USA DAY 3 BREAKFAST IN AMERICA

Saturday 18.06.2011 Day 169





A stack of four pancakes

Bong had T-bone steak with eggs and hash browns



Belgian waffle

Sleepy Sofia

"Take two combo" Half turkey sandwich and fresh fruits... More European

Olivia



Jolly group

It was my first time having breakfast at IHOP "International home of pancakes".

Thanks for this special breakfast adventure and your invitation Salamat Sonia

Grace, Isabelle and Rafael

Lovely family

Bong

Mahjong

After breakfast we went home to Sonia´s and Rene´s house.

The kids had fun playing Mahjong. Mayan, Girlie and me made a little shopping tour.

USA STILL DAY 2 BIRTHDAY PARTY

Still Friday 17.06.2011 Day 168

Kuya Ed´s family (Miggy, Ed, Grace, Ate Mel and Paul)

Princess Grace

Delicious buffet

Excellent singer and guitarist

The birthday girl

Bong, Mayan, Sonia, Olivia, Rene, Aris, Kathy , Liz, Anne, Marcus, Junior

Rene and Sonia dancing

Girls together Mayan & Girlie

Father and his beloved daughter

Nitz and Girlie having fun

Cute girl Isabelle singing

In the evening we were invited to a birthday party of aunt Sonia.

That´s the reason for our trip to Chicago.

I was a bit nervously, knowing there will be only Fillipinos and I´m the only, not tagallo-speaking person, there. But my excitement was unfounded. Everyone was really friendly towards me - and it was an entertaining evening for us all.

Here, too I enjoyed the openness, cordialness and kindness - and *big smile* I enjoyed the yummy buffett there!

The performance of Sonia´s granddaughter Anne was outstanding. She is a very good singer and guitarist.

USA DAY 2 - CHICAGO

Friday 17.06.2011 Day 168

Breakfast in America

Cheerfulness with tito Rene

Friends in front of Chicago´s skyline

Sofia refreshing herself

Another part of the skyline

Cloud gate at Millenium Park

Navy Pier

Hard Rock Cafe

The Board of Trade Batman scenery

Traffic sign



Too sad, we haven´t had too much time for visiting the architecture and the sightseeing points of Chicago.

But Bong was really endeavor to show us the main things of Chicago in a "Hop on and hop off" sightseeing tour by car.

It was strenuous but very interesting - and I so hope I´ll be able to come back someday.

Thanks Bong for sharing your time with us - and your effort of taking us around. Especially thanks to the kids for having patience and being brave.

CANADA DAY 4 - USA DAY 1

Thursday 16.06.2011 Day 167

Rental car arrived

Welcome to the USA

Refueling

Bong, Girlie, Rafael and Nitz

Girlie and Mayan


A big journey was waiting for us today.

It takes longer than expected until the rental car arrived (Guess what? The renter didn´t found the key. Can this be true?) - and before we could started our really far journey to Chicago/USA.

The kids were as good as gold during the whole trip - that lasted 8 or 9 hours I think. That's never happened to me before (with other children). I pay you a high compliment - well done!!

Also a high compliment to Nitz, who is a very good and safe driver.

We were awaited by Oliver (Bong), the husband of Girlies cousin Mary Ann (Mayan) and the children Marcus and Olivia. Bong has cooked a really delicious filipino soup. So good to be awaited and to be spoiled in such a pleasant way.

After work Mayan joined in - and we all had a funny evening playing Rock Band.

Also this family welcomed me warmhearted and I felt very comfortable in their house and circle.

Thanks for all Mayan and Bong!! It was a pleasure for me to get to know you! I hope, we´ll see us again someday!!

CANADA DAY 3

Wednesday 15.06.2011 Day 166

Immigration Department

Flags

Rafael,Isabelle,me,Sofia and Girlie


The best mangoes ever

Rafael and Grace

Tita Tess und Josie

2.BBQ

Grilled fish

Congratulation cake

Mommy Melly and Paul



Today was our shopping day ;-) and Mommy Melly´s big day for her Citizenship Ceremony.

In the afternoon - exhausted from our shopping tour *hihihi* - we rested a while at home and enjoyed lots of refreshing mangoes - the very best I ever ate. So sad that they aren´t available in Europe.

At the instance of Mommy Melly´s big day we were invited again - for BBQ at Kuya Ed´s house.

There I met more warmhearted friends of Ed and Girlie (Tita Tess, Josie and Edmund).

It was another wonderful day among friends - and I enjoyed every minute.

CANADA STILL DAY 2 - SALAMAT

Still Tuesday 14.06.2011 Day 165


Ate Mel and Kuya Ed (Girlie said I only should say Ed... will make him feel young *big smile*)

Paul

Master of BBQ

Isabelle, Grace and Sofia eating cooked peanuts

Yummy BBQ with Pansit (filipino noodles)

Mommy Mely and Girlie

Mommy Mely,Nitz,Sofia,Fr.Anthony,Isabelle,Fr.Fabian,Grace,Me,
Girlie,Ate Mel (picture by Kuya Ed or Paul...)


It was my first time visiting a part of Girlie´s relatives.

We were invited for BBQ from Girlies brother Ed and his likeable family. They gave me such a warm welcome - I´ve never expected. Felt comfortable in a minute.

Salamat for the wonderful time you spent with me, for each word and every hug. I´ve never met such warmhearted people as you and girlie with her family.
Tita Angelika ;-)

(individually greetings to my wonderful and special friend Grace)