"The One" and Only Me
I used to romanticize the idea of traveling. At the old age of 6, I believed that the only way I could travel and see far away places was if I went with loved ones or eventually a husband. That when I reached double-digits, I'll be an adult. Then in my twenties, I'll truly grow up, meet my lover, my partner, my soulmate and travel the world with him.
Photo by Adrian Padarath
I used to romanticize the idea of traveling. At the old age of 6, I believed that the only way I could travel and see far away places was if I went with loved ones or eventually a husband. That when I reached double-digits, I'll be an adult. Then in my twenties, I'll truly grow up, meet my lover, my partner, my soulmate and travel the world with him.
Clearly my definition of travel and love was skewed. And if you know me now, that's not how I operate. :)
I blame Papa Chang in the most endearing way though because he made me believe that traveling was a romantic activity only. Why, you ask? I grew up envious that my parents took my brother to both Disney World and Hawaii long before I was born. As a kid flipping through photo albums, I'd see pictures of the bro with Mickey and Magic Castle in the background, pictures of the bro with a lei, pictures of me in hula skirt-- no wait that's toddler brother in a hula skirt! Where was Laura during these family vacations? Why don't I have photos like that? I was not yet born, merely stardust, and just a dream not yet reality. At age 12, I stopped holding a grudge when we finally went to Disney World as a family. It was a dream come true, but on that trip was when father said I'd have to save Hawaii for my husband because he won't be able to afford a family trip there anytime soon. So save Hawaii I did for all those years, only to realize...wait, so I have to wait to find a guy, so I can marry him and THEN travel??
It's safe to say that I learned quickly that waiting for "the one" just to travel is silly and I'd never see this world if I had listened. All the love I need is right here already. I am "the one" and only me and I can take myself there! My life has been decided that I will travel whenever, wherever, with whoever I want. I most definitely don't need a man just to wander this earth. I've got amazing friends for that, too! But, I also had another dream and that was to move out West. I paused and I panicked that I wouldn't be able to pull both off-- travel and start over as a full fledged adult in a new city.
I knew the person I was in NY, but wanted to meet the person I would become in LA. I knew that the only way I could grow was to step outside my comfort zone and figure it out sans a romantic lead in my life to lean on. When I decided to move, I made it my goal to spend my entire first year discovering myself and focusing on friendships rather than romantic relationships. I got a little worried that I wouldn't be able to travel the way I imagined and the way that I fortunately was able to when I lived back home under my parents' roof. That rent money you save is real people. Enjoy that luxury for as long as you can! I even did a 10-day Euro Trip in between NY and the official LA move because I thought it'd be my last hurrah. Bills and rent all weren't things I thought about before. Plus, vacation days were now used to fly back home during the holidays. Again, something I didn't have to do living local. I wondered, will I have enough days off to fly home and visit new cities?
Fast forward a year and a half later...and as I anticipate my next trip tomorrow headed to Cuba, I've thought about the places I've been able to see since I've moved out West. I am so lucky! So far, I've flown to Iceland, the city of Seattle and Savannah, all for the first time-- in addition to the five trips back to NYC for some personal commitments. I plan on flying home as often as I can, but even I admit that I was not expecting 5 times this first round, so I don't anticipate it being as many times in the coming years. (But who knows!) With the help of budgeting, travel deals and my Chase Sapphire Reserve points, I continue my travel dreams, and now believe that I can still do both just fine. I am practical and try to save up whenever I can, but spending money to see places for a worthwhile deal will never bring me buyer's remorse. This is an activity that I will never come out of regretting I spent money on, especially when I get to see loved ones, too.
Traveling is a commitment I take seriously, and will always be a goal. I want to see as many new places this world has to offer in this lifetime. I want to meet people from all walks of life and eventually explore the depths of the ocean, too. So with the help of timing, opportunities and kick-ass friends who decide to travel with me, I found it easier and easier to just do it alone. Most of the time I'm not alone because I'll fly there solo, but meet up with friends on location. And the most exciting part is when you make unexpected friendships abroad. New friends in a new city.
Although I'm sure traveling with my husband would bring an entirely different meaning to these trips, but trips you take with friends and yourself should be equally as important. So all that pressure we put on ourselves to meet someone is really just pressure we need to try to ignore. I'm guilty of thinking about it from time to time, especially when Grandma is asking if I've made any friends out here-- specifically a boyfriend. I felt as though I was letting the OG down when I had no romantic update for her. And do yourself a favor! Don't get your fortune read because no one should tell you what lies ahead in your future. Sometimes it's just better left unknown. So after a few pinches and slaps, I'll snap back to reality and remember the whole purpose of moving out and finding myself.
That husband, that soulmate, that lover that I imagined at single-digit age is out there somewhere right now living his dream and traveling the world, too, I am sure. So let life play out as it is meant to play and enjoy all that free time you get in your 20s to just become the person you're meant to become. I think that's what I'd tell my younger self now. This world is filled with a lot of great people, and I never had to wait for someone else to take me anywhere, or fill the role as travel companion because I found ways to fill it up myself. And for that reason alone, all my trips have been rewarding.
I also just realized that I actually still haven't been to Hawaii yet, but not intentionally! I've attempted to try to fly there twice already, but timing just wasn't there. It's on my list and perhaps life is secretly reserving that Hawaiian vacation for my next serious relationship. Who knows? I've got some other countries up top that I'd like to see first, so c'est la vie. I'll see it when I see it!
So there you have it! My deepest thoughts this past year alone. 2017-- we're almost at the end and I can't believe how quickly time flies. I've been living my transplant Angelino life for 1.5 years now, and some days I still feel like I'm just a traveler visiting this city for an extended period of time. It's been an awesome year that will end wonderfully and I know that I will explore the heck out of 2018! But, I've never been more excited for what's to come than ever before.
"Do all that you can and all you thought you could not." I thought I couldn't move out and travel at the same time, but I can and I will. This life is an adventure, and you'll always find a way to do what you love. Just remember your priorities and believe that you can accomplish what you truly desire. Life is the experience, the encounters-- everything in between destinations-- and traveling just takes you there. I can do it myself and so can you! I can travel anytime with "the one" and only me.
With Love to this Universe,
Laura
That Time I Went to New Orleans
Back in March of 2015, I went to New Orleans for a long weekend. Why I waited this long to write about it, I don't know, but I still really want to share this memory. Though I speculate that most people probably think of Bourbon Street when I mention going to this city, I actually think of its amazing Cajun cuisine, Jazz music, upbeat atmosphere and the feeling of being in another world.
Back in March of 2015, I went to New Orleans for a long weekend. Why I waited this long to write about it, I don't know, but I still really want to share this memory. Though I speculate that most people probably think of Bourbon Street when I mention going to this city, I actually think of its amazing Cajun cuisine, Jazz music, upbeat atmosphere and the feeling of being in another world.
I have to say that New Orleans is hands down my favorite US city that I have been to so far. I don't think anywhere else will top this place! I would gladly revisit this city whenever I can. I squeezed as much as I could do in two and a half days and that meant trying to have every meal everyday so that I could try as many restaurants as possible. Team No Sleep was ready for maximum impact.
I am no expert of New Orleans, but below are the highlights. Though it was too cold in March for the alligators to come out, the swamp tour was still fascinating. We also went to Oak Alley Plantation, which happens to be where Beyoncé filmed her Deja Vu music video. So, we had to channel Bey and make our own version (see below). I also really enjoyed the Frenchmen Art Market because everything there was so original. I always love buying unique jewelry pieces from local artisans and that was a cute nook in the French Quarter. Of course I did visit Bourbon Street, too, and it was just as good for a nondrinker like me!
Without any more words, please let the pictures speak for themselves and see what were in my visions!
Honey Island Swamp
Oak Alley Plantation
Frenchmen Art Market
Laurence Fishburne to the left!
Cafe Amelie
This was my favorite restaurant there! It got me at the entrance because it was like walking into a secret garden.
While waiting for a table, we sat on these decorated benches and simply hung out.
We were hungry and I was really into the food so I completely missed my opportunity to take food photos. However, there menu is below. Everything was amazing, but I specifically remember how delicious their meatloaf was! I would go back just for the meatloaf!
More Food! Nom Nom Nom
Fried Gator Poppers from Felix's
Charboiled Oysters from Felix's
Shrimp & Grits inside the French Market
Bourbon Street
THE HURRICANE at Pat O'Brien's!
We even made some friends that night...
In Conclusion...
We'll keep some of our activities a secret. But, we had an exquisite time!
I'm a huge foodie, music enthusiast and curious wanderer. New Orleans has its own culture and is unlike any other city in the rest of the US. You don't have to be a drinker to have a good time here. Just stick to virgin daiquiris like the one I'm sipping on up above! I had the time of life.
<3,
Laura
PS: I'll be back.
For more Landscape photos, check out New Orleans under my "Places" tab, or preview below!
Travel Diaries: Saint Maarten - Entry One
Beyond the sun's shine, I felt the ocean's breathe
pulsating through the turquoise sea,
sending ripples over white sand below my feet.
Beyond the sun's shine, I felt the ocean's breathe
pulsating through the turquoise sea,
sending ripples over white sand below my feet.
With my mind at peace,
waters waved at me knee-deep.
And every breeze whispered for me to never leave.
And what if?
What if I were just like them?
Neither here nor there, but never to leave.
What if I just laid in the waters, floating to places that only currents can take me.
But, they do depart from this island.
Not even the water stay forever.
Some wash ashore and sink beneath sand.
Some choose the sky and vanish with sunshine,
Others, like me, sail away together back into the depths of the sea.
I prefer to be the sun. Another visitor of this vision that I seek.
I'll rise again tomorrow so that I can see earth, wind and sky where I choose, casting smiles on me.
Love,
Laura
Check out my full vision of St. Maarten by clicking here.
Travel Diaries: Taste of Taiwan
Back in September, I had a grand total of four full days in Taiwan. I flew back to vacation in the Philippines, but I knew that I had to stop by Taiwan first to see the family I hardly get to see. The first day was spent in the Zhong Li district where my Grandma lives, then followed by 3 wander-ful days in Taipei, Taiwan. It wasn't easy visiting my mother's country for such a short amount of time, but I made the most of it every day. Here's a taste of what was on my tastebuds and in my visions.
Back in September, I had a grand total of four full days in Taiwan. I flew back to vacation in the Philippines, but I knew that I had to stop by Taiwan first to see the family I hardly get to see. The first day was spent in the Zhong Li district where my Grandma lives, then followed by 3 wander-ful days in Taipei, Taiwan. It wasn't easy visiting my mother's country for such a short amount of time, but I made the most of it every day. Here's a taste of what was on my tastebuds and in my visions.
The Savory
Salty Soy Milk (L) and Fan Tuan (R)
My breakfast consisted of my favorite two-part meal: Soy milk and Fan Tuan.
Part I: Soy Milk is only sweet if you add sugar. I prefer to have it savory when vinegar is added to the soy milk and something scientific, but wonderful happens. The milk curdles and thickens up. It is then topped with pork floss, scallions and fried cruller (you tiao). I absolutely love how soupy and light this breakfast is.
Part II: Fan Tuan is literally a ball of glutenous rice stuffed with two ingredients already mentioned in the savory soy milk. It includes pork floss, fried cruller and pickled vegetables. The chewy ball is simple to make, but compliments the soy milk.
Shilin Night Market
I was in the famous Shilin Night Market for only one of the four days in Taiwan. The two wonderful activities you can do at any night market is shop and eat! From cheap knock-off clothing, accessories and electronics to inexpensive and delicious street delicacies, the night market is the place to be if you're ever in Taiwan. Grab a snack and eat it while you shop because the streets are filled with vendor after vendor, block after block.
Now on to the food!
A MUST-TRY: Here you will find the "stinkiest" tofu in the world. That's right. Stinky Tofu. The name says it all. Sure, it has an unfamiliar smell, but it is only due to the fermentation process that the tofu undergoes. For the record, I personally find the smell to be delightful! The tofu is soaked in soy sauce, spices and topped with pickled cabbage. You have to try this, but beware of that smell!
Stinky Tofu: The name is self explanatory. Yes, there's a pungent smell, but when you love to eat it, you really don't find it all that "stinky."
The best part about the Shilin Night Market is that it has an indoor, air conditioned food court! Like how it is outside, the inside is jam-packed with vendor after vendor. Asians just know how to not waste any space. Keep in mind how hot and humid Taiwan is, particularly in the summer time. Although I went in September, I almost couldn't stand the temperature! Every inch of every vendor had heat exhausting from the sides. That mixed with the humidity made me so grateful to have an indoor, sit-down spot where I could eat in AC peace without feeling like a sweaty wild monkey.
Chinese watercress (L) and Fishball noodle soup (R)
Soup Dumplings are a must have, especially at the world famous Ding Tai Fung located in Taipei 101. They make the perfect dough because that dumpling skin is perfectly chewy and tender, but thick enough to withstand any poke when you pick it up. Trust me, I did a poke test with my chopsticks! It's not easy to tear!
If you've had soup dumplings before, you'd know the struggle i'm referring to when you try picking them up delicately with chosen utensil. You try not to tear its membrane, but oftentimes a tiny hole rips open, spilling the best substance of the entire dish...THE SOUP. Devastating.
Check out the masters at work making the soup dumplings.
Dessert
One of the best Taiwanese creations that went viral around the world is Bubble Tea. I had it at least 3 times in Taiwan, but didn't even think to take a photo of my drink when I got there because I can have it any time on any day in the States! So, without further ado, I wanted to show you some of my favorite sweets that I can only get in Taiwan.
Ice Monster
If you're ever visiting Taipei, you have to go to Ice Monster to taste the ultimate Taiwanese Icy treat. My two top flavors are the Mango and Bubble Tea bowls!
Bubble Tea Shaved Ice
The ice is blended with your selected flavor and topped with ice cream, pudding and fresh fruit! Of course the bubble tea version has tea flavored ice, tapioca pearls and milk pudding. It's literally two in one and the best of both things I love!
You'll notice in my photo below that I also got the strawberry flavor, but that did not top mango. The mangos in Asia are sweeter and softer, larger and juicier! Every bite was absolutely the perfect bite!
Popsicles in assortment of flavors: Passion Fruit, Honeydew, Mango and Strawberry (Also from Ice Monster)
Hello Kitty Restaurant and Dining
A trip to Asia isn't complete without a sighting of the beloved Japanese Hello Kitty. I didn't just have a sighting though. I found a full on Hello Kitty themed restaurant located in Taiwan! I didn't order anything from here because I was saving my appetite, but I had to go inside to check it out. I wanted to see what Kitty Kreations the cafe created of Kitty. Hello!
Hey, Kitty! Kitty! Kitty!
When in Zhong Li...
My first day in Taiwan was spent in Zhong Li where my Grandma resides.
In efforts to fight my jetlag, I asked my aunt to take me a cafe for some coffee. I can't remember the name of this location, but it was definitely Euro-American influenced. Coffee and ice cream are both universal! You can't go wrong with waffles covered with ice cream, fresh bananas, drizzle of chocolate fudge and a cherry on top!
Fruit
Although Zhong Li is not a popular tourist destination in Taiwan, it is still the district where my Grandma resides. It has its own hustle and bustle. She conveniently lives on a block where fruit vendors sell their best on display!
I cannot go a day without eating some kind of fruit so whenever I'm there, I shop around and look for the most "exotic" fruit of Asia. My favorite fruit is the wax jambu! The imports in NY just aren't the same. The texture of this fruit is best described with an apple's crispness, but more in line with a watermelon's flesh. The color inside is white and it is pit-less.
I only ask for one thing when I arrive in Taiwan and that is a plate of wax jambu! September is not the peak season for this fruit, so I begged my aunts to please find as many as they can buy. Of course they spoiled me from Zhong Li to Taipei, and I had several every day for four days in a row!
Wax Jambu
Custard Apple aka "Buddha's Head"
This fruit market is where people make a living every day, selling fruit to the locals. It was absolutely refreshing seeing them sell with a contagious smile. Now of course they didn't know who I was, but they sure knew who my Grandma was and welcomed me to look around.
Hope you enjoyed this post! Four days in Taiwan, filled with family and my favorite foods!
Love,
Laura
Travel Diaries: The Fault in My Fears
It felt like a dream. The islands of Coron in Palawan, Philippines-- I was in love with all of it-- and I wish I could go back right now.
Everything they say about wanderlust is true...the excitement, the fulfillment, the adrenaline rush, and finally the feeling you are left at the pit of your stomach when it all ends. I still can't describe the exact feeling I got when I knew my days were counting down to zero. All I remember is that moment I was on my 15-hour flight flying backward into the Eastern time zone and I was hit by the realization that this was it. There was no turning back. I'm stuck in this window seat with two snoring individuals and not a single tissue to wipe the snot flowing out of my nose. Yes, that's a lot of information that I'll get to in a second.
Upon arrival of Club Paradise in Coron, Palawan
It felt like a dream. The islands of Coron in Palawan, Philippines-- I was in love with all of it-- and I wish I could go back right now.
Everything they say about wanderlust is true...the excitement, the fulfillment, the adrenaline rush, and finally the feeling you are left at the pit of your stomach when it all ends. I still can't describe the exact feeling I got when I knew my days were counting down to zero. All I remember is that moment I was on my 15-hour flight flying backward into the Eastern time zone and I was hit by the realization that this was it. There was no turning back. I'm stuck in this window seat with two snoring individuals and not a single tissue to wipe the snot flowing out of my nose. Yes, that's a lot of information that I'll get to in a second.
I didn't feel like sleeping, and I saw nothing outside the plane except the faint grey clouds below me and the fading sunset sky. So I turned to the movie collection readily available a tap away. It was the latest batch of movies currently playing in theaters. I had already seen half of the list on my flight going to Asia, so I decided to watch the one movie I avoided tapping during that initial flight. I avoided watching The Fault in Our Stars because I knew what a sob fest I would become-- and I let that sob fest become me that very flight home. I let the waterworks devour my eyes and although I deeply wished to blow my nose, I couldn't bring myself to tap the man peacefully asleep next to me, and awaken him just so I could grab toilet paper to control my mucus. I think I was more embarrassed to have him see the emotional mess I was. Imagine waking up to a tap on the shoulder by a sobbing woman in her mid-twenties?? Scary. I knew that I wasn't just crying about the inevitable death in a beautifully flawed love story that was playing before me on a little screen. I was crying because this trip was over and I didn't know when I would be able to go back again!
Coron, Palwan
I realized this wasn't just any vacation. This was a journey that I wanted my soul to experience. This was an adventure of a lifetime. It began with a visit to see my Grandma in Taiwan, a trip to my roots. But, then my journey led me to the Philippines where my heart opened up to another side of the world that I've only read about in textbooks and seen photos of on travel blogs. For two decades I yearned to see another world through my own eyes...through my own vision. This was just the beginning because the flame inside me has been lit and I won't let it burn out here.
Coron, Palwan
It took me 23 years to finally see blue water for the first time. My first time was earlier this year when I visited Cartagena, Colombia, and boy does it thunderstorm when it finally starts to rain. Not only did I cross that blue water dream off my bucket list earlier this year, but I got to cross it off with an extra bold, red sharpie after this trip to the Philippines. These are the bluest most beautiful waters in the world...dare I say prettier than Cartagena. My eyes tear a little just reimagining that vision I had only a month and a half ago.
That's right. It has been over a month since I came back from the Philippines and all I can think about during these chillier New York days are warm, sunny skies, toes in the sand and the sight of infinite blue in the horizon. My appetite was satiated with high cholesterol dishes and the most sour drinks I can ever sip. My Vitamin-D deficient skin turned sun-kissed. My spirits were uplifted. And, of the 7,107 islands that make up the Philippines, I went to 7 islands during my 8-day trip.
All was uplifting and rewarding. Money was spent in all the right places and not a penny lost was regretted. This post took awhile to write because I couldn't bring myself to look at my photographs right away. I needed some time away from the memory because every sift through my album sprinkled a little salt in the wound. I think aside from my jetlag and inability to spring back to my New York routine immediately, I was also afraid that looking through my photos meant my love had ended and the dream was over. I was scared because I didn't know when I would be able to visit the Philippines again. There are so many places in this world that I want to eventually visit, but I am one person who can only explore one country at a time. I had let my fears get the best of me.
Just like that fear of watching The Fault in Our Stars because I did not want to cry a river, I was afraid that my wonderful memories of the Philippines would only ruin my less blue and warm reality. But, of course I knew deep down that it wasn't and isn't really over. I will travel again and I will fall in love as I do when I fall asleep...slowly, and then all at once.
If the sky was truly a reflection of the sea, then this explains it.
Here's the first entry of my trip to Asia. I'll be dreaming of this trip tonight. Back to the days I would eat, sleep, swim, and repeat.
Love,
Laura
For my full Philippines album, visit the page under the "Places" tab (click here), which I recommend, or scroll through the preview down below:
