The Nippon Series - Kyoto Day 1

Well hello there! It has been ages since I posted on my first love - my blog. I'm assuming you missed me. Yes? Even a little bit? I'm sure you do. Hahaha! I miss writing too. Sorry in advance as I was stuck in the real world pretending to be an ex-mermaid. What? Hiccups, yes but I'm definitely back to share my fashion, travel, food, and lifestyle happenings. Hope you're still here with me. Pretty please? :)

I'm sure looking at the photos you already know where I have been. This was February 2015, the week of my birthday, in fact Winter of this year. It's very obvious with the clothes I was wearing that it was frozen cold. But that didn't stop me from showing you what Kyoto can offer. 

If you are a lover of culture, then Kyoto is the best place for you to see.  This place was once the capital of Japan. You'll see hundreds of all sizes of Buddhist temples, lovely gardens, enormous imperial palaces, majestic Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. 

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most breathtaking shinto shrines I've seen in Kyoto. It consists of numerous torii gates placed on top of a 233-meter sacred mountain called Mount Inari. This was built as a place of worship and respect where Japanese pray for good fortune.

If you're planning to go to Kyoto soon, this place is a must-see and experience. See more detailed information on the helpful links below:

How to get to Fushimi Inari

How to get to and around Kyoto

P.S. If you want to see the place in Winter of next year, make sure you're wearing comfortable and thick clothes for the temperature goes down up to -8 degrees celsius. For affordable, fashionable, and fits-the-weather clothes make sure to visit the Zalora Pop-Up Store now.

What I wore:

Scarf and Hat - Cotton On

Hippie Skirt - Forever 21

Manic Panic Hair Dye - Funkystreaks

Purse - Coach

Smurf in Beijing

Gahhh! I'm still overwhelmed that finally for the love of travel I saw this country! (insert party poppers and drum rolls please) If you're wondering where this is, the title says it all. :)

It's been a really hiccup preparing for the trip and for the visa application. I'm not sure if you guys know but the Chinese Embassy is very strict on the requirements they needed from foreigners especially to Filipinos. Too bad for us. :(

But after every effort comes the rainbow! This was my first ever Winter experience and I'll tell you it was freezing -8 degress celsius! I felt what frozen meat feels like. hahaha! As in sipon mode and naninigas na ung toes and fingers ko! 

If you're planning to visit Mainland China and you have questions on where to visit or how to apply for the Chinese visa, feel free to comment below and I'll try my best to help you out.

What I wore:

Hat & Scarf - Cotton On Singapore

1460s Cherry Red boots - Dr. Martens Philippines

Leather gloves - H&M Philippines

Manic Panic Rockabilly Blue hair color - Funky Streaks

Igorota

I can't believe I survived this wondrous Mountain! Repeat to self, 100x! This trip was the longest I've ever experienced by land. Can you believe it was 12 hours?! Huwaaat! Yes, congrats to my ever dependable legs and my tummy that didn't fail me on those peak hours. Gaahh!!

My experience was really thrilling and over-the-top. For most of my friends who know me, I'm not a super nature geek or an adventurer that people expect me to be. But yeah, I'm definitely a nature lover who appreciates scenery.  I'm in love with the cold and dreary weather that Sagada offers. Most especially, I'm happy with the restaurants/cafes that they have from right to left. You have a lot of choices when it comes to food and drinks. And they are best known for their yogurts and lemon pies. 

If you're the hardcore mountaineer, this is your Mountain to conquer! I definitely suggest for you to visit Sagada ASAP. If you're an adrenaline junkie who loves caves, falls, mountains, and nature as a whole, Mt. Province is the best place for you to see. 

Please note that there will be a lot of hiking/trekking so be sure to bring your comfortable shoes. Plus, it's several degrees lower here so you'll be happy to bring your sweaters and bootsies. 

If you're wondering where we stayed, feel free to look for Sagada Homestay. They have the best view in town! I love their wood houses and their special bonfire hangout for guests. 

Bird Watching

 

These photos were taken late afternoon on the way to Chatuchak Park. I didn't realize that people would really sit / lay down on the grass and just hang out. You can even rent mats so you can cozily rest and just spend lazy time with your friends or a special someone. There were even other people having their picnics and just enjoying the view of the lake. You can also buy bird food for 10baht if you like to feed the birds.

I chose to wear this ombre shorts and white tank top because of the very comfortable and breezy feel it  gives me. As you know, the temperature in Thailand is the same as the heat in our country. I needed to make sure I was wearing comfortable clothes because of this shopping day. If you decide to visit Chatuchak, you need to you save your weekend only for shopping. This market is only open every weekends. If you are a cheapstake like me, you are definitely going to love this place!

What I'm Wearing:

White tank top - Banana Republic

Ombre shorts - Eastwood bazaar

Longchamp - Purse.com

Floral bangle - Eastwood bazaar

Floral headband - Kid's Section, SM Department Store