CRISTY IN THE CITY

Monday, March 28, 2022

“I like the spirit of this great London which I feel around me.”
-Charlotte Brontë

At long last, a bit of overseas travel after 2 years of being confined in a fishbowl. The pandemic is not yet over but travel restrictions are being eased up with more people getting vaccinated and protected. One can travel safely now as long as health protocols are religiously followed.

During the first week of February, I had the opportunity to travel to the UK to visit my sister who just completed a post graduate course in one of universities in London and also to meet a dearest friend whom I haven't seen in ages. I haven't travelled anywhere since the pandemic started so stepping into an airplane for a long haul flight was quite anxiety inducing knowing that the coronavirus and its mutations are still airborne everywhere. In London, I still wore a face covering even if the indoor mask mandate was already lifted. Like they say, better travel safe than sorry!

Thanks to stringent health protocols and careful planning, I made it to London and back- safe, sound and COVID free! Yay and thank God!

I have two words to describe London- pure magic. The city is unbelievably beautiful, inspired and exhilirating. Visiting London is totally worth all the hassle of getting a UK visa with all its requisite tediousness and stress. The sensory overload that London offered very well compensated for a week’s worth of terrible jet lag and paltry sleep. While in the UK, we took an 8-hour train ride to charming Edinburgh to see for ourselves the enchanting medieval townscape and of course taste some yummy shortbread biscuits and buy real Scottish tartan. Again, it was raining eighty percent of the time but that didn’t stop me from enjoying a cone of Parma Violet gelato on a freezing rainy evening.

Storm Eunice kinda ruined some of our itinerary plans but we got the must-see bases covered. I will someday go back to see the British Museum!

Enjoy these travel snaps!

The highlight of this London trip would have to be the West End musicals. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Mamma Mia, The Lion King, & Juliet and Cinderella. Super stellar shows!

Museum day at National Gallery in Trafalgar Square

Big Ben: Prettiest clock in the world

It’s teatime somewhere in the world

Stopping by The Ritz for afternoon tea hosted by my friend

The Shard: Modernity amidst the antiquity

Sainsbury flowers to brighten London's famously dreary weather

London Chinatown for the best Peking Duck dish

Shoreditch used to be Jack the Ripper's lair but is now the capital of cool. It's artsy, trendy and it's my favorite part of London

Paid my respects to my favorite English writers, poets and historical figures at Westminster Abbey

Oh, the Thames River!

Reality vs. Expectation: The Tower Bridge is majestic while London Bridge is actually just an ordinary bridge

I would have booked the English Tea Bus if I knew of such travel experience

My sister booked a pretty Airbnb in Edinburgh with a whimsical view of Princes Street

Dean Village is a rustic fairytale 19th century village with a bubbling stream and garden pathways. Very enchanting!

The winter garden of Edinburgh Castle

Scottish tablet or Parma Violet?

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Cool and cozy countryside views at Dafalongs Garden Cafe

If you're longing for fresh country breezes, lush greenery and unobstructed view of verdant hills and plains, take a long road trip to Northern Iloilo and visit Dafalongs Garden Cafe and Mini Park in Brgy. Bagacay in San Dionisio. San Dionisio is a 100-kilometer drive from Iloilo City and if you're planning to go, it's best to leave early to soak in the beauty of neighboring towns.

Dafalongs Garden Cafe and Mini Park is located right along the national highway so it's not hard to miss. Upon entry, you will be greeted by a cozy, cabin style cafe made of handcrafted, homegrown wood in rustic, bespoke interiors. From the flooring to the exposed wooden beams and trusses, the cafe in itself is a work of art. Enjoy the 360 degree views with a cup of native iced coffee or locally sourced brewed coffee served in charming, farm inspired enamel or sartin coffee cups. Pair it with a slice of rich brownies or cake that the owner bakes herself. The best thing I love about the cafe is that it is a safe place to enjoy in the safety bubble of your family or friends without worrying about indoor coronavirus transmission. The cafe is the closest thing to dining outdoors with non-stop breezes and cool air. Now if only I can bottle the country air and take it home! If you plan to visit, send a reservation thru their Facebook page. You can also make inquiries and reservation about plants and landscaping materials available for sale.

A carpet grass sofa and table focal point surrounded by a lotus and water hyacinth pond

If you're an aspiring urban gardener or one with garden real estate, Dafalongs Mini Park is an excellent place to get inspired. The owner has a keen eye for stunning landscape design and elements.

The al fresco portion of Dafalongs Garden cafe where you can enjoy the surrounding flowers and tropical plants while savoring their food and drink offerings

Fiddle leaf plants (yes, it's available for sale) meet your gaze as you look at the mountain which was once Panay Island's most beautiful. The mountain is recovering its lushness after it was battered by Typhoon Yolanda several years ago.