Mount Pico de Loro Climb, Batangas, Philippines

After our Trek in Mount Pinatubo last December 2014, we decided to try another mountain in Luzon which is famous for first timers. Mount Pico de Loro which is also known as Mount Palay-Palay is a dormant volcano located in Cavite. It's name came from the Spanish sea-farers which means Parrot's Beak because of its shape.

Before our travel we join a tour group which was organized by Cheaptravel.ph. Not knowing who will be the people in the tour group we give it a go as the tour/trek is cheap as well. It was a very smooth transaction with this travel agency. They reply fast and they will try to cater to all your needs as soon as they can. 

Our day started with meeting the drivers in Mcdonald's near SM MOA at 6:00 am. The tour group mostly is consist of college students to young adults who are ready to start their journey. 2 hours passed by and the driver dropped us in the Major jump-off point: DENR Station Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite. A tour guide will then brief you on the path that the trekkers will be taking, things needed to do and not to do. 

From the jump off point we started our trek in slippery rocks area where a path has been made by the locals to help people with the ease of trekking

A small stream which captured our eyes can be found at the beginning of the trek

After hours of trekking we reached a point where a view could be observed. We did not notice that we were already this high since the path that we took is more on trees 

Branches were used by some (like me) to help them go up and down of steep areas like this. One must be very careful 

After 2 hours, we finally reached the summit where there were tents being set up. I saw some UP Mountaineers (from my school) and veteran mountaineers whom we had the chance to chat with 

There are currently two Sari-sari Stores in the summit. You can buy there from there wide array of coffee to noodles. They also have Rice meals, Toilet Necessities like shampoo and soap which the campers who forgot their toiletries can buy. To add to the rice meals, Halo-halo and Mais Con Yelo are also serve here 

At the summit

The popular Monolith. It was hard for me already to climb and go down the summit to the point that I want somebody to carry me down. It is the very steep and there were no safety ropes you can hold onto. It is only the grass which can help you survive. I did not dare try to climb the monolith as it is much harder and steeper so kudos to those people who were able to conquer their fears.

This family has been going up Mount Pico De Loro for countless of times already. I admire the fact that they climb together. The mother of the family told me that their son loves nature. It's either trekking or swimming in the falls for them. Someday I would like my family to be like there's as well. Kids are more involve and exposed rather than staying at home playing video games. 

View from the top. A magnificent view indeed 

Tired like crazy! But it was so fun. A few stops on our way to eat or have a water break. For us it's to take selfie 

Sometimes you just have to connect with the nature and appreciate what money cannot buy. 

The only place where I know I can look at and climb at. I know someday I can conquer my fear of heights. I just hope that it will happen soon so I could climb more mountains and jump from falls 

Now I know why people do love to climb and experience nature. I hope this will not be our last climb.

Dublin, Ireland

After 1 week in Naas, my workmate in Malaysia said that she will also be coming to Ireland. So when I found out that I was extending my stay, I quickly got in touch with Anie as soon as I can. Since my flight that time was on a Friday night we still have one day to become a tourist. I went to her hotel and spent my night there since the airport is just nearby.

 

Since Friday is still a working day. I waited for Anie to finish her meeting in the morning. Our half day touristy adventure started during lunch time, where she took me to one of her favourite

restaurants in Dublin. 

 

 

 

 

Peacock Green

 

Peackock Green is a small restaurant, located in Lord Edward Street, Dublin, is a small restaurant where pasta, pastries and cakes are freshly made. The restaurant only have a sitting capacity of 10-15 people. The ambiance in my opinion is one of the main reasons why people return to this place. It has that homey and relaxing ambiance where one could just spend their afternoon in and drink their cup of tea. The overcrowded wall full of paintings, printed images and cross-stitch, comfortable sofas and those lovely throw pillows would make you feel so relaxed.

 

The food is so lovely and healthy. Another thing to try in this cafe is their signature hot chocolate which Anie reccommended. It has the rich frothy thick chocolatey taste that you will always drink in this cold weather.

A wall full of memorabilias

Anie Bananie scheduling our half day touristy event

Lovely design outside of their cafe/restaurant

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Anie has been in Ireland couple of times already so I knew that I am in good hands and we would not get lost around the city. Our first stop is the famous St. Patrick's Cathedral. Known also as The National Catheddral and Collegiate Church of St. Patrick,  It is the largest church in Ireland which is 140 feet. This historical place is built in honour of Ireland's patron saint St. Patrick where he baptised converts during hhis visit in Dublin.

Built in 1191, the cathedral is open to the public as an architectural and historical sight. Before entering, a € 6.00 fee must be paid for adults. The architectural designs depicts the 18th century design which was recently restored. I am not by anyfar an art major but the display tells you the history of Catholisism in Ireland.




Courtyard where peoople can just sit and feed the birds

Inside the St. Patrick church

A small area where you light a candle and say your personal prayer to the Lord

Reminds me of the hall in the Harry Potter movie

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is designed as a major defensive work by Fitzhenry on the orders of King John of England during the 1204. It has strong walls and good ditches for the defence of the city, administration of justice and protection of the King's treasure. It has the Norman design courtyard central square bounded by tall defensive walls.

A € 6.50 ticket price is required to be purchased for all tourists. The Dublin Castle has a land area of 11 acres containing 2 museums, 2 cafes, international coference center where deligates and government officials can have their national meeting, 2 gardens, Government Buildinga nd Apartments.

Central Square, Dublin Castle. Surrounded by stong walls as a protection of the city

 

Ticket prices

Postcards from different times

State Drawing Room
Builty in the 1830s, the State Drawing Room is used as the main reception room of the Lord Lieutenant and his family. Today this room is used for the reception of foreign dignitaries. This room was reconstructed for it was destroyed by fire in 1941.  

With Anie Bananie

 

Throne Room
Originally built as the Battleaxe Hall in the 1740s, it was converted to a Presence Chamber around 1790. The regal decoration dates from that time and from alterations in the 1830s. It contains a throne built for the visit of King George IV to Ireland in 1821. (from WKPD)



 

Trinity College

 

 

The most famous University in Dublin is the Trinity College. Inside the College is where you can find the famous Old Library and the Book of Kells. As you enter, you will be inside the building first where a shop is situated and where you could buy a ticket. The personnel in the ticket booth was kind enough to give us a discount as he thought that the two of us are students studying in Trinity. Instead of paying € 10.00, we only paid € 9.00 because of the kind hearted man.

 

 

The Book of Kells is a 9th century gospel manuscript which could be found in the bible. It has four Gospels which is written in Latin on a vellum (calfskin). The Book of Kells has been in the Old Library from 19th century. Only two gospels are currently displayed in the museum: one to show the two pages of the script and the other one opened to display the decorated pages. I did not have any pictures inside the Book of Kells as you are not allowed to take any kind of photography.

 

As you go up you will notice a change in ambiance which depicts that you are now entering the Old Library. The main chamber of the Old Library is called the Long Room which is 65 metres in length and filled with 200,000 books of the library's oldest books. Built during the 18th century is has a flat plaster ceiling and book shelves from the floor to the ceiling. You will also notice 14 busts of well know philosophers, writers and men connected with Trinity College. which was commissioned during 1743 by the famous sculptor Peter Scheemakes.

 



Map of the Trinity College

The spiral staircase which will take the old students to the upper part of the library. People are not allowed to go upstairs or inside the bookshelves to protect the displays

Old Library: Long Room
The main attraction in the Old Library, where you could see the old books, book shelves, staircases used to get the books from the upper part of the book shelves and bust of famous people

Naas, Ireland

I had the chance to visit Ireland early January this year for work. Beside it being the first country that I have ever visited in Europe, it was also my first time to experience below 5 C RT. It was freezing cold during my 2 week stay in Ireland. My mom told me that I will survive with 3 layers of clothing but no I can still feel the coldness penetrating my skin. You need 5 layers of clothing! (Well I am used to 25 to 30 C RT in Asia). 

During my 2 week stay in Ireland, I stayed in Naas where my work is based. My colleague, Arianna is the one who has been there to accompany me wherever I wanted to go after work. I truly enjoy her company as she is the one who I can consider one of my mentors when it comes to work. :-) 

Since the reason why I went to Ireland is because of work, I did not manage to see it as much as I can. But my colleagues made a point that I can at least taste good decent food. 

So what is their speciality? And the answer is.... BEEF! According to my colleagues they have the best Beef in the world and they produce nutritious and delicious milk because their cows are one of the happiest cows in the world. They have abundant resource of greenery which cows consumes. I know it does not sound realistic but even though it is a bit funny it has some truth in their  explanation. 

I stayed in two hotels since I my stay was extended for a week more: Osprey Hotel and Kilashee Hotel. 

1. Killashee House Hotel and Spa 

Build during the 1861, Killashee was one of the oldest hotels still standing in Ireland. It has a total of 280 acres of land where one can enjoy just walking around their gardens or spending time in their spa area.  I did not manage to take photo or roam around Killashee as we have a very tight schedule. 

Killashee’s facade. This is just part of their hotel. Rooms are not situated here but in another building

Love that 1800s style windows and wallpaper

2. Osprey Hotel + Spa 

Unlike Killashee, Osprey is a newly built hotel near our workplace. It is close to all major routes and shopping areas. What I personally liked about Osprey is their to die for bath and shower. The bathroom is as big as the room which is unlike the other hotels I stayed in. They also made me experience what is the real “Irish Breakfast”. That big hearty meal with potatoes, bacon, baked beans and their famous sausages. I guess eating the Irish Breakfast is the main reason why I gained weight. 

The perfect example of an Irish Breakfast plate

Braised Lamb Shank: Braising juice, root vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes from the Osprey’s Statler Bar (€14.50)

Food Food nothing but Food 

During my first night my colleagues brought me to Lawlor’s where you can find the best Steak on the stone. Basically the uncooked beef stake is placed on top of a hot stone where you wait for it to be cooked. Serving you while it is literally just cooked or hot. 

8 oz Irish Fillet Steal on the Stone- You can choose exactly how to cook your steak. With homemade fresh fries (chips as they call it) Pepper Sauce, Garlic Butter, and Wholegrain mustard mayo (€23.95)

With my lovely colleagues who has been there to show me around and eat in Naas from the first to the last day of my stay :-) 

After working on a Saturday, they took me to Thatch, a restaurant recommended by them where Pulled Pork is best served. 

Thatch’s restaurant 

10 Hour Slow Roast Pulled Pork Burger (€ 13.50)

A nice plating for the dessert

Before going to work on a Sunday, Arianna took me to see the sheep and greenery of Ireland. The heard of sheep can roam freely around the vast greenery of Naas. 

Last stop to end our day after a long day at work on a Sunday. Visiting the shopping place/church in Naas. Among all the restaurants we ate in the humble Harvest Kitchen is my favourite. The simplicity of the food and the ambiance of the place captures my preference. A laid back, country kitchen restaurant where you can just read a book alone or have a nice chat with a dear friend. 

Guests can seat outside and a sheet is provided to keep them warm. I did not dare stay outside because I know even with a blanket and 5 layers of clothing, I would still feel cold 

Appreciating the beauty and simplicity of this place. They serve fresh and healthy foods

I could eat this every single day