Chato Cruz

MOROCCO HERE WE COME.....

2011-01-16T23:23:00.001+08:00

THE PLAN- To get to Morocco together with my future sister- in- law with 3 days in Marrakesh, 2 days in Fez and 2 days in Tangier. We wanted to go to Spain since it is 14 kilometers from Tangier, but because we are both Filipinos and both don't have the Shenshenz Visa ( it would take us at least 30 days to get that Visa), we had to scratch Spain out. Please note that to get a Spanish Visa, you have to call their call center. For globe subscriber call- 1-900-101-3333 .For PLDT subscriber call 1-909-101-3333. Spanish Embassy number is 818-3561.

THE AIRLINES- There are several airlines that go to Morocco from the Philippines. These are Qatar, Emirates, El-thiad, Saudi Air. But the one that gives you the shortest flight hour and leaves daily would be Emirates. The cost for this flight was approximately 1,358.79 usd all in . With Emirates, you can avail of the Dubai overnight stop over. You would be needing a visa though. The cost of the 96 hour Dubai visa is 52.00 usd( It will take 7 working days to process your visa...but this 7 working days excludes Friday,Saturday and Sunday ). Did we avail for this? Nope...The overnight trip would be so taxing because you arrive Dubai at 1.30 am, check in, check out before 2pm, wander and wonder( on why you chose this option) around Dubai till 12 midnight, go back to the airport to catch the 3.50am flight back to Manila.

Riad L'Orangararie in Marrakesh

Riad Tizwa in Fez

THE HOTEL/RIAD IN MARRAKESH AND FEZ- I was given a free REIN by my future sister -in-law to plan the hotel and transport. I decided to stay in a Riad. These Riads were houses with a courtyards converted into some sort of a hotel, which often have 4-5 bedrooms. Equiped with Trip advisor's recommendation(www.tripadvisor.com) and numerous blog posting and 3 guide books Marrakech(H2O-Marrakesh), Lonely Planet Morroco, Insight Morocco, I decided to book a room in Riad L'Orangeraie (www.riadorangeraie.com) in Marrakech and Riad Tizwa (riadtizwa.com)in Fez. Both of these Riad claim to have a good location( both close to the Souks and Public Square) and have excellent facilities. Regarding bookings and payments , policies vary . For Riad L'Orangarie, I had to give them my credit card details(via email) to reserve and secure my booking. But will pay hard currency upon check-out. I booked the Gingember Room for 140 Euros , per night with breakfast. For Riad Tizwa, I gave a deposit to confirm my booking. I booked the Room 3 for 120 euros per night inclusive of breakfast. Unlike the Riad in Marrakesh, I can use my credit card when I check-out. You will also be charged a tourist tax of 2-4 euros per person per night. This tourist tax is not included in the quoted accommodation price per night.

THE TRANSPORTATION- Being, non Muslim, a woman, first time travelers, zero fluency and understanding in French and Arabic and because of several advices from travel forums and blogs, I decided to get a driver to pick us up in the airport of Cassablanca and drive us to our Riad in Marrakech. Get also a guided tour of the cityand transport from Marrakesh to Fez. I emailed several websites that offer these service. Listed below are the rates from the different companies, the cheapest was quoted by the Riad L'Orangeraie:

a. email:contact@moroccan-skies.com- Transfer from Casablanca -Marrakesh with a visit with to Mosque HassanII;8 hour seight seeing in Marrakesh with a guide;Day trip to Amezmiz Valley and the drive from Marrakesh to Fez cost 470 Euros for 2 inclusive of driver and gasoline and car of course!

b. email:marrakechtransport@hotmail.fr-Transfer to Marrakesh from Cassablanca was 140 euros. Day trip to Amizmiz was 80 euros.Transfer to Fez from Marrakesh was 260 euros.

c. Tours by Local gave me a quote of 900 USD for the pick -up in Casablanca, a guided tour in Marrakesh, a day trip to the High Atlas and transfer to Fez.

d. Riad Orangaraie quote was- Transfer from Casablanca to Marrakesh- 120 euros. Half day Marrakesh Tour- 20 euros. A day trip to the village of Imlil was 75 euros. Transfer from Marrakesh to Fez- 200 euros.

The MANTRA- And last...you read so many horror stories of tourist being hasseled and harrased in Morocco . I was advised by a friend of mine, Maritess T. Enriquez( she lived in Morocco for more than 10 years) that the Moroccans are very friendly and warm people! A frequent tripadvisor contributor shimmin2robertson advised me to " take the horror stories with a pinch of salt." and most importantly, -"COME WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND A BIT OF SELF CONFIDENCE AND MOST IMPORTANTLY A SENSE OF HUMOUR AND YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME".

My next update will be......Morocco- Postscript

How to get to Shanghai City Center from Pudong International Airport

2011-01-05T13:19:00.000+08:00

Pudong at night

A view of Superbrand Mall in Pudong

A view of the Huaihai Road

Of all Asian Cities I have been to, Shanghai has always been my favourite. It all has the glizt, glamour, the skyline, modern feel of a class A metropolis, minus the price tag. The people of Shanghai are very modern and fashionable too! The women look like they have stepped out of Vogue Magazine! Transportation around the city is a no brainer. The city has plenty of metro and taxis aplenty and reasonably priced. There are several hotels that will fit your budget and restaurants representing all nationality .

Getting to this modern metropolis from the Pudong International Airport too is a breeze. There are several options from Pudong International to the City Center. One can avail of the shuttle bus ( I haven't used this since it is the slowest way to get to the City Center ), a taxi( the most expensive) , a combination of Maglev (magnetic train that runs 430 kph an hr)and taxi and the metro ( the cheapest).

To get to the Maglev and Metro Station in Pudong, just follow the sign after exiting the Chinese customs. You cannot miss the sign. The Metro Station at the Pudong International Airport is recommended for people who have no heavy /bulky luggage .This is also not the fastest way to the City Center because of the numerous stops. It will take you approximately 69 minutes from Pudong International Airport to People's Square and will cost only 7 RMB. You can also buy your Metro Day Pass in this Station( 18 RMB) or the Relodable and refundable Shanghai Transport Card.

Signs leading to the Maglev and Metro from the Custom Exit

Ticket counter of Metro Station in Pudong International Airport

Entrance of Metro Station which is just right beside the ticket counter

The Ticket counter for the Maglev train just opposite the ticket counter of the Metro

The Maglev Station is just opposite the Pudong Metro Station. A one way economy trip on board the maglev , is 40 RMB-( that is if you arrive on the same day and would show your boarding pass as proof). Without any boarding pass, a one way economy the fare is 50 RMB, 100 RMB for VIP class, 80 RMB for round trip economy fare valid only for 7 days and 160 RMB for a round trip VIP class valid only for 7 days. This used to be the most popular option to get to Shanghai City center, but since the Metro Station opened in Pudong International Airport, there are not too many people who take this option. It could though be one of the fastest way to get to the City Center if you use it in conjunction with a taxi. Please note that most Taxi Drivers cannot speak or understand English. It is best to have a piece of paper with very clear instruction written in Chinese on how to get to your destination.

The Maglev Train...photo taken from the Shanghai Maglev Official Website

The economy cabin.Photo from the Official Maglev Website

The VIP Class. Photo taken from the official Maglev website

So, if one of the reason for not going to Shanghai is the transportation, don't fret. I think that Shanghai International Airport has one of the easiest way to get to the City Center.

Nangjing Road Shanghai

2010-11-23T00:40:00.216+08:00

Nanjing Road is a shopping road that is approximately 6 kilometers long. Located along the city center, the road runs in the west-east direction. The Road is divided into 2 sections. The East Nanjing Road and the West Nanjing Road. East Nanging Road is a pedestrian road full of Chinese Department Stores and Chinese Brand Stores and Hotels. It starts very near the Bund and ends by the People Square. There are plenty of people walking along East Nanjing Road and plenty of peddlers offering fake bags and watches. This is a historic Road with numeroue Art Deco Style Old Building towards the Bund so expect the crowd. Nice to walk once.

West Nanjing Road is less chaotic that East Nanjing road and more shopisticated and classy. Officially the shopping area starts by Shimen Road.

A view of West Nanjing Road taken from Shimen Road corner Nanjing.

There are no pesky peddlers along this road.West Nanjing Road are lined up with Malls that houses mostly Western brands and Luxury Brands . There are also watch and jewelry stores lined up on West Nanjing Road. Malls by this road are:

818 Plaza Mall

818 Plaza Mall has Muji, Emoi( a lifestyle store similar to Mujji) on the 4thrd floor.Levi's for Women, Dickies and othe Chinese Brand on the ground floor., third floor devoted to children's clothing and toys.

Mark and Spencer Building

Mark And Spencer has a 4 story building along this road. The GAP and UNIQLO( a Japanese Brand store similar to GAP) are here too! The exit for West Nangjing Road Station is under these store.

The Westgate Mall, the triangular building on the foreground is the JC Mandarin Hotel.

Westgate Mall houses Isetan Department Store, Blurberry,Lacoste,Calvin Klien,Zegna,Coach. They also have Cyrstal Jade on the 7th floor and a very good Shanghainise Restaurant on the 5th floor.

The Citic Square Mall

Citic Square has Zegna,Versus,Coach,Loewe,Marc Jacob,Chloe,Givenchy,Seven for Mankind,Esprit,Calvin Klien,Max Mara,Stefanel.

The Golden Eagle Mall

The Golden Eagle Mall has the Bottega Venetta, Y-3, Gucci and DMop store.

The Plaza 66 Mall

Plaza 66 houses most of the flagstore luxury brands such as Louie Vitton, Channel,Prada,Dior,Hermes. Versace, Celine,Uggs Boots,Anna Sui,Joyce Boutique,Escada,Lavin ,Cartier and other high endWestern brands.

Across Plaza 66 is Zara and Mossimo Dutti and next door to Plaza 66 The Rizt Carlton Hotel that has Ferregamo and Mui Mui on the ground floor.

JIA Shanghai and Golden Tulip Ashar City Center Shanghai

2010-11-22T17:56:00.063+08:00

JIA Shanghai and Golden Tulip Puxi Ashar City Center are Hotels located along the West Nanjing Road Area. Golden Tulip( formerly called City Center Suites) is a value for money hotel while JIA Shanghai is a luxurious Boutique type of Hotel. Golden Tulip is located along Shaanxi Road, just 30 seconds (by foot) from the famous West Nanjing Road. For all shopaholics out there, this Hotel is across Plaza 66 Mall, home of the Louie Vitton,Prada,Channel,Gucci Flagship stores. Five meters from the entrance of the hotel is Bottega Veneta and a Gucci Store, and a 6 minute walk to the Nanjing Road West Metro Station. Now for the drawback. The hotel room is a bit narrow but long. The bed is a bit on the hard side( heard that a hard bed is typical in most Chinese Hotel) and the bathroom has no bathtub. It has a kitchenette. The breakfast buffet is a bit on the ho hum side.....ordinary. A combination of hot Chinese breakfast and ham and sausages, powdered orange juice, fruits. Since it is a value for money hotel, the front desk can get chaotic. English is spoken in this hotel. And staff can sometimes be rude and stressed out.

Sitting Area of the Hotel Room, the bedroom is at the end.

The Kitchenette

The bathroom

The bedroom.

Golden Tulip Ashar City Center is currently # 285 of 2,140 in the list of hotels in TripAdvisor. You can check out the website and can make reservations.

You can book this hotel through thier website www.goldentulip.com and check the latest promos .

JIA SHANGHAI on the other hand is the hotel that I do not want to leave. They have the world's most comfortable bed! The bathroom shampoos, soap and lotions smell really nice! The flaks that I can only think of are the size of the room and the bathroom ( it is not as big as the Pudi Boutique hotel-another Boutique Hotel located in near the Huaihai Road) although the great location, and service and amenities make up for the size of the bedroom and bathroom.The hotel building is located along West Nanjing Road corner Taxing Road. The entrance of the hotel is along Taxing Road. West Nanjing road is just 30 steps from the hotel's entrance. There are plenty of restaurants at the back of the hotel and the West Nanjing Road Metro Station is just 30 seconds away by foot from the hotel. They have a great Italian restaurant. Breakfast is not buffet, but you have several choices that will surely fill you up till lunch. They have a lobby lounge too that serves afternoon tea( coffee, tea,sodas juice,afternoon snacks) and free wine is served from 6-8pm . You can get all day soda or fizzy water- free of charge and bring it up to your room. The hotel staff are composed of people from different nations. English is spoken here with the exception of the an extremely helpful staff( she spoke very little English - but was very helpful and apologetic) of the house keeping department. None of the staff acted rude, and stressed out,even the Chinese staff were very friendly and accommodating. Everything is nice in this hotel and nice things come with a hefty price. JIA Shanghai is currently # 6 out of 2,140 hotel in the TripAdvisor list. You can book through the hotel 's website:http://www.jiashanghai.com/web/Home/eng/

The Bedroom taken by the Hall Entrance.

The very comfortable bed!

The stting area.

The kitchenette complete with cooking wares, very nice utensils, plates, glasses in various sizes and purpose and a very well stocked bar!

The Sink, shower room to the left.

The bathtub.

The lounge where you have your afternoon tea and the place to wine for free( for hotel guest) from 6-8pm and where you can get your all day Sodas and sparkling water.

The JIA Building taken from Taxing Road.

Godly Restaurant-Shanghai China

2010-03-13T21:54:00.011+08:00

The Godly Restaurant is one of the Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Shanghai,China. The restaurant is located right beside the JW Marriot Hotel at Tomorrow Square, Nanjing Road West. Most of the waitresses cannot speak English , but the menu is in English so you can just point out what you want. The only drawback of this restaurant is they allow smoking.

The Barbequed Duck is 10 RNB....

The Bamboo Shoots and Mushroom is 18.00 RNB...

The Mandarine Fish Belly with Sweet and Sour Sauce is 65.00 RNB
This place is one of the best for vegetarians and non vegetarians like me.
This is the website:www.Shgoldy.com

Bacolod City

2009-02-06T07:53:00.022+08:00

Bacolod City is a small but sophisticated city. For the size of the city,( population: 499,497 , registered voters: 263,853) it has 3 big malls, several restaurant that can rival Cebu and Manila and several antique,furniture stores and a thriving art scene!!!!It is the home of artist Charlie Co, Nenulencio Alvarado and Artist/Furniture maker extraordinaire,Mr. Sason.

Transportation from the new airport in Silay to Bacolod City is no problem at all. You can take a shuttle that charges 150/person from the airport to your hotel or a taxi that charges 500.

There are several hotels in Bacolod, but the one that I always stay in is the L'Fisher Hotel. The hotel is located along Lacson Street and is just a stone throw away from most ( if not all)the great restaurants Bacolod has to offer. The people in this hotel are very helpful and friendly. The front desk people would go out of their way to answer any inquiry and all the employee of this hotel greet all the guest. Make sure you ask for the newly renovated rooms when you book.

My favourite restaurants are Pendy's ( home cooked taste food ), the Chinese restaurant beside L'Fisher hotel for their siopao, the Chocolate Square cake of La Calea and the Margarita of Restaurant 21( which I think is the BEST in the Philippines). I tried too this restaurant called Aboy's which is something like a class A turo-turo restaurant. They serve organic rice and pro -biotic pork, chicken and beef. They also have a counter wherein you can choose the seafood you would like for grilling.

the chocolate square cake of La Calea

the yummy Margarita of Restaurant 21

There is also a very good and very reasonably price ( five pesos each)Bibingka stand in Silay. Try too the Barquillos of Sugarlandia along Yulo St. And for the Sugar Addicts, try the Piyayas of Bong-Bong and caramel tarts of Virgies.

There are also several old big mansions to see near Bacolod. There are 2 house museum in Silay and the Lacson Ruins that you can visit.

The people here know how to work and have a good time and enjoy life.I wouldn't mind going back to Bacolod over and over again!

MELANIE MARQUEZ- THE QUOTABLE QUEEN

2008-07-07T18:15:00.006+08:00

MELANIE MARQUEZ ( I think ) is the funniest mother, beauty queen, soap endorser, mother rolled into one. And its because of all her quotable quotes!!!!!!! Kudos to you!!!!

My brother is not a girl; he’s a gentleman.
That’s why I’m a success, it’s because I don’t middle in other people’s lives.
Don’t judge my brother; he’s not a book.
I won’t stoop down to my level.
Hello? Bulag ka ba? Bingi ka ba? Are you dep?
‘Yung STD, baka sa maruming toilet lang niya nakuha yan.
Eh, ikaw ba naman, durugin ang ari mo...Pag di ka naman manutok ng baril.
We are lovers, not fighters.
Kapatid ko pa rin siya. We are one and the same.
I don’t eat meat. I’m not a carnival.
Sumasakit ang migraine ko.
Ang tatay ko ang only living legend na buhay!
I keep my crown in the voltage.
Can you repeat that for the second time around once more from the top?
I couldn’t care a damn!
What’s your next class before this?
Hello, my brother Joey is out of town, would you like to wait?
Don’t touch me not!
You! you’re not a boy anymore! You’re a man anymore!
Bakit ang dami mong tanong? You're so questionable.
You can fool me once, you can fool me twice, you can fool me thrice. But you can never fool me FOUR!
Hindi ba kayo naawa sa kapatid ko...sa mga kwento nya? Di ba kayo na-PERSUAVE ng mga kwento niya? Hindi si Joey ang tipong mambubugbog ng babae...talaga lang malapit siya sa mga gulo...PRO-ACCIDENT kasi siya eh.
Boy Abunda: O Melanie, paano na ang showbiz career mo ngayong magmo-Mormon ka na? Melanie: Ah okay lang 'yon Boy, kasi matagal na rin akong SEMI-RETARDED.
They should talk behind the scene...

(answering the phone) Hello. Wait a moment. Please hang yourself.
(before Christmas) Well, I want to spend my holidays with my family most probably out of place.
Why I will give my calling card, I'm not a call girl. (Her reply to a certain duke when the latter is asking for her calling card.)
Eto na po ang pinakamaligayang pasko at manigong taon sa inyong lahat. (During her acceptance speech at a Metro Filmfest awards night where her bioflick, directed by her late father Temyong Marquez, won an award.)
Period na talaga; wala nang exclamation point. (When asked on S-Files if her present husband, Adam Lawyer, is her Mr. Right)
And the base of my observation is... (showbiz stripped May 14 GMA Ch. 7)
At a talk show after her break-up with Derek Dee, Melanie was asked if she had some words for Derek’s mother (whom she partly blamed for the separation). "Oo nga," said Melanie, "pero i-English-in ko para maintindihan niya." She looked into the camera and, with the peremptoriness of royalty, said, "And to you, Mrs. Dee, I have two words for you. Ang labo mo!"
(When asked for a message to her daughter who was allegedly abused by their houseboy) Don't worry little angel, big angel is here.
(On what they should do to the houseboy who molested her daughter) He should be put behind bar.
(While waiting backstage during a noontime show after watching Nikki Valdez do her dance number) Nikki, you're so galing. You should go to the States. You will sell hotcakes!
(While she's in Morning Girls With Kris & Korina promoting her movie with Aleck Bovick) Please watch HIRAM starring Aleck Baldwin (referring to Aleck Bovick) and myself. It's DIRECTOR by Romy Suzara.
(After giving birth, and an interview on The Buzz) My answers have been prayered!
(To ex-flame Senator Lito Lapid) Hello...Huwag kang tumahol sa sarili mong bakuran noh! (In response to being misunderstood) You know, huwag kang tumahol like dogs.

Applying for a U.S. Visa

2008-07-05T00:25:00.007+08:00

(image copied from website of the U.S. embassy -manila)

Even before 911, the U.S. has been very strict with the issuance of tourist visas for Filipinos. There are horror stories, tear jerking stories, stories about intimidating consuls abound . So here are some tips to remember when applying for a U.S. visa:

1. Go to the U.S. Embassy website. http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3024.html
This website is very, very helpful because it will give you clear and detailed instructions on how to apply for a Tourist visa . It also has a page called Demonstrating Ties which explains in detail in the documents which you have to bring to as proof that you have compelling reason to come back to the Philippines and not go TNT.

2. Apply early at least 2-3 months in advance.

3. On the day of your appointment, come at least two hours before your appointment and LEAVE YOUR CELLPHONES AND IPODS OR ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICE !!!!! Just in case you forget to leave your cell phone, there are people who can keep your cellphone for you. They are normally by the line outside the embassy. This is of course for a fee and at your own risk.

4. They sell food and drinks in the waiting area, but these stores open at 8am. So if you have an early appointment, bring water and food.

5. Dress appropriately. But not in your Sunday clothes or in a barong.

6. Be confident .

7. Read the instruction posted around the embassy regarding the finder print scan. I guess with so many applicants everyday, these consuls by the finger print scan can get feisty AND RUDE.

8. Answer only when asked and bring all ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

9. And Good Luck!!!!

ANAWANGIN COVE

2008-03-22T21:34:00.026+08:00

This trip was a last minute plan. Originally, our plan was to explorer the beaches of Barangay Tambobong, Dasol,Pangasinan. Then I saw a blog of Ferdinand Decena and Alford Ronduen, which immediately made me change my mind. How could you not resist going to this place. Pine tress instead of coconut trees along the beach?????

There are 2 ways to reach Anawangin Cove. One is a 6 hour trek and the other is thru a 45 mins boat ride on an outtrigger from Barangay Pundaquit. I chose the latter. Call Mang Vic the boatman a day or two before going to Anawangin Cove( cell#+639284537121).The cost was 1,600.00 round trip to anawangin and back to San Antonio for 3 people). To get to Pundaquit, follow the signs to San Antonio, Zambales. Upon reaching the town of San Antonio, follow the sign the Panaquit. Just follow the road till the very end. There is a safe parking spot whrein the owners charged us 50.00 for a whole day parking.

There are also two places to stay in Ananwangin. One is on the left side of the cove which charges 150.00 per head and the other is owned by the Bolipatas and charges 50.00 per head. We stayed on the left side of the cove.

The places to stay(either on the left or the bolipata's place)in Anawangin are very, very rustic. In the place that we stayed in, There is one hand pump,one toilet and one place to take a bath( to take a bath, you have to pump water in a pail and use a water dipper to take a bath with) Bring a tent because there are no lodges here. If you want a hot meal, bring a portable gas stove. There is no electricity in this place, so bring portable lamps incase you want to stay for a night. There are no cell sites either. No place to buy food and bottled drinking water too.
So be a boy scout and come prepared!!!!Electronic lovers, beware.

The Chestnut Club

2007-08-29T14:13:00.000+08:00

The Chestnut Gang is not a gang of chipmunks or pre adolescent teenagers, but is a collective group of mothers who happen to ride chestnut horses. Karina Limcaoco, our founding leader thought that it would be cool to name the group since we all ride ( well except for Delania, she rides a roan coloured horse) chestnut horses. The group composed of Marielo Guerrero,Delania Whittington ,Karina Limcaoco ( The Leader- the chosen one ), Sonja Vontobel and me, yours truly ( soon to be Honorary ) ride every morning at the Los Tamarow Equestrian Center under the tutelage of Janine Santos-Felix and Migs Felix.

Always the first to arrive in the morning and the last one to leave, Marielo Guerrero is like our barn mother--a mother to not only her daughter but to all of us, including the horses! She is the mechanical, civil, and electrical engineer of our group; the car mechanic, architect, builder, sewer, designer, and buyer, who knows Divisoria like the back of her hand. She rides and competes in dressage on 17.4-hand Savannah (a.k.a. the horse I don't want to fall off).

Delania Whittington, a mother to all sorts of avian, reptilian, aquatic, furry, or four-legged friends, is married and does not compete at the moment, but rides as regularly as possible. She is our French interpreter and avian expert, owns a pet store, and keeps attacker birds in her room. She rides her horse, a strawberry roan gelding named Freckles.

Karina Limcaoco is the leader and art expert of the group. She's also the most obsessive-compulsive person in the barn, from cooking to shopping to family and even to riding. She keeps a journal on anything and everything, and can ask the most insane questions. She currently competes in dressage on another giant named My T Bear.

Sonja Vontobel or “Sonia” is our regular Swiss-Miss. She is from Switzerland and is married to a swiss.She rides a chestnut horse named Jack .

I on the other hand ride a mare named Mil. We compete in jumping(lower class) and dressage. I say the most insane phrases when I teach such as " At the canter, corner" or " don't make your line snakey( interpreted as : keep your line straight ) and surprisingly, my students understand.

The five of us like to talk about our riding and our horses all the time--the things our horses did that day, the shampoos we use on them, the grooming techniques we try, and our orders from Dover. Well sometimes too we talk about other things such as secret recipe of lechon kawali .We try our best to help each other out. And we take riding seriously, but we remember not to take the fun out of it!

There will be more about the Chestnut Gang. You can check us out in chestnutgang.blogspot.com!!

Obsession with the weather

2007-08-06T17:42:00.002+08:00

If you are like me who is obsessed with knowing what the weather will be or if a giant typhoon will hit the country, you should check out the following websites:
1.https://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc.php
This website called JOINT TYPHOON WARNING CENTER PRODUCT, located at the Naval Base Pearl Harbour Hawaii. This agency is responsible for issuing tropical cyclone for the Pacific and Indian Ocean and is intended for the use by the U.S. government agencies. Here you will see a weather system forming in the WHOLE Pacific and Indian Oceans! They even have graphics that will show you where they tropical Cyclone was, her current position and where she is heading.The site has a multi spectral Satellite Imagery and even prognostic reasoning.

Ship Avoidance Graphic

2.http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/map/interactive/RPXX0017?
I also like this site because it an an interactive/animated weather map and because you can add as widget.

An interactive , animated weather map

Clark and Kitchie during the party of Enzo

2007-08-02T21:41:00.002+08:00

Enzo's Birthday Party July 28,2007

2007-08-01T08:20:00.000+08:00

Check out the cake. Don't be fooled. Its super super heavy .I can't carry it or lift it.

Its 2 12"x 4" round pound cake and fondant icing from Martha's Cake. Super, duper yummy!!!!

Who I am

2006-09-14T16:06:00.001+08:00

I am a mother of three kids ages 16,12 and 7. I work for my aunt who happens to own a printing press. I was into riding since 1978, then was into karting, then scuba diving and now back to riding horses again.I am into antique furniture and the arts. I am also a part time riding instructor for Los Tamaros Equestrian Center and currently also into Yoga or is it the Lululemons (?).