I lived in Italy. I speak the language. I have a residence permit there and I can enter the country anytime. I am NOT in any way Italian. I am Filipina and I do live in the Netherlands as I have also a residence permit here. I can live and work and perform my profession freely in any of these countries counting the Philippines as well.


Now see that trullo (the term for that kind of house) dating back as 1600-1700 and as big as that used to live at least 15 people. I was inside it and it was so little.. The story behind these trulli (plural of trullo) is actually much more interesting... To see the real size, click the image and click the original image from the source link
The other month, I had to settle in this new country after leaving Italy. I had to duplicate keys of the apartment's doors and from the duplication center, I was asked where I came from. I told, "I came directly from Italy." And the reply? "Oh Italy! Much money in Italy! I bet you have much money! My friend here is Finochio (gay) hahaha... " And the center personnel started muttering anything Italian they know: ciao, buongiorno, spaghetti, etc. That was amusing!

Everytime I engage in a conversation mentioning the country, people just get too engage about it. One more scenario happened the other day. I was in the bank trying to make a deposit and the greetings was in Dutch. "Goeden Dag, Mevrouw".. "Good morning Ms/Mrs" is the meaning and I answered "Ik spreek geen Netherlands" which means I do not speak any Dutch. And the teller told, French? Oh my! I am PURELY ASIAN! I wanted to laugh. "I speak English or if you like, Italiano".. And the next thing I heard was a story about that person's ski vacation in Italy plus a song themed for Italian summer! Interesting!


That was the sun rise from where I lived in Italy. See how the sun rises and its reflection... The same photo was taken from my room's terrace. To see the real size, click the image and click the original image from the source link

I have been wondering why everyone loves that country. Even in blogs, fellow bloggers seem to be more outspoken if it is an Italian vacation. As for me, I have some reasons why I like the country but not that enthusiastic as how others look at it and not on a similar or at least parralles basis as how most people see the country. Is it because Italy is within my reach? That I can live there whenever I want? I still have to discover that within myself.

In short list, one of the best thing I like about the country is not found in its shallow portion of its very popular spots...like Venice (Venezia) or Florence (Firenze) the Duomo or the Scala or piazza this and piazza that that are known to many around the world. I do love the mystery of the country. I have been to buildings that are there even before the Philippines was discovered...and I can almost step on at least one of them on a daily basis! Can you imagine that?

• I never even know I was roaming around where Santa Claus is burried!
• Where most of his treasures are hidden! I did not even have any idea I was staring to the preserved body of a saint! That was cool, right?
• When you are in aroom barely 4 sq. meters big but the things inside is priceless or at least billions of Euros?
• I was not even aware that I was standing in a place that slaves were used to be tied and sold and punished and stuffs!
  
• But I was aware when I was looking at the preserved Roman road... that was tough and strongly founded.
  

The sea and olive and fruit plantation view from my balcony in Italy.. Hope to be back there next month though it is too bad since the weather is much colder by then... To see the real size, click the image and click the original image from the source link

For me, the fashion, the food and the overall ambiance of the country is noting compared to the beauty that many cannot see. Darn! That was where history was born. This happened here and that happened there and that what makes me happy when I go to the place. And Italy? Oh, I miss that country but what country I do love? It is still the Philippines.. where I can wear my backless top all year round! Now please tell me if I am too boring for my age of 23.

The river cruise that we have had... How amazing! I remember that weird feeling cruising in such a remarkable place in the country..
I’ll be half a year here in Europe soon and since I arrived, I never have eaten rice again as I eat it back in the Philippines. It makes me miss the Philippines but I also want to prove and challenge myself about my survival capabilities and my adaptation capabilities. I am not home sick nor I suffer with the food. Actually Italian food is really superb!

What makes me miss the Philippines is the all-year round beach availability. Moreover, I want to go back to Bohol and make that Loboc river cruise again… I also want to explore the beaches of Bohol because this activity, I have not done yet. Bohol is really very clean, especially the river. Compared to other provinces and cities, this Tarsier and chocolate hills haven have indeed something to be proud of.


Hey You! You wanna have a "Biggest Eyes Contest"?
When visiting Bohol, make sure that you will not have transportation troubles. It is a bit remote area where vehicles for passenger purposes don’t just pass around when you like. They have early afternoon end and you better be aware of. However, this was not one of my problems when I visited the place. We hired the whole bus and with a guide with us so our schedule was pretty flexible and we have much time to spend anytime that day. Of course our only problem was the hourly rate of the bus that if we let to stay the longer, the more we had to pay.

Overall, Bohol is really great! It’s amazing to go up that step to the higher place seeing the chocolate hills! It’s great to have an eye-to-eye contact with the big eyed tarsiers…. All are great with Bohol! Never miss the fun when you happen to be in the Philippines! Simply cool, BOHOL!


Dining time soon while in that floating resto as we cruised around with...
If all the parts of the Philippines is as this, indeed ilipinos and the rest of the world can claim that it is a paradise indeed!