Sunday, January 29, 2012

Back to China: iPods vs. aPods

We only have the fake Apple stores here in Chengdu (Apple Time that sells aPods), but the real Apple Stores are seriously impressive.

Hong Kong Apple Store,
that's two stories PACKED!
Shanghai Apple Store,
taken by Ben.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Philippine Randoms

A few more photos from the Philippines... I have about 600 more on top of this.

Cows and buses viewed from the motorbikes.
That's a BIG guitar!
One of the places we stayed-
our own private beach shack.
One of the many beautiful, old churches we spotted. 
I did NOT want to leave the beach!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Zip Lining and River Cruising

On our voyage into the interior of the island, we took a cruise up river to some waterfalls surrounded by jungle. This was followed by a zip line over the same falls. My first time to zip line! I wasn't very scared until I saw the end coming (ignore my screams!).

River Cruise
Too bad we missed the Loveboat.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

This one's for Mom

My favorite of our day trips in the Philippines was going to see the Tarsiers. Yes, they are even creepier up close. I was most scared of one of these leaping at my neck, but we got out safely. 


"I'm waiting to jump at your neck when you aren't looking."


The crew

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Motorbikes, oh my!

How do you have as much fun as possible in the Philippines? Rent a motorbike! I didn't drive one, but I had a blast sinking my claws into Zach's back as he maneuvered around tight turns and peeled out parking lots. We rented the bikes for two days as we toured Bohol- land of the Tarsiers. 

Ready to go!
Close up of the notorious Bohol Banditos Bike Gang.
Stopped for gas and discovered another use for Coca Cola bottles.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Kawasan Falls

One of the first places we visited was a little piece of paradise called Kawasan Falls. We spent the day there swimming and playing in waterfalls. We had a great time!

In a jeepney on the way to the falls.
Kawasan Falls
Just chillin' under a waterfall.
The manager of the tables enjoying a cigarette. 

Monday, January 23, 2012

The Beach Bum Life

Over the winter break, Zach and I traveled to the Philippines islands to escape cold and rainy Chengdu. We got exactly what we were looking for- blue skies and sun, lazy days on the beach, time with friends, etc. It was an awesome trip!

We found the perfect hammock for reading by the shore.
Super tricked-out trike.
First view of the beach.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

A New Year

So, I've taken quite the break from the blog, but with all the chaos of the end of the fall semester, traveling over the break, and starting school up again over, I hope to be a little more consistent... yes, I know you've heard that before. I've sorted through the Philippines photos and will be posting them in the next few days! Please check back again soon!

Here's some photos from last night's celebration. We spent it on a friend's rooftop patio overlooking the city. Check out all the fireworks in the background! Chinese New Year was a blast!

A little too close for comfort-
don't stand too close to the edge!
Here's what a firework looks like from the 17th floor- eye level! 
Not even midnight yet!
Happy Dragon Year!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Chun Jie Kuai Le!

Happy Year of the Water Dragon! Wishing you all the very best from Chengdu! 

This video was taken by Ben at the TaZiShan Temple Fair.
How'd you like some fireworks in your face?