Sunday, October 18, 2015

The Love Down Under!


Travel. Relocation. Migration. Three of the most common things we saw on our social media feeds. We always see people travel, relocate or migrate somewhere out there. To us Filipinos, we just get tired of living with the same old system we always have. I'm not being less patriotic here but it's the reality, we, Filipinos love that wandering feeling and being able to get something in return, might be new experiences or new stuff we can't always get back home or even some refreshing way to live life without the endless corruption issues.


Things got busy these past few months and I don't always get to lie in bed like this to share my recent experiences by typing. Glad this moment came, as I badly need to share my happiness before I burst! Kidding aside, my husband and I just relocate (like most of everyone, does). We are now here in the south of Australia, that place you always think of kangaroos, yes, that's it.

Hi Mommy and baby kangaroo (joey)!


To my friends and followers who might ask, if I'll be staying here for good I want to share a piece of it and can't disclose everything, but for certainty, I am staying here for 2 years. Hopefully 2 good, awesome years! In shaa Allah! Back in the PH, I always hope and pray that Allah would guide us here and be able to find a Muslim community that will help us in our journey. Answer to that prayer didn't take that long, as we arrive in Adelaide (where we'll be staying mostly), we were able to meet some Filipino Muslims living here! The Islamic Center they have here is a plus! I can't wait to post about it too. Soon!

Islamic Centre of South Australia, Masha Allah!


Back to Adelaide, which is known for being the old city with old churches, let me share how I would be describing it from my own perspectives I'm having, so far.

It's so convenient, like living in a square that you won't be afraid of exploring it around. Their transportation system will always allow you to go to one place to another hassle-free, either you take the bus or the train. There are so many beautiful buildings out here, preserved for you to get a piece of the past while looking at their present appearances. (Almost every street is IG-worthy, I tell you!)


Bookstore in Central Market #bookhaven I know!

Perfect place for a cappuccino!

Something old, something new! 



Isn't it lovely?

Victoria Square

Very instagrammable!

Pigeon's usual tambayan! LOL!
(Scarf from @classiccrownhijabstore, Blazer from Lavina, Pants from @unarosa
Bag from @sacola, and shoes from @butterflytwist)


What is more lovely here is that the city is surrounded by beaches, which makes fresh air just few minutes away. To hear the splash of the water in the white fine sand, to feel that breeze in your skin and to see those flying seagulls that may join you too while you snack. Sounds great, right?

Glenelg Esplanade

(Scarf: Kaffah shawl from @classiccrownhijabstore, Sunnies by @sunniesstudio,
Jacket: Forever21, and shoes by Merrell) 


Friendly seagulls!

Seagull's favorite tambayan! 

Still in Glenelg Beach


Lastly but not the least of what I admire about our first few days here... is their people. Australians are polite, they smile at you, greet you even they don’t know you and for the Muslimahs out there, good news for us. I am wearing my scarf and I received that same treatment.  Alhamdulillah I suddenly remember that famous hashtag #Illridewithyou where Australians fought for the right of everyone, respect to other religions and beliefs, Muslim or not, black or white, it's all the same. They make everyone feel deserved for respect.

I know everything won't always be perfect but I always pray for the best. We leave everything up to Him. And I knew He guided us to meet this Muslim community here even at the time we least expected it. Truly, He is the best journey planner.


Love,
Jamila




Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Escape from the city: Bag of Beans - Twin Lakes, Tagaytay

Whenever we want to escape the city, whenever we felt overworked, and felt the need of a short vacation (which is the least we could have due to our busy scheds), there's this one place that will always cross our minds--our fave, *drum rolls* Batangas.

If you're not a frequent visitor of the county, don't worry. It's not as far as you think. From Manila, it'll just take around 2 hours to go to Tagaytay and just 45 more minutes to an hour to reach Nasugbu. Not that long for the sake of fresh air and a breathtaking view, either the beach or the Taal.

Last weekend, my husband and I suddenly wanted to hit the beach in the middle of the year, for a change. "Beach, please" as my husband calls it. Thanks to Canyon Cove Beach Resort, which always saves our itching soles from the need of the sand.

Anyway, on our way back, we'd decided to drop by our favest of all coffee/cake shops, Bag of Beans, as we heard that they recently opened another branch at Twin Lakes (along with Splendido).

My heart jumped and my eyes popped up as I entered the shop because of its Pinteresting theme. The other two branches are picture perfect as well but this one's different.

I love white! I really do! So I eagerly took lots of photos of my favorite spots hungrily but discreetly!:p Glad that we visited on a Monday so there are lesser customers around, lucky me!

Here are some of my fave spots in the shop:


I know, the view from the balcony is amazing! Loved the cold breeze in the place which was way better than a typical air-conditioned tambayans!

Balcony (you can also eat and seat here)

Even their cashier / staff area is also picture perfect!
The dainty theme of the second floor, and the hand-painted tables are so awesome! I wanted to bring them all home! yay!


 

White, flowers, lamp, infused water lemon and more! So much love for this place!
Definitely, one of my inspiration to work hard and build our future home! In shaa Allah!

With my husband. Alhamdulillah for another year here in dunya.
And May Allah bless you with healthy and happy life here and the hereafter.

Perks of visiting during weekdays: Uncrowded and you can choose your seats!


This place has really caught me! Oh, my love for bikes and white walls! Classic!



Stairs going to the first floor!
The lovely details from ceilings to the floors.

Hands down for their unique theme even here in the first floor!
 The seats and tables are so beautiful!

Outside the store is an overlooking view and a perfect spot for couples like us!
See those wooden chairs and table? Isn’t it perfect for a romantic date with your wife or husband? :)

 And oh, don’t mind me! I’m busy with my ootd. Haha! :p



Next time, small doors/entrances would be a warning to me!
The inside was really unexpected!
 


I will definitely go back here! Cheers to more sweet escapes away from the city! It will be a great treat for yourselves after work or school! :))