Summer uniform in southern Spain: sports bras and cycling shorts. Don’t know how those Instagram accounts where girls look so lovely with their nice flowy dresses and full make up on do it. Like where are y’all pores?! 😭 I don’t see any sweat in them photos. Is there an influencer secret to looking fresh especially hiking up castles and I just didn’t get a memo? Ya tropical girl is out here wearing the least and she’s RINSED. 💦🫠 On another note, a lot of Malaga’s attractions are free on Sundays! I went up to the Castle of Gibralfaro which has great views of the city. Highly recommend to go for sunset. 🙌 . . . . . . #ajftravels #malaga #gibralfaro #andalusia #españa #spaintravel #solotraveler #womenwhoexplore #girlsthatwander #wanderlust #bucketlist #exploremore
First summer in Europe… y que calor 🥵 #hotgirlsummer // 📸: @asiasupernoob
Stepped outside of my comfort zone and went on a sunrise hike at Mount Sinai. 🌄 Also known as Mount Moses, according to the Bible Mount Sinai is the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. If you know me, I’m not much of a hiker let alone to hike at night. 🙈 We got to the base in St. Catherine past midnight and started our trek to 2,285m elevation at 12:40 AM. Hiking underneath the stars and the Milky Way was something else. Not knowing where you’re going, you have to trust yourself and the other people on the hike with you—waiting for you and constantly checking on you. There were several rest stops offering food, drinks and shelter where you can catch your breath and became something to look forward to. The last 750 steps of the hike were the hardest (think of stairmaster) but you learn to take it one step at a time. You have to. You push yourself and each other on the trail because you know it’s going to be worth it. And it was. After 4-hours, you reach the top just in time to watch one of the most beautiful sunrises you’ve ever seen. A sight that makes you forget what you just put yourself through to get there. You look around you and everyone’s faces are in awe. You realize it’s not about you but this moment. This wonder, the world and all that comes with it. You take it all in reminding yourself how much you’ve taken it for granted and how there’s a lot more to be grateful for in this life of yours. And you share that moment with strangers that have now become your friends. For me, that was the highlight of it all. I’m here because of the people that have come before me, the people that I get to meet along the way, and the people I get to surround myself with. I’m here because of each one of them, of you. I’m humbled and I am grateful to share this journey across the world with all of you—from the depths of the ocean to the peaks of mountains. ✨ #ajftravels #mountsinai #stcatherine #egypttravel #experienceegypt #travelblogger #earthfocus #wanderlust #bucketlist #womenwhohike #exploremore
Build your own pyramids, write your own hieroglyphs. ⚡️ 📍Pyramids of Giza, Egypt 📸 @denscity_ny . . . . . . . #ajftravels #sheswanderful #egypt #🇪🇬 #giza #pyramidsofgiza #bucketlist #portraitsvisuals #womenwhotravel #exploremore #traveldeeper
On the days I’m not in the ocean, we explore… 🏞 I know I rave about the diving in Baja but for those that prefer to stay above water, there is actually a lot that this beautiful state offers! This oasis is tucked away in the middle of the desert and within the mountains. There’s no public transportation I know of so you’ll have to rent a car (or go with people that have one), and it’s about a 1.5 hour drive from Cabo San Lucas. You pay a small fee at the entrance then it’s a short, gorgeous hike down to the waterfalls. (Unfortunately not accessible for wheelchairs.) The water can be cold depending on the season but definitely refreshing. If you dare, you can jump from the top of the waterfalls. 🤗 📍Cascada Sol de Mayo, Santiago, BCS 📸 Snap of me by @meganhassa #ajftravels #mexicomagico #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido #bajacaliforniasur
Vaxxed in LAX. 💉 Moments before I wiped out for a good 24 hrs. So worth it though! One step closer! 🤙🌎✈️ Now time to get waxed... 🤭 PS. Has anyone had reverse culture shock? Feels weird to be back in a big city, let alone LA! Also I've been living in Mexico for so long that I have to catch myself from interacting in Spanish. (Luckily people here can still understand! 😅 ) PPS. Looking for recos including dive shops + dive charters! Drop 'em if you have some ⤵️
NOW VS THEN ➡️ This day two years ago I took a one-way flight to Mexico: a solo adventure along its Caribbean coastline. I realized at that time that as a traveler the destinations I picked were mostly landlocked and metropolitan. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I just found it ironic because I would tell people how I love the ocean yet I hardly chose beaches and coastal cities whenever I had the opportunity to travel. So I decided to change that. During that trip, I didn't just reignite my passion for the ocean. I fell in love with everything related to it: marine life, conservation, island vibes, and water sports. It was in Isla Mujeres where I started scuba diving again after a seven-year hiatus. (I was a mess on my first dives back in open water but we'll save that for another post.) I traveled slowly, moving from one coastal town to the next. I made friends locally as well as met people from all over the world. I had no concrete itinerary or end goal but to simply be next to or in the water for as long as I can, as much as I can. In my journey, I also fell in love with myself: who I am when I'm by the ocean. I like being a city girl; I grew up and lived in major cities of Manila, Taipei, and Toronto. I enjoyed the hustle and running around from one thing to another. It taught me to dream big, to be curious and to be resilient. That's something I'm proud about myself. But the ocean brought out the best in me. I had never felt so real, so in tune with my mind and my heart, and so... ME. I was living my truth every day, and I found home within myself. Since then, this day two years ago, I made a promise to always choose the ocean because doing so meant choosing myself. Today, I'm in Mexico & have been residing here for six months. I am happy that I have not only kept my promise but I am also discovering a different "me" in the Pacific side of the country. Maybe it's the colder water. Maybe it's the encounters with pelagic wildlife. Maybe it's training as a dive professional. Maybe it's being in between the mountains, the desert and the coast. Whatever it is, I'm falling even more in love with the ocean, and in turn, with who I am.
“I think I follow you on Instagram.” @lissandra.shr said this when we met on the first day of our liveaboard. She was right--we were following each other. We hadn’t engaged much online but I knew of her account. She came to the liveaboard with a friend @prrrisma who I later found out was THE @pia_tattoo artist that I was already following, a recommendation from my freediving instructor a few months ago! ( #fangirl moment 🤣) If you know me I enjoy meeting people from Instagram and to combine that with scuba diving--i.e. meeting online friends who are also interested in scuba diving--is exciting and reminds me of why I love this platform. #girlsthatscuba 💭 One of the things you’ll notice about diving is that, while it is so global, it has a niche community and everyone seems to know each other one way or another. The more you immerse yourself in it, the more differences start to blur. Because no matter where you are from, which dive shop or organization you did your training with, what your skill level is and how long you have been diving, or what your diving preferences are, we all have one thing in common: a passion for the ocean. And in turn, the ocean connects us all. 💙 ✨ To @lissandra.shr & @prrrisma, thank you for being the best dive buddies. 🧜♀️ Revillagigedo was an amazing experience because you two were there. From gearing up to having dance parties in our stations, from NOT 🤪 chasing marine life to doing our safety stops, from losing each other during the dive to reuniting underwater, from shivering by the shower station as we take off our gear to cleaning our cameras, from ordering extra salsa, ginger lemon teas & cookies to swinging deco beers after an awesome day of diving, from sharing all the stories & jokes to learning spanish/english words, I can’t imagine those 9 days on 🛳️ @nautilus_liveaboards without the both of you. I don’t think I had laughed so much (even underwater!) with such pure, genuine happiness, which is a testament of your souls. I am so grateful to have met you both & get to know you as good friends. Miss you both and I can’t wait for our next adventures! 🥰THAT'S MY PAN BEBE 🥖🥐🍞 #ajftravels #divewithalexa
The more time I spend by the ocean, the more I realize I don’t need nor want much in life. The sun, sand and seawater fill me up in ways no other man-made pursuit or entity ever could. I don’t have to work for anything nor do I have to prove myself to anyone. Every day that I am here the ocean reminds me that I am already worthy and that I already have everything to receive abundance from the world. I simply need to see that and accept all of that myself: I am whole. I have enough. #ajfwriting #ajftravels #entránsit0 📸: @_huguitoo
Post-dive vibes.🤙 ___ 📍 Cabo San Lucas, México 📸 Canon 5D Mark III + 50mm & 17-40mm ___ #ajftravels #ajfernandophoto #documentaryphotography #travelphotography #natgeo #natgeotravel #canoncanada #onetowatch #diveninjas #cabosanlucas #loscabos #visitbajasur #scubadiving #highonlife
Pre-dive briefing with the guys from @highonlife. 🤙 I love this set. As a diver myself, I tend to focus on the dives itself. Being able to capture what goes on before makes me appreciate scuba diving even more. There's this spirit of camaraderie--of being part of something and to be able to do something together--that I never really noticed before. ___ 📍 Cabo San Lucas, México 📸 Canon 5D Mark III + 50mm & 17-40mm ___ #ajftravels #ajfernandophoto #documentaryphotography #travelphotography #natgeo #natgeotravel #canoncanada #onetowatch #diveninjas #cabosanlucas #loscabos #visitbajasur #scubadiving #highonlife
It's a good day when you get to hang out, dive with, and take some snaps for @diveninjas. ___ 📍 Cabo San Lucas, México 📸 Canon 5D Mark III + 50mm & 17-40mm ___ #ajftravels #ajfernandophoto #documentaryphotography #travelphotography #natgeo #natgeotravel #canoncanada #onetowatch #diveninjas #cabosanlucas #loscabos #visitbajasur #scubadiving #girlsthatscuba
You know what I love about the ocean? She doesn't judge nor does she compare. She doesn't care about what you've done or what you haven't, how much you have or lack, where you've been or where you are going. No matter where you are in your journey, she will take you in her arms. She will wrap herself around you and tell you, "Let it all go for a moment and just be. Be here with me." What about you? Do you love the ocean? How does it make you feel? Let me know in the comments. ⤵️ Thank you again to @jayclue for this amazing capture. It's an honor to finally meet you and to dive with you let alone have a photo of myself underwater taken by you. Hopefully won't be the last! 🤙 #ajftravels #loscabosrules #visitbajasur #girlsthatfreedive
México how I've missed you. 🇲🇽 My first time in Baja California Sur, and first stop is Cabo San Lucas. Probably here for a few days.. or more. It's been awhile since I've been on the road like this and not having any plans (except diving 🤪). We'll see where this journey ends up taking me, and I hope you're in for the ride as well. :) P.S. I am more active on my Stories so check out my "Cabo" highlights including traveling during covid & traveling solo in general. Also I just want to make it clear that I'm not here on vacation or to party (I'm past that age lol). I am lucky to be able to work remotely which I'll be doing during the week then dive during the weekends. If you have any questions, welcome to leave a comment or send me a DM. Besos 😘 #ajftravels #LosCabosRules #VisitBajaSur
A goodbye letter to my 30th year: I don't know what to say to you. I'm torn on how I feel about you. There's a part of me that wants to hate you. I don't recall a time in my life where I was thrown in the boxing ring as much as with you. You put me down over and over again, challenging all the personal training and progress I had been doing for the past 30 years. Every time I thought the worst was over, there you were in the corner and ready with another blow. On the other hand, there's a part of me that can't help but be grateful for you. You see, despite all the scars you left me with (maybe even some broken bones here and there), you showed me that I can fight—that I AM a fighter. After 12 months—or 12 rounds I should say—you made me realize that Life wasn't going to ask me "How many times did you win?" but instead "Did you give it your all? Did you get back up?" And you know what? Yes. Yes I did. Being able to say that, I am honored to have shared the stage with you. I will take that experience and grow from it. Thank you. Now, to this new kid, #31. Let's see what you've got. 🥊😎 __ #ajfwriting #ajftravels #entránsit0 #bordeauxmaville
That time we drove from San Sebastian to this little surfing town in southwestern France just for oysters. ___ 📍 Soorts-Hossegor, France 2019 📸 Canon 5D Mark III + 50mm ___ #ajftravels #ajfernandophoto #soortshossegor #hossegor #documentaryphotography #travelphotography #natgeo #natgeotravel #canoncanada #onetowatch #lifeandthyme #foodphotography #oysters
"To take a photograph is to participate in another person's mortality, vulnerability, mutability. Precisely by slicing out this moment and freezing it, all photographs testify to time's relentless melt." - Susan Sontag, On Photography ___ 📍 Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France 2019 📸 Canon 5D Mark III + 50mm ___ #ajftravels #ajfernandophoto #saintjeandeluz #basquecounty #tourismepaysbasque #terreetcotebasques #basque #documentaryphotography #travelphotography #natgeo #natgeotravel #canoncanada #onetowatch #portraits #pursuitofportraits #socality #explorefrance
Have you ever gone through old travel photos and asked yourself, "Did this day really happen? Was I really there?" Sometimes a memory is so far out of my reach that I feel like I wasn't the one that took the photo. ___ 📍 Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France 2019 📸 Canon 5D Mark III + 17-40mm ___ #ajftravels #ajfernandophoto #saintjeandeluz #basquecounty #tourismepaysbasque #terreetcotebasques #basque #documentaryphotography #travelphotography #natgeo #natgeotravel #canoncanada #onetowatch
A year ago I set off on this crazy adventure. Not just traveling around the world, but also experiencing the world with someone. I don’t know if a day like this means anything to anyone, but to me it does... Or at least it would’ve. There’s something about dates and I get attached to them. They’re my benchmarks in life. Maybe it’s the third culture kid in me. When you grow up moving from one country to another, when you start over in multiple cities several times, or when you’re always in transit, you really understand how fleeting things can be. What you have can change or disappear in any second, and with no warning. Because of that conditioning, time becomes your measure of worth and you learn to find value by how long something can last. And I’m not talking about something tangible. It’s more about experiences: how long you can commit whether it be to a place, a relationship, a job, a routine, etc; how long you are able to stick with a plan; how long you can keep something in your life against all odds. A week, a month, a year. Each stage is a milestone. And today would’ve been one I was really hoping for. I had a different video in mind for this. I also questioned myself if I should still make one, and if I did, should I even share it. The more I thought about it, I realized my hesitation was coming from this definition of what a celebration should be. How can you celebrate after everything? How can you celebrate when you're not together anymore? The way I see it now, these were two different people. This was the start of their adventure. This was their story. This was their love. And I am celebrating what they got to have. I am learning that while things may not last, it doesn’t diminish the value of those memories in those moments. Background music: "This Year" by Cassette Tapes (@cassettewav) via @hellothematic
365 days. A lot sure can happen in a year. As 2020 has proven to us, things can change in any second. Remember to make the most of each moment, hold close what matters to you, and don’t wait for tomorrow to say what needs to be said today. “Life is too short. Future doesn’t come with any guarantees.” #fromthearchives #latergram #ajftravels #teampixel
"You deserve better." I understand where that comes from and I appreciate it when friends or family would remind me this but at the beginning of my breakup I couldn’t wrap my head around it. In my mind, yes, I know I deserve better. But then why do I still feel like crap? Why am I still hurting? It was something that crept on me during the day and kept me up at night. One day, about two months later, an answer hit me. Underneath all the pain, I was actually mad. If you know me well enough, I’m not good with conflicts. I’m the type of person that avoids arguments so to admit that I’m angry is a struggle. Pain I can deal with, but anger? Well, that’s an emotion I avoid or ignore as much as possible. But because it’s the one I’m suppressing, it’s the feeling I need to come to face the most. Feel all the feels, right? So I did. Here’s what I learned: I’m mad not because of what someone did but more of what someone couldn’t do (i.e. keep their promises). In my experience, when you enter a relationship, you not only invest yourself but also your future. You start to plan for a life together and you work every day to make that happen. When the other person can’t live up to that plan, that’s where the pain or anger comes in. But as much as you want to blame or hate them, you can’t. It’s not their fault they can’t meet your expectations. That’s something we want from someone but ultimately we can’t control that. Maybe they are simply not the one, you know? Besides, the way I see it, if it’s the right person, they wouldn’t just meet your expectations but actually exceed them. They will choose you every day, and will continue to go above and beyond every day. Once I’ve realized all of this, I started to accept that relationship as a chapter to my story. There are days I feel its weight on me but I am not mad anymore and I stopped being resentful. The slate is wiped clean and there are no more expectations. The what-ifs are still there nor will they ever go away but I’m learning not to dwell on them. For the most part, I have been able to look past the loss and smile for what I got to have. I hate this saying but for once it seems appropriate: it is what it is.
From the archives: Taipei 2019. Trying to look cute and cool when in reality I was sweating AF. 🤣 Played around with the edit on this one. What do y'all think? #latergram #ajftravels
Repeat to yourself, "Today I grant myself permission to dream. Today I grant myself permission to smile at what I have and what's to come whatever that may be." ✨ What are you granting yourself permission to do or feel today? #latergram #ajftravels
i thought things were getting better and i was hoping to start posting less about this but honestly, everything still hurts. a different kind and intensity of pain, but pain nonetheless. letting go is hard. it's not because i'm scared that i won't find someone else. in fact, i'm okay with being on my own. i was happily single before and even joked that i'll just be that "cool single aunt" while all my friends have families of their own. for years, i had already convinced myself of this unconventional reality--and i was fine with it. the thing is, someone came along and showed me otherwise. i got to realize an alternate ending, one where life was shared and enjoyed together. one where the wind and the sea beat together. and no matter how much i try to change this picture in my head, i can't imagine it with someone else. so tell me, where do these dreams go? i guess that's the thing about breaking up. you don't just lose someone. you also lose all the plans you had. you have to start over again and usually that means losing a part of you too. i know in time i will dream again. actually i already have here and there. but i have yet to fully convince myself of this new path and take a step forward. today may not be the day, and i have to remind myself that that is okay.
over the weekend i decided to get Mexican takeout for dinner. as i was waiting in line, a song came on the speaker. my first thought was how i haven’t listened to spanish songs in a while and how i’ve missed it. but then my mind wandered off to memories in Mexico. i felt my chest tighten and my heart started to ache. this is how it’s going to be, isn’t it? even if i put away everything i have of this person and of us, something else will remind me of what once was. from big dates like the first time we "met" to the time we celebrated new years eve together, to the little things like hearing a song, wearing a shirt, having a certain dish, memories and feelings will come out of nowhere and in different forms. although we can’t control these triggers, we can control how we react to them. i know it’s easier said than done. for me, especially at the beginning, i’m trying to be kind to myself. i’m giving myself the space and permission to feel whatever emotions arise. i will acknowledge them, without judging myself and without beating myself up. i’m learning that by being honest with what is happening will give me the opportunity to heal from it. #latergram #fromthearchives #ajftravels
Taking a mental health/virtual vacation today to Greece (inspired by @denscity_ny 💛). I remember @jfdeez and I woke up early so we could get to the Acropolis before everyone else. On the map it seemed like a 20 minute walk from our Airbnb but we neglected the fact that it was going to be a climb. (I mean, the word "acropolis" does mean "high city"... 😬🤦♀️). Luckily we managed to beat the crowds, and was even greeted with a beautiful sunrise. We had been traveling for over a month; Athens was our ninth city and our first stop in Europe. Our breath had been taken away several times throughout our trip but this moment was different. Standing on top of that hill and overlooking the ancient city, you can't help but feel the magnitude of history. You are reminded that in order to build something, it takes time. There was nothing quite like it. 🇬🇷✨ #ajftravels #followmeto #visitgreece #canoncanada
Using this time to reflect and highlight some good memories. Finally got to compile clips from our trip to the Philippines last year. This was in Camiguin where @jfdeez and I experienced what island living was all about. From staying in an eco lodge at @yslacamiguin to exploring the island on a motorcycle, couldn't have asked for more. Made me really appreciate the little things. ✨ Shoutout to @athensaquino for making this happen! Thank you, Tita! Looking forward to visiting again. One thing that keeps me going through these tough times.💛 Shot on @googlepixel 3, edited on Inshot app. #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #itsmorefuninthephilippines
Just spent a few days in Vancouver. The opportunity came up last minute and of course I pulled an Alexa and jumped on it without thinking twice. 😬✌️ I spent my first four years in Canada living in this city and I was excited to catch up with some friends. However, as soon as I landed, it hit me that maybe this trip wasn't such a good idea. I was going through a hard time and realized I was not in the best state to see my friends. I mean, I would only want to bring back good news, you know? Such bad timing. Or at least I thought. I remember thanking a friend after meeting and saying how I wished I had better news. Her response reminded me that things do happen for a reason: "I think it's great timing it's happening while you're surrounded by everyone because you have all these people to lean on." And she couldn't be more right. Whether I talk to them every day or if it's a few times in a year, I do have people that I can lean on. For that, I am grateful to be in such a position. In the end, I was exactly where I needed to be. Sometimes we just gotta give the universe a little more credit. ;) Thank you, Vancouver. You definitely brought the sunshine in more ways that I could have hoped for. Til next time. <3 ___ #ajftravels #ajfwriting #captionsbywriters #writersofig #honestcaptions #thisiskitandace #teampixel #googlepixel
If I were a street, I'd want to be this one: vibrant, funky and colorful. 🏳️🌈 // To clarify, I'm NOT traveling at the moment. I've been back in Canada for awhile, recalibrating my life and saving up for the next adventure. 💸 I'm sharing these #latergrams as a reminder of what makes me happy, keeping me motivated to work for what I want. I hope they inspire you as well, one way or another. 💛 ___ #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel #hajilane #singapore #singapur #singaporeforeveryone
What images come into mind when you hear the word Singapore? Places like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and hawker markets? Maybe the Merlion or the fountain at the airport? While all of these are iconic (and showcased in the movie Crazy Rich Asians), there is so much more to this city-state. Walking around Chinatown, tucked in between streets, you'll notice beautiful murals like these. One of my favorites can be found along Mohamed Ali Lane. They are actually 4 different works that represent scenes or trades that were once commonly found in Singapore’s Chinatown area. Can you identify them? (The photographer on the second photo isn't one. 🤪) __ #ajftravels #teampixel #mypixelmoment #singapore #chinatown #cny2020 #dametraveler #finditliveit
STORY TIME ✍️ // I haven’t figured out (i.e. I’ve been putting it off 😬) how to connect my phone to my car so I’ve been listening to the radio. I usually don’t mind it but I’ve been driving to work every morning and I noticed how there’s hardly any playback. Like 85% of my drive is filled with all these ads and DJ’s chatting. 🤷🏻♀️ It’s been frustrating to say the least, and I’m not about that at 7am while stuck in morning traffic. Anyway, today the radio hosts brought up the whole Brad and Jennifer scenario at SAG awards. I don’t usually jump on topics like these but I was interested in hearing their thoughts. They were excited and have been waiting for this reunion. “I knew it.” “It was her (Jennifer) all along.” Then they said something that made me laugh out loud. “It’s one of those, you know, you have to lose them to realize how much you love them.” 🤦🏻♀️ Oh, Brad and Jennifer. Look what you’re doing to people. What a way to start my day/week! But who would’ve thought something I’ve been annoyed with lately could get me to smile, let alone laugh alone in the car! The truth is, I’ve had a rough start to this year. I wasn’t prepared to deal with so many changes and I feel beaten up in ways I can’t even describe. (Hence why I haven’t shared about it.) I’m struggling to find the light everyday. I’m sharing this anecdote to remind myself (and maybe someone else out there) that I need to celebrate these moments. No matter how mundane it is, I need to appreciate things for what they are. Because maybe it’s not just about finding the light but also about keeping yourself open and letting light in in the first place. Happy Monday everyone! Wishing you all the light and love this week. 💛 __ #ajfwriting #captionsbywriters #writersofig
When in Mexico Carribean... 🌮 Despite it being along Playa del Carmen's 5th Ave, @lashijasdelatostada has become one of our go-to spots for tacos and tostadas. The menu boasts creative seafood dishes and lots of veggie options. Food is served fresh and flavourful. TIP: Grab a table on their terrace for views while cooling off with some Micheladas. ¡Salud! 🍻 ___ Now that I'm slowly settling down from all the travels, I'm trying to figure out how to start sharing content. Soooo much backlogged and could use some help. When it comes to food recos, do you guys like a simple list of spots or prefer to get specifics i.e. what to order, what I like/didn't, etc? ___ #ajftravels #lashijasdelatostada #playadelcarmen #mexico
Hi instagram and Happy 2020! Hope the new decade (!!!) has been treating you well. I’m currently going through a major transition in my life but I just want to pop on the feed and say THANK YOU. Thank you for joining me on my adventures. Thank you for supporting my creativity, my work and my passion. Thank you for reading my captions and engaging with my stories. Thank you for sharing your kind words, inspiration and lessons. Thank you for walking with me and being part of this journey. The path isn't always clear nor easy. I'm grateful for this app and this community to have been a light throughout all these years. I don't know where I'm headed but I'll do what I've always done: walk it out and let the path take its course. I've learned over the past decade that despite how much we map out our lives, the universe has a bigger plan for each one of us. We just have to keep walking, taking it one step at a time. ✨ #ajftravels #ajfwriting #teampixel
. Each day is born with a sunrise and ends in a sunset, the same way we open our eyes to see the light, and close them to hear the dark. You have no control over how your story begins or ends. But by now, you should know that all things have an ending. Every spark returns to darkness. Every sound returns to silence. And every flower returns to sleep with the earth. The journey of the sun and moon is predictable. But yours, is your ultimate art. - Suzy Kassem __ #ajftravels #googlepixel #teampixel #sorrento #amalfi #italy
This is how you eat churros right? I mean, gotta make sure not a drop of chocolate goes to waste. 🤪 #churrosconchocolate #ajftravels
Favorite churreria in San Sebastian. 👌 #kaixodonostia #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel
Perks of dating someone that used to be a gastronomic tour guide in one of the TOP food cities in the world. 👏 On our first day in San Sebastian we went around the old town for a pintxo tour. We would stop at one place for a specific pintxo (with a drink of course) then move on to the next. This photo was taken on our fourth, maybe fifth restaurant. Everything was SOOOO good--and that means a lot coming from someone that used to work for a few Spanish restaurants in Toronto. I feel like everything I knew about pintxos and tapas has been a lie, and this is the real deal. This is San Sebastian. #kaixodonostia #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #txalupagastroleku #txalupa
Celebrating my 30th birthday in Bordeaux. 🇫🇷 This wasn't the plan, you know. We were supposed to be in Girona and we were going to drive out to the coast of Spain. My dad and I were going to go diving (something we haven't done together in over a decade) completing my 30th dive this year right on my 30th. Then we would meet up with my mom and my cousins, drive to Barcelona and have dinner together. After, I'd go out with friends in town for some late night drinks. At least that's how I had imagined this day to be. Due to external circumstances, we had to change our itinerary in the last minute. We ended up in southern France (after almost missing our flight and boarding our plane twice). I'm not in a wetsuit but a sweater, jacket and LEGGINGS. A restaurant tried to overcharge us during lunch (an extra 50€ to our bill 🙄). Then it started to pour just as we started walking around the city. Not exactly the "dirty thirty" I had in mind but good to know the universe didn't forget about me. 🤷 In life, something will always come up. Sometimes it's a good surprise but sometimes it's not what we expected. It doesn't mean it's bad, it just catches us off guard. Here's the deal: life is about those curveballs. It's up to you on how you will react to it. Are you going to take the hit or are you going to use that as an opportunity to grow? To get creative? To start over? If there's one thing that I'm taking from my 20s it's that there is always a blessing or a lesson in disguise. Once we understand that then we'll realize that the universe is actually working in our favour and there is a lot to be grateful for. Today it was the chance to bring some of my loved ones together and spend time in a new city together. In the end, the presence and opportunity we have with each other is more than enough. Thank you, universe. 🙏💫 (P.S. If it doesn't work out, I find walking it out and laughing it off helps. Don't be too hard on yourself.. you'll get old faster. 😋✌️) __ #ajftravels #entránsit0 #bordeauxmaville
"Find the goddess inside yourself instead of looking for the god in someone else." (📸: @jfdeez) __ #ajftravels #visitgreece
Aaaand we're back on the northern hemisphere. 🙆♀️ 🇬🇷 To be honest, the reason we're in Athens is because it's the cheapest flight I found from Asia to Europe. (@flyscoot now flies nonstop from Singapore to Athens and I found a one-way ticket for 280 CAD!) Can't complain with that! Plus it's both @jfdeez and I's first time in Greece so that makes it special. 🥰 __ Have you been to Athens? What are your tips in the city? So far we've been walking everywhere and I wish I had comfier shoes. 😬 On another note, the food has been AMAZING--fresh and flavourful. One of my favorite meals was this grilled sardines and lamb kleftiko (Greek lamb slow cooked in parchment paper). Definitely recommend! 👌 __ #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel
OK Google, let's party... at the Google Singapore office (also the Asia Pacific HQ). No. 13 ✔️ Which city/office should we visit next? 🌍✈️ #googleworldtour #teampixel #mypixelmoment #ajftravels
Smiling but low-key dying from the humidity. 😭 I love the tropics but I had forgotten how much my body sweats in this climate. It's gotten to the point that we add mid-day showers 🚿 to our itinerary. (My biggest tip if you're traveling in Asia. 😋) #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel __ 📸: @jfdeez
If anyone wants to know, all we did in Singapore was eat. 😂 Went to Newton last night to meet with a good friend from elementary school and I seriously felt like we were in that scene from Crazy Rich Asians. As soon as we sat down, the food started coming in.. and it didn't seem to end. 🙊 I love it though--this food court style of eating. Basically you grab a table and order from different stalls. You tell them your table number and they bring it to you once it's ready. It allows you to get your personal faves but at the same time still try new dishes. In a way, it promotes a sense of collectivity rather than competition from different cultures--something that I find is very Singaporean in general. 👌 __ Thank you @shennyyeh and @chaona for feeding us the best food (shared the best company) this city has to offer! Hope to see you both soon. Asia, Europe or Canada. Take your pick. 😉 __ PS. Julen is allergic to shellfish so I had the chili crab 🦀 all to myself. NO REGRETS. __ #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel
Strolling the streets of Chinatown. #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #TeamPixel
Basically living in my color palette out here. ❤️💙💚💛💜 #contentfordayz #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel
What's up from Singapore! 🇸🇬 Made it after so many years! (My dad used to work here when I was a kid.) If you've got any fave spots or tips to do/see/eat, would appreciate it. I only remember a few things like visiting Sentosa and eating Bak Kut Teh everyday. 😂 __ That's about it for the quick travel update! Happy weekend, everyone! __ #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel #gardensbythebay
"Our offices are designed to represent the feeling of 'home' in that country." @denisegamo couldn't have described my visit to Google Philippines any better. Although it was the smallest office I've visited, its design was more than enough to make me feel at home. From the moment you walk in, you'll find elements from the different types of houses in the Philippines--bahay kubo, bahay na bato, and some Spanish details. There is an emphasis on the choice of material which I find unique to this location. The meeting rooms are named after our beautiful islands as well as highlighted our people including tattoo artist Whang-Od. There were Tagalog sayings on the walls only locals would understand. I also got to meet a local Googler (an amazing Filipina in tech!), connecting through our own culture and language. Honestly it was nice to see this side of Google. It made me proud not just to be #TeamPixel, but most importantly, to be Filipino. 😊🇵🇭 Thank you to the Ph Marketing team for hosting + having me! No. 12 Google Philippines ✔️ #googleworldtour #mypixelmoment #teampixel #ajftravels #itsmorefuninthephilippines
When you're camping in a tent but still have breakfast like this waiting for you in the morning. @yslacamiguin 💛 #itsmorefuninthephilippines #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel
Midday break. Shot on @googlepixel. __ Real talk: I'm not documenting as much as I want to in this trip. I find myself hesitating to shoot the streets in my own country than I do when I'm in a foreign one. Usually I am able to approach strangers and strike up a conversation but here, for some reason, I feel like people are watching my every move and judging me. Has anyone ever experienced that when visiting their own country? __ #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel #sinopinas #itsmorefuninthephilippines #theeverydayscenes
Living my best island life! 🤙 Got to Moalboal yesterday and already feeling this coastal town. From the place we're staying, to the people we've met, to its walkable streets, it's all about the good vibes. Plus can't complain about these delicious acai bowls for breakfast. 😍 #itsmorefuninthephilippines #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel
My kind of Asian glow. ☀️💛 (📸: @jfdeez) #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel #nordstrom #sheisnotlost
The first thing you'll notice are the lights. Characters and signs plastered all over the gateway of an alley, inviting you to step in. Next, you'll notice the action. Scooters, carts, vendors and people, movement surrounds you and you move along with it. Then you'll hear the hustle and bustle. There are so many things calling out to you, every sound catching your attention. Finally, it hits you. The smell. You don't know what it is, but it's probably best not to know. Besides you're already in, and you gave a long way to go to end of the street. I suggest you take it all in. That's the night market experience. Welcome to Taipei. #ajftravels #ajfwriting #myixelmoment #teampixel #taipei #taiwan
Been staying at a different neighborhood in Taipei than where I grew up in. It feels familiar but at the same time I feel out of place. I'd love to wake up to my fave spots but then again, I'm reminding myself I'm not here just to relive my past. I'm here to make new memories. This spot for one was a nice discovery! Beautiful space but also even great coffee. 👌 #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel
Why go up Taipei 101 when you can drop by Google Taipei and get the same view? 😋 __ Google Taipei. ✔️ No. 11 on my own #googleworldtour. This is the first location I'm visiting in Asia and I immediately noticed the oriental elements. From the overall design, down to specific details, I love how the space highlighted so much of the local culture and tradition. It's one of the things I Iook forward to during these office visits. Another thing is meeting Googlers from all over the world and learning about their stories. 🥰 谢谢 @isabel_lin! 很高兴认识你! __ #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel #googletaipei #lifeatgoogle
That look when you've been accustomed to Canadian weather. Totally underestimated the humidity out here. 😬 But hi and hello from Asia! Been nine years and it's good to be back! Rediscovering myself by retracing my childhood starting with Taipei. 你好! 🇹🇼 #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel (📸: @jfdeez)
I don't care what anyone says. I'm keeping this tan for the rest of the year. (Maybe even for the rest of my life.) 😎🌴@visittobago #TobagoBeyond #101ReasonsTobago #ajftravels __ I'm not going to lie, I did wish to have light skin as a young girl. I grew up in a society where whitening products were plastered over billboards and commercials while TV and magazines featured fair-skinned girls. As a morena back then, I didn't have a lot of role models in the Philippines. I wonder, is that still the case back home? Or has our society finally opened its eyes? __ I'm going back next month and last night someone mentioned how I should 'get lighter' before my trip. "Diba ganun yung gusto nila dun? Mas maputi?" ("Isn't that what they like over there? Being lighter?") I know that person didn't mean to say it that way but I can't help but feel affected. In my head, so what? Do I have to cater to what people back home prefer? Why must I submit to those standards? What about MY standards? Is it possible that I don't have any? I've not come this far to accepting my skin and my body in general just to be put back in a box. It's not my problem if society can't appreciate it--I know I do and at the end of the day, that's what matters. Remember that YOU have the power to love yourself and that applies anywhere and anytime. Don't ever let anyone or anything take that away from you. You are beautiful. 💛 __ #ajfcaptions #captionsbywriters #writersofig #selflove #morenatribe #teampixel
There's nothing quite like this to remind you that happiness is as simple as the sun, sand and saltwater. ☀️🌴🌊 @visittobago #TobagoBeyond #101ReasonsTobago #teampixel #ajftravels
Hello from Tobago! 🌴🇹🇹 Had some hiccups on the way here (missed our connecting flight from Port of Spain to Tobago) but you know what, at least I AM here. That's what matters. Why dwell on what has happened and what can't be changed? As anything in life, might as well make the most out of the situation. At the end of the day, I am very grateful to even be on this trip (with my best friends!) and to experience Tobago. Thank you @visittobago @sirencommspr! __ Have you been to Tobago? If so, what was your favourite thing on the island? #TobagoBeyond #101ReasonsTobago __ 📸: @abhishekdekate #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel
As I get older the more I see the value in being still. In letting things flow through instead of pushing against the current. __ #momentslikethese #ajftravels #lovespokane #morenatribe
Why dine al fresco when you can dine al fresco WITH the view and sound of Spokane Falls next to you?! 😍 It's not everyday you find a waterfall and dam right at the heart of the city's downtown. Definitely one of the highlights from our trip! Check the next slide for a short clip by the falls (and my dad's fave new shirt which got all the praise from strangers 😂--watch til the end!). #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel #lovespokane
Two days til @calgarystampede kicks off! Have you been/do you know about this annual 10-day festival? I heard that for locals you either hate it or love it--there's no in-between. 😂 Is this true? What are your thoughts? If you are going, what are you looking forward to? (Apparently there's a @strangerthings fun house!) I've only been twice so I'm excited to be around for it this year. Is there a how-to Stampede guide? This city girl could use some tips! 🤠🏇 __ #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel #calgarystampede #stampede
Crossed the US-Canada border in BC just to get ice cream at @twoscoopsteveinyahk. How's your day going? 🍓🍦😊 __ #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #canadaday #hellobc
Happy Canada Day... from Washington State! 😋✌️ Spent the day exploring Spokane including this Japanese Garden in Manito Park. This old couple came up to us; the lady has been going to this garden for over 10 years. She shared with us the changes she's noticed and I found her reflections a beautiful thing. For someone who's moved around most of her life, I always wonder what that's like. Growing with a place is a privilege, don't take it for granted. 🙏 __ #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel #canadaday #lovespokane #morenatribe
State of Idaho. ✔️Stumbled into the quaint little town of Wallace and it was as if we were transported back in time! Just how cool is this bus? Looks like it could be in a vintage movie set! __ #ajftravels #fujifilm #fujix100f #visitidaho
Just realized we are checking off 3 different states in a day. First one: Montana. ✔️ We took the scenic route through Glacier National Park which added 2 hours to our total drive time but SO WORTH IT. Look at these views! As @dmartian says, America got the better half of the mountains. __ SIDE NOTE para sa mga Pilipino dyan: Na pansin ko lang.. parang wala akong kilalang influencer/blogger na naka tsinelas? WATIZZDIZZ mga sis. Pakatotoo nga tyo. 😂 __ #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #teampixel #ca.nadaday #roadtrip #montanamoment #passionpassport
Find something that keeps you smiling even after you've wiped out for the nth time. 😁✌️ @ecsurfschool __ Happy Monday! Back in Calgary and feeling a little disoriented after all the excursions last week. If anyone needs me, I'll be in the suburbs.. indefinitely. (Or until the ocean calls me back out which is probably soon. 😋) Have a great week y'all and keep smiling! __ #ajftravels #ecsurfschool #girlswhosurf #visitnovascotia #novascotiaunlisted #explorecanada #lawrencetown
Oh lobster, where art thou? 🦞 Spent our last day in the East Coast searching and eating all the seafood. Had fried clams in Chez Camille (Thanks @kay_senn for the reco!) and a lobster sandwich in Lobster Deck. Did you know that the Lobster Capital of the World is in New Brunswick? Every July the town of Shediac hosts it's annual Lobster festival which includes a lobster eating contest, lobster sculptures and the world's longest lobster roll. Something to consider if you're planning on a trip next month! 😉 #ajftravels #mypixelmoment #explorenb #experienceshediac