Flatter My Senses | Growing with Kimi

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Hi! I am Lav.

Welcome to my creative portfolio. I document here my learnings and experiences from my own parenting journey. Take your time to explore and hope you have a nice stay!

Cakes and Chocolates in Niemetz

Sep 25

Sep 25 Cakes and Chocolates in Niemetz

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Confectionery shops or konditorei dominate Europe. I think it is safe to say that we have gone to at least a couple of dozen cafes during our 12-day Euro tour last 2014 because one, it is a good place to escape the cold weather outside and two, the coffee, pastries and hot chocolate of Europe are just freaking delicious. It had been the same when we went to Salzburg. Before we left Salzburg, we dropped by this eye-catchy shop called Niemetz Cafe near the Horse Wells which offers a wide variety of cakes and has an old-fashioned interior highlighted by pink and gold detailings.

Of Sights and Pastries in Salzburg

Sep 20

Sep 20 Of Sights and Pastries in Salzburg

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. I woke up in our room in Austria Trend Hotel Salzburg at around 6 in the morning. It has been my usual routine to go to the restaurant first to have my breakfast before going back to our room to take a bath and dress up but knowing that this would be the last leg of our Imperial Europe tour, I chose to do otherwise. Located at the 15th level of the hotel was the Panorama Restaurant. We had our dinner there the previous night but since it was already dark outside, I was not able to see the restaurant then in its full glory.

More of the Sound of Music

Sep 18

Sep 18 More of the Sound of Music

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Salzburg as is was already amazing but to see sights there with my own eyes which I had only seen in movies was even more amazing that it took the experience we had in the city to a more special place in my heart. The Sound of Music had been a part of my childhood. I was first introduced to it by my mom. I think I was only about Grade 2 or 3 when I first watched it but it did not stick with me then. I was so young to understand the plot or at the least understand the stars past their slangs.

The Sounds of Music, the Alps and a Hint of a Snowman in Salzburg

Sep 7

Sep 7 The Sounds of Music, the Alps and a Hint of a Snowman in Salzburg

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Salzburg, Salzburg. I did not know much about it prior joining the tour aside from the fact that it is in Austria and is the birthplace of the classical icon Mozart, which is kind of weird, really, as I do not know how I was able to retain that bit of information given I am neither a Mozart follower nor a pianist learning his works. Evidently, I must have picked it up somewhere.

A Curiousity-Inducing Dinner in Grandma's House

Aug 15

Aug 15 A Curiousity-Inducing Dinner in Grandma's House

VIENNA, AUSTRIA. It was our last night in Vienna when we dined in Marchfelderhof which was just a 10-minute drive from the city center. I was not feeling well then that even though I had been looking forward to going to this restaurant, I was actually sizing myself if I can handle it or not and if I should just stay in our hotel to rest. But since I know I should not miss this since I already made a preconceived image of the place, I persuaded myself that I was already feeling better so I did go.

Vienna, Austria: Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront

Aug 9

Aug 9 Vienna, Austria: Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront

VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Perched along the River Danube is this amazing hotel called Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront which we stayed in at when we were in Vienna. The first sight of its amazingness took hold when we entered the compound and crossed over the main road through a bridge to reach the other side of the road. Immediately impressed! The moment the bus parked outside, I immediately found myself scurrying towards the exit. It had been a long drive from Budapest so I was kind of ecstatic to stretch again my legs and breathe some fresh air. It was indeed some fresh but cold air that I breathed and I remembered that it felt invigorating

Body-Fueling FAT in Forbes Town Center

Jul 24

Jul 24 Body-Fueling FAT in Forbes Town Center

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES. A breath of fresh air, FAT opened its doors last June 2015 adding to the burgeoning food destination that is Forbes Town Center located in Burgos Circle in BGC. Just when restaurants go for a more wholesome and lighter outlook, FAT evidently chose to head towards the other direction. Commendably does it remain true to its core and belief; that fat is anything but bad for anyone's health, especially if the fat was extracted from animals, and that it ought to be enjoyed and incorporated into foods making them both comforting and satisfying.

Ballet Manila Unveils 20th Performance Season "From Page to Stage"

Jul 11

Jul 11 Ballet Manila Unveils 20th Performance Season "From Page to Stage"

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES. Last July 2, Ballet Manila presented its 20th performance season entitled "From Page to Stage" which brings to life characters we had grown up with and known from pages of foreign and local books. Books and dance do not always go hand in hand, however, Ballet Manila again broke the improbable and went pass through the proverbial by concretizing the characters through the magic and grace of ballet. With this, story book and dance enthusiasts will surely find themselves fascinated by Severino Reyes, "Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang", Paul Vasterling's "Romeo and Juliet," Osia Barroso's "Pinocchio," Martin Lawrance's "Rebel" and Alan Hineline's "Hansel and Gretel".

Celebrating Papa John's 5th Year in the Philippines with A Raffle Draw of a Mazda 3 Hatchback

Jul 3

Jul 3 Celebrating Papa John's 5th Year in the Philippines with A Raffle Draw of a Mazda 3 Hatchback

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES. In lieu of Papa John's 5th year in the Philippines, the infamous pizza chain has successfully wrapped up its first-ever car raffle promo through a fun family day last June 21, which was coincidentally a Father's day, at Blue Bay Walk, Metropolitan Avenue Bay Area in Pasay City

Sophisticated Vienna in Daylight

Jun 27

Jun 27 Sophisticated Vienna in Daylight

VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Vienna is the epitome of sophistication. I immediately saw it the moment I stepped inside the Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront and saw the Danube River flowing gracefully and calmly at the back of it. Furthermore, I felt it the instance I laid down on their firm and huge bed and rested my head on the bed's soft and amazing pillows. The combination rendered me lazy and motionless. It was as if I just want to stay there and take in the comfort I had been snatched with the last few days that I had been travelling.

Crystal Jade Dining IN: Weekend Dimsum Buffet is Back!

Jun 22

Jun 22 Crystal Jade Dining IN: Weekend Dimsum Buffet is Back!

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES. The loved Weekend Dimsum Buffet of Crystal Jade Dining IN is now back by popular demand! Running during the weekends from 2 PM to 5 PM, we arrived in the restaurant a little after 2 PM to fully maximize the already money-worthy buffet. Upon taking our seats, we were then presented with a menu and an order form. The menu served as a guide for us to know the main ingredients of the dishes and the form, on the other hand, proved to be helpful in setting the limitations. Not all the dim sum items found in their menu is included in the roster, however, this fact should not discourage you in trying out this buffet.

Music Appreciation in the Kursalon Hübner

Jun 14

Jun 14 Music Appreciation in the Kursalon Hübner

VIENNA, AUSTRIA. After our sumptuous meal in Pizza Bizi, we headed on towards Kursalon Hubner, which was just a kilometer-walk away from the restaurant, for some classical music appreciation. Based on Italian Renaissance architecture, the Kursalon Hübner was designed by Johan Garben and built during the years 1865 to 1867. Adjacent to it is the 6-hectare Stadtpark (City Park) which opened in 1862. During those times, the Kursalon (or rather, the land where it is now standing) only served as a place where visitors can get mineral waters to drink. After its construction, the Kursalon started seeing better days. In 1868, the first concert by Johann Strauss took place in there. Since then, it had become a venue for meetings and concerts

A Big, Humongous and Unexpected Dinner in Vienna

Jun 6

Jun 6 A Big, Humongous and Unexpected Dinner in Vienna

VIENNA, AUSTRIA. The 1.5-hour drive from Gyor to Vienna had been the fastest and easiest ride that we had during the tour. Upon our arrival in the city, we immediately headed on towards the Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront, our hotel during our stay in the city, which has this spectacular view of the River Danube. Since it was still the peak of the afternoon when we arrived in Vienna, we still had time left in our hands to roam around and do what we please before heading downtown to have our dinner.

May 31

May 31 Lost in Gyor

GYŐR, HUNGARY. A quiet little place in Hungary, this city lies halfway of Budapest and Vienna. Even though it is relatively small as compared to the other cities in the country, Győr is still considered to be the most important city of Northwest Hungary. Since it was New Year's Day when we arrived in the city, the place was literally quiet. Almost all the shops were closed which contributed to the nice feeling of having the city all by yourself. Nothing much happened actually when we were there since we only stopped over for an hour on the way to Vienna.

New Year's Eve Fun in Budapest

May 24

May 24 New Year's Eve Fun in Budapest

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. This was my first time to spend the New Year's Eve outside of the Philippines. Coincidentally, we were in Budapest when the New Year arrived. I had no idea how the Hungarians celebrate the New Year but we had been promised by our tour director of a wonderful night full of fun, lively conversations and good food

Foods You Should Not Miss When You Are in Budapest

May 21

May 21 Foods You Should Not Miss When You Are in Budapest

RACHEL RAJ'S FLODNI - Taste Hungary's most famous Jewish cake, Flodni, made based in a family recipe of Rachel Raj, one of the queens of Budapest Jewish cooking, which includes ingredients like poppy seeds, apple, walnut and plum jam. A popular Chanuka cake of Eastern-European families before, this delight can now be tasted only in Budapest. It is already enough to get a slice as the cake has an interesting texture and explosive taste that can satiate your buds and tummy in an instant. Yum!

Budapest by Day

May 12

May 12 Budapest by Day

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Our 2nd day in Budapest had been a wonderful one. We had not seen the sun shine like that the past few days that we were in Europe. It was at its peak, shining like an emotion kept for so long and then vented out to the atmosphere

Christmas Market Experience in Budapest

May 9

May 9 Christmas Market Experience in Budapest

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. If there was a city that we went to during our Europe tour last December that best exemplified the magic and joy that a Christmas market brings, it would definitely be Budapest. I was already told before our trip that we might not have the chance to see a Christmas market that was still buzzing the moment we arrive in Europe and this is for the reason that Christmas markets in Europe, in general, close down and pack up before Christmas eve.

How to Apply for An Australian Tourist Visa and Getting It

May 1

May 1 How to Apply for An Australian Tourist Visa and Getting It

Dreaming of seeing up-close the Sydney Opera House, hiking the Blue Mountains, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, taking a picture of a kangaroo or koala bear or chilling along the shores of Bondi beach or Manly beach? No problem! With the advent of online visa processing and the visa-label free policy of Australia, travelling to this huge land mass of a country that is also coincidentally a continent had never been this easy. Here is the step-by-step guide that we took in securing our tourist visas.

Italian Cuisine Loving in the Slovak Region

Apr 26

Apr 26 Italian Cuisine Loving in the Slovak Region

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. I am an avid eater. Whenever I am in a particular country other than my own, I make sure to eat their local foods all the time. But you know how sometimes hunger gets the best of you and you just grab whatever that's near you, that's what happened to us when we were done walking around Bratislava. Instead of finding a restaurant that offers amazing Slovak cuisine, we ended up in an Italian restaurant that has a conservatory placed smack at the middle of the Rybarska brana.