Hawaii is finally reopening (without the need for the 14-day quarantine). Yay!!! However, before we all get too excited planning a dream Hawaiian adventure, let me give you the important information you need to know.
We Listen. We Care.
As a person who grew up in the Philippines, a relatively “homogenous” population, you would think that discrimination based on skin color would be unknown to me. Yet I have seen it even in my home country. By sheer virtue of my lighter skin complexion, I was given more and better opportunities, and I am sure it allowed me to get away with some mistakes unscathed. It is a very real thing that power and privilege had, and it still has a specific “look” in the Philippines and many other countries, a look that is merely based on the color of your skin, the shape of your nose, or your natural hair.
If you have followed me in the past years, then you know that I married a white South African, someone who witnessed and experienced racism from the day he was born. He is from a country where racism was not only legal in its apartheid system but incestuously embedded in all aspects of life. As a “white” South African, he got all the “white” privileges. Why “white” you may ask…. simply put even within “white” there was a caste system too – The Afrikaans (Dutch descendants) on top, followed by the British… Northern Europeans (Germans, French, Scandanavians), then the Mediterranean Europeans (Spanish, Portuguese, Italians, Greeks); my husband being from the last caste as his parents were Portuguese immigrants. Thanks to spending most of his school life in private “Catholic” schools, which legally could be attended by people of color, apartheid didn’t stop him from having friends of color growing up (although it did implement another form of discrimination … religion; Cape Town is home to a large Muslim community, and Muslim students were forced to participate in Christian activities). Read More
Into the Roaring 20’s
Today is day 14 since we had our nerve-wracking experience in Maui. I woke up with a grateful heart, knowing we are all healthy! I said a little prayer and had breakfast with hubby. Oddly, my kids woke up earlier and made breakfast for themselves – they both love making scrambled eggs and toast with butter. I thought I should write a post about everything that has recently happened to us.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Should I stay or Should I go?
I haven’t had the chance to write for my blog for the past months since I have been busy with other projects. But lately, I have got so many inquiries about travel amid the coronavirus outbreak. Friends, clients, and colleagues have been asking the question: should I go or should I stay?
I assumed here that everyone reading this blog is familiar with the current coronavirus epidemic making its way around the world. If you have plans of traveling or have booked your trip already, please do not panic as of yet! Well… unless you are going to certain parts in China. The news can be scary, and it can be difficult to recognize between facts and misleading information or hype. However, it’s true that staying properly informed is vital in making the right decision.
And here are a few things I suggest you should do:
Day trip to RB Golf Club & Resort
A little over an hour drive from the suburb of Plano, TX is the newly renovated RB Golf Club & Resort. The clubhouse and many of the holes offer beautiful overlooking views of the Bridgeport Lake. It’s an easy drive as the Resort is conveniently located on State Highway 380 and so it’s is a great day trip out of the DFW metroplex to play a round of golf or just to get away from the hustle of the city and relax in the countryside while enjoying a drink or some food at The Lakeview Tavern & Grill, the Resort’s own onsite bar and restaurant.
I went with my husband, two kids, and my Mom for an overnight stay at the Resort’s vacation rental alongside the golf course and just minutes walk away from the clubhouse. It was nothing fancy (think Airbnb) but very spacious and comfortable. With three bedrooms, a large living area, a dining area and decently equipped kitchen; it was perfect for all of us (the kids also gave their thumbs up for the internet, and my hubby even tested out and approved the Vudu streaming on the smart TV). There is a small outside area backing up to the runway of the first hole which also has an outdoor grill if you want to hang outside with a few friends in the evening. RB Golf & Resort are running a promotion right now called “Play and Stay” which says it all; so check it out and mention my name and you may get a little special attention.
Wine & Magic…Yes please…
It was my Mom’s birthday and I was looking for a unique activity to celebrate it with her and the family. So, instead of going to a regular lunch or dinner, I decided to take her to watch a magic show. And what is a better way to watch it than with some wine and food!
We arrived early at Checkered Past Winery, and I thought to myself, “wow… what took me too long to visit this place, it’s so neat, and I love the ambiance”. Apparently, it was named “Best Wine Bar in Dallas” by D Magazine, serving quality Texas wines and craft beers. Before the start of the show, we got to order some food and drinks, and my husband got a few minutes to take some photos.
