Balogna, a Surprising Treat!

Bologna has the longest porticoes in the world (or porch). Basically every building in the center of Bologna has this covered pathway. This pathways are great because it makes for a great walking path all year round.


These covered pathways go for over 24 miles around the city. One path goes up to the highest point of the city, and it is a great but tough hike. And we did this hike which went for almost 3 miles. 😂😂😂

My friend Davide said it’s an easy hike- of course it is for a 6 footer, 22 year old. It was humid and we were sweating!!!

However, I am so proud we reached the top- the view was beyond truly spectacular. We saw the sunset from here. Then on our way back, Davide suggested “Let’s hike down now.”

I was like “I already called an uber”  And the Mercedes uber arrived in 5 minutes. That is my kind of hiking. 😂


 

Live in a Winery

When you visit Northern Italy, there are so many vineyards that offer accommodations. Sometimes you could rent the entire vineyard for group trips or just one or two rooms within the compound.

This winery has eight villas and a massive house that fits 10 people. We just rented one of the villas that has two bedrooms. It was beyond spacious (about 1,200 square feet)

Surprisingly, it is not that expensive to stay in a winery. Last year, 10 of us rented a villa for $1200 a night. (That’s only $120/person per night). And you can also hire a private chef to visit the Villa, and a spa team for massages.

There are also some bougie villas that rent for $2500 to $4000 per night. A good friend owns one and it is stunning.

This particular villa that we’re staying at is not that expensive. It is located in Vinci, Italy which is not that far from Florence (40 minutes). We are also in near a major town that has a grocery store and restaurants. (Some villas are literally in the middle of nowhere).

However, you will need a car because wineries are normally in the middle of nowhere. Some wineries offer car service but that’s extra.

Car rentals in Italy are inexpensive- they start at about €35 a day. Make sure that you get insurance because Italian drivers are something else.

It is very easy to drive here- but some of roads are winding. There’s also no traffic here. Just need to stick to the speed limit because there are many cameras around. I have gotten half a dozen tickets in Italy in the past 15 years. 😂😂😂 but they are only €80 as opposed to LA, which is like $500 for speeding.

Next time you visit Italy, I hope you consider staying in a winery like this or a private villa. It is such a great experience.

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Rimini Revealed: A Coastal Gem of History, Culture, and Sun-Kissed Shores

We were supposed to be in Bologna for 4 days but changed plans because I wanted John to experience beaches in Italy. We picked Rimini, just an hour drive from Bologna because it was the closest beach to Bologna.

Stayed in Rimini for 2 days and we both love it here. It is my first time, and Rimini and Riccione are both so charming.

They have tourists here but mostly Italians from other cities. I heard that this is considered a party beach town- but summer vacation is almost over for Italians so what’s left are older couples on vacation. 😂😂
(Where are the hot Italians??? 😡😡😡😂)

Rimini, a charming coastal city in Italy, is famed for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Located along the Adriatic Sea, it boasts a rich history that dates back to Roman times, with ancient ruins still visible throughout the city. One of the most notable landmarks is the Arch of Augustus, which stands as a testament to Rimini’s historical significance. The city’s bustling promenade is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering visitors a taste of authentic Italian cuisine and local delicacies.

  • Beyond the beach, the nearby hills offer picturesque landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling. Families can enjoy attractions like the Italia in miniatura theme park, showcasing miniature replicas of Italy’s most famous landmarks.

The local culture is vibrant, with seasonal festivals that celebrate everything from food to music, providing a glimpse into the Italian way of life. As the sun sets, Rimini transforms into a lively hub, with beach clubs and bars offering entertainment well into the night. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Rimini offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

I will definitely come back here- I love it! The town is very clean, orderly and somewhat classy, but not overly bougie like Positano or Capri with their mega yachts.

If I were to move to Italy, I wouldn’t mind moving here. They have a decent sized airport here, a nice mall, several McDonalds (Hey, I need my Big Mac once in a while LOL), and hospitals (important when you’re my age 😂). You also have easy access to wineries and beautiful cities like Bologna, Venice and Florence.

When In Rome …

I have a private driver in Rome named Chito and he is Filipino. He is really knowledgeable about the city. He used to be a seminarian in the Philippines, so he is familiar with the history of religion.

Everytime my family goes to Rome, we hire him to drive us around to all the major pilgrimage and shopping sights.

He has a van that can accommodate 8 people. I love having a private driver because I can tell him exactly what I want to see. For instance, I was really craving Filipino food, so he took us to one. (John rolled his eyes the entire time).

He is so inexpensive. He only charged me €200 for 5 hours (for up to 8 people). If you sign up to a Viator tour group, they generally charge €130 per person. So it is cheaper to have a private driver if you have more than 2 passengers.

If you ever visit Rome, let me know, and I could give you his information.


 

What’s Cooking Good Looking?

When I’m in Europe, sometimes I attend cooking classes. They are really not that expensive and they are fun, you get to meet interesting people, and you get a meal out of it.

I booked this class on Viator and it is for two hours, and they taught us how to make pizza from scratch and tiramisu. After the class, we sat down with other students and they served wine with what we cooked.

All these for only €55. If you think about it, a pizza, wine and dessert in Italy what cost you around €26. So it is definitely worth it because I got to learn a new skill. The food was really amazing.

You can book a similar class on Viator and read reviews about the class. 

 

Italy vs Greece: Battle of the Real Estate

About two years ago, I went home from Greece and excitedly asked John if we can buy a house in Greece. He counter offered Italy instead. Because Italy is his favorite country.

I reasoned that I love Italy too, but we have so many friends in Greece and I feel like we have a community here. And we do not speak a word of Italian but many Greeks speak English. And if we ever need anything, we can reach out to our Greek friends and they can help us.

He then reasoned that houses in Italy are much cheaper, and we can use it year-round. Whereas the islands in Greece are pretty much shut down the entire winter. I told him that a villa in Tuscany is so boring after three days. The nearest supermarket is 20 minutes away. 😡😡

Last year I prepared an entire business plan to build a small hotel here. I have also lined up a few interested investors. But that it’s on hold because he really wants Italy. 😂😂😂

Last year, I bought a house in the Philippines without telling him. 😂😂😂 He gave me the cold shoulders for two weeks. (He never gets mad at me 😡😂). If I was not the one feeding him, he would probably kick me out.

I seriously blame my mother for this. My mother used to buy land and houses without telling my father.
My dad had no idea. A typical wife hide shoe purchases from their husbands, my mother bought land. 😂😂

“Greece vs Italy” — It is a topic we do not discuss in our house. 😂😂 We are still at an impasse.

Olympics Closing Ceremonies Recap


This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Paris, not just to soak in the sights and culture, but to attend the 2024 Olympics as a spectator. As someone who has always been fascinated by sports and the spirit of competition, this journey was a dream come true! I have attended the Rio and London Olympics and now, Paris.

 

 

**Arriving in the City of Light**

Stepping off the plane at ORLY Airport, I felt the excitement in the air. Paris was buzzing with energy, and the anticipation of the Olympic Games added to the city’s allure. My first day was spent wandering through the cobbled streets, sipping coffee at a quaint café, and taking in the breathtaking architecture that the city is renowned for. The Eiffel Tower, the Seine River, and the charming neighborhoods were all alive with the spirit of the Games.

I am traveling with my friend Miranda from Ottawa and we met up with our other friends- Jana, Justin, Romain, Xavier and Priscilla.

**The Thrill of the Events**

As the days progressed, we attended a variety of events, from track, waterpolo, football, and field to synchronized swimming. The atmosphere in the stadiums was electric! The roar of the crowd, the cheers for athletes from around the world, and the stunning performances were nothing short of mesmerizing. We remember watching a thrilling gold medal football game between USA and Brazil, where the tension was palpable. When USA won, the stadium erupted in applause, uniting fans in a shared moment of joy.

The bronze medal match between the US and Hungary was also very intense. It was a tie match until the end. The teams had to do a shootout with USA winning.

**Connecting with Fellow Spectators**

One of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was meeting fellow spectators from different countries. I struck up conversations with fans from Brazil, USA, Italy and Canada, sharing our excitement and passion for the Games. It was inspiring to hear their stories and experiences, and it truly embodied the Olympic spirit of unity and camaraderie. We also had the honor of running into Earl Jones, who is a national treasure as an athlete for the US in 1984.

**The Closing Ceremony: A Night to Remember**

The closing ceremony was the highlight of my trip. The atmosphere was electric as we gathered in the iconic Stade de France. The stadium was beautifully decorated, and the performances were a vibrant celebration of culture and athleticism. The athletes marched in, proudly displaying their medals and waving to the crowd. The sense of achievement and joy was palpable. We paid $1750 for the tickets. It was incredible.

As the final act unfolded, fireworks lit up the night sky, and I couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotion wash over me. It was a poignant reminder of the hard work, dedication, and dreams that brought so many incredible athletes to this moment. I was fortunate enough to meet a few athletes after the ceremony, sharing quick conversations and taking photographs. Their humility and passion were inspiring, and it was a privilege to connect with them, even if just for a fleeting moment.

**Reflecting on an Amazing Journey**

As I packed my bags to return home, I reflected on the unforgettable experiences I had in Paris. The Olympics showcased not just athletic prowess, but also the beauty of global connection and unity. I returned with cherished memories, new friendships, and a renewed appreciation for the spirit of competition and togetherness.

Paris, with its stunning sights and vibrant atmosphere, will always hold a special place in my heart, especially as the backdrop for such an extraordinary event. I can’t wait for the next Olympic Games—who knows where my journey might take me next!

How to Get Olympic Tickets

People have been asking us how we got tickets to the Olympics. Here is how:

1) A year before each Olympic event, you need to log on to the Olympics website of your country. You create an account and create a wish list of the events that you would like to see. We paid for our tickets in May 2023.

2) There will be a raffle and you will be notified a month later if you get the opportunity to buy tickets to the events that you want to see.

3) Once you win this raffle, you have to buy your tickets within a few days.

COST: Each event vary in cost. It really depends on the size of the venue. Athletics and Football are normally held in massive stadiums so the tickets are cheaper at around $100 to $300.

Swimming, beach volleyball, diving, and water polo are held at smaller venues so the tickets are limited and therefore more expensive and harder to buy.

For Paris, opening ceremony tickets were $2,800, Closing Ceremonies for $1750.

This is the general rule for Olympics. They vary a little bit per host country. When I was at the London Olympics, finding tickets was incredibly difficult. I only got to see three events. For the Rio Olympics, it was very easy. Many of the locals cannot afford the price of the tickets so they became available.

For the Paris Olympics, it was also rather easy. We were able to get six tickets. We also won the rights to purchase for opening and closing ceremonies.

If you’re planning to go to the Los Angeles Olympics, their website is already up. You can sign up as early as now for updates- www.LA28.org

The Road to Happiness

Eveyone’s end goal is always retirement, right?
You go to school for 22 to 28 years, then work for another 35 to 44 years. Then you can start enjoying life at 65.

I think people have this concept all wrong. By 65, you probably can’t hike that hill anymore, can’t golf as much, can’t scuba dive, and can’t party. Your body at 65 is a lot different than a 45 year old version of you. And for some people, they save all their money, and sadly don’t make it to 65.

When I was 38, I had chest pains so bad, I thought I was going to die. That’s when I realized that life can be cut short anytime. Since then, I lived my years like it was my last one.

When I was young, I have always aimed at becoming rich someday. Now, I don’t care about money as much. Experiences, adventures, friendships, charities, kindness and happiness are the core values I strive for. (Not always successful, but I always aim for them).

My mother, a planner, constant worrier and the most frugal woman I know, always worried about me. “What will happen to you when I pass?” She would always say that. And now, my sisters ask me the same question . “I will be fine,” I assured them.

Though money is important, always remember that when you pass away, no one cares about what car you drove, but they would remember how you many times you made them laugh, how you made them
feel, and how much time you spent together.

I have learned from the Dalai Lama that one’s goal in life should not be to be rich, but to be happy. And the only way you get there is through contentment.

Happiness is not just a fleeting emotion, but an essential aspect of our well-being. It is the fuel that propels us forward, giving us the strength to overcome challenges and embrace life’s joys. Striving to be happy is not a selfish pursuit. When we prioritize our own happiness, we become better equipped to spread positivity and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Remember that happiness is not a destination to be reached, but a journey to be embraced, and let us strive for it with unwavering determination and gratitude.

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Asakusa is Tokyo’s Best Area

My family ranks Japan in their Top 3 favorite countries- except for me. I have been there 6 times and never understood the fascination until my recent trip. I never used to like it because for me, Tokyo looks like New York, but with Japanese writings on the buildings. I have always thought that Japan lacked culture unlike Bali.

 

However, during our last visit, we stayed in Asakusa. It was my first time there and I fell in love with it immediately .

Asakusa retains the vibe of an older Tokyo, with traditional craft shops and street-food stalls along Nakamise Street near the ancient Sensō-ji temple. Mid-19th-century Hanayashiki amusement park has rides and cafes, while riverside Kuritsu Sumida Park hosts regular festivals and firework displays.

I would get lost in alleys lined with traditional stores selling kimonos, silk fabrics, Japanese wares, etc. This is how I imagined Japan.

If you’re ever in Tokyo, I recommend you stay in this area.