So.. let’s see who’s the culprit last year and maybe I’d learn how to minimize it this year.  As they say, if you don’t try to learn where your money went, you wouldn’t know how to save and budget.

1.  Canon Ixus 970is  (USD 406 or RMB 2780)

As I was getting sick and tired of my Olympus digital camera which drains battery faster than it can shoot, I wanted to buy my very own Canon digital camera.  My cousins and friends have used this brand for quite some time and were quite satisfied   with the shots they’ve taken and the camera itself. 

At first, I was contemplating of purchasing a SLR but I don’t  know how to operate one.  The only one I know how to operate    is my friend’s Nikon D50.  I hate SLRs because it’s big and  bulky and not friendly to put in your pocket.  I would admit though the picture quality is much better than a point and shoot.

Another reason why I want to purchase a new digital camera is I’m going on my first ever trip to my ancestral hometown in China.  So, with the help of the web and my friends, I visited several reputable shops in Beijing to find my perfect camera.  I was able to buy one at Carrefour for a discounted price as it was near Chinese New Year.

The purchase?  A Canon Ixus 970IS which has 10 megapixels image sensor, 5x optical zoom lens with image stabilizer, Motion detection technology, 2 gb SD card, face detection technology and other standard camera features. 

I’m quite happy with my purchase and enjoying the long battery life.  Now, I don’t have any reason to say that my camera is running out of battery.  I can also shoot to my heart’s content.

2.  Shishi, Fujian (USD 570 or RMB 3,900)

As I want to getaway from Beijing during the Chinese New Year as it’s so boring, I contemplated on visiting my ancestral hometown for the first time.  My grandfathers are both from  Fujian province and I’ve never even met them let alone visited     my relatives in China having lived here for 6 years already.

I was so excited as I didn’t know what to expect during this holiday.  As we’re not practicing Chinese, the Chinese New Year is a non-event back home.  Chinese New Year is giving out  sticky rice cake which I don’t even like to eat.  We don’t get red envelopes as we receive those during Christmas.  This trip would show me how Chinese New Year is spent in a traditional Chinese family.

When I arrived Quanzhou airport, my two uncles picked me up at the airport.  It was night already and the roads are all empty.  People are already in their homes fixing the Chinese New Year eve meal.  When we got to the ancestral home, it was already freezing and no amount of heat will make it warm. 

The fireworks were bland compared to the ones in Beijing.  Overall, the trip is quite boring and I don’t want to go back there.  One good thing that came out of this trip is the black Skechers boots (similar to the photo above) I bought for half the price.  With Uggs coming out, mine I think is much better than the ugly Uggs..

3.  Mom and Sisters Beijing & Shanghai Trip (USD 1,516 or RMB 10,385)

During holy week, my mom and two younger sisters visited me here in Beijing.  It’s my mom and youngest sister’s first trip to China.  I’m quite happy as this would be the first time since 2006 where the ladies in the family are together.  I was quite shocked with my mom as one day my dad just said she has her visa and bought the ticket already.  All I can say is “WHAT?!”  Oh well, I did offer to purchase her ticket but I didn’t expect it was that soon.

My two younger sisters will be coming from Manila via Shanghai.  As usual, I had to fly to Shanghai, pay for my ticket and hotel as well as pay for their roundtrip tickets from Shanghai to Beijing. 

I got to see the Shanghai Aquarium for the first time and we enjoyed it.  The weather wasn’t that great as it was cold and foggy.  I’m happy to visit the city again and was able to help my Starbucks collector friends in their collection.

My mom arrived the night when we came back from our Shanghai leg.  Her flight was direct to Beijing via Tokyo.  We visited the Great Wall and Summer Palace together and enjoyed the food in Beijing.  It was a memorable trip as I miss my family so much.  It was a sad day when they all have to leave and go back to reality.  It’s money well spent as it’s family.

4.  Seoul Searching in South Korea (USD 1,052 or RMB 7200)

For our 3 day weekend in May, Marco and I decided to go soul searching at Seoul.  Unlike our other holidays, this one is pretty relaxing but draining in our pockets.  We visited the mandatory sights and allotted the rest of the time shopping.  I was able to buy some beautiful dresses and work outfits which everybody loved. 

We stayed at Itaewon which is where the foreign bars are located.  Our location is quite good as there are several fast food chains in the vicinity as well as being in front of the subway stop.

We enjoyed visiting the palaces, Seoul Tower and shopping haven Dongdaemun.  We almost missed our flight as the alarm didn’t go off.  Luckily, we had enough won to pay for the exorbitant taxi cab fare. 

5.  Manila and Cebu (USD 1,695 or RMB 11,608)

Late August, I had to go back home unexpectedly as my grandmother took a turn for the worse.  It was a very sad occasion as I was already planning to go back home during the October holidays. 

I was sad as I wasn’t able to say goodbye to her when she passed away while I was on my flight to Manila from Hong Kong.  It was a very hectic week with the funeral services both in Manila and Cebu.  Since I was the only one who’s on a holiday, I was more or less at the funeral parlor all day long.

My dad and mom came from the US and it was really a trying time.  It was a mixture of sadness and happiness as people whom I haven’t seen for quite some time was there to give their condolences. 

6.  Acer Laptop (USD 899)

As my Dell laptop celebrated it’s 5th birthday last May, I decided   I need to replace it with a new laptop.  With the help of my   brother, we scoured the net for an affordable,  light, easy to carry laptop, with long battery life and will last me another 5 years. 

Our search ended with the help of numerous PC websites and Amazon.com.  Through amazon.com, I was able to buy a new Acer Aspire Timeline 3810T-6415 series for USD 899.  It’s all I ever wanted in a laptop except for the lack of DVD drive.  I don’t mind much about the DVD as I don’t use it that much.  The    speed is much better as I can play Pet Society (hihihi). 

 Currently, the model number of my laptop is AS3810T-8737.

7.  Singapore / Manila Trip (USD 1,606 or RMB 11,000)

During the October holidays,  I see to a point that I’m out of Beijing for a two week journey.  I only stay in Beijing if there are family or relatives visiting.  Also, October marks my birthday.  As it’s been quite some time since I celebrated my birthday with loved ones, I decided to go back home and celebrate it. 

Before going to Manila, I decided to go on a side trip to Singapore.  With a place to stay at my friend’s apartment, I enjoyed the different cultures that surround this small country.  I was able to buy a pair of shoes and boots which have gotten good reviews.

Singapore is a nice country but it’s too hot and humid to go around.  Also, there aren’t much things to see.  I’d probably go back when Universal Studios is open and eat my favorite cereal prawn at Jumbo restaurant again.

In Manila, I celebrated my birthday with my aunt’s family in my mother’s side and a post-bowling/dinner party with my cousins.  It was fun and nice to see everyone together.  I was also able to visit my niece but she was still in NICU. 

Since I was planning to search “actively” for a husband to be, I decided I need to learn how to be pretty.  Hahaha.. So, on this trip, I studied how to put on makeup.  Yes.. I don’t know how to put on makeup so I don’t wear any most of the time.  If I do have makeup on, that’s courtesy of the salon.

Conclusion

Hmm… This has been a very expensive year.  I’ve already finished computing my 2009 expenses and I can’t believe I’ve spent roughly RMB 9,400 a month (excluding insurance premium).  I really need to cut down my expenses.  So, does that mean I have to minimize my travels this year??  *sniff*  I don’t want to!!! 

Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace was built as a secondary palace in 1405, under King Taejong’s reign.  During the Japanese invasion of 1592, the palace was totally destroyed.  It was restored in 1610 and served as a main palace for 258 years.  It was inscribed on the Unesco World Cultural Heritage list in 1997.

Except for Thursdays during April through November, guided tours are only allowed while visiting this place.  The Palace is closed on Mondays.  Guided tours last for one hour and twenty minutes with specific time schedule for the languages it supports (Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean).  English schedule is 1130am, 130pm, 330pm only.  Chinese schedule is 1100am and 300pm.  If you miss the tour, then join the other tours but just admire the beauty of the place.

Changdeokgung Palace is not a typical European palace but an Oriental palace.  The grounds are huge and the palace itself looks like a mixed of Japanese and Chinese architecture.  It’s not as grand as the Forbidden City but it has a tranquility and serenity that you can’t find in Chinese tourist spots.  After visiting several palaces and temples in Europe and China, this place is a bit of a letdown.

Admission: 

• Guided Tours:  3,000 won for adults and 1,500 won for Children
• Non-guided tours:  15,000 won for adults and 7,500 won for children
• Additional tour to Ongnyucheon (Apr-Nov) :  5,000 won
• Additional tour to Nakseonjae (Apr-Nov) : 5,000 won

To get there:  Take subway line 3 and get off of Anguk station, exit 3. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung or Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven was built in 1395 and served as the main palace in the heart of the capital city.  It was torn down during the Japanese invasion and restoration only began in 1990. 

This palace is located to the west of Changdeokgung Palace.  A lot of students visit this place and Marco was lucky enough  to be surrounded by pretty young ladies in a picture.  We also got the chance to watch the marching of the guards ceremony and wear guards uniform for free.  The place is huge with charming sceneries all around. 

Visitor information:

• Hours  9:00 am to 6:00pm Mar-Oct / 9:00am to 5:00pm Nov-Feb
• Admission:  Adults- 3,000 won, Children- 1,500 won,  Group rate of 20 or more persons- 2,400 won
• Palace ground is closed on Tuesdays.
• Free Guided Tours:  English (11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm)
• To Get There:  Take subway line 3 and get off of Gyeongbokgung station, use exit 5.

January – Family

I started the year with a bad bout of cold and cough.  I remember trying to barely keep myself awake to toast the new year.  Good thing though, I spent it with my second family here in Beijing, the Camposagrado’s.  I met the Camposagrado family through Marco and bowling.  They’re a loving family who keep me grounded here in this mad world that I’m living. 

This month also brought me to my ancestral home of Fujian.  It’s my first visit and I didn’t know what to expect.  As my family was never that into the Chinese New Year tradition, I don’t really know what to expect.  One thing I know is to be equipped with lots of red envelope.  It was quite a different Chinese New Year for me.  My direct relatives were warm, accommodating and attentive.  They were too attentive that I can’t seem to go around the place by myself.  I feel like a kid who’s out in the big world for the first time.  One thing I’m sure, I don’t want to go back there unless I’m staying at a hotel and no worries of somebody looking over my shoulder.

February – Love

I was in love or I thought I were.  Every year at work, I saw my colleagues get flowers during Valentines Day.  If your boyfriend gives you one rose, it means “You’re the Only ONE”.  If he gives you three roses, it means “He Loves You”.  However, if he gives you ninety-nine roses, it means “He loves you forever”.  Well.. Valentines came and gone but I didn’t receive any rose nor went out to any date.  I’m a romantic but somehow the person that I was going out with wasn’t romantic at all.  Hmm.. maybe I’m setting my standards too high.

March – Breakup

No.. I didn’t leave my job but I broke up with the person I was seeing.  I was fed up with his lack of attention, his disappearances and his lack of respect.  Somehow, he would only call when he needs something.  My bowling score also went into nosedive from an average of 120 to barely making 100.  March ended though with a shock as my mom suddenly took up my offer of coming to visit me by shouldering her ticket!  It’s like I woke up and she said I have my visa and I booked my ticket!  Hehehe.. I love you Mama!  You can come and visit me anytime. 

April – Sweet Reunion

During Holy Week, my two younger sisters decided to visit me.  I met up with them in Shanghai and stayed two days there before flying to Beijing.  My mom joined us here as well and it was FUN!   Thanks to my friend Richard for picking her up at the airport and letting us stay at his place.  It was good for the soul, being with my family and going around and bonding together.  We went to the usual haunts in Beijing and just enjoyed being together.  It made me love them more and realize how important they are in my life.

May – Flowers and Shopping

The one thing I like about May is the cool weather and the vibrant colors which surrounds the city.  The Chinese Government is quite good in making the surrounding so colorful with all the flowers which seem to sprout up overnight.  During the Labor Day holidays, my travel buddy Marco and I went to Seoul.  It was shopping heaven.  I think I made a big dent on my savings that’s why I can’t seem to have enough money.  I bought some beautiful pieces which my officemates love and they were of good quality and design.  This trip to Seoul was relaxing and totally undemanding.  We weren’t able to go to all the destinations but really, it’s nice to shop there!  The rest of the month passed by so quick that I didn’t realize that it’s almost Summer.

June – Concert and Goodbye

As to celebrate the 24th anniversary of the China-Philippines relations, the embassy invited Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano to a concert.  The best thing about it is, it’s free!  Even though his song selection is limited, I thoroughly enjoyed it as my friends and I sang our hearts out with Gary V.  The month of June as well signals the exodus of student going back home for their summer holidays.  It’s the time for goodbyes and a good friend moved on to Shanghai to pursue his MBA.  I met Pete through my old colleague Trevor, I remember the first time I met him, he was drunk and was hitting on me.  He makes a mean potato dish.

July – Parties 

Two of my friends celebrated their birthday this month.  Of course, it was party and party!  Food was aplenty and so was the booze.  I learned my limit with booze as two bacardi breezer will still keep me sane, three will make me feel sleepy but four will knock me out.  Of course, three or more breezers will also give me hives.  That’s good right?? At least I’ll know when to stop.     July also marked the end of our bowling tournament’s spring season.  Our team was in second place and the party was held at Landmark Hotel. 

August – Road Trip and Moving On

I love long drives.  That’s one thing I miss about Manila and owning a car.  The Asian division basketball qualifiers was held in Tianjin.  To show our support to Team Pilipinas, a group of friends and I took his car for a road trip.  It was relaxing and nice as I got to enjoy the view.  Team Pilipinas lost the game to Korea but we didn’t mind.  Towards the end of the month, I received news that my paternal grandmother’s health worsened.  Relatives who are abroad were asked to go home as doctors feared the worse.  I wasn’t able to see her anymore as enroute to Manila from Hong Kong, she moved on to a better destination.  I miss you Lola!

September – Birth, Typhoon and Cultural Diversity

After coming back from my grandmother’s funeral, I had to put my energies into work.  The first week of the month is usually the busiest as there’s the monthly report on top of my usual workload.  Also, I was preparing for my long holidays that I usually take along with the October holidays.  This year, I’m heading to Singapore to visit my friends and Manila for my birthday. 

It was an eventful second half of September.  My cousin’s wife who was seven months pregnant suddenly gave birth.  Typhoon Ondoy hit Manila and flooded the capital so bad that places which normally don’t get floods became flooded.  I’m grateful to God that nothing happened to my family and relatives.  I remember during my stopover in Manila the day after the storm and looking out of the windows, most of the roads were virtual small rivers.  Service at NAIA-2 at that time was horrible and nobody knows if what time your flight will be leaving or will it be leaving at all.  Last but not the least, I enjoyed the cultural diversity that Singapore has to offer.  That’s the first time in my life where I see different races living in such a small city.  Thanks to Ate Susan for letting me stay at her apartment.  I miss the Cereal Prawns at Jumbo Restaurant!  Here’s a link of other dishes you can enjoy in Singapore.  Oh yeah, Charles and Keith shoes are quite nice and affordable compared to buying it in Manila.

October – Beauty and Celebration

After my journey to Singapore, I spent the remaining days of my holidays in Manila.  To give my vacation a twist, I searched for someone to teach me how to put on makeup.  I found a makeup artist who teaches at Basement Academy to come to my house for a one on one class.  It was four days and three hours long of make up sessions.  I learned a lot and will be blogging it this year.  Of course, you can’t just learn it you need to buy makeup to put in your kit.  That’s an ouch as they don’t come cheap.  It’s ok though, people are giving me compliments when I put on makeup.  It’s well worth it. 

October also marks another year of my life.  I’m blessed to celebrate my birthday with my relatives.  Something I’ve missed in the past couple of years as I’m either travelling or is stuck in Beijing.  My cousins and I also had a wonderful night of dinner and bowling arranged by my pretty cousin Kerry.  I also met the first niece in my father’s side of the family. 

November – Snow and Datong

This winter is quite weird.  We had snow on the first day of November!  It was a surprise but a good one.  We had beautiful pictures on the first snowfall of the season which you can view on this link.  The snow didn’t abated as we had two more snowfalls this month.  Towards the latter part of the month, I had to work double time as my brother and sister-in-law will be visiting for the first time in Beijing.

On November 30, my brother, sister-in-law and I went to Datong for their out of town trip.  They enjoyed the scenery of the Hanging Monastery where we were the only visitors at that time and Longmen Grottoes with the big buddhas.  However, the train ride was something that they would rather forget.  Here’s a link to my brother’s chronicle of our trip, from the train ride to the Hanging Monastery and Longmen Grottoes.

December – Christmas and Life Realizations

I attended my first Philippine Ball and was able to wear the Tyler dress that has been gathering moths in my closet for a year already.  The event was graced by comedian Nanette Inventor who the foreigners enjoyed watching to.  She actually remind me of my Aunt.    I also attended my first Christmas Party at the Philippine Embassy where our group placed last out of the three groups who joined the Christmas caroling competition.  The emcee said we should have joined beauty pageants instead of a singing contest.  Hahaha!  

Since China doesn’t really celebrate Christmas, I had to work that day but my mind was far away.  On Christmas eve, some friends and I had dinner together at their place, watched Avatar and sang songs using the Magic Sing mic.  Christmas Day, we had a buffet dinner at Marriott Beijing City Wall.  The dinner was quite good and the ambiance was great.  Of course, being with good friends made it even better.

As the year was about to close, I realized that I wasn’t enjoying my job that much anymore.  People are pointing at other people, the workload is driving people crazy and life at the office is not as good as it was before.  Money is so tight that the budget has been cut several times.  I don’t know where will this lead me but I’m already thinking that maybe it’s time to move on.  I’ll be actively searching for a new job and if God is willing for me to move to a different location, I’ll close the Beijing chapter in my life.

In China, we have two week long holidays and several long weekends.  The first week long holiday falls on Chinese New Year.  This year my wandering feet took me to my ancestral birthplace, Shishi, Fujian, China.  It was freezing and boring.  There wasn’t that much to do.  I enjoyed meeting the relatives though.  It was a different experience but not something I want to repeat.

During the Qing Ming Festival long weekend, my siblings came to visit me.   I fetched them in Shanghai as they took the Cebu Pacific flight.  We went to the usual tourist haunts such as The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Gardens and Xintiandi.  A first for me there is the Shanghai Aquarium which I thought was a good place to visit especially for kids and sea animal enthusiasts.

During the Labor Day long weekend, my travel buddy and I set our sights to Seoul, South Korea.  It was a pretty relaxing trip as there weren’t that much places to see.  I did  get a chance to wear a Korean dress and have my picture taken with it.  Shopping there is fantastic and the price is reasonable with the quality they give. 

Towards the end of August, I had to suddenly return home as my grandmother took a turn for the worst and we had to lay her to rest in Cebu.  It was a tiring week as I had to attend the wake in Manila and Cebu.  However, I enjoyed eating home cooked meals and food that I miss the most while I’m here in China.

At the end of September, my wandering feet will bring me to Singapore.  This will be my first visit in this small progressive country.  I’m looking forward to meeting old friends and classmates who are based in this country.  Of course, I have to visit the Merlion, Sentosa Park and probably do some shopping.  

The second week-long holiday will be spent in Manila.  I’m planning to celebrate my birthday with friends and family.  I also have a list of things that I would like to do and experience while I’m there.  Of course, I need to look my best and probably catch a man while I’m there.  (hahaha!) 

Towards the end of the year, my brother and sister-in-law will visit me in Beijing.  We will be doing a side trip to Datong and see the Hanging Monastery and Longmen Grottoes. 

I hope there won’t be anymore surprise trips as  I don’t have any holiday leaves left and my bank account won’t be able to take it anymore.  I’m really a sucker for travelling.  I should find a rich man to fund my travels.   Till 2010.  I should be planning ahead for the Chinese New Year again. 

Our hotel is located at Itaewon which is a tourist district with a lot of foreigners.  Just outside the hotel, we have Coldstone Creamery!  Sweet!  It’s even cheaper than in the US.  We also have two Starbucks coffee shop (Don & Gold got your Seoul & Korea Tumblers!), KFC, Mcdonalds, shopping area and bars.  We’re in a pretty good location as both the airport bus and subway stop is just in front of the hotel.  I haven’t seen any stars yet but we haven’t been to their Rodeo Drive.

We didn’t go to Lotte World yet as it’s quite far and pretty pricey.  Also, we need the whole day there which we don’t have as we prefer to shop.  Tomorrow, we’ll be going to Myaeong-dong, a palace, Seoul Tower and a Korean village.  We haven’t had the chance to eat at a good Korean place so it’s a shame.    Well.. I’m off for now.   I’ll be writing from Beijing next time.