Mortality

Tonight life ended. Not in the biological not sociological way, rather in the way that one would stop and think about the the moments, the time spent and the time wasted with the memory of who was. 

Yaya Flor was more than just someone in our lives. She was part of or lives. Something like this, her stroke and her passing isn't something that acceptable would happen... Her life is thought of in a way that says "she will raise my kids too"... 

She was taken away down us today. I feel wretched. Cheated on. I feel terrible and miserable. 

We will miss you. You are loved yaya flor. 

The University of the Philippines Photographer's Society

The University of the Philippines Photographer's Society, also known as the UP PhotoS was an idea that was brought up and thought of way before the name for an organization was even conceived. Right now, on its way to its 10th year of existence our place in our community could not be any better.

Almost all of those who were there since the organization was built from scratch have since left the University. We have all started the rest of our lives outside the hollowed halls of UPLB and our respective colleges. Our bond is evident, our history is unforgettable and our future ever brighter.

It all started when Rommel and I met at the Carabao Park grounds when I was a freshman in College. He invited my friends and I to be interviewed that night on his radio program with CDC. After that night, Rommel and I stayed in touch mainly online and when we see each other on campus. We would run into each other on MiRC (a very crude chat service) and had, at times talked about a photography club. This was 1999. Cameraphones were unheard of and digital cameras sported 1 Megapixel resolutions (that is if you are fortunate enough to have one).

During the 1st semester of AY 2003-04, we decided to sit down and finally talk about forming an organization. Rommel and I were active in our respective "orgs" then and brought on the table our issues about them. We outlined certain things that we did not want to see in the organization.

After agreeing, we started to look at the possibility of resurrecting an old camera club or the "Samahang Manyunyut". We spend some time in the Office of Student Affairs combing through old records of recognized photography organizations. Manyunyut was the closest thing to a club. After discussing its merits, we decided that we must start from scratch.

On an agreed night, we planned that we must bring recruits that we would deem as our charter members. The first batch, truly that we will indoctrinate. Rommel, being an instructor at Pahinungod had the larger number of recruits.

The first few nights of meetings at the Pahinungod office were discussions about the name, the logo, the seal, the nickname etc. Night upon night upon night, we started to form the foundation of the organization. The preamble, the constitution and the brotherhood. This was our baptism of fire. Most stayed till 4am in the morning of the next day. Some spent weekends with us. By the end of the 2nd semester of 2003-04, we were almost an official organization with an incoming set of officers and pieces of paper that said we were ready.

The organization was formed to have Photography as a common single factor that binds us as members. Members were not required to have cameras, background nor prior experience with photography. All that was needed was that passion to learn about it, be intrigued by it, to see it power as an artistic medium and a scientific and technological outlet.

The goal of the organization is to mold its constituents to be better better members of their community. To be leaders and organizers for the improvement of anything and everything they are involved in. We did not form the organization to create photographers, rather to use photography as our common bond to have a meaningful life in UPLB, to have the skills to face the challenges of life after college and to provide a structured course to turn the shy to extroverts, the meek to leaders and the troubled into inspirations.

We are far from perfect, but much like a photograph or any image, there is beauty in imperfection. We had our growing pains and issues. Members not getting along with each other, quorum or the lack of being at an all time high, activities not pushing through etc. etc. But we soldiered on and here we are.

Now on its 10th year, the UP PhotoS is a decade deep with history, achievements, countless adventures and a family that is ever growing.

Fiat Lux,

Jab Buhay
Founder, UP Photographers Society

Guiding, Unifying Principles

All great institutions and all great organizations have always followed strict adherence to principles that they hold true and expect that their members recognize and practice daily. 

Nations have sworn oaths to their principles, great men used these as the engine that helped them etch their name in history. 

On our 10th year as an organization, we can look back at what we've achieved. See what kind of members we have contributed to society and say that with all our heart, we've done right. 

At this point, it is also proper that we recognize the values that we, collectively had held dearly to have pride in where we come from and optimism to where we are all going. 

I've outlined some values that I think we can all agree we should use as a guide. Not just for the great many things we will do. The professional lives we will and already have. But also in the little things. Our homes, our families, our friends and the stranger next to you. 

Fairness

In all things, small and great. We exercise and expect this from the people we call brothers and sisters. We exercise this to those who we don't call brothers and sisters so as to show them that in all things, small and great, we value every single person, every single effort and idea. 

Honesty and Integrity

One will not work without the other. You cannot make a thunderous clap with one hand. Nor can you have Integrity and not Honesty. Honesty and integrity takes the internal and external form. One must be honest with himself or herself to be honest with another. The integrity powers the will to do the right thing and always side with the right idea. With Honesty and Integrity, we will achieve many great things and avoid many great disappointments.

Commitment to Honor and Excellence

A great institution have entrusted with us Honor and Excellence before our metal has been truly tested. That great institution is our Alma Mater. Her dedication and commitment to Honor and Excellence is recognized by others who were not blessed enough to be under  wings and even more so by those who have toiled years with her. Honor and Excellence provides for a standard for everything we do, everything we create and do, everything we say and everything we dream for. 

Positive Attitude

Pessimism never created nor has it solved anything. In this ever complex and fast moving world of ours, attitude remains to be the glue that keeps great people together and great individual-together . A positive attitude is a must when faced with problems from a personal level, academic level, organizational level and professional level. A positive attitude also brings that smile that we, as photographers, ask for from most of our subjects - it's just right that we should posses a smile too. A positive attitude is also contagious. If there is something we must spread and share - it is this. 

Respect

Respect starts with ones self. Respect is can easily be earned but will never be given to anyone who does not have respect for themselves. By practicing the first principles before this, we can easily earn respect for ourselves. This allows us to give respect then to others. Respect is not limited to age, nor authority nor experience. Respect is warranted in effort, opinion and intention. 

Community

We are where we come from. Our community molds us but it is us that keep the community together. Paying it forward to our community gains dividends in the long term. Investing in our community with deeds, actions, effort and resources allows for a healthy future. This is symbiotic - it's natural. It is unavoidable. Foster a sense of community from the home to the nation and the world. 

Guiding principles are designed to not just be a benefit to the individual but with everyone else that person interacts with. We ought to be examples to our fellowmen. We ought to be the people we can and others aspire to. We ought to instill these in ourselves and maybe one day the difference we make will not just be confined to us, but to many others as well. 

- Jab Buhay

The UP Photographers Society (through my eyes)

The Society was formed in the early days of December in 2003. At first the idea was to form a club that would house enthusiasts of photography. It is to be noted that during that time, digital photography was still in the fringes of the art. There were very few digital cameras available and you can count the phones that have 1 megapixel cameras in them. The same set of hands account for the number of people you know who own these new phones.

During that time, those who knew photography we’re those who are now considered dinosaurs. Those who shot in film with cameras such as the Nikon FE’s, Canon AE-1’s and so on. Film rolls were still sold and developed by Leo’s photo in Vega or at the Agfa store across the street.

The first few days of the Society’s life was spent between Romel and I, chatting on mIrc’s #UPLB chatroom. After we realized who each other was, we decided to continue the conversation in real life around Carabao park and at the OSA (Office of Student Affairs). We sifted through old paperwork of what were remnants of the old photography clubs in the campus. What was familiar to Romel was the Samahang Manyunyut. At first we wanted to revive this organization. Hoping that echos from the past might help in making the establishment of the new organization easier.

Unfortunately, the paperwork we found was not enough to start anything. That was when we decided to go for broke and start from scratch. During the time, and I am sure this still is going on right now, the OSA just started prohibiting New Freshmen from joining student organizations. They were in full force during the freshmen orientation during the summer and the early days of the first semester to make sure this was taken seriously. Student Orgs were all under the microscope. It was a tough time for existing groups and even tougher for new ones. We have seen attempts to form new orgs to face off the existing that fizzle into nothingness the next semester. We wanted something new, something that would get different students from different courses and colleges together. Something that will not define where you are from but will determine where you will be.

Romel and I come from other organizations. At this point, we have been head’s of another organization or two and have already gone through and experienced the typical org in UPLB. We agreed that there are many aspects of student organizations that we personally detest and find unecessary. We agreed that we will not recruit from new freshmen and that our policy will strictly be “walang kupalan”. We agreed that this included no public humiliation, no unnecessary requests, orders or assignments. We wanted to make sure that if tasks were given that these meant something to the values and vision of the org - not just some vague idea about showing loyalty, determination and commitment (values that I think can’t be tested and learned in two weeks). We wanted a recruitment and indoctrination process where the face we show before the “finals” is the same face we will welcome them with as soon as they are conferred as members.

Romel’s strength was getting members. His students (former) from Pahinungod were bright and diverse. Many of them have no experience in photography. Most though were either attracted to the fact that they will be charter members or first batches of a new organization. Almost all of them had good intentions.

The true test for us and those incoming new members were building the org from the ground up. We spent a whole night thinking about a name and a nickname for the org. We spent a night designing the seal. We spent countless of nights well into the morning creating the constitution - we debated over it’s merits and technicalities. We tested the strength of the preamble - opened it to scrutiny. We had arguments over what the members will be called. We had a whole night too to plan our first trip out of the campus.

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The UP Photographers Society was formed to create a venue for photography enthusiasts, hobbyists and budding professionals in the UPLB community. It was formed without the foresight that photography will bloom or explode into what it is right now. The idea is to have like minded individuals with a common interest have an experience with a Student Group, learning organizational skills, communication skills and most of all leadership skills.

The Society is designed to give an individual vital experience on how it is to become part of a working group that has aspects like Personnel, Education, Operations, Logistics, Executive and others. The plan is to provide the members with skills that they will need post college that is not learned from within the classroom. The plan was to create a group that will instill professionalism, pride in ones work, determination, leadership and creativeness.

We teach the basics of photography and eventually allow the members to branch out into practicing their specific interest from within the larger umbrella of the craft. Our goal is not to turn our members into professional photographers. Our goal is to mold future model citizens and leaders with photography and the Society as a common bond.

Photography by design is both artistic and scientific. It is both creative and technical. A great balance for the population of UPLB. We use this balance to show that our members, though hard workers are also the same people who enjoy a good time. We wanted to make sure that members know their roles as students first, members second. We wanted to make sure that in the years to come - when people come accross a member of the Society that they expect an exemplary individual both professionally and privately.

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Almost ten years into the life of the organization, the Society has healthily formed a great story all on it’s own, characters have come and gone relationships built, some kept some faded away. But ten years have passed and countless of stories have been shared - all our members look back at their own individual contribution to what we all fondly call PhotoS.

We have had bad times, drawbacks and disagreements - we’ve had bad members too and decisions we probably regret - but the achievements, the successes, the great stories all overshadow that.

It has always been a tradition to expect that the new breed will prove to be better than the last. It is expected that even though there are always big shoes to fill, that the incoming members of the next year will be very happy to step into them. Just like in photography, we expect that with every new type of equipment that every new photo will be better than the last.

Ten years into our history, we are still gaining momentum. At this point in our story we are maturely adjusting our positions to accommodate the ever changing landscape of society, just like in photography - photographers adjust to the ever changing technologies of available to them.

Just like photography though, a camera is useless if the person behind the it does not have the know how to shoot and more importantly the drive and inspiration to capture that image that has that lasting impression. Just like photography, our name will mean nothing if we don't have quality members within it.  The Society hopes that every member that joins also has, just like a great photo - a great lasting and lifetime impression of his or her time in the organization.

My parents and I - 1.0

I'm still having flashbacks of that afternoon after school when I was told that my parents were separating. "Hiwalay na si Mama saka si Papa mo..." that's how my lola told me about it, after she asked me to sit down while I still had my backpack on coming from school. I was 10 years old, I was in fourth grade.

That night my mom tried explaining everything to me.  Telling me that it wasn't my fault, that it was something that needed to be done. I couldn't help but thing it was my fault. Not directly, but because I had let them keep fighting into the nights when they were still together. Because I did not ask them to make up and stop arguing with each other. Because I did not stop my dad from leaving for the States.

20 years later, here I am - having lunch with my mom and my dad and my little sister. Sharing an afternoon walking with them. I hear them talking about their old friends. They both bring up their old friday evening adventures stumbling luckily into Tony Bennet, The Tony Bennet at the bar they usually go to  when he was in Manila.

Between then and now, there were years of questions left unanswered, of bitterness and even hatred. There were years of pride kept unchecked, words that should have been left unsaid, of fights that shouldn't have been escalated. One would think that those were years that could be taken back, that could be forgotten but honestly - yes, sure - I would love to have had it happened differently... But I'm afraid I wouldnt be where I am and wouldnt be who I am if it weren't for that.

Insperspiration

When I start an entry with "back in my day..." it saddens me. It saddens me because this tells me that my life now is becoming more filled with things that I could not get back and less of things that I can have. No, it's not a selfish thing - the "things" that I speak of are a mixture of experiences, mistakes, triumphs and moments. 

During my time in university, there were still businesses around the campus that offered "typing services". You know, those places where you would bring your "neat" hand written drafts of your paper and have a professional typist encode everything using a commercial grade typing computer or machine. 

It was the time when chat rooms were found in the world of MIRC. It's a chat module, similar to a DOS based program. There were codes that you need to remember for different commands. Most of the emoticons, the shortcuts and the abbreviations that are prevalent in today's modern world i.e. texting and instant messages started in the chat world. Chatting on MIRC was an underground thing, not really mainstream. People actually still called each other up, sat next to each other and really had full on conversations. We also had photo albums of our childhood. Do you? 

I would like to believe that prior to this Google era, prior to this world when things are just a click away that creativity was more pure, that new things were actually made. Nowadays "creativity" is relegated to those who look the part. The 20 somethings who wear plaid, an urban outfitters hat, sport funky glasses and carry with them film cameras. No no, these kids are not creative. Their just - digital hipsters, plain and simple. 

A friend of mine has been posting her rants about how her students are blatantly cutting and pasting paragraphs upon paragraphs of written materials from the internet directly on to their submitted academically required paper. 

Here's the thing kids. Our generation formed the internet. Before you can even say instant message, we have already made out with and devirginized the internet. This was after we've submitted papers to our teachers after having used typewriters, or were printed using a dot matrix printer. And cutting and pasting? Well, that meant we literally cut and pasted parts of pages from magazines, newspapers and other widely used published materials. This is coming from someone born in the 80's, can you imagine the world for those born before me? Awesome for us, hieroglyphics for you. 

Most of us and everyone prior to me, sat down and actually had time to think. We created shit. We experimented, destroyed, took apart and put back together things. We know how the world was when it can be quiet in the afternoon. We knew what it felt like to play outside all sweaty and grimy and actually collected scrapes and bruises. Our eyelids did not twitch because our iphones have not made a sound in an hour - unlike you.

Since we actually typed our own papers, we had the time to at least paraphrase what we read off of Mr. Britannica's pages. 

Here's the gist young-ans - work for it. Life get's harder. It does every year. The only way to get ahead is to be better at it. The only way to be better at it is to be smarter. The only  way to be smarter is to not do whatever it is you are doing now. Oh, and stop watching VH1 and MTV. That's one thing our generation looks back on and had categorized under "mistakes". 

You have been advised and warned. Peace out. 

Fil-Am

A friend had texted me recently and asked if I really thought it was more fun in the Philippines. I had texted back and said "with the things that I do and the company that I keep, YES". She texted back "Good answer" and I said "I know".

This big hoopla about the It's More Fun... Campaign that the Philippine Department of Tourism has created an atmosphere of pro and against between the people who enjoy life and those who spend time complaining about it. You know what I mean. You know people who admit to themselves that they too want a simple life, a nice house, a loving and healthy family and no debt, but at the end of the day, they like complaining about so many other things that they miss the point. They complain about how bad it is right now, how the government is this and that and how some people are lazy etc. etc.

I have friends who live in the Philippines and complain about life there. I have friends who live here in the US and other counties and complain about the Philippines. I'm not one to say that their arguments are not correct. Of course there's truth in it. But you know what? The corrupt government? The poor infrastructure, the crab mentality, the pessimistic outlook on life, the low standard of living? All of that exists everywhere. It exists in downtown Las Vegas, in the great cities of Detroit, Los Angeles and New York. I've seen them in London, Rome, Paris. I know they exist in Thailand, Japan and the Middle East. So C'mon... Why waste time highlighting things that obviously are there and are just sad?

Going back to the text thread that I had with that friend, I ended up arguing with her that the simple life, the healthy family, the friends and the honest source of living can be anywhere in the world, it doesn't matter. So, yeah, I do find it more fun in the Philippines, but it doesn't mean that I don't like where I am.

Then I was asked if I was not proud to be an american. I answered back, "there are days that I do what I like, and most days, I do what I must." I'm sure I got that from a movie or something. But that's how I feel about that. I also explained that I know quite a few Americans who have never left this country who have nothing but bad things to say about this country. That it's going the wrong way. That's for another argument (although that one won't go anywhere and would not have a finalized consensus). Just to clarify, I am a Filipino - look at me - who is a naturalized US citizenship. Even the US government recognizes it that way.

Bottom line is there's a good and a bad in everything and anything. That there are pros and cons to every place and situation. But surely you can find energy in focusing on the good than the bad right? I think the only time one should trumpet the negative things about life is when they are ready to do something about it and not just something to say about it.

So, friends - family. Chill. It's a good life. Just sit back, look at what you have. And if you can do that... Then you've got something to be thankful for. More than you'll ever know.

The year that was

As I look back on this year, I bid it with a smile. It was a hard start. Reeling from 2010. The stark contrast was very evident. That is something that I know I share with a lot of people.

I remember being very exhausted at the end of 2010. That I was glad it was ending. I remember hoping and wishing and whispering to the wind that I really hoped 2011 would be a better one. And it was.

The bossa music is playing in my background, the scent of the apple wood candle distinct in every deep inhalation. I meditated for a few minutes. Closed my eyes and let it wander in the year that was.

Reeling from the end of what was a long relationship, I embraced 2011  with a promise of having a better quality of life. I told myself that there will be goals that would be reached before I end the third decade of my life. Maturity, patience and happiness in solitude would be some of the things I wanted to achieve.

The travel, seeing Europe, scuba diving, the great images and the people I've met are the pages to a chapter that would prove to be one of my favorites thus far. Wow, what a story.

I learned that I have great self control. I was just recently told that I embrace my age. That I love myself, which is good. I have gained respect and showed others that the big life goals can be achieved by little baby steps of little successful goals.

2011 will be hard to top. I feel like 2012 will have a few surprises. I sense that it will prove some of the feelings and fears I felt in this ending year were wrong. I feel that some of the wishes of the people I love around me will come true for me. I throw caution to the wind to make sure that I will not disappoint myself too much if certain things fail to come true.

I've found a balance in my life somewhat, but I feel like I am still reeling in from what could be described as the calm after the storm. I believe that the balance that I've found will from here in forward allow me to take in the future storms that will come my way.

Thanks 2011. Here's to a great New Year!

I screwed up my Getting Lost Blogs - my trips we're not published chronologically.

Here they are in proper order.





Getting lost 1.0 - Las Vegas to Paris via Charlotte and London
Getting lost 1.2 - London Saint Pancras to Paris Nord Paris at night
Getting lost 1.3 - First Full day in Paris
Getting lost 1.4 - Second Full day in Paris
Getting lost 1.5 - More Paris 
Getting lost 1.6 - Paris from a perspective

Getting lost 2.1- Rome 
Getting lost 2.2- Rome: The Coppola and an old friend 
Getting lost 2.3- Rome: Roommates and Piaza del Poppolo
Getting lost 2.4- Rome: Last day and a cancelled flight

PARIS - Getting Lost 1.4

28 November, 2011-Monday
Paris, France
Second full day in France


The hippo last night was out first decent meal since we left London, for me though, longer than that. At this point the task of trying to stay awake during the day and trying to stay asleep in the morning is beginning to take its toll.

I woke up a little bit earlier to take a walk down the street for a quick cafe creme and a visit to Le poste for stamps. I had observed the typical roaring in Clichy. The kids walling by themselves to school, as young as 4 years old. The proletariat having their morning coffee at the bistros. In France,for the most part, your barista for coffee is also your bartender for your alcohol.

Breakfast again at the hotel to get ready for our Montmarte visit. The bus took us in city to the north of Paris where the soucre couer church is. Along the way you will see the famous Moulan Rouge and a lot of sex shops along the way. The walk to Montmarte was faIrly quick.

When we got there, I was introduced to something that I will be seeing a lot around Europe. In this particular case, a man from northern Africa or somewhere in the Mediterranean walked up to me and offered to make me a bracelet. When I asked how much, he said it was free. His insistence allowed him to start wrapping the threads around my fingers... At this point I was tied to it, literally. As soon as he was done, and I started walking away, he started asking for money... I took out the coins I have and started giving him 1 euro. At this point he started asking for ten. Thats when I started walking away. Tip for the weary: just start walking away. Just say sorry and no.

The cathedral was very grand. And amazing sight. The view from its steps though was much more grand. If it weren't only for thE bad weather, the city view as I can imagine would have been amazing.

After debating what to do next, we all proceeded to the market below the Soucre Ceour and started buying gifts to take home. Shopping was a sin you don't want to always indulge on when traveling.

It was decided that we will jn the bus on the way back to the Sein. From there, make our way to the louvre. Honestly... On the map it looked quite close. It wasn't.

We were able to walk past the Alexander bridge, the grand palaise, the petit palaise, the place de la Concorde, the jardan de Tuilerie and into the entrance to the Louvre. As soon as we all regrouped inside the louvre we took a direct route to see the Mona Lisa. Mission accomplished. Now, we are hungry.

There was no avoiding getting lost in that museum. We did, later on after passing thru Etruscan antiquities towards the French painters wing we got message from Ross that he was at notre dame. So, off to notre dame we went.

Getting all touristy in notre dame was the only choice. I did know though that I needed to get to Shakespeare and company from there to procure a promised gift.

Later that night we all congregated at the champs élysées for the christmas market for some sausages and drinks. Vin Chaude was the odd favorite. Just like German warm beer. I just got contented with my hot chocolate.

A few things at this point:

- my feet started to hurt because the thick socks eventually contributed to blood flow constriction. (note to self: comfy shoes, always...)

- I've gotten Ross into the mission of mailing out post cards from the Eiffel so it would have that special stamp.

We got home and slept soundly that night.

ROME - Getting lost 2.2

1 December, 2011 - Thursday
Roma Italy
Second full day

I decided t head back to the Vatican, at the piaza, I sat down next to one of the columns to catch up on some writing. I sat next to a slender old man in a brown vest. After which I ended up meeting to elderly ladies from Manila who was there're for official visit with COA. We took pictures of each other.

I decided to take on the 500 plus hike up the Coppola of San Pietro. Man that was nuts. The steps kept on coming... I could have paid an extra 2 euros to use an elevator half way up the base of the coppola. Didn't. The view from the cage on the base of the Coppola was great. But then i saw mor steps going up which followed.

The steps took me higher and higher through narrowing corridors and halls and windows. You will realize that you are close to the to when the walls start bending to the right for you..

More steps and then a spiral staircase. Voila! Rome and everything else in front of you.

Upon coming down, I went into a chapel on the right side of the cathedral to pray more. I then after exiting, decided to do the trek to castel sant Angelo. There's wasnt much to see there. It was stepping into time though, looking through archer holes and imagining how it was like. From there I made my way to piazza novono. There was a Christmas market there. Along the way I walked through the pretty narrow streets of central Rome and stopped by different shops. When I got t the piazza, started looking for trinkets and saw some.

I then proceeded to walk to the Spanish steps after realizing that there was no metro between them. I got there and chaos. Lol there were people everywhere. Nice.

I met Niña at the cafe Greco. Apparently a very old shop. From there we went t the piazza del popolo to have dinner and drinks. Walked some more and talked about many things. We ended up finding our way to venneza and then the colosseum at night. When we realized that it was late and that we were tired, we then went back to the termini to get back home to our own places.

NEXT

PARIS - Getting lost 1.2

Day 1
25 November, 2011
London Saint Pancras to Paris Nord

Arrived in Paris Nord via the euro star.

The density of civilization gave away the clues to getting close to Paris. From the train station we took a bus to our hotel. Michele, our guide was quite embarrassed when our first 30 minutes was spent in traffic. She said that arriving during rush hour was a great introduction to the real Paris.

Check in was quick. I insisted that i needed to shower first before heading out. At this point I've been up around 48 hours. We all met downstairs to proceed to the champs élysées. I had to peel off from the group to pick up my Paris pass from the hard rock cafe. As I emerged from the Metro station, I smiled and thought t myself that I was really in Paris. The scape was similar to the New York, San Francisco and Chicago. But it was in French, it was cosmopolitan. People dressed well walked by beggars, the miserables. I practiced my first French phrase at the hard rock... "excuse moi, vous parlez anglais?" this allowed me to procure my Paris pass.

I took the metro again to get to the Franklin Roosevelt station along the champs élysées. From the stop, through the thousands who were there I started looking for my friends.

I found them. I did! Near the arc de triomphe. They were there with tripods and cameras. I really wanted to go up the arc. But maybe next time. We then proceeded to get to see the tower. The metro took us to the trocadero station. As soon as we emerged from underground, we were given the poplar view of the tower. It was grand. A sight to see. I had lost my companions while we were taking photos. They went to meet chuck at the tower. From there I decided to head back on my own to the hotel to catch a well need rest. Called it a night.

NEXT

ROME - Getting lost 2.1

30 November, 2011 Wednesday
Rome, Italy
The beehive hostel
First full day in Rome

Jean Luca was a tall slender man who see very softly but with clear English words and subtle hand movements. He was the cook in the basement cafe of the beehive. He prepared my meal and served it with care. After my meal, I called up Emanuel.

"jab, why you didn't tel me you were coming? I wanted to get everyone read and the whole city ready for you..." we agreed to meet for dinner that evening.

I went to pick u a Roma pass for 25€. I then proceeded to the Vatican. On the line A getting off the ottaviano station you will get immediately the sense of how crazy morning Rome is. The crowd moved in such a violent rush into the trains.

I found my sa eventually to the Vatican entrance - as soon as Saint Peters square opened up to me - all I could call on was God. I was able to absorb that moment fairly quickly. I then decided to follow the queue to the entrance.

What happened next was a feeling ive never ever felt before.

A few steps into the cathedral, an overwhelming sense of great power took over. The immerses structure was too much for my to take in. I started crying... I've been saying in the past Few weeks that "anything is attainable..." I was in the cathedral made by mans hand. However, all I can think about was that it was impossible for man to this this without the power of faith. I am in n way preaching... But I do believe that man alone cannot be capable of such a structure without a divine hand of guidance.

As soon as I found a place to kneel and pray, I dropped my things and started to pray. 20 minutes might have passed and was sniffling and crying as I prayed, praised and gave thanks.

I spent around 2 hours absorbing the great building was in.

After the Vatican, I picked up some stamps and post cards. I was writing on the cards in the middle of the piazza when I met about 8 teenag girls all shooting in film. All lovely girls who were very very Italian. I then walked down the street grab a pizza. I the shop I ordered my meal and it turned out that the guy I was speaking to the whole time was Filipino. Haha

Getting lost in the streets of Rome was a good habit. I ended up walking int commanding, a popular place for people to buy religious gifts and stuff. I went to town in comandini.

After a quick snack decided to go to the Vatican museum to get to the Sistine chapel. Breezing through the collections I was determined to go see the great chapel... Did and was able to take some photos.

I went back home to the hostel to relax and wait for the time to meet with Emanuel. They had picked me up at the termini and being a gracious guest and brought me to have dinner at an American restaurant... Haha

After dinner with Emanuel the Romano and lovely the napolitano they took me to an overlooking part of town to see Rome.

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PARIS Getting Lost 1.6

En Route to Roma-fumiccino airport.
Vueling airlines
November 29, 2011 (Tuesday)

Seeing Paris is such an amazing experience. A piece of you is left there and it's replaced by a more enlightened spirit that appreciates more of life. Did i discover joie de vivre while I was there? I think I did. I think i saw a glimpse of it, was sure it was it and got close enough for an autograph.

Many things ran through my mind including how t create a lifestyle that will allow me to come visit again not ad a tourist but as a should that needs a refill of some Paris. I think I have an idea. Just need some divine intervention and lots of hard work.

The history-both good and bad is something that the French keep and showcase. Much as they acknowledge that they are rude sometimes, bad drivers (park everywhere and have that god awful twelve lane arc de triomphe roundabout) they proudly show it to the world and rightly so I think.

Its hairy balls out, but balls out nonetheless. The French had Voltaire, Renoir, Monet, Bonaparte, Hugo, Dumas and many others. Borrowed da Vinci at one point and had relations with the Russians, Egyptians, Spanish, war with the Prussians, Germans and their own proletariat (or bourgeoise depending on how you see it).

Visiting France requires that you bring with you a companion that appreciates it beyond the possibility of being able to post photos on Facebook standing in front of the many locations. One must be able to speak with that companion and dissect the history, correct each others errors on knowledge, disagree on many things, agree on others, has a good grasp of history and is both appreciative and critical of where you had both come from.

Paris is not just surface tourism. Like Las Vegas. It's more skin deep. It's more than just something to see - but something that you ingest and take in. It's a lot to take in too mind you.

Find someone who does not question why having cafe creme while watching the world go by you is a good experience. Someone who finds walking an exercise for the heart and soul not for the calves. A friend that is open to learning a few words and phrases and is not scared to speak to a local. Someone who drinks. Imbibes. Find someone who's not on a diet.

Paris has a lot of surprises in store - you don't just share photos online to people. One must encourage people to see it. You have 3 countries to visit before you die? Put Paris on that list.

This was my first non English speaking country to visit. I must say that it was quite nice to hear many conversations around you but could note eavesdrop since you can't understand them. Technically my second country in Europe, having passed through the UK. Would I want to see more of France? Of course, but still think I've not gotten enough of Paris yet.

PARIS - Getting Lost 1.5

29 november, 2011
Paris, France -
heading to Rome in the evening

Packed up and ready to go. The itinerary for today was to head to the Eiffel to send out some mail. After frolicking there and took photos, we decided to head the Latin quarter to see the pantheon and have lunch.

The pantheon housed the great dead French peeps. I was able to pay my respects to Voltaire, Marie Curie, Victor Hugo and Alexander Dumas.

We had lunch at a wonderful street side cafe with a wonderful garçon who entertained and charmed us. Steak for everybody!

We got back to Timhotel in time. I've split up from the group to take the train to the airport to catch my flight to Rome.

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PARIS - Getting Lost 1.3

26, November 2011
Timhotel, Clichy, Paris, France
2nd day in France (first full day)

Sleep I thought, at this point will make or break me. My body has no idea of the time but knows that after a few hours without the sun, it ill soon fall into a sub-coma-tic state and I'll beg for a bed. However, the adrenalin, the excitement and just being away meant that sleep will be an a flyer thought.

Breakfast downstairs saves euros. However, somehow I that it would cost me the cafe creme at a bistro in france experience. Sometimes, convenience becomes inconvenient.

We hopped on our bus for our morning in Paris overview. This is pre-emotive to our hike out to Versailles. On the bus, Michel provided a mix of historical and "today" information. It is b the way, Paris. A very sheik and modern world nestled on a plush bed of history. We drove by the arc du triomph again, drove b the Ritz (noted as the place where princess dianna stayed before she died). We also were shown the riverside attractions -Sein, Alexander bridge, place de la concorde,musee d orsay,the louvre, grand palais,the petit palace and notre dame. To be able to see a general overview of the city is suggested. I would be easier to figure our logistics and itinerary after.

After a brief stop by the Eiffel, we then drove outside of Paris to the palace of Versailles. I will not provide the history of this since this is something that is available somewhere else.

Versailles. Pomp and extravagance. This place is beyond words. It really is. It rivals any modern architecture and logical thinking. I can't fathom how someone can think of a place like this and actually do it.

We had fun at Versailles. It was an introduction to the fact that wee will wear out our feet for the next few days. We also had time to go downtown to grab a bite to eat and see the local market and locals in action or interaction.

We went back to the hotel to regroup and re-arm. That evening, we went back to the Eiffel and took the Sein river boat tour. There wasn't that much that we haven't seen but from the river it was different. We saw the Parisians walk along the walls on the Sein, they were sitting, kissing, talking and drinking.

From the river tour, even though we knew we were all hungry and tired-we went up the montparnasse tower to see a different view of Paris. We then all enjoyed a nice dinner at this restaurant called the hippo.

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ROME - Getting Lost 2.4

3 December 2011
Roma, italia
Last day

Packing got easier round this point. After figuring that part out, joined m roommates for breakfast, we exchAnged facebooks and told them they are welcome in las Vegas.

I then went to the Vatican again t meet up with Nina. This allowed melt catch up on some writing. Oddly, the man who was sitting there was there again and I think he noticed me.

Met with Nina, had lunch, bought some things and then went back to the termini area to finalize my packing. We had another round of coffee before making a buzzer beater run to catch my train to fumiccino. Nina packed me with so much stuff from cheeses to wine to chocolates. I'm really worried at how I'll be able to take ths back to the states.

My flight was cancelled.

But I still decided to go to the check in counter. The ground attendant said, we can rebook you on an earlier flight that leaves in an hour and will get you to heathrow... I was happy.

ROME Getting lost 2.3

2 December, 2011
Rome Italy
3rd full day in Rome.

At this point, I've come to be familiar with my roommates. Specifically Lindsey from Canada, jean from Australia, Alan from Manchester and max from Toronto, originally from Vancouver. We shared stories and tips in the morning and went on our separate ways.

That day I decided to start my morning at piazz spagns I grabbed a coffee at the mcdonalds, ate on the steps and started my walk. I went in the church on to of the piazza and found my way into the gardens past the spagns area towards piaza del popolo. I spent a good 2 hours at the piaza del popolo looking at people and taking photos.

I then took the metro to the Trevi. There, the weekend crowd started to become evident. Tons of people there. After mine Trevi, I started my way to the forum. My main goal was the coloseo. I grabbed a quick snack then spent the afternoon in and around the colosseum. I gave myself enough time to be able to head back t get some rest at the beehive before meeting with Nina to have dinner.

After dinner near the termini area, we went to the piazza novona to buy more trinkets many grab a drink at a local place. At this point, I was sold
I the fact that the bus was also a great way to see Rome...

We retired after catching up on stories and our past.

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ROME Getting lost 1.5.2

29 November, 2011
Rome, Italy
First night in Rome

The arrival was uneventful. The luggage was ready in minutes. I followed the signs that said shuttle busses to the Termini.

I didn't realize how central the termini was to Rome. I also didn't realize how close the beehive was to the termini. On the bus, I heard a gentleman ask an Italian man about a hotel. The Italian obviously didn't speak English. I asked the man if he needed a hotel because I was staying at the hostel and he can go there with me.

His name was Richard, from Australia. He just came from the netherlands, couched surfed with cousins there for a few weeks. He explained to me that the next day he would be headed to a farm outside of work where he will be working there're in exchange for lodging. The man who owns the farm was the cousin of another man he met when he was in Mexico looking the crystal caves. He said that he met this man on the bus and offered him a place to stay. Richard offered to pay for the food and drinks while he was there.

My roommates where there in their beds when I got in. Max, Asian. Student from Toronto originally from Vancouver and this blonde girl from Colorado. I introduced myself and after gathering my self told max that I will go and grab a drink. We asked Colorado girl to join us.

At the tavern, we shared a pitcher of new castle. Our conversations were merely sweeping generalities of our past few days talking about the places we've visited. Colorado girl has been working in farms, had been studying sustainable farming and grows marijuana back home. Richard, is just one of those vagabonds who's been everywhere but is obviously hiding the reason as to how he can lead that bohemian life.

Colorad girl soon left after the first pitcher. Richard and I then ordered another full ne and started talKing about everything or from our past, our families and the quality of life and the people we meet.

Our conversation lasted another hour when we decided to call it a night. We went back to the beehive to call it a night.

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Las Vegas - London - Paris Getting Lost 1.1

Fight from Charlotte, NC to London-Gatwick
November 25, 2011 2000H PST

I worked at the chapel last night. It was very slow to say the least. I did make some good money, more that usual when it's that slow so I'm not really complaining.

As soon as I got off, I went to fetch my mom and aunt so we can go to the outlet malls for black Friday. When we got there, peeled off from them to go get the things that I needed. I went to see lyss, she was working at Adidas. Seeing hear makes me happy. I'm very proud of her. How she is right now.

At around 2am, I started feeling tired. I got back home to my apartment in time to watch an episode of House and New Girl. During which I repacked and see how my carry on would do. At first I really wanted to take with me my yashica tlr, but I decided against it due to space and weight.

At exactly 530, we were at the airport. I was checked in and passed security in 20 minutes. I had my Cinnabon and coffee and watched the sunrise from the gate.

They flight to Charlotte was pity uneventful. I was seat A and had to uncomfortably wait for the final 30 minutes before I told my neighbors I needed to go.

Charlotte was pleasant. The sky was clear, it was a cool fall afternoon. The airport was spacious and not really gigantic. The also had rocking chairs. I grabbed a Philly cheesesteak and proceeded to wait at the gates.

And now for the flight to London.


Saint Pancras international Station
November 26, 2011 1030H London time

I took several cat naps on the flight. Oddly enough, those were sufficient to keep me running since I woke up Thursday morning. I'm still in the same clothes, yeah-I won't shower till Paris but hey, backpacking right?

The flight was uncomfortable. Wait, I was uncomfortable. I should've taken knock out pills to get some decent sleep. My back is acting up again. Although its not annoying, what's upsetting me is that it's a sign of aging. I can only be stronger, I keep telling myself.

The flight landed right before sunrise. We waited for the luggage for about 45 minutes. I was able to get some local currency from the ATM. (note to self, eat your own food, don't buy too much).

I was given different instructions as to how to get to saint pancras. I kne that I needed to get a surface train. On the platform, I met a gentleman named Ralph, he said he's visited the US several times and enjoyed it, but not las vegas. He was probably an immigrant from somewhere in Africa but have lived here a long time given the accent. He works with web development, a topic we briefly talked about.

The train ride from Gatwick to the Victoria underground station reminded me of the long island express from JFK to manhattan.

I could not stand being underground. Even though could have followed the signs to saint pancras, decided to get out and see everything. It wasn't as cold as I thought or I was warned it would be. It's pleasant actually. Overcast of course, much like Seattle or Los Angeles during the rainy season. Damp. Humid.

I found the toilet and freshened up. I decided to pack my down jacket and stay with the shirt, tie and vest. As soon as I got connected to wifi, I was able to phone Ross and let him know I was here.

Saint Pancras is enormous. I have only my point and shoot to take pics with. This will do for now.

Now I wait for Ross and co. One more hour. Maybe I'll go out for a walk.


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