Paco Market

Yesterday I went for a small excursion to the old Paco Market in the heart of Manila. An old institution that is now being restored as part of a Pasig river rehabilitation project. Apparently it used to be the filthiest of places and there is still work to be done but the place sure has potential. As soon as the new food stalls open I will go back.

Paco Market, one of the oldest in town.


Going shopping.


Loads of stuff. Bright and clean.

Meat section still waiting for final make-over.


Happy market kids waiting for egg hunt.
What does three fingers mean, I asked.
Rock'n Roll, they said.

Loads of stuff still spilling out onto the streets as well.

And then we passed a sewing workshop where my friend had to pick up some stuff for her gorgeous bag label Ipil.

Tagaytay and Sonya's

While in Tagaytay, we did of course stop here and there to enjoy the views over Lake Taal and its famous volcano (still have to climb that one, to get that peek into its crater...). We also passed Sonya's garden for a stroll and to pick up a few herbs from the store.



View from the ridge. And oh, the fresh mountain air.

 Lettuce cultivations at Sonya's.

And I'm totally craving for one of those crystal chandeliers.

Antonio's in Tagaytay

One day, my parents and I escaped without kids and drove up to Tagaytay and had lunch at the amazing Antonio's. And it sure was just as good as expected. Now thinking of a way to escape there for dinner with husband...

Swedish grandparents arrived

In Februray we welcomed our Swedish grandparents - my parents that is - who stayed with us for almost three weeks. We explored a lot both inside and outside Manila and had lots of fun. Kids were thrilled to have them around - now counting down for the "usual" summer holidays...

 Grannies immediately dragged into the pool and into the play room.

Traveling at home

Although we like travelling a lot, sometimes even the Taketani family need a break. The other weekend we spent at home, very lazy, doing nothing. Until the kids convinced dad to join them on an imaginary expedition. As mum isn't really into that kind of role play, she got very busy setting up the "hotel" where the adventurers would stay the night. Much more my kindathing.

 Arrival.

 Welcome drink and snack.

Night time.

Bankgal - Evangelista and around

In a corner of fancy Makati, is the lovely little neighborhood of Bangkal where the streets around Evangelista are known for its many antique and thrift shops. The other day a friend and I ventured over for a stroll and a few purchases. Then we had lunch at the cute French Bistro d'Agathe.

 

 

The Jeepney towards Evangelista. Still not non-smoking.

 Happy shoppers - although not with huge shopping bags, but loads of "shopping around".

 

Sometimes Manila isn't that bad!

Manila Seedlings

Just next to Edsa up in Quezon City, is this vast area called Manila Seedlings. With a huge amount of plant shops and, certainly, seedlings, it is a great place for a little stroll. The other day we went, stocked up on loads of seedlings for our herb garden.

Then, heading home. The place is just a ten minutes drive away. If it wasn't for the constant EDSA jam.

And little by little we are finding spots beyond the shopping malls and fast food restaurants. Just have to find the magic trick to get to all those places without ending up spending hours in traffic jam on ugly ugly roads.

Los Banos Botanical Gardens

About an hour and a half south of Manila is the small university and hot spring town of Los Banos. A couple of weeks ago we went down there to visit the botanical gardens. More than gardens it is a fairly clean forest, with a small river and space, if you are creative, for a picnic. Kids had a great time, and on the way back we stopped at our favorite plant shop and filled the car with new plants for the garden.




Picnic time!

Hiking family.

Getting lost on back-roads from the gardens, we ended up on a small hill with a view over la Laguna and, in the foggy distance, Manila.

Cubao Expo

Cubao Expo is a really nice pedestrian little street strip in Quezon City, full of antique shops, some really strange shoe shops, a few galleries, bars and restaurants. I still have to go there at nighttime as that's supposedly when the place really comes to life. Quite nice in daylight as well. We always have lunch at the very special Bellini's, and then we check out the little shops, hardly ever buy anything.


 Loads of stuff.

 Some rare finds.


And quite a lot of crap.

Taking a break.