Ish Meets World

Spring is my favorite season to travel. The crisp cold air is a welcome change from the scorching heat of Manila. However, it’s not unbearably cold like winter. The big bonus is the amazing scenery offered by the springtime blooms. While viewing cherry blossoms in Japan is the trendiest springtime activity in recent years, many other places offer other fascinating ways to enjoy the season. The Dutch Tulip fields are perhaps some of the most popular tourist attractions in spring. However, did you know that Holland isn’t the only place where you can enjoy tulips? I was lucky enough to discover an enchanting tulip grove right in the heart of Madrid. The Madrid Botanical Garden (Real Jardin Botanico) is home to several varieties of the beautiful flower. Here’s my favorite variety in the grove, a deep plum colored bloom that’s named RONALDO. I’m assuming it’s named after Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo…I have no proof but that’s what I choose to believe! That’s me trying to sneak in amon

I discovered Pizzeria Amore after I stumbled upon one of their pizzas on Instagram. The bubbly dough and distinct char marks are clear signs of a pizza cooked in a wood-fired brick oven. After digging up more information online, I found out that they do have a legit brick oven. It’s time for a little excursion. Those who know me well are aware that I’m obsessed with pizza. I have a particular liking for Neapolitan style pies. While numerous places in the Philippines have started to offer what they call authentic Italian pizzas, one must remember that Italian cuisine is very regional. An authentic pizza in Rome is entirely different from the pizza you will find in Naples. While I love all variations of pizza, the classic Margherita from Naples is what I believe to be pizza’s purest form. Damn, that sounded almost philosophical! Enough with the chatter. Let’s go back to Pizzeria Amore. The tiny pizza joint is among one of many food establishments that line the area leading up to the cine

Japan has quickly become one of the favorite vacation destinations for Filipinos. Thanks to more relaxed Japan visa application procedures, the “Land of the Rising Sun” is now a lot more accessible. Apart from the capital city of Tokyo, many tourists choose Kyoto due to its abundance of cultural heritage sites. Kyoto is also one of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms or SAKURA. To celebrate the spring equinox, I’m sharing my list of must-see places in Kyoto from my springtime visit there. Enjoy! 1. Arashiyama (JR Sagano Line) – This little district lies a little further out into the western outskirts of Kyoto so you might want to schedule a full day here. The reason why I like it so much is because it reminds me of a little snow globe. Everything in the town looks charming and pristine, as if it was all just a little toy replica of a real Japanese town. Upon exiting the train, visitors to Arashiyama will be greeted by a kimono forest. the station is adorned with decorative posts w