New Zealand: North Island

For February break, we decided on New Zealand as our next adventure. We landed in Auckland and drove south to Waitomo. We stayed at Waitomo Hotel which promptly reminded me of scenes from The Shining. The next day we did black water rafting. Zipped up in wet suits, wearing hard hats and clutching an inner tube, we floated, splashed through a dark cave and marveled at glow worms. It was a cold ride but so much fun. Afterwards, we had lunch at Hulu Hulu, Emma devoured a steak with gusto. We liked it so much we came back for dinner!

The next day we explored more caves around the area and saw more glowworms. It was so cool to be in a dark cave and looking up to see "stars".

Our next stop was Rotorua. Rotorua is known for its thermal activity and Maori culture. But to get us into swing of things, we headed to Mount Ngongotaha for Skyline Skyrides. The view was spectacular up there. And, of course, the luge was fantastic. We went on countless times.

We also visited the White Island, New Zealand's most active volcano. All visitors must wear a hard hat and gas mask.

After a few days in Rotorua, we headed to Hobbiton. We partied under the Party Tree and visited the hobbit homes. Lauren and Emma were delighted to explore the hobbit holes.

Here are some pictures from the trip.

Hiking in Waitomo















Luging in Rotorua



















Going for another run














Boating around Lake Rotorua















White Island














Horseback riding in Rotorua














Peering out of Bilbo's house















View of the Party Tree















Feeding baby lambs














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Quick Trip: Shanghai & Mom's Visit in HK

After the trip to Manila, I flew to Shanghai with Colin and we stayed in the Pudong Area by the Bund. We had a great view of the Bund and Oriental Pearl Tower. Shanghai was preparing for World Expo so there was lot of repair work going all around the city. We did ride the Bund Tourist Tunnel that goes under the Huangpu River. It was, to describe it in one word, psychedelic.


Oriental Pearl Tower





























View of the famous Bund with its grand buildings from Pudong side. Unfortunately the riverside walk was under construction. The men in the foreground were cleaning the river during low-tide.


Back in Hong Kong, we celebrated Mom's birthday. We treated her to a Peking Duck dinner. The girls were more impressed with the china.


Hong Kong getting ready for Lunar New Year.










Good dinner!













One of the designs on the plates.











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Quick Trip: Philippines

In January, I flew to Manila to meet up with my mom. As soon as I landed we drove to Pangasinan to visit Papa's grave. We spent overnight at my aunt's house before driving back to Manila.

Colin flew in days later for a business meeting. We had a chance to visit Intramuros with my cousin Philip and his kids.

Some pictures from our trip:


Lunch cooking on make-shift stoves. It was pretty tasty.











Mom at a local market.













At Intramuros














Mom making her own halo-halo.















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