Ngong Ping 2009

The cheapest tour of my traveling days. You take the subway to the end of the line, pay the cable car fare and you get to take the longest (20-25 minutes) and very scenic ride you could get in Hongkong and maybe, elsewhere. You get to climb the steps to the giant Buddha, walk the Wisdom Path, visit a monastery and stroll among the shops and restaurants at Ngong Ping. At the top where the Buddha sits there were three lady Buddhas. Somehow they reminded me of my late sister as does almost every female buddha I see, as does even the female face in the full moon. And the statues looked so beautiful against a backdrop of a blue sky that it is them that I remember most. (Hong Kong stopover, January 2009)

Blue Waters

the sea itself a dream

a dream of blue on green.

e.j.

The sea is still a beautiful blue. The beach is still white in most parts. But many, many things have changed. There are too many people now, many of whom I don't know and who in turn don't know me. There are rebels close by. The old house is in a sorry state. My father is no longer there. It is my childhood paradise no more.

(Hamoraon, Camarines Sur Jan 2010)

Sand Art

The tiny creature is no bigger than a ladybug. It crawls and carries its white shell on its back. It burrows and makes a hole. No, a tunnel actually. It does this by repeatedly forming a teeny ball of sand and rolling it away from the opening. And believe me, it is fast! In the process, it creates a beautiful design. Truly a natural artist.

( Bagasbas Beach, Camarines Norte April/2010)

Standing on her Hair

This piece of sculpture is beautiful and dreamlike. Scuptor is Andrew deVries from Lenox, Massachusetts. Named 'Innocence'. At Lenox' sidewalk sculpture show. (7/1/10)

Happy Birthday to Lola

Lyla kept picking flowers along the paths at Edith Wharton's estate. Happy Birthday, Lola, she would say each time. A tiny yellow wild one looked really cute, just like plastic, I remarked. (6/29/10)

I am a Crab

Ooooh, this is the most delicious crab dish I have ever had! Alimango in lemon and tons of fried garlic. Kara my daughter ordered this at a seafood restaurant in Eastwood, Manila. Yummy !!! (May 2010)