Solo Central Java and the Alila Hotel

Solo, in central Java, was a surprise for when I visited it. It was quite town yet still filled with character. I was there for a weekend and stayed at this amazing hotel, The Alila. I think just staying at the hotel was enough for me and lots of Nasi Liwet.

Pinto Art Museum, Antipolo, Rizal

Yes. All I can say to myself when I finally get to see this amazing art gallery and museum. All Filipino artists works. Painting, sculptures and mixed media. The houses or villas in this compound are such a good sight to see. As people may call it, these place is just so instagrammable yet contains such great works of art.

Post Office Bvilding, Manila

The Manila Central Post Office is located along the banks of Pasig River. Situated opposite the then glamorous Escolta which served as Manila's central business district during the pre-World War II era. When I was studying in the university, I always passed by this magnificent building by train before I alighted at Central Terminal station. In my four years, I never had the chance to set foot in this magnificent edifice.

National Museum, Manila, the Philippines

THIS IS A REVELATION. I have to start this really good as I must admit that I hate myself for not having been back to this place since long time ago. I studied in Manila for 4 years and worked there for about 5 years and never have I been back to this wonderful museum. I vaguely remember my school trip to this museum when I was in elementary. I could not even remember whether it was in elementary or high school but it is definitely more than 16 years since I have been to this place.

Sketches and Photographs: Kawah Putih and Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

When you are living in Jakarta, there are not many things to see and do than to go to malls and eat. Your only option, if you are not flying out, is to visit nearby provinces like Bandung, Bogor and other parts of West Java. But getting there can be hellish because the traffic that happens in Jakarta happens everywhere in this part of Java, which is just crazy traffic.

City Sketches: Paris, Marseille, Aix, Barcelona and Madrid.

During my trip to France and Spain, I have taken the time to sketch the places and things that I liked. I have posted this on Instagram and I have compiled it all here to show my sketches during my travel.

Port Vieux, Marseille

Alhambra and the town of Granada, Spain

This charming little town of Granada situated in the Southern part of Spain is a lush town surrounded by vineyard. It was summer when I went there but the old charm of the place is just wonderful. The town is tucked in with the view of Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is the grandest place to see in Granada. This place is made up of Islamic architecture and have been well maintained.

Alhambra is easily accessible by local buses but if you are the adventurous type, you may hike up from center of the town. Despite the number of tourists coming here, the center of the town does not look like it gets very crowded from any time of the day. I love how laid back the whole town feels like even though there is an existence of a lot of modern establishments. Granada, or Pomegranate, or grenade if I will translate it from my language, is a place I would definitely enjoy to retire with a bottle of red wine on my hand.