On the freeway

Redondo Beach,CA -- I haven't posted anything for months and here's what I've been doing: Practicing how to drive around (Yes, I already got my license!)I headed to my aunt in Redondo Beach as soon as I got my own car. I've been working (Yes, I already have a job.)which made me decide that I have to review EKG and cardio meds. I'm learning money matters and tax system here. I spend time with my family, watch Lucas grow, run errands in between and hoping that we'll go out of LA county before fall starts. Sounds busy? I'm actually having fun and it's a new adventure for me. Photo from redondobeach.com

the most "GP" entry!

Torrance, CA -- I was having second thoughts of posting this 'cause it is SOOOO wholesome compared to Ditas' "meaty" entry. Oh well, just try to look at my shoes!;-)

How it started

Los Angeles,CA -- I wanted to cry when I saw Janice get off from the shuttle, more so when we met Risa 2 days before they left for Rio. I was so happy that the South Am plan pushed through (even though I'm not joining the girls..) We reminisced about how we actually came up with South America. I was personally asked a couple of times why we decided on South Am. I'd always tell them that it's because of a Swiss couple we met in Sagada--Jean-Philippe & Caroline.

Later on, while talking about learning the salsa and waiting for Justine at her surprise despedida, Risa looked at me and asked, "alam mo ba yung blog?" We were thinking of the same thing but didn't know how to start. Then we met Sparklemind, and "mypseudobackpack" was born.

While the girls are enjoying their adventure, I'm hooked on the Travel Channel, taking down notes on food, people & places, and planning on where we can take Lucas. I think I'll let Lucas explore South America by himself when he grows up =)

Any suggestions for baby- friendly places? Please spare Disneyland!

first stop: L.A.

Lawndale, CA - after a 13 hour flight out of manila with a 20 kilo suitcase and a 40 liter backpack i arrived in LAX on may 25...exhausted. along with the USA men's volleyball team and a pack of japs headed for vegas, immigration inspector asked me the purpose of my visit (stopping over before rio de janeiro, sir) and customs officer asked me if i brought longganisa and balut (no, but i could bring you some next time). once out of the airport, i hurriedly took my supershuttle ride which joy so kindly booked. 20 minutes on the road and i was at joy's doorstep!

i had missed joy so much it felt surreal to be seeing her, this time with 6-week old lucas and hubby rico. twas great catching up on a year's worth of life stories.

risa and i spent our last day in L.A. with joy and her boys over breakfast at denny´s and animatedly planned our next big adventure: turkey/morroco/greece in april ´09.

first things first, though - vamos a sul america!

My Baby is Here!

Harbor City, CA -- Here are the first few things that I did after Rico and I were told by my obstetrician that our baby is coming.
1) Shave my legs
2) Exfoliate
3) Plucked my eyebrows
4) Charged the camera
5) Pray
6) Try to stop giggling with excitement
38 weeks, few Tums, 40 -something pounds and tubes of anti-stretch marks later, my Lucas finally arrived.

I had to stay for a few days in the hospital so when the baby was asleep, there was pretty much time for "his pictorials"



If you'll ask me, "Was it all worth the time, pain, the drama and losing a South Am adventure with my fellow pseudobackpackers?" After seeing him all I can say is "Yes, it is." After all, training a little traveller sounds fun. =)

Hello Baby!

an 11pm text message from Joy says:

"Hi! I gave birth last April 10 to a healthy, goodlooking, 7 lbs. 7 oz. baby boy. His name is Lucas Michael. ;) "


Welcome to Earth, Baby Lucas! Hope to see you and your beautiful mommy soon.

Guess what

Harbor City, CA -- Ok, ok.. I know I’ve been missing in action for the past few months. Yes, it’s true, I had been studying, fixing my papers after passing the exams (thank God ), learning how to make home-cooked meals but most of all I’ve been busy taking care of myself for this tiny human being inside me=)


While I’m not sure if I’ll be able to have the month long South America adventure with the rest of the pseudobackpackers, I’ll be happy to entertain you in case you’ll have a stop over here in L.A. I guess I’ll have a driver’s license by that time.

So Ditas, here’s the entry you’ve been waiting for. As what you said, it’s time for the world to know. =)