Tuesday, April 05, 2005

Like Mela, I suspect I would have to post a very long account of what happened to us there. But for now, I will have to settle for this very bland summary of the whole experience.

We loved Chinese food.

We tried the hotpot one cold night in Shenzhen. Risked personal hygiene so we could try Malatang off the streets. Rudely pointed at what our seatmates were eating to convey that we were having the same thing in Shanghai. Finally, splurging to have a piece of Peking Duck in the famous Quanjude Restaurant in Beijing.

Locals in Shenzhen and Shanghai loved us.

We taught them little English, we conversed with them, we took cute pictures of them.

Beijing is a very expensive city.

Even our tour guide thinks were a gold mine.

Verdict: I will return to Beijing to give the city another chance... six years or so from now. After I've been to India (which I am seriously thinking of going to next year), Vietnam, Cambodia and Africa (if I could save enough for this trip). I hope in that order.

Am trying to drag Andrea's ass to Malaysia next month.

What can I say, traveling could be a very expensive addiction.

Sidecomment: Can't imagine Catholic Church without Pope John Paul II. I remember his rosy cheeks when he visited in UST. I remembered feeling extra blessed that day.

I would admit that I always took him for granted. But it was exactly because I knew that he will always be at the Vatican that made him almost omnipresent. I was surprised with the feeling of loss that I felt when I learned of his death.

I think it's because our generation will have no other JP II. No more "Tutus Tuus" for us Pinoys for awhile.