Steel Strange
What I miss? Movies! LOL
Would have attended the Mass yesterday but I fell asleep.
But first, went to
Pet Express to buy food for Tsubasa. Also paid VISA dollar bill in peso at
Banco de Oro-SM Hypermarket.
It's a movie marathon for me.
Max Steel and Doctor Strange (discounted movie tickets). Had Mongolian lunch before my first movie.
Max befriends Steel, an alien, as his (Max's) abilities surfaces--they need each other for Max not to explode. Zzzzzz.....
Doctor Strange, a brilliant surgeon, loses the use of his hands. He went to the Far East for a cure but found himself in the middle of magic, sorcerers, etc. Luv it! And being a Marvel movie, you should wait for the credits. I did. But, learned that there are two scenes in the credit. Was able to watch only one. Weh!
Bought plastic envelopes at National Bookstore to organize my foreign currencies. Went to The Landmark to buy Nana's diaper. Then, proceeded home.
Day 19: Best Of Europe & Marian Pilgrimage
7AM call time, 8AM breakfast, 9AM bag out.
Instead of staying in the hotel before we go to the airport, we went to
Volendam. It is known for its old fishing boats and traditional costume worn by residents.
We had our lunch there of fish and chips before going the airport.
Stop-over would be at DOHA. It would be six hours from Amsterdam to DOHA, 9 hours from DOHA to Manila.
BTW the
langaw (fly) is persistent even in Europe. Too bad for the
mambabarang (good for me), my angel is quite alert.
Day 18: Best Of Europe & Marian Pilgrimage
6:30AM call time, 7:30AM buffet breakfast, 8:30AM lobby.
Our tour guide is Meriam.
Had Mass at
The Lady of All Nations chapel presided by our three pilgrim chaplains.
(Note: Upon searching the internet, 'invites priests and laity to discontinue all forms of propaganda with regard to the alleged apparitions and revelations of
"Our Lady of All Nations"' ).
After, sightseeing on the way to the De Simonehoeve--quaint canals and bridges, gable houses, etc. We were also shown the red district which you can see women in display windows--it is operating 24x7.
At the
De Simonhoeve, we were shown how clogs are made, the cheese factory, how the windmills are used to make flour.
Went back again to
Amsterdam to continue with our tour.
Since we were given a few minutes for lunch, decided to try
McDonald's. Weird, it has a long queue. So looked for other food stores. Then, we saw a kiosk wherein you drop the coins and choose/get the food you like. One of us is lacking coins, then, a Filipina based in Amsterdam helped by giving the coins we lack. Nice.
We, then, went to a diamond factory.
Next stop is a canal cruise.
For dinner, we ate at
De Nissen.
Day 17: Best Of Europe & Marian Pilgrimage
6AM call time, 7AM buffet breakfast and bag out, 8:10AM at the lobby.
Left
Paris, France for
Amsterdam, Netherlands. But first, we will stop at
Brussels, Belgium. It is about a five-hour drive to Brussels.
It is here where we had our lunch. Things to try are Belgian waffle, Belgian fries, Belgian chocolate, mussels. We tried the waffle and bought chocolates. Viewed the Grand Platz as well as the Manneken-Pis (peeing child which was considered a hero as the child keeps on peeing on enemy soldiers, which encouraged the citizens to fight).
Also went to the Atomium, the symbol of the Brussels World Expo.
Then, two-hour trip to Amsterdam. Checked-in at Hotel Schiphol where we also had our dinner.
Day 16: Best Of Europe & Marian Pilgrimage
6AM call time, 7AM buffet breakfast, 8AM lobby.
Our guide is Janice, our driver is Sasha. Janice has a good sense of humor.
On the way to the
Shrine of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, she showed us different landmarks like Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde where known personalities were guillotined, etc.
We had the Mass led by our pilgrimage chaplain at the Shrine where the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure is laid to rest. In the chapel also rests the heart of Saint Vincent de Paul
We then made our way to the
Cathedral of Notre Dame. Stopped a bit at the Les Invalides where you can find the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Learned that a pilgrim in the other pilgrimage group lost her bag containing 2,000 Euros in their hotel lobby.
We went to
Galleries Lafayette for those who would not wish to skip shopping in Paris. Had lunch in a Chinese restaurant near the area--the cost of the food is based on weight. Due to changes in schedule, our Seine River tour was moved to 2:30PM from 5:30PM; thus, took the tour. After, was dropped-off again at Lafayette.
We had our dinner at
Chez Claude before calling it a day.
Day 15: Best Of Europe & Marian Pilgrimage
6:30AM call time, 7:30AM buffet breakfast, 8:30AM bag out, 9:15AM at the lobby.
Just when we are about to go down the lobby, we were stuck for about five minutes on the elevator because an old lady is insisting to get into the elevator with her luggage when we are already full. She even threw ger luggage and her umbrella, hitting the elevator door for it to open again. When she managed to get in, the elevator won't budge. She is arguing with her
kababayan who is inside the elevator. Don't understand what their language is.
We were picked-up by Frankie to bring us to the train station. We would depart for Paris, France via the TGV fast train. It would be a six (6) hour trip.
Upon arriving, we were met by Mar, our tourist guide for the day. We were shown different sites including the Arc de Triomphe, Napoleon's tomb, The Thinker, etc. Mar has a very good sense of humor.
We had dinner at
Chez Clement in Champs-Elysees.
Then we proceeded to the
Eiffel Tower and went up to the second level and see the view from there.
We also went to the
Trocadero to see the Eiffel Tower from afar.
Finally, went to
Novotel Paris La Defense to check-in.
Day 14: Best Of Europe & Marian Pilgrimage
6AM call time, 7AM buffet breakfast, 8AM lobby.
It would be a walking tour with Frankie, a girl that is half-American half-Russian, as our guide. But first, we had our Mass led by our Pilgrimage Chaplain at the chapel in
Our Lady of the Rosary Basilica.
Note: Don't make a promise when you are depressed. Don't make a promise when you are happy.
We saw where Saint Bernadette was born, where her family stayed when they were removed from their home, with the blue line on the street showing where she walked on her way to the shrine.
Back to the
Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes, got our Passport, passed through the Holy Door, shown where to get the blessed water, the Grotto, where the healing bath is, the Stations of the Cross (easier path), where we can have our Passport stamped. Took several photos
Since I would not be able to dip for the healing bath, went back to hotel to leave some of my things. Bought candles and another bottle on the way.
First, filled up my bottles with water. Then, lit a candle. Went to the Stations of the Cross--it is a very long walk. Lined up at the Grotto to drop my petition and prayed the rosary. Have my Passport stamped.
Went again to the hotel to rest a bit.
Walked to a store selling Filipino food. Gina is the name manning the store, a Filipina. This was pointed out by Frankie earlier while on tour.
Went again to the Shrine in hope to see Tita Josie and Tita Norma who went to the healing bath. They asked me to buy them candles. If I won't be able to see them, will light the candle for them. Found them!
After lighting the candle, they had a snack and we went back to the hotel. Did not join them when they wanted to go to the Grotto--I wanted to rest.
Had dinner at the hotel by 7PM.
Day 13: Best Of Europe & Marian Pilgrimage
6AM call time, 7AM buffet breakfast, 8AM departure.
We would be leaving
Burgos, Spain for
Lourdes, France.
On the way, we stopped at the
Santuario de Loyola where we had Mass at the Basilica. We also had our lunch in one of the restaurants in the area before moving on.
Then the bus made an unscheduled stop as one of the pilgrims is sick that he had nausea--and he's a doctor.
Upon arriving at Lourdes, checked-in at
Saint-Sauveur. Also had dinner at the hotel. Bought some souvenirs after dinner and joined the torchlight procession at 9PM.
Day 12: Best Of Europe & Marian Pilgrimage
6AM call time, 7AM buffet breakfast, 8AM departure.
Would be leaving
Fatima, Portugal to
Burgos, Spain. It will be a whole day drive.
Upon arriving, went to
Catedral de Burgos where we will have a Mass led by our pilgrimage chaplain.
We then checked-in at our hotel,
Hotel Puerta de Burgos.
That's when I learned I have my monthly period. Oh, no! What timing. Just when we are about to go to
Lourdes, France. I won't be able to bathe in the miraculous water.
Also, since we would just be staying overnight, our luggage is left in the bus and brought only what we would need for the night. The sanitary napkin I brought from the Philippines is in my big bag. So asked for the directions to the nearest pharmacy or supermarket. Found the pharmacy but it is not carrying the item. Found
Al Campo (supermarket) where I was able to buy one. The problem without knowing the brand or the language, took some time to decide which to buy. LOL
Went back to the hotel for our dinner.
Note: Luv the sanitary napkin I bought! It is big yet comfortable. I won't worry having a leak even on a long drive, which we will do tomorrow on the way to Lourdes, France. I think the brand is Auchan. They (Spaniards) must really be big women. Weh!
Day 11: Best Of Europe & Marian Pilgrimage
Call time is 6:30AM, Mass at 7:30AM, breakfast at 8AM, 9AM is start of walking tour.
In the Mass, Fr. Ricky shared the message of Fatima: conversion of sinners, world peace, good works. He also shared 15 reasons why we pray the rosary.
Our tour guide is Arminda.
We went to the
Chapel Of Apparition, the
Basilica where the bodies of the visionaries were laid to rest, the
new Basilica.
We also went to Francisco's and Jacinta's house, and Lucia's house.
This is what I learned:
* There is the old Fatima and the new Fatima. The old Fatima is where the three childen (Lucia, Francisco, Jacinta) lived. The new Fatima is Cova de Iria, where Mama Mary appeared to the children.
* The angel appeared three times to the children in 1916 and Mama Mary appeared to them six times in 1917.
* From May to October, Mama Mary appeared to them every 13th of the month, except in August because the children were put in prison. She appeared on August 19 about 10 minutes walk from Lucia's house after they were released from prison.
* The second appearance of the angel is near the house of Lucia.
* The place where Mama Mary appeared is the property of their parents. When Lucia's mother dug part of it, there is a spring of water even if during that time there are few water in the area. This spring continues to flow.
* Our Lady of Fatima (image) does not have a crown originally. When the crown was placed, the bullet which hit Pope John Paul II was also placed in it.
* The last part of the secret has been revealed: attempt to assassinate a high official of the church, another world war due to religion but we need to pray the rosary everyday for world peace.
For lunch, we went to
O Siso Restaurant. Then, we proceeded to
Santarem to see the miracle of the Host/Eucharist.
We also went to a mall (as some wanted to shop) before going back to our hotel. Rested a bit and walked back to the Santuario de Fatima where we got some water, lit a candle, gave our petition to the
sakristan for him to put under (the image of) Mama Mary's feet, prayed the rosary.
Walked back to our hotel for our dinner buffet.
Day 10: Best of Europe & Marian Pilgrimage
Call time is 6AM, buffet breakfast at 7AM, departure is 8AM.
Left
Madrid, Spain for
Fatima, Portugal. It is about an eight (8) hour trip. Nothing exciting. Watched about Fatima onboard the bus.
We checked in at
Hotel Cinquetario. Our pilgrimage chaplain held a Mass. We also had our rosaries and religious items blessed. Had our buffet dinner after.
By 9PM, walked to the
Chapel of Apparition to participate in the evening procession. Bought the candles at the Church.
Day 9: Best of Europe & Marian Pilgrimage
Call time is 6AM, buffet breakfast at 7AM, be at the lobby by 8:15AM.
Today, we would be going to
Avila, Spain to see its walled city. Our guide is Miguel. Trip is about 2 hours.
We visited the
Avila Cathedral and the house where St. Teresa was born.
Oh! We learned we left two from our group at the hotel. Tsk! Tsk!
Back to
Madrid, Spain for sightseeing. We also stopped for a few minutes at
Jose Rizal's monument. Had our late quick lunch--chose to eat at Subway--because we have a timeslot to visit the
Royal Palace.
The group was divided into two. We have Charito to tour us within the palace.
Learned the following:
* King Carlos may not be good looking but he is a very good leader.
* The King eats in different rooms of the palace for breakfast, lunch and dinner. He often eats breakfast with his dogs only.
* In the room where they entertain guests for dinner, the King and Queen sits in the center of the table/room across each other--it is the fifth chair. Their chair is a bit higher than the rest. The King is facing the window so he can see if enemies are coming, the Queen, on the other hand, sees who is entering the room. Guests on the left and right of the King and Queen is their most important guest. The farther you are (at the
kabisera), the least important.
Then, we went to the
San Antonio de la Florida church for the Mass. We were able to kiss the relic of San Antonio, which is only done every Tuesday.
We walked to the restaurant we would be having dinner--a
Chino Restaurant.
Day 8: Best Of Europe & Marian Pilgrimage
Call time is 6AM, buffet breakfast at 7AM and 8:15AM departure.
Left
Barcelona, passing through
Zaragosa, Spain, then to
Madrid. It's an eight (8) hour trip.
In Zaragosa, we had a Mass at
Catedral Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. The image is said to be miraculous. We were joined by another group of pilgrims for the Mass.
To note: Adore God, love neighbors, use things. Do not interchange.
Upon arrival in Madrid, we checked-in at
Claridge Hotel. We also had dinner at the hotel.
Thumbs up for this hotel--it has brighter and bigger rooms. Also, they even made a follow-up if the bags were correct. The staff is warm and accommodating.
