Kat's Notebook

2011 brought me to a lot of places. I seemed to have this mission of exploring the world and checking off the places in my travel bucket list. I also would think that it would be the end of the world in 2012 so I should visit these wonderful places before the end happens. Fortunately it didn’t so I have time to travel around the world still. Now if I can only find a travel buddy…

Coron, Palawan, Philippines – Jan 2011

After the new year, I went to Coron, Palawan with my sister. I was so glad to have visited this place. It was truly a paradise – one long stretch of white sand after another. Blue skies, clear water, white sand, solitude – it set the bar high when it comes to beaches. I also was trying for a tan but it didn’t work.

Taipei, Taiwan – Jan 2011

This was the last leg of a jetset life. I was travelling to different places for almost 3 weeks starting on the Christmas of 2010. Why Taipei? I had relatives there and I didn’t have anyone to go with me so better go to where I know some people. There were many places to visit in Taipei however because of the rainy and cold weather, I decided to stay put in my aunt’s house and just roam the nearby areas. I enjoyed my time there: the food, the shopping, and my relatives. I would love to go back just for those three reasons.

Washington, DC, USA – Feb 2011

I decided to visit my friend in Maryland near Washington D.C. It was an enjoyable trip especially going to the museums and important landmarks. I loved the architecture and the free entrance to the museums. I still have yet try the local food there. I’m planning to visit again this year because my friend said there are still more places I have to see.

Cebu-Bohol, Philippines – May-June 2011

I went back to the Philippines for my sister’s wedding. And of course I couldn’t pass up the chance of travelling around the Philippines. Before while I was residing there I couldn’t do much of exploring because I didn’t have money. However now I could travel to these places. Not only was I able to enjoy my time in both Cebu and Bohol because of their beauty, I was able to have bonding time with my parents and younger brother.

Seoul, Korea – June 2011

During a transit layover in Korea, I decided to take part of the free tour they have for transit passengers. I chose the Myungdong tour because it has shopping, my favorite pastime. Because I didn’t really plan to go shopping, I didn’t have enough money with me to buy which was unfortunately because Myungdong has a lot of cute and pretty stuffs. I was only able to buy one skirt. Hopefully next layover I have over there, I would be prepared and shop my heart out.

San Francisco, USA – June 2011

I wanted to insert this here because I was literally became a tourist of San Francisco once again when my friend visited me here in the Bay Area. I went to places in San Francisco that I had never been to and was truly awestruck by its beauty. I didn’t know this exist in my backyard.

Las Vegas, USA – July 2011

I’d been to Las Vegas before with my aunts but going there with friends was a completely different experience. I had fun hanging out on the hotel’s pool, drinking up some cocktails, and partying in the club past midnight.

Japan – Oct 2011

My biggest trip of 2011 was Japan, my dream travel destination. I loved Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I was able to embark on this adventure with my sister. I wished I was there longer to tour around the area more and of course shop some more. Maybe next time I will time it on a cherry blossom season.

 

God is so good He blessed me with these trips. I hope 2012 won’t be any different! and I hope I can find a travel buddy.

 

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Related posts:

1. Counting my 2011 blessings
2. Japan: afterthought
3. A traveller’s tip to Japan
4. Ohayou Fuji-san!
5. Japan Food Blog part 4