for your intake. Walking around town at ten in the morning the thickness of smoke was surely getting into my lungs. I hailed for a cab for a 15 minute ride to Silk Market. Downtown Beijing is like any other modern city. Skyscrapers, shopping malls and long chains of restaurants are the most eye-catching.  Public buses are full of people going places to enjoy their national holiday. I guess only foreigners like me choose to get on a cab.

The famous Architectural Wonder is in Beijing

Silk Market 

    As expected, I came to the battlefield of Bargain. The six storey infrastructure has so much to offer.Ground floor for Casual clothes, lower ground for Bags and shoes ( where you can find all the latest-imitation of LVs, Guccis, name the brand they have it! ), First floor for Winter Clothes and Undergarments, Second for anything Silk ( of course, it's the Silk Market), then jewelry, eye wear, electronics and gadgets, Massage centers and restaurants on the remaining floors. I just stick to the Clothes section looking for a leather jacket, some cashmere shawl and anything that can protect me from the cruel Winter spell. In no time I found a very good quality leather jacket that I've seen in Mango. In Dubai, that jacket costs about 300dirhams. The lady asked me if I want to try the jacket. And so I did, and it's perfect. She immediately asked me for 900Yuan which is 450dirhams. This lady is insane I told myself. I said "No Thank You, that's beyond my budget". She asked me how much I can give her. I said 200. She said why such a pretty lady like me is giving her a very low price when she just sold the jacket earlier for 1200Yuan. I didn't believe her. I said" it's OK I will still look around anyway" and head towards the exit. But she did not let go of my arm. She stood right in front of me. And that's when I realized the battle just begun. After for about 10 minutes of our tug-of-war with the price. She finally agreed to 300Yuan which is 150dirhams. Not bad. I can never find a nice leather jacket for 150dirhams. I felt tired after that. Her soprano-like voice was just annoying to bits. And then I head towards the Cashmere area. Same story. I fought for the Burberry-like shawl for 100Yuan which she asked me to buy originally  for 600Yuan. Chinese People. They.Mean.Business. Great bargain for 50dirhams. And man, it's so pretty. I was still planning to buy a few more stuff that I wrote in my List. But I suddenly changed my mind. I still have Bangkok at the end of the month I think it was better to just save the money. And honestly I was feeling harassed right after my bargain feud. So I put my money safe back to my bag and just went straight to the Silk Section. I've been meaning to own a real Silk robe. Again, I fought like hell to get it at 50dirhams. Haha. But it was exhausting. Rudeness overload. There were plenty of nice stuff to buy. Once I was at the verge of buying  a  fake Tory Burch purse and a Miu Miu. But I'm still very much supporting the authentic luxury goods. So I just went straight to the street and hail a cab back to my hotel.

I did not buy much. I guess I still prefer quiet department stores with price tags attached to the goods. I don't like the feeling of being ripped off. I want the real deal. It could be fun in the beginning but tricky in the end. I will just wait wait for my Bangkok. Anyway I have two days layover to look and decide what to buy there.

I passed by Carrefour. I told the taxi driver to just bring me there since it's just a three-minute walk from where I stay. Just when I was about to step inside, the pungent smell caught me off guard. Carrefour was so full and the smell of I don't know what started to make me sick. I stepped back and went to Starbucks instead. I don't have any idea how much croissants I ate and how many Cheese buns I had for my entire trip just to play safe, avoiding food poisoning. I was so into eating an authentic Peking Duck but I still have more Beijing flights to do before I find the right place to have it.

It's just plain hard to be in Beijing if you're still a newbie. I might end up broke and starving if I did not take these precautions. It's certainly not like Sydney or London where everybody speaks english and somewhat safe to have a bite and not get sick. The hotel room of course, is a great disappointment. Only CNN and BBC are English channels and in the middle of the day the TV signal was cut off, for no reason. So I just went straight to finishing my Hunger Games book and went to sleep.

I hope they will give me Shanghai next month and skip Beijing for a while.
   I arrived Dubai feeling relieved. This feels more like home. The eight hour flying time was the exact opposite. And I can't wait to have a decent meal.
   

In-flight Stories

I haven't written a lot lately. Most of the time when I reached my hotel room I will grab my travel journal and start scribbling. Only later the alarm buzzes telling me it's time to go. I had fallen asleep again with a pen in my hand. For the past few flights the photos speak for itself. No fancy travel review. I've always been in-love with writing and same goes with reading. Right now I don't feel like I am doing much for the writing part but ask how many photos I've taken so far and you will be surprised with the numbers. Maybe I should get more organized with my time when I am on a layover. Save some time to reflect about my great adventures and discoveries, after all I am living my dream , finally.

I missed to share the story of  the two very old French couple on my flight to Sydney the last time. It was heart-warming to the core. Also, the spoiled yet very lovely Arab Kid who always fly first class. He was incredibly charming and very vain considering he's just eleven and very rich too. I hope to share his story later too.

Well, about my latest London Heathrow flight-- it was great. As if by miracle, we didn't have that much drunk passengers. Yey! for for Y class for the light load on the way back while J class and F class were working their a**off.

For some of you who don't know me very well, I was dreaming to be a host of a TV show. I still remember how I was so driven to audition for MTV Philippines VJ search way back in College. But I ended up auditioning somewhere else. Well, I guess my innate passion to talk to people and know things about them has gone to its highest level. I always take time to chat especially when I feel like falling asleep. I've spoken to Arab Multi-millionaires lately, Very high valued customers and Top Businessmen and seriously I feel really inspired after knowing how humble they are and how very hardworking they've been. Just coming back to Dubai I recently had a short talk with one Business man in First class who just got married and heading to Seychelles for their honeymoon. I was surprised when he told me that he owns a Gold Mine in my country. And how much he prefers to fly with us and loves our A380. He told me about Katy Perry singing in his wedding and how her lovely wife was very much looking forward to leave the crowd and just be alone with him in Seychelles. I recognized his wife immediately upon boarding. Only because I have a girl-crush on her when she was still very active in the 'biz. Of course, she's still very pretty.

I was able to assist some members of Qatar's Royal family too. Now, I feel like I am actually having my own TV show. Haha.

Next year, when I get my US visa I will aim higher. Hoping I will get to chat with more celebs on flight.
Robert Pattinson on a New York flight? ...please. A girl can dream. 

Have a great Weekend everyone! :-)