This is the time of the year where I look back at where I’ve been lately. 2016 has been filled with so many unforgettable and memorable travel adventures. This is also the year that I lost the most precious person in my life, my dad. 2016 is a love and hate year for me. Despite all the shortcomings, the losses, the heartbreaks, 2016 has been good to me and will always be a year of realisation, learning, progress, living lean, and a celebration of life. For someone who only has 15 days annual leave, I’m quite lucky to travel 6 times this year. Thanks to replacement leaves and Public Holidays! Travelling is always on top of my game, it fuels me and it is such a lifestyle that I can’t seem to let go.
Here are the 11 of my most memorable travels this year.
Paris, France
I finally made it to Europe! There are so many European destinations that I would love to explore and France is on top of my list. I celebrated my birthday in Paris. France is not just my dream country, I’m addicted to its culture, food, music, fashion and I even studied the french language. I have high expectations for Paris, but certainly it has its ups and downs. I may be disappointed at some point, but I reckon, Paris has its own charm and for someone like me who is crazily obsessed to anything French, I will definitely go back, for some reason or another Croque Monsieur never taste as good anywhere else in the world.
Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Belgium
Belgium is surprisingly pretty. It’s a small country, but so many things to offer. I fell in love with the beers, waffles and the outskirts especially Bruges and Ghent. I have no expectation for Belgium at all, I went there to reunite with a childhood friend, but turns out, J’adore La Belgique! I came to Europe unprepared since Paris and Prague were only my two main targets. I never heard of Ghent, but it is unbelievably beautiful, so magical, it literally captures me from its spell and so many hot men. Oh my God!
In <3 with Gent! #belgium #gent
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is beautiful. No wonder why so many tourists flocked in Amsterdam every year. From the lovely alleys, famous museums, cobblestone streets, exquisite canals, exciting nightlife, fascinating history and architecture – I love it! Everyone speaks the english language and it’s easy to go around. One of my favourite things to do is to have a brunch at a nearby canal and simply enjoy the view while having beer.
I also visited Zaanse Schans, a Dutch countryside with its picturesque windmills. It is a quaint little town with cheese shops, wooden shoe maker, boutique stores, cute cafes, cobbled pathways, authentic windmills and every corner is an opportunity to take good photographs. I took so many photos!
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Dresden, Germany
I stopped by in Dresden on my way to Prague. It’s a baroque city in the state of Saxony. A friend convinced me to visit Dresden and explore the beauty that rose after WWII. She said Dresden is usually overlooked by tourists and it’s worth a visit. She was definitely right! Dresden is so full of history and great baroque architectures. The palaces, shopping centres, cute restaurants, churches, wonderful bridges, and the fantastic views of the city that is perfectly situated along the Elbe River is just worth to see. I loved that the attractions were close to each other and can be easily explored by foot. Dresden was not even part of my itinerary, but it caught me by surprise.
A 101 meter stroll through history #Fürstenzug #dresden #germany
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Prague & Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
I’ve seen photos of Prague in Magazines and brochures and I told myself that one day, I’ll get there. I can say that it is really beautiful. Prague is so charming, like every corner is pretty. I had such an incredible time in Prague. During my visit, it was so hard to take a solo picture of me in Charles Bridge, I have to wake up early in order to achieve it! I liked that a lovely city such as Prague is inexpensive and the restaurants in Prague were just as lovely as the city!
I spent 6 days in Prague then I met someone and suggested that I have to go to Czesky Krumlov. The moment I stepped on the cobblestone streets of Cesky Krumlov, it felt so magical, like I was literally inside a fairy tale book! I’m not exaggerating, its just Wow, I can’t believe such a place really exists!
Colourful roofs. ??? #prague #czechrepublic #europe
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Cesky Krumlov – Unesco Heritage South Bohemian castle. #ceskykrumlov #czechrepublic
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Budapest, Hungary
I had to end my Euro trip in Budapest. I don’t know why I choose Budapest, maybe because crossing through the Chain Bridge from Buda to Pest is a good idea or maybe because they have the most beautiful Parliament in Europe. With less expectation, Budapest is worth a visit. Fisherman’s Bastion is my favourite spot that offers a panoramic views of the city! I had such a wonderful time in Budapest.
B U D A P E S T ?❤️???✈️ #chainbridge #budapest #parliament #danuberiver #hungary #europe
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Too lovely to eat. #gelatorosa #ststephenbasilica #budapest #hungary
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Singapore
What is it with Singapore that I kept coming back every year? Must be the laksa, the Universal Studios or the beautiful alleys of Haji Lane. It is one of the least destination to visit imo, however each time a friend or a family requested that I have to accompany them to Singapore, each visit brings a whole new experience, It’s just that I can’t say no to my Mom, after all we need a break to cope up with our loss.
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Negros Occidental, Philippines
A year without visiting my country is incomplete. Bacolod is home. I won’t trade Chicken Inasal for any dish in the world! I revisited Don Salvador Benedicto and road trips across San Carlos. It is just the best road trip in Negros, ever! There is no place in the Philippines that you’ll see the Rice Terraces, Waterfalls, Volcanoes, Sugarcanes, and Chocolate Hills all in one location than in Negros. The scenic views of sugarcanes and mountains, felt like yesterday. I can’t wait to go home!
Road trip to Don Salvador. #rainorshine #lamyerda #negros #donsalvador #philippines
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Johor & Terengganu, Malaysia
I thought I would never see some gorgeous beaches in Malaysia, not until I met Babi Island in Johor and Wisana Island in Redang. Hidden beaches, unspoilt beauty, fine white sands and turquoise sea are all I asked. I am happy that I found these beaches, I finally have not just one, but two beaches to recommend to friends when they visit Malaysia.
Selamat Pagi! #pulaubesar #babiisland
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Jalan jalan #wisanavillage #pulauredang #whitesand #malaysia #beach #kualaterengganu #lamyerda
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Bangkok & Khao Yai, Thailand
I returned to Bangkok after so many years. It felt so good to catch up with one of my best friends. Day trips and late night music over a few bottles of Chang. We visited Khao Yai, one of the most fantastic place in Thailand. We stayed at this beautiful Thames Valley Hotel with English country side vibe, Marvelled at Primo Piazza and Palio Village that felt like we were in Italy, dined and wined at PB Valley Khao Yai Winery and so many things. It was an unusual place that I never thought I could possibly find in Thailand.
Where to next? ✈️?❤️??? #khaoyai #thamesvalley #lamyerda #pakchong #thailand
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Runaway kems ???? #pakchong #thailand #pbvalley #khaoyai #winery #lamyerda
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Little Italy in Thailand. #primopiazza #pakchong #khaoyai #thailand #lamyerda
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Cape Town, South Africa
I just got back from Cape Town, a beautiful City in South Africa. I realised I’ve been traveling for 10 years now and my itchy soles need a celebration. Happy feet, yes! Cape Town is a good choice. Conquering Table Mountain, Paragliding from Signal Hill, Up close and personal with the Big 5, visiting the vineyards of Constantia Valley and the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach, road trips at the Cape Peninsula, Partying with the locals and meeting new people from different parts of the world, Joining a helicopter ride to get a panoramic view of the city, Exploring the beautiful beaches of Cape Town, and Cage diving with the Great White Shark in Gansbaai are just some of the best things I did in my travel history.
Into the wild.?????? #gamereserve #safari #inverdoorn #inverdoorn #capetown #southafrica
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Bird’s eye view of Cape Town. #capetown #nachelicopters #tablemountain #lionshead #southafrica
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Colorful bathing boxes of #muizenberg #capetown #beach #houses #southafrica
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
Stunning view of the 12 apostles. #campsbay #12apostles #capetown #beach #southafrica
A photo posted by Riz Baldivia (@lamyerda) on
2016 is such a horrible year for me or maybe not. I still feel blessed and I guess we all need to celebrate life. Enjoy life to the fullest. I’ve been traveling for a decade now, 6 years offline and 4 years in the blogosphere. My blog is always in hiatus, I will do my best to post more articles next year and hopefully, revamp my blog. Here’s to a wonderful 2017!
This is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers‘ Blog Carnival for December 2016, hosted by Mervz Marasigan of PinoyAdventurista.com
European dream! Glad you’d able to fulfill it, Cape town is so beautiful, love your photos…Happy new year! 🙂
Yeah, So happy to ticked it off my list. 🙂 Thank you so much for dropping by. Wishing you guys a happy new year. See you on the road 🙂
Thanks, you have a lovely blog, see you somewhere in the world 🙂
Pasabog ang mga kempet mes, mamshie! hahaha
Sa 2017 ah, alam mo na!
haha, sana ung kempet kes sumabog din. Next year, more kempet! Kampay! haha
Bet ang Khao Yai at Babi Island. Hongdami mong gala this year.
Anes South America Next year?
oo epek ung babi at khao yai, akto! sana aco naman maka bisita jan! Tara, South America! 😀
Europe is surely a travel goal. I need to get a visa just to visit those countries.
I joined the PTB Blog Carnival as well. 😀
http://www.itravelrox.com/2016/12/31/travel-summary-2016/
Yep, go for it! 🙂 Yeah, it’s been a while since I last joined the carnival. I’ll take a look at your post. 🙂 Thanks for visiting my blog! 🙂
Happy for you in fulfilling your Paris dream and more, Riz! 🙂
Miss you! Cheers to more travels this 2017!