Oh, where should I start talking about this city..

It was a rainy day, and autumn was about to begin. Gloomy welcome, but for me everything I saw was all bright and wonderful.  I had a Rachel Berry or Carrie Bradshaw moment when they first set foot in the Big Apple, but in my case it's Nagasaki. . I was all starry-eyed and felt like I got another chance to life.. a chance to take over the world! LOLJK.

This city reminds me pretty much of my hometown Gensan, very laid-back, so chill that you'd be greeted by furry felines on the street, or colorful koi all over downtown; yet has a very hyped city life, that you won't feel like you're living with the Croods. LOL.

So for almost 7 months of living here, (omg look who's counting!) I took zombilion photos. Which I thought would never see the light of the day, ever, because Instagram is evil! every photo should be pretty cookie-cutter perfect; and Facebook, well who uploads in albums these days?

Some of my first photos of the place I'd like to call my second home  <3

So another throwback post! this blog has a lot of catching up to do.

I started this post in a very sappy tone like "it was the beginning of the journey", and I reread it, WTF, I am sure if I'll get back to this post years after, or just even days, I would totally be cringing of embarrassment. ew. You can only talk about your feelings on the internet so much before it gets old.

The stay at Kujukuri, was barely a month, and it was totally short to experience everything it has to offer. But the place holds a special chunk on me, well of course, it's where the Japan adventures started. I can sense if I continue this paragraph, it will be all sentimental and mushy again. so. stopping. it. right, here.

the photos anyways..

I might not be the most patriotic, and don't love the Philippines with burning passion, but I don't hate it. Believe it or not, since I left, I've never been so proud to be Pinoy. Not because of the haywire politics and government, but simply because it's the place where I was born and grew up. The land where the most important events and circumstance took place that has a huge contribution to the person I became today. Tho hasn't figured it all out yet, it's the person I actually like and pleased to be (LOL I sound like I'm so full of myself haha). For that I thank my country.

And I would be lying if I say, I don't miss it.

Before I delve into some of Japan entries, I think that it would  feel more complete to have a quick throwback post. Thus this hodgepodge, it would be about photos I took a tad prior leaving for Japan. Will try to make it as comprehensive as possible. 

Crazy, but I only had roughly 24 hours to visit my hometown and bid my farewell, it's better than nothing. So I made sure to make the most of it and waste not even a single minute.

From the airport, I went straight home to have breakfast and spend the first hours with my folks.

where magic used to happen

I thought, it's impossible to meet everyone I know, tho there is not much. I painstakingly picked few friends to join me in my little Sayounara Brunch, and spend quality time.

Not all that I invited were able to make it, well simply because it was a short notice and has prior commitments. It was fine, I totally understand that like me they're just trying to be responsible adults.

So I only had Gino and Debbie, joined me. But I was totally touched knowing the fact they made effort despite of the circumstances. Gino, had to travel by land more or less 10 hours, and Debbie told me she postponed/cancelled her job interview, all both for my little Sayounara Brunch! I was touched! Truly quality over quantity.

They said, all you need in life are five good friends. FML, I only had two.

Since I was going to Japan, we had it on a sort-off and only Japanese buffet restaurant in town.

Didn't really know what we were eating then, but I'm guessing 'twas Yakiniku-ish

Desserts to instagram

Later that day, we decided to have some rides in the local carnival..

because we're adventurous like that ha!

And just like the old days..

Spent the rest of the night overstaying and more catching up in everybody's our favorite hangout.We talked about life, future and processing the both as adults. 

I am never a fan of large and loud parties, where I can barely say "hi" to people who I hardly know. I'd rather have coffee and sit down for a heartily chat with a friend or two.

The next day, I spent my remaining hours (lol, I sound like I'm going to die haha) with  my folks.

I quite miss the "fun" tho..

..and this little fellow, who's always grumpier than I am

Tower-travel goals?

"the art of conversation? don't let it die! put your gadgets down and talk to your friends. Here's something to get you started" ehem, ehem touche.

The very difficult to photograph, Taal View

ahh can I live there? ok not really, because Japan.

I actually stayed at Laguna  for a couple of months, but such a shame I almost didn't took any photos while I was there.

As some one who came from a small town aka probinsyano, it's implied to visit the most common obligatory places like MOA and Intramuros haha. I didn't have a chance explore more of the city aside from the two, well if NSO and Heart Center counts, that would be four already hahaha.

midnight memories

first obento, which didn't taste anything close to an actual obento

beer and bff chips by the bay kind of sunday afternoon

Other than Tagaytay, I actually really like Intramuros.

Except from the tricycle-tour guide drivers, that charges you with unreasonable prices! well, lesson learned and charged to experience.

***

So there, I wish I could end this post in a more compelling manner, but my brain starts to black out, and I already want to watch Izombie.

じゃあまたね