F.B. & I had our Tagaytay Trip on Wednesday (12-31-06). The way up to Tagaytay is about 2 hours, it's up in the mountains. Saw tonnnns of palm trees, and tons of pineapple fields, they are so neat looking, spikey plants growing out of the ground, with little baby pineapples growing off the plants. We were up in Tagaytay from the 27th-29th.

We stayed at the Taal Vista Hotel. It wasn't quite at nice as the Best Western in Makati City, even though it was more expensive. The hotel in Tagaytay was more like a campus. The check in and reception halls weren't even attached to the rest of the hotel. The room part was kinda across the parking lot. F.B. & I had trouble finding our room at first, he asked someone and they were like, "I don't know." Our room was a little smaller than the Best Western, but still nice. The bathroom was bigger, but the shower was more narrow and slippery, bruised my leg up good, haha. And when we left the 'Make up room' sign on the door, and we came back later I said, "Hey we got clean towels!" But it turned out they just folded up the wet towels we had already used?!

We took lot's of pretty pictures of Lake Taal & the Taal Volcano. It was quite windy up in the mountains and much colder at night time. F & I drove around Tagaytay, up into the mountains... wayyyy up into the mountains. It looked foggy, but it was only because we were so high up it was like we were in the clouds. We were on this little narrow winding road, where there were no buildings or anything, and you could see down the mountain side. There's this sky park, where you can take a shuttle up into the mountains, but the road was really steep... and I was scared, hah, so we just drove around instead. Not so much to do up around in Tagaytay though. It's a smaller city. Lot's of places to eat around there though. We had lunch & dinner out in Tagaytay.

I came down with a sipon (cold) while we were there though. My throat was a bit scratchy before we left for Tagaytay but the next morning my throat was all sore & swollen and my nose was stuffy and runny.F.B. & I found a drugstore and got me some medicine. I'm still a bit sick, so we'll have to pick up some more at the drugstore tomorrow. We just kinda hung around at the hotel.

Tomorrow is F.B's mom's wedding anniversary, so I am taking, his mom, sister & him out to this Japanese Buffet place at one of the malls. And if we have time we may stop at a mall close to his house, so I can visit this clothing store & souvenir shop I like.

Here's some photo's from our Tagaytay trip. On the way up to Tagaytay & The hotel:

F.B. & I out back of the hotel where you can see Lake Taal & the Volcano:

F could have pushed me over the wall... but he didn't... aren't I lucky? Tee hee...

More of us:

It was kinda sunny out and we were squinting, haha:

Lake Taal & Taal Volcano:

At the hotel:

In the car (F says I looks Lasing... (drunk...) lol! It's the sun I swear!) & out to eat... and look... they have Banana Ketchup... it's pretty good, they just color it red, haha:

12-31-2006: Today F & I stopped at the mall earlier today & then later in the evening, we took his family out for dinner. It was his mom's wedding anniversary. We went Saisaki, a Japanese Buffet at one of the malls. I had some sushi there, haha. My favorite kind without raw fish, but then some with raw salmon. And other food..I tried quail eggs too... haha. They were like tiny hard boiled eggs. F & I only had two plates each though, and we were full, haha. I only have two pictures. One was at F's house. And the other his sister took of us at the buffet place. They gave away these goofy little stuffed dogs when someone ordered iced tea, so I got F's, haha. He was a purple dog.



F.B. got me a pair of jeans at my favorite store 'Kamiseta' at the mall here in the Philippines. They have rhinestones on the back pockets. I love that store, I'm a small in jeans there, hehe. Tomorrow (Er... today, it's 1am.) is New Years Eve. We're going to church around 9pm, and then having a little dinner thing back at the house here for New Years. F said it's going to sound like a war zone, with all the firecrackers and stuff. It will be 2007 here at 12am- when it's only 11am on New Years Eve Day at home.... and still 2006... weird... haha.

F.B. got a sign on his door now and we took a picture, heehee:

Christmas in the Philippines 2006:

Been in the Philippines almost 2 weeks now. On Christmas Eve, F's family has the Filipino tradition of 'Noche Buena'. Where at 12 midnight they have a Christmas dinner and exchange gifts. We went to the church, but there were so many people we were outside- it's an open kinda church so you could hear stuff, but we got tired standing for awhile and sat in the car with the windows rolled down, we could still kinda hear stuff. Then when we got back to F.B.'s house we exchanged gifts and took pictures. And then we had dinner.

Christmas we went to the Mall of Asia again and had lunch with his family. But F & I went home after lunch, we've been to the Mall of Asia 3 times now. We hung out here at his house and watched Titanic & Back to the Future, and had dinner.

Tomorrow I'm taking F out to lunch at Friday's, and then we are going to do some shopping at the supermarket & get some snacks to take to the hotel with us up in Tagaytay- we were having midnight "picnic's" when we were at the hotel in Makati City. So, Wednesday we will be heading up to the hotel in Tagaytay and coming home on the 29th. It's F.B.'s mom's anniversary on the 30th so I'm taking his family out for a buffet dinner.

Here are some new pictures:

The sign F's mom made for me- that I saw when I was at the airport. It's hanging on his sister's bedroom door for now, since I'm using the room:


F got me this cute pink Adidas bag for Christmas at the Adidas store in Greenbelt in Makati City:


Me in the doorway on Christmas Eve:


F & I exchanging Christmas Gifts:





They made us kiss for the camera... ewwwww! hahahahaha!


F.B. gave me a purty ring for Christmas:


Us on Christmas Eve before church:


MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

*~Sarah~*

This post is 13 hours behind... it's really 2:15 am on 12-26 as I'm writing this... lol!

12-27-2006:

F.B. & I went to Friday's for lunch this afternoon. I treated him, this time. Friday's is my favorite place to eat at home, so I wanted to try it in the Philippines. It's pretty much the same, just a few different menu items. I had some chicken fingers & F had some fish and we shared onion rings & my margarita which made me a bit... hilo... (dizzy.) Then we shared dessert. We ate too much... ackkkk I was so full tonight. Then we stopped at the mall to pick up some stuff for our trip to Tagaytay. We are leaving tomorrow around 11pm or so, because check in up at Taal Vista Hotel is 2pm. We'll be heading back to F's house on the 29th. Here's some newer pictures:

My margarita... it made me a bit dizzy, lol... and they don't even card you at the Friday's in the Philippines:


Our dessert we shared.... yum. haha:


Me in F.B.'s car, while he checked the air in the car tires:


Called my family last night to wish them a Merry Christmas. It was 12pm there on Christmas day & about 1am on the 26th when I called. Mom said "F's a true gentleman." Let's see.... he opens the car door for me... and if I try to get out myself he complains. He buckles my seatbelt for me sometimes. I have to force him to pay for movies or lunch sometimes... bad boy. He cuts my meat for me sometimes, if I can't get it... then we feed each other sometimes too... hehehehehe. He wakes me up in the mornings, though the first morning he turned on the light and blinded me. And he's just my guwapo guwapo silly corny boyfriend.... and I love him.

*~Sarah~*

Philippines & Makati City Vacation 12-21-06

I've been here about a week in the Philippines now... time is going by way too fast.... F.B. & I just got back from our 4 day vacation in Makati City, we stayed in the Best Western hotel & were on the 17th floor. When we got into the room, we were being silly and getting inside the closet & taking pictures. And I made F get into the shower (with his clothes on) lol! Peeking out of the shower curtain. Here's some of our photos:












Our View:


Our midnight picnics:


We visited alot of malls while in Makati. Saw the Mall of Asia, where we could see Manila Bay, went to Greenbelt & I got to visit the Louis Vuitton store, but I can't afford any of the purses there, boo hoo.... got some tourist type gifts for home while at the malls. And we also saw some movies.

Some Pictures from the Mall of Asia & Seeing the Bay:











These are from Greenbelt:









The traffic is a free for all here, and 2 lanes become 3 etc, you'd prolly scream in the car too, they get so close to your car! They have these funny things called U-turn slots also, where you get to drive into the on-coming traffic... and in the city they have these countdown traffic lights, that count down 60 seconds to green or red.

We visited the mall again today. And saw the Nativity Story movie. We had to leave the car at the hotel & took a taxi to the mall area, because in the city certain cars aren't allowed to drive until after 7pm. They go by your license plate number. We had trouble getting a taxi there, but coming back was worse- we couldn't seem to get one, so we just decided to walk the 8-10 blocks back to the hotel, it was faster walking than driving I think, haha cuz you sit in traffic alot in the car. It only took about 20 minutes to get back to the hotel. It was quite an adventure. We also saw the Manila Cathedral & went inside, there was a Filipino wedding going on & people are allowed to watch. And we also saw Luneta Park.

Been eating out alot while we stayed in the city. I had some squid the other day with F.B. and some dish with raw fish that I liked, which surprised both F & I. Went to KFC also, and it's the same except for alot of dishes with rice. Eating lot's of rice here... I'm gonna want to buy some when I get back, haha. F's gonna take me to Popeyes one day, and I wanna go to Friday's also. We ate Japanese in the beginning of the week & I tried to teach F how to eat with Chopsticks, but he gave up and used his spoon, but I almost ate a whole bowl of rice with my chopsticks. I had to force F to let me pay for dinner the one night, but he let me pay for the movies today also.

KFC:





The weather is hot, but I haven't found it too bad. It's just like summer, it can get a little humid at times, but it's fine & I'm staying in F's sister's room, with the aircon.

Pictures of us:








We are going to mail off the postcards & christmas cards tomorrow afternoon. And this weekend is Christmas eve already... and next week are off to Tagaytay for 3 days.... check out my profile for some more pictures of us. That's all for now.

*~Sarah~*

Update 12-22-2006: We went to another mall today. Got some souvenirs at this shop that makes handmade stuff from the Philippines. Mailed the postcards today also. We ate at Popeyes too. And stopped at the supermarket so I could buy some candy & snacks made in the Philippines to take home. We wrapped Christmas gifts today, and will be going to church on Christmas Eve. We took some xmas pictures today. There's also one in our profile:



I think I'm hurting F here:


Oh, work called. I go back to work on January 8th- 7am when I go home. I called them real quick from the Philippines to say I'd be coming back.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

*~Sarah~*

December 14th, 2006 I arrived in the Philippines for the first time. I was scared to death. It was the first time I had been out of the United States. It was the first time I'd ever traveled alone. My flight had taken me from Philadelphia to Chicago. Chicago to Hong Kong- Hong Kong to the Philippines. A 24 hour flight all together. I arrived in Manila a little after midnight on the 14th.

When I pulled my suitcase out to the waiting area. There was F.B. & his Mother waiting for me in the crowd of people. His Mom was holding a purple banner with my name on it. It was the first time F.B. & I were face to face. We gave each other a hug and my first words to him were, "You're not so short!" See what happens when your brain is sleep deprived!? He always cracks up when I remind him of the first words I spoke to him in person. (It really wasn't a big deal though. I'm 5'6" he's 5'3") He gave me white roses when I got to the car and waiting at his house was a stuffed monkey I named 'Mr. Unggoy'. (Monkey in Tagalog.)

Blog Flashback: Got to the Philippines on 12-14-06. After a lonnnng flight. About 25 hours in total. I was pretty nervous at all the airports... the Chicago airport was pretty small. But I was scared to death in Hong Kong... that airport is HUGE! I had to ask for directions. I had to take this funny shuttle thing to the check in area. And then they didn't put a gate number on my ticket & I had to go look on the board to find it, and at first it was in Chinese. But then it changed to English. Got to Manila airport around 11pm. And met my boyfriend & his mother at the airport.
3 years into the relationship and we had finally met. After all the roller coasters in our relationship we were finally together. The first night we were together we hugged alot. And we shared our first 3 kisses that night as well. We couldn't believe we were actually together after all this time. It was a little weird at first being together in person, after talking online, through letters & the phone for so long. But things fell into place. We got along so well in person, we were best friends. We felt so comfortable around each other. For our first date. F.B. took me to the mall near his house. We ate at 'Tokyo Tokyo' and I tried Sushi for the first time. Then we got to see our first movie together, 'Happy Feet'.

I stayed for 3 weeks in the Philippines. We got to spend Christmas and New Years together. (On Christmas I was given my ring- though we hadn't decided on getting engaged just then.) We stayed a few days alone in Makati City and a few days alone up in Tagaytay City seeing the Taal Volcano. We had such a good time. It was so hard to say goodbye. I left the Philippines, January 3rd, 2007. When I was standing in line to check in for my flight I got a text message from F.B. saying to look behind me. He was able to watch me through the windows of the airport and would walk along when I did, waving to me until I had to pass through customs... and board my plane...

Some pictures from my first trip to the Philippines:



















































Blog Flash Back: 12-16-2006

Got to the Philippines on 12-14-06. After a lonnnng flight. About 25 hours in total. I was pretty nervous at all the airports... the Chicago airport was pretty small. But I was scared to death in Hong Kong... that airport is HUGE! I had to ask for directions. I had to take this funny shuttle thing to the check in area. And then they didn't put a gate number on my ticket & I had to go look on the board to find it, and at first it was in Chinese. But then it changed to English. Got to Manila airport around 11pm. Went through customs, got my luggage & went outside. There were a tonnnn of people... I was so nervous. F's mom had made a purple banner with 'Sarah' on it, so I could find them, and I saw F. & Gave him a hug and said, "You're not so short!"

The next day F & I went to a mall near his house. It was 5 levels. And huge!!! Lot's of people. We stopped and walked around a supermarket in the mall. We also had Japanese for lunch & I tried sushi. Then F & I saw the movie 'Happy Feet'. Lol. But it was just okay.

Today we just hung out around his house. And tomorrow we are going to church. And Monday we are off to Makati City for 4 days. That's about it for now.

Myspace Blog Flashback:

April 5, 2006 - Wednesday
Anniversary!
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Life

April 1st, was my two year anniversary with my boyfriend. Sooooo glad he's in my life. It's so amazing how our lifes managed to cross paths at all. And even more amazing, that we are still in this relationship 2 years later! (Mahal kita, boyfriend ko.)

I don't know what I'd do without him. He's my bestest best friend. He is someone I can completely be myself with, who I can tell anything in the world too and he'll listen to me. He's always there for me, even if I wake him up with a phonecall in the middle of the night, and need to talk haha! He's someone I can be silly and childish with. Someone who I have so much fun with. And just someone... that 'get's' me. Who loves me for me... despite my stubborn dramaqueen ways, haha! I'm very lucky to have him in my life. I could keep going, but it would get more sappy.

We sent eachother our Anniversary cards, letters, etc. Mine is taking a little longer to get to him, but I got his stuff today! Yay!

He made me a mix c.d. and sent me some more Philippine postcards, and this little "I love you." pin, with "I love you" in different languages, haha. And cards, lot's of cards and a long letter. I am so lucky, haha. My guy can be so thoughtful. (Salamat baby.)

That's all for now,

*~Sarah Lynn~*

Myspace Blog Flashbacks:

March 17, 2006 - Friday
Philippines Here I Come!
Current mood: ecstatic
Category: Travel and Places

It's done! I prayed about it and I wasn't feeling as restless today, as I had been the past few days. Today the flight prices went down a few more dollars for the trip I wanted. So I decided to buy the ticket. I had exactly enough in my savings to buy it. It's confirmed. I am going to the Philippines: December 13th 2006- January 3rd 2007. I'll arrive there on the 14th and I'll be home on the 3rd. I'll be spending Christmas & New Years with my boyfriend and his family

My paper tickets should be here tomorrow or on Monday at the latest. And then it's settled. Then I have to get my passport, once I get my tax refund (Already got my pictures!) and the rest of this year, I just need to save up the spending $$$ I will need. I'm excited, nervous and scared all in one, lol! But I have 9 months to plan this trip out. I'm also excited that I will finally get to see my boyfriend after 2 1/2 years. I'm excited I'll get to spend the holidays with him. I'm excited to have a vacation and something to look forward too. I'm excited I'll get to experience a whole other culture. It's going to be a life-altering wonderful experience. And definitely a step outside my comfort zone...

Here's the outline of my flight:

Leave: Wednesday, December 13, 2006

United Airlines
Depart: 7:30am Philadelphia International (PHL)
Arrive: 8:46am Chicago O'Hare International (ORD)
Change planes. Time between flights: 3hr 31min

United Airlines
Depart: 12:17pm Chicago O'Hare International (ORD)
Arrive: 6:05pm China Hong Kong Int'l (HKG)
Change planes. Time between flights: 2hr 55min

Philippine Airlines
Depart: 9:00pm China Hong Kong Int'l (HKG)
Arrive: 11:00pm Philippines Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl (MNL)

Return: Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Philippine Airlines
Depart: 8:00am Philippines Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl (MNL)
Arrive: 10:00am China Hong Kong Int'l (HKG)
Change planes. Time between flights: 1hr 35min

United Airlines
Depart: 11:35am Hong Kong Int'l (HKG)
Arrive: 11:40am Chicago O'Hare International (ORD)
Change planes. Time between flights: 4hr 20min

United Airlines
Depart: 4:00pm Chicago O'Hare International (ORD)
Arrive: 7:22pm Philadelphia International (PHL)


March 21, 2006 - Tuesday
My Plane Tickets Came!
Current mood: cheerful
Category: Life

Blah, I've been sick allllll weekend. I've had a headcold. It started on Saturday. My temperature has been below normal, and I've had the chills, and a runny/stuffy nose. A nasty cough, headache... it's just been really gross. I took off work Monday & Tuesday and I had to reschedule my tax appointment for next Tuesday. Tomorrow I'll be back at work though. I'm feeling better than I was on Sunday & Monday.

And.... MY PLANE TICKETS CAME TODAY! Yay! In 9 more months I'll be off to the Philippines, to spend the holidays with my boyfriend! Now if I only knew what the heck I'm supposed to do with my tickets, haha. I haven't been on a plane since 1996, and back then my parents took care of all the major stuff. I've never traveled international before. I have to get my passport soon. I think I'll make an appointment to get that done sometime next week closer to payday. Not sure if my friend Christie will be joining me on this trip or not. It's up to her and it's up to how high or how low the prices will be when or if she decides.

Just a short update for today. I'm still not feeling so great. I lack energy.

*~Sarah~*

March 30, 2006 - Thursday
Passport Interview.....
Current mood: exhausted
Category: Life

I had that my interview today to get my passport. I took off work 2 hours early to get it done. I went over to the post office around the corner from my house and went in and asked where I went for passport stuff. And the guy goes, "Oh you want the South Hampton post office, up the road. We don't do that stuff here." OMG! I had 5 MINUTES before my appointment. When I saw the Street Road address, I just assumed it was THAT post office. I didn't know there was another one on the same road. I had to "drive creatively" 2 miles up the road in horrible traffic to the OTHER post office on Street Road. I was 10 minutes late for my appointment... but I made it there okay and after all that aggravation it took less then 10 minutes for me to read this little oath, sign my name, have them check out all my identification & write out two checks. And that was that. They will mail it to the state and in 4-6 weeks I should have my passport.