Since I moved here in Belgium, I developed this tendency to like and enjoy movies and songs that are in French. I guess it's part of integration to the Belgian society. Though, it will still be a long shot before I start understanding what they mean and I at the moment I still have to rely on subtitles and translation.
We watched the movie La Vie En Rose (La Mome) earlier in a French channel. It was in French so I didn't understand the movie but I will definitely watch it soon. It's a story about Edith Piaf, a famous French singer in the 40s-50s. It was the first time I heard of her name but she's particularly gained worldwide acclaim from her song La Vie En Rose.
Here's a youtube link of her video, s'amuser et à toute à l'heure!
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Jerick Travels to Essaouira
I manage to quickly do a blog entry on Essaouira from our trip to Morocco last June. Click on the link below to check it out.
After a day in the hot and steaming desert, what better way to cool off than to go to the beach. So, of course, we thought and did something about it. READ MORE.
After a day in the hot and steaming desert, what better way to cool off than to go to the beach. So, of course, we thought and did something about it. READ MORE.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Fall in Brussels
After almost 25 days of having no heating, we finally manage to have someone fix our heating problem and as of yesterday, we won't be freezing anymore!
Well, it's November, signalling mid-Autumn. Temperatures are back to something like 10C and rainclouds continue to hover over the sky. It's my second fall in Brussels and generally apart from the nice brownish leaves, I don't like the cold season.
Though, it does not mean that I have to be gloomy. For this time of the year, I think, it's a good time to chill-out inside the house and enjoy the night with a cup of tea. Of course, Friday and Saturday night are still for parties, but for the rest, it's going to be more into chill-out!
Well, it's November, signalling mid-Autumn. Temperatures are back to something like 10C and rainclouds continue to hover over the sky. It's my second fall in Brussels and generally apart from the nice brownish leaves, I don't like the cold season.
Though, it does not mean that I have to be gloomy. For this time of the year, I think, it's a good time to chill-out inside the house and enjoy the night with a cup of tea. Of course, Friday and Saturday night are still for parties, but for the rest, it's going to be more into chill-out!
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Jerick Travels to the Sahara Desert
Check out my new travel post on the Sahara Desert!
We went there on June but it took me until November to finally finish the blog entry. Do check it out.
After a day and a half of travelling, we reached the Sahara. From afar, the Erg Chebbi sand dunes towers the skyline like a mountain without the brown and green color. It was glimmering in light orange. And the road to it was “ deserted” apart from the camel herds.... READ MORE
We went there on June but it took me until November to finally finish the blog entry. Do check it out.
After a day and a half of travelling, we reached the Sahara. From afar, the Erg Chebbi sand dunes towers the skyline like a mountain without the brown and green color. It was glimmering in light orange. And the road to it was “ deserted” apart from the camel herds.... READ MORE
Friday, October 23, 2009
Do your AIESEC internship in the Philippines
Hey guys,
I haven't blogged in a while, even though I promised that I will blog regularly. Anyway, but here I am.
Here's a cool video telling you more about the Philippines and why you should do your next internship there. Kudos to AIESEC Philippines for this cool vid!
I haven't blogged in a while, even though I promised that I will blog regularly. Anyway, but here I am.
Here's a cool video telling you more about the Philippines and why you should do your next internship there. Kudos to AIESEC Philippines for this cool vid!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
My Oxford Photo on Schmap.com
Cool news Thursday: I got an e-mail today on my flickr that one of the images that I uploaded before was selected to be part of an online map in Schmap.com.
It’s a photo that I took of Oxford University
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Reviving Le Blog
I decided to update my blog again, which after 5 years is still running though not as frequent as before.
I have two blogs. This one - http://jerick.blogspot.com... is basically will be on short microblogs about my life in Brussels in general (and mostly random musings) and my nomadlife blog - Jerick's Travel Notes - http://jerick.nomadlife.org will be more on my travels.
Peace out, Tuesday is work day.
I have two blogs. This one - http://jerick.blogspot.com... is basically will be on short microblogs about my life in Brussels in general (and mostly random musings) and my nomadlife blog - Jerick's Travel Notes - http://jerick.nomadlife.org will be more on my travels.
Peace out, Tuesday is work day.
Filipinos in Brussels Tram 23
I'm now taking Brussels Tram 23 now as part of route going to my new office. It's a 20 minute ride from my office to home. And as I am going back home today, I was seated with two Filipinos. It's quite rare to see Filipinos in Brussels but since I'm working near Bascule, where the Filipino community in concentrated, it's usually a common sight.
Anyway, seating next to them reminded me so much of the bus rides at home. They were gossiping about everything, from their live-in partners, other Filipinos here, and their dinner tonight. Though, it's nothing special, it was just a good reminder of home. :)
Anyway, seating next to them reminded me so much of the bus rides at home. They were gossiping about everything, from their live-in partners, other Filipinos here, and their dinner tonight. Though, it's nothing special, it was just a good reminder of home. :)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Moroccan Adventure: On our way to Sahara
WANNA RIDE?. This is what I call public transportation
Our 40-hour journey to Sahara was filled with breathtaking places, friendly people, and many unforgettable experiences. Though we had to suffer sitting in a van for the entire day in blistering heat. We left Marrakesh early morning to join the tour to Sahara. I and Danco joined 5 other people - 2 British ladies in their 30s-40s, a Brazilian guy and a girl who are the same age as we are and our tour guide, Hammid.
Our first trek was through the Atlas Mountains. As we stopped to take photos and our guide was telling us about the mountains, Danco asked Hammid "Why are the Atlas Mountains famous?", and he replied "Because they are HIGH.". ah. yes. of course. :-)
HIGH UP THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS. Danco and I behind a stunning view of the Atlas. Below is a sample of the Berber village
We also passed by some interesting Berber communities. The indigenous people of North Africa, they are primarily farmers living on the edges of the mountain slopes. Typically, you can identify them by wearing a pointed hood. We arrived around lunchtime at Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO heritage site made famous for being movie locations of Ben Hur, Gladiator and the upcoming Prince of Persia. The kasbah is a huge sand castle, glimmering in bright yellow. While at the site, we also had a taste of Moroccan cuisine - couscous and tangine with beef.
ALLADIN's CASTLE. The famous Kasbah of Ourzazate in Morocco.
DELICIOUS MOROCCO. Some tangine with beef.
After lunch, we drove through again through a bit of the Atlas mountains and through some towns. Sitting in a car for more than 5 hours, as you know, can be boring. Back in the Philippines, we used to just crank up the radio with some CDs. Our trip, on the other hand, we only have 2 CDs - Bob Marley hits and a CD with Arabic music. Bob Marley music is no doubt a driving music, but listening to it more than 8 times, it gets tiring. It was just too much "Three Little Birds".
By afternoon, we reached our end destination for that day, Dades Gorges. A gorge is a deep valley between cliffs usually carved by a river. You have to pass through winding roads to go the viewpoint. Upon reaching the top, both Danco and I had the "The world is amazingly beautiful" talk, well truly it is and it's only the beginning of our journey. We finished our day with some Moroccan music (with amateur drumming by yours truly) and a nice sleep in a hotel along the gorge.
ROAD TO HEAVEN. Perhaps one of the most stunning views ever, Dades Gorge. BELOW: LITTLE DRUMMER BOY. Enjoying the night with my drumming skills
We woke up the next day to continue our drive to Sahara. We stopped by Tondra Gorge, where instead of viewing the gorge from the top we walked from below. Again, it was breathtakingly amazing.
TONDRA GORGE. A nice view with one of your good friends. What couldn't be better than that.
A piece of advice though, be careful with your camera. I learned it the hard way. While I was crossing the river, I slipped with my camera on my hand. So, yeah, my 6 month camera went down into the water, never to work again. :(
Though I got pissed about my camera dropping into water, I didn't let it spoil my vacation cause after a few hours drive, we finally reached the Sahara..
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Moroccan Adventure: City of Marrakesh
Our Morocco adventure begins in the city of Marrakesh.
DJAAMA EL FNA. Marrakesh's main market square, where snakecharmers flock in the day.
Coming from 10 months of living and travelling across Europe, though I enjoyed most of it, it was nice to be out of the continent and taste yet again the feeling that I had when I first got into Belgium – the feeling of being lost.
TRAVEL BROTHER TO MOROCCO. My flatmate and friend Danco and I on our way to Paris Orly Airport
With hardly any plans and booked trains and hostels, Danco and I, took our flight from Paris Orly to Marrakesh. It took us 2 hours before we landed in Morocco. Dirtier than Paris (and less French), sunnier than Brussels, less smokey than Amsterdam, and far less Christian than Rome – Marrakesh is clearly not Europe.
We stayed in an amazing hostel – Riad Massine II, and I must say that I never received such accommodating response compare to what I received here.
PALAIS BADII. One of the ancient sites in Morocco.
Marrakesh screams with color, from the colors of the ceramics to the colors (and smells) of the spices. At the same time, we had fun looking at the arabic lettering and drinking Coca-cola with the label in Arabic.
ARABIC? I'LL STICK TO ENGLISH. I don't know what this sign says.
After lunch which was for 20 dirhams (€2), we met a fellow Canadian-Asian backpacker, Lawrence, to go around with. The sightseeing parts were tough because of the heat that's why we always kept a bottle of water handy.
SHOPPING, SHOPPING, MORE SHOPPING. (Top to Bottom) Colorful ceramic plates; Some local sweets made from different sundried berries, fruits etc; While in another ceramics shop, we promised him that we will recommend his shop and now I'm doing him free publicity.
After visiting the tourist sites, we decided to go to the souks or the marketplace, to do some shopping. They say that shopping on your first day is not advised because it's better to get a feel of the real price first, but we managed to buy a lot. I think it was only because we enjoyed haggling and bargaining (or bullshiting) and we always bargain the cheapest (starting at 5-10% of the original price). That's why they always ask - "how much would you pay for it?" so that we won't be able to bargain bad. Anyway, in the end, we bought a lot, which I think was fine since in the next days we didn't had much time to go around.
LIGHTS AT NIGHT. Djaama El Fna at night.
Marrakesh at night was also fantastic. Djaama El Fna, the main square, lits up at night. Food stalls, magicians, herbologists keeps the square busy. And for us, we decided to get "drunk" from the fresh orange juice (3 dirhams). After an exotic meal for dinner, we chilled out the rest of the night in a terrace where you get an overview of the square.
FIRST NIGHT. Danco, Lawrence and I chilled out in a terrace over looking the square; Brains for dinner? Yummy.
More stories soon...
(Finally, I manage to finish one entry!)
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Polska Weekend
AMAZING POLAND; The view of Vistula river from the Wawel Castle. That's us with the Polish flag.
APRIL 30, 2009 - MAY 3, 2009. I visited Kristine a friend from 8 years ago and currently doing an AIESEC internship in Poland.
It was also my first time to travel in Europe alone and without my friends from Belgium. For once, it's nice to be guided by your own set of priorities and also get more opportunities to meet people. And Poland was the perfect venue.
Kristine and her friend picked me up in Warsaw airport Thursday night then drove me to their place in Radom, a town 100 kms away from Warsaw. Seeing Kristine was like having my Filipino switch turned on. Kaboom!!!!!
ANGELICANS IN POLAND. Jerick and Kristine in Krakow. :)
Kristine and I met 8 years ago in Angelicum. Then after 7 years, I was able to convince her to join the AIESEC exchange program. Meeting her in Poland was like a warp to 8 years past then back. A testament to this was the 1 hour and a half drive to Radom filled with conversations in Tagalog, high school reminscing, and endless stories about the Philippines.
On Friday, all AIESEC interns in Radom and I took the train to Krakow to join other interns from Poland for the Krakow reception weekend. We arrived in Krakow four hours after. Since the official program is not yet starting, Kristine and I decided to visit Oswiechim for the Auschwitz Concentration Camp memorial, a 2 hour bus ride from Krakow.
Experience in Auschwitz
Auschwitz was the largest World War II concentration camp in Europe and the place where they persecuted more than 3 million victims. It was a site preserved for people of this generation to remember and honour the victims of the past and learn from that time's terror.
FLOWER AT THE AUSCHWITZ MEMORIAL. Hopefully, the memories won't wither.
Anyway, the site features most of the remnants from 70 years ago. There are many things around but the thing that bothered me the most was the collection of hairs from all the victims. Back then, they used to collect all the hairs to make as cloth. Also, one chilling moment was when we visited the gas chambers.
LEARNING FROM HISTORY. and no photos please.
As George Santayana said (and it is widely posted in the memorial) - "The one that does not remember history is bound to live through it again". And I agree. A site that you should definitely see in your life.
Krakow Reception Weekend
We got back from Auschwitz just in time for the start of the reception weekend. As I said earlier, it's nice to come with mostly by yourself as you get more chances of meeting new people. And that I did. I met so many interns in Poland. What surprised me though was the fact that the interns there were generally quite young (same age as me) compared to Belgium where I am considered one of the youngest.
(TOP) INTERNS IN POLAND. Haller! A photo taken Friday night as we are just to go out for a walk.
(BELOW) GOLDEN BUILDING Cloth Hall in the main market square.
Krakow captured its pristine on its main market square where you can find the St. Mary's Basilica, Cloth Hall, City Hall Tower and other beautiful buildings. Also, sites that you should visit are the Wawel Castle and the Barbican. After touring, I recommend that you sit along the Riverbanks of Vistula.
I really enjoyed my Krakow Weekend. The people, the AIESECers especially, are fantastic. I hope to see them again soon!
Radom and Warsaw
Saturday night we went back to Radom where we had a crazy vodka night. These Polish people can't get enough vodka. I also brought some Belgian beers but of course, they prefer their vodka. If they only knew what they are missing. :P
Next day, we went to meet Kristine's TN manager and Polish family. It was nice hearing how happy they are about Kristine and her internship in Poland especially since I'm her VP-OGX as well.
Then after Radom, we took the train to Warsaw to catch my plane. I was only in Warsaw for 1 hour, quite short. I wish I had more time to go around.
GOING BACK IS HARD. On my train to Warsaw from Radom on Sunday morning.
My trip to Poland was a nice escape. First, it was nice to meet Kristine here in Europe and just talk and listen to stories. Also, Poland is a country that I never expected I would love, but I did because of the people.
Dziekuje Polska!
POLISH JUMP. On the Krakow Main Market Square.
For more pictures, visit my Multiply website.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
AIESEC UPd meets in Belgium
Last weekend, Ruthie, one of my EPs when I was VP OGX (Vice President for Outgoing Exchange) of AIESEC UPd visited me here in Belgium. She did her internship in Finland then now went to an interrail trip across Europe.
She’s the first guest from the Philippines in my place.
I took her around Brussels, which I found later as challenging as I am just as clueless as her about the city. We ended up instead having frites in La Bourse (the only thing I know "Brussels-ish").
We also went to Antwerp last Saturday. I've been there thrice already but it was my first time in Antwerp with the sun still up.
Antwerp Castle
Antwerp is very appealing. I noticed immediately the difference between Brussels to Antwerp – the architecture, the people and the vibe. What I particularly like about Antwerp are its lively streets, interesting statues, classy architecture and shops. I also liked the part that I can practice my dutch in Antwerp. Ik ben spreek in Nederlands. But do I prefer Antwerp over Brussels? Well, that’s tough to answer but I think I’ll stick to where I live for now.
Anyway, what was fun about our trip to Antwerp were the RANDOM moments. Just to list a few:
1. Random Brides-to-be asking to write a wedding message in your own language - I wrote in Tagalog!
2. Random Grooms-to-be tied in a bowling ball selling green scissors.
3. Random Flemish people asking if we need tourist help (because we looked exotic, but it was nice)
4. Random people getting arrested in the train back for possession of Marijuana
5. Random AIESEC Belgium friends that you see. :-)
6. Random FREE HUGS people in Meir Straat. It's nice to get a hug really.:)
Ruthie in Antwerp. UPD unite!
Also, it was a nice opportunity to recconect and to hear that she enjoyed her internship. I saw that she had a wonderful experience during her AIESEC internship. And it's rewarding to hear that as her VP-OGX you played a part in making this opportunity happen. :-)
She’s the first guest from the Philippines in my place.
I took her around Brussels, which I found later as challenging as I am just as clueless as her about the city. We ended up instead having frites in La Bourse (the only thing I know "Brussels-ish").
We also went to Antwerp last Saturday. I've been there thrice already but it was my first time in Antwerp with the sun still up.
Antwerp Castle
Antwerp is very appealing. I noticed immediately the difference between Brussels to Antwerp – the architecture, the people and the vibe. What I particularly like about Antwerp are its lively streets, interesting statues, classy architecture and shops. I also liked the part that I can practice my dutch in Antwerp. Ik ben spreek in Nederlands. But do I prefer Antwerp over Brussels? Well, that’s tough to answer but I think I’ll stick to where I live for now.
Anyway, what was fun about our trip to Antwerp were the RANDOM moments. Just to list a few:
1. Random Brides-to-be asking to write a wedding message in your own language - I wrote in Tagalog!
2. Random Grooms-to-be tied in a bowling ball selling green scissors.
3. Random Flemish people asking if we need tourist help (because we looked exotic, but it was nice)
4. Random people getting arrested in the train back for possession of Marijuana
5. Random AIESEC Belgium friends that you see. :-)
6. Random FREE HUGS people in Meir Straat. It's nice to get a hug really.:)
Ruthie in Antwerp. UPD unite!
Also, it was a nice opportunity to recconect and to hear that she enjoyed her internship. I saw that she had a wonderful experience during her AIESEC internship. And it's rewarding to hear that as her VP-OGX you played a part in making this opportunity happen. :-)
Spring Sensation
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Keukenhof Flowers
I never felt the real essence of spring before I came here to Belgium. I had a vacation in the US in spring 2002 yet it was cold. My relatives said it was quite warm but coming from 30C summer in the Philippines, 15-20C isn't actually what we call "warm".
Yet after braving a cold winter here in Europe and seeing as time passes the changes that springtime brought, you can't help but thank that spring is here. :)
So, what better way to feel spring but to just lay in the sun and enjoy the colors. And that we did.
We made a weekend roadtrip see Keukenhof, a flower park an hour drive away from Amsterdam. And we went the right time when the sun was out and the flowers were in bloom.
Me playing with the digital macro feature of my camera
Aside from touring Keukenhof, we also went to Amsterdam the previous days. We went again to a free tour, the Sandeman's New Amsterdam Free Tour (two free tours in a week, the other one the Saturday before in London, call me "addicted") Again, it's very amusing. Our guide, Steve, was as crazy as Amsterdam is (honestly, he is like a cuckoo bird in turbo mode but he's very fun and informative).
Steve, the tourguide, explaining those things in the wall
It was nice to realize that if you really pay attention, you will see Amsterdam beyond the marijuana and the redlight district and marvel on its beauty and history then understand the reasons and moments in history it went through to reach what it is perceived today. And that tour opened my eyes to a new Amsterdam, an Amsterdam that I never saw in my past two visits here.
AMSTERDAM HUISEN. Do you ever wonder what those hooks on the top floors are for? Actually, they are for lifting things up to the roof since houses have no big stairs. impressive trivia!
I also learned why there are hooks on top of the houses in Amsterdam!
Keukenhof Flowers
I never felt the real essence of spring before I came here to Belgium. I had a vacation in the US in spring 2002 yet it was cold. My relatives said it was quite warm but coming from 30C summer in the Philippines, 15-20C isn't actually what we call "warm".
Yet after braving a cold winter here in Europe and seeing as time passes the changes that springtime brought, you can't help but thank that spring is here. :)
So, what better way to feel spring but to just lay in the sun and enjoy the colors. And that we did.
We made a weekend roadtrip see Keukenhof, a flower park an hour drive away from Amsterdam. And we went the right time when the sun was out and the flowers were in bloom.
Me playing with the digital macro feature of my camera
Aside from touring Keukenhof, we also went to Amsterdam the previous days. We went again to a free tour, the Sandeman's New Amsterdam Free Tour (two free tours in a week, the other one the Saturday before in London, call me "addicted") Again, it's very amusing. Our guide, Steve, was as crazy as Amsterdam is (honestly, he is like a cuckoo bird in turbo mode but he's very fun and informative).
Steve, the tourguide, explaining those things in the wall
It was nice to realize that if you really pay attention, you will see Amsterdam beyond the marijuana and the redlight district and marvel on its beauty and history then understand the reasons and moments in history it went through to reach what it is perceived today. And that tour opened my eyes to a new Amsterdam, an Amsterdam that I never saw in my past two visits here.
AMSTERDAM HUISEN. Do you ever wonder what those hooks on the top floors are for? Actually, they are for lifting things up to the roof since houses have no big stairs. impressive trivia!
I also learned why there are hooks on top of the houses in Amsterdam!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Easter 2009 in Britain
For the past 20 years, I spent Easter with family with activities of going to church and eating lunch. And though I don't have that opportunity now, I'm happy to spend Easter with one of my families, AIESEC. Adding to that is a very good consolation, spending it in Britain.
Started our journey on Black Saturday in London. We were hosted by Csenge's friend, Albin, an AIESECer from Hungary. Then, we went to the centre after for a tour. It's not my first time in London. I was there last December and I only stayed for one night, that's why I went back again.
After joining the free tour by Sandemans' New London Tours (Try it, very well recommended). Carla, Csenge and I walked along River Thames where we saw everything that we feel is London - Big Ben, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, double decker bus, the tube and the London telephone booth.
After walking the entire afternoon, we gathered in Oxford Circus for some shopping then dinner at Garfunkel's. We went directly to Brixton (where Albin lives) after to get ready for the next day. :)
STONEHENGE, THEY ARE NOT JUST ROCKS!
Next day, we took the tour of Hampton Court, Stonehenge and Oxford. We were supposed to go to Windsor Castle but it was closed, so we went to Hampton Court instead. I went out with Csenge and Carla, along with Tina - FilAm and Microsoft Intern in Paris and also Dan, Tina's friend who was also an AIESECer in the UK.
First stopped at Hampton Court Palace, a royal palace south of London. It used to be the resident of King Henry VIII. The place was rich in history and we were lucky that when we were there, it was costume day so people around were dressed in their Tudor-time costumes. Particularly like Henry's kitchen, the fountain court, the labyrinth maze (seriously, you can get lost) and of course, the gardens. The weather was cloudy, but still manage to "play" in the garden. I also saw a swan, which was nice. :) CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Court_Palace
After leaving Hampton Court, the bus went for a 1,5 hour drive to Stonehenge in the Wiltshire country. Everyone knows Stonehenge, but for those who don't know, it is these rocks, arranged in a circular shape, and believed to have been there for more 4,000 years ago. It was believed to be either a monument, a burial ground, a temple, or an alien landing pad (?). It's a UNESCO world heritage site.
Seeing stonehenge for me is a dream come true. I felt really blessed to see this place. There are some that say that these are just piles of rocks, but for me, it's more than that.
Two hours past, we went to see the city of Oxford - famous for its university. We were there for only short while though. It's just strange for me that a university can also be a tourist attraction, possibly thanks to its fame and its history. :)
Highlight of the tour was when we visited the outsides of ChristChurch, famous for our generation as one of the settings for Harry Potter movies. We didn't go inside though. Also in Oxford, I manage to taste a Cornish Pasty, or as I names it - English empanadas. :)
AIESEC DANCES TIL 4AM!
After the tour, we went back to London for Albin's Easter barbeque. Nice hefty food and chats with Hungarians and Polish. After the barbeque, we went out to the centre for a drink, but went back to Brixton as the bar that we were supposed to go to was closed. So, we went back to Brixton for some cocktails in this place called Mango Landin. not your typical english pub, but is very English still (at some point).
After drinks and mild drunkenness, we headed over to Albin's house for some drinks again. We were just chillin' in the house, talking about AIESEC, our experiences etc., and then we decided to do some AIESEC dances. From Tunak-Tunak, LeLe, Cotton-Eyed Joe, and even Life in a new Millenium (danced it last on NLDS 2006) and we were dancing til 4AM.
Next day, we continued our tour around London. We went to Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, St. Paul's, Camden Town then back to Oxford Circus. We also went back to Embankment to see the city at night (House of Parliament was nice!).
Unfortunately, we have to cut our trip short as we need to go back to work. :-( So early Tuesday morning, we went back to surprisingly sunny Brussels.
5 BEST MEMORIES OF MY BRITISH EASTER:
1. Topman - Shopping Galore!
2. AIESEC Dances til 4AM - It's nice to reminisce on AIESEC dances! Life in a New Millenium
3. Stonehenge, of course - a fantastic place
4. The Maze over at Hampton Court. I got lost actually, seriously. :)
5. London Buses - 2 to Marylebone. :)
I promised myself that I will be back in London or somewhere in the UK.
Started our journey on Black Saturday in London. We were hosted by Csenge's friend, Albin, an AIESECer from Hungary. Then, we went to the centre after for a tour. It's not my first time in London. I was there last December and I only stayed for one night, that's why I went back again.
After joining the free tour by Sandemans' New London Tours (Try it, very well recommended). Carla, Csenge and I walked along River Thames where we saw everything that we feel is London - Big Ben, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, double decker bus, the tube and the London telephone booth.
After walking the entire afternoon, we gathered in Oxford Circus for some shopping then dinner at Garfunkel's. We went directly to Brixton (where Albin lives) after to get ready for the next day. :)
STONEHENGE, THEY ARE NOT JUST ROCKS!
Next day, we took the tour of Hampton Court, Stonehenge and Oxford. We were supposed to go to Windsor Castle but it was closed, so we went to Hampton Court instead. I went out with Csenge and Carla, along with Tina - FilAm and Microsoft Intern in Paris and also Dan, Tina's friend who was also an AIESECer in the UK.
First stopped at Hampton Court Palace, a royal palace south of London. It used to be the resident of King Henry VIII. The place was rich in history and we were lucky that when we were there, it was costume day so people around were dressed in their Tudor-time costumes. Particularly like Henry's kitchen, the fountain court, the labyrinth maze (seriously, you can get lost) and of course, the gardens. The weather was cloudy, but still manage to "play" in the garden. I also saw a swan, which was nice. :) CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Court_Palace
After leaving Hampton Court, the bus went for a 1,5 hour drive to Stonehenge in the Wiltshire country. Everyone knows Stonehenge, but for those who don't know, it is these rocks, arranged in a circular shape, and believed to have been there for more 4,000 years ago. It was believed to be either a monument, a burial ground, a temple, or an alien landing pad (?). It's a UNESCO world heritage site.
Seeing stonehenge for me is a dream come true. I felt really blessed to see this place. There are some that say that these are just piles of rocks, but for me, it's more than that.
Two hours past, we went to see the city of Oxford - famous for its university. We were there for only short while though. It's just strange for me that a university can also be a tourist attraction, possibly thanks to its fame and its history. :)
Highlight of the tour was when we visited the outsides of ChristChurch, famous for our generation as one of the settings for Harry Potter movies. We didn't go inside though. Also in Oxford, I manage to taste a Cornish Pasty, or as I names it - English empanadas. :)
AIESEC DANCES TIL 4AM!
After the tour, we went back to London for Albin's Easter barbeque. Nice hefty food and chats with Hungarians and Polish. After the barbeque, we went out to the centre for a drink, but went back to Brixton as the bar that we were supposed to go to was closed. So, we went back to Brixton for some cocktails in this place called Mango Landin. not your typical english pub, but is very English still (at some point).
After drinks and mild drunkenness, we headed over to Albin's house for some drinks again. We were just chillin' in the house, talking about AIESEC, our experiences etc., and then we decided to do some AIESEC dances. From Tunak-Tunak, LeLe, Cotton-Eyed Joe, and even Life in a new Millenium (danced it last on NLDS 2006) and we were dancing til 4AM.
Next day, we continued our tour around London. We went to Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, St. Paul's, Camden Town then back to Oxford Circus. We also went back to Embankment to see the city at night (House of Parliament was nice!).
Unfortunately, we have to cut our trip short as we need to go back to work. :-( So early Tuesday morning, we went back to surprisingly sunny Brussels.
5 BEST MEMORIES OF MY BRITISH EASTER:
1. Topman - Shopping Galore!
2. AIESEC Dances til 4AM - It's nice to reminisce on AIESEC dances! Life in a New Millenium
3. Stonehenge, of course - a fantastic place
4. The Maze over at Hampton Court. I got lost actually, seriously. :)
5. London Buses - 2 to Marylebone. :)
I promised myself that I will be back in London or somewhere in the UK.
Monday, March 16, 2009
AIESEC: Spend your Summer in Indonesia or Malaysia!
Experience Malaysia and Indonesia!
Don’t know what to do this summer? Looking for a new and exciting experience? Want to be immersed in a different culture? Want to make the world a better place?
If you are, then you are perfect for AIESEC’s summer internship program in Malaysia or Indonesia! Spend the summer as a Development or Management Trainee in one of these organizations and more.
Please see the attached excel file for the complete list of companies and organizations and other details. The AIESEC International Traineeship Exchange Program description is also attached with this post.
Organization/Company Name Business Type
Standard Chartered Bank - Banking and Finance
Enterprise Asia - Project Management
MIRACLE 2009 - Environment
Entrepreneurship Youth—A Learning Network - Entrepreneurship
Young Visionaries - Orphanage
SME Magazine - Marketing
Cultural Understanding Through Education (CUTE) - Education
PT Fortune PR - Public Relations
Bukit Jambul Hotel Development Sdn. Bhd - Hotel
The Youth Intelligence Sdn. Bhd - Marketing
Spend the summer honing your skills in Project Management, Development Studies, Human Resource, Marketing, and many more!
Pre-selection interview is on March 23, 2009. No sign-up fee required.
So what are you waiting for? Apply now! (Fill out the attached application form)
Contact persons:
Gabb Agapito (09167528546 || gabb.agapito@aiesec.net)
Judd Vitente (09178663185 || judd_willis.vitente@aiesec.net)
AIESEC: Spend your Summer in Indonesia or Malaysia!
Experience Malaysia and Indonesia!
Don’t know what to do this summer? Looking for a new and exciting experience? Want to be immersed in a different culture? Want to make the world a better place?
If you are, then you are perfect for AIESEC’s summer internship program in Malaysia or Indonesia! Spend the summer as a Development or Management Trainee in one of these organizations and more.
Please see the attached excel file for the complete list of companies and organizations and other details. The AIESEC International Traineeship Exchange Program description is also attached with this post.
Organization/Company Name Business Type
Standard Chartered Bank - Banking and Finance
Enterprise Asia - Project Management
MIRACLE 2009 - Environment
Entrepreneurship Youth—A Learning Network - Entrepreneurship
Young Visionaries - Orphanage
SME Magazine - Marketing
Cultural Understanding Through Education (CUTE) - Education
PT Fortune PR - Public Relations
Bukit Jambul Hotel Development Sdn. Bhd - Hotel
The Youth Intelligence Sdn. Bhd - Marketing
Spend the summer honing your skills in Project Management, Development Studies, Human Resource, Marketing, and many more!
Pre-selection interview is on March 23, 2009. No sign-up fee required.
So what are you waiting for? Apply now! (Fill out the attached application form)
Contact persons:
Gabb Agapito (09167528546 || gabb.agapito@aiesec.net)
Judd Vitente (09178663185 || judd_willis.vitente@aiesec.net)
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