The Harbin Adventure

A few weeks ago, Cara and I joined a winter camp/tour with a couple of our other friends in Harbin (哈尔滨), China. And I must say...it was one of the most amazing experiences evaaa!!!!

For about 10 days, we stayed in the wintry place in the province of Heilongjiang （黑龙江）, layering ourselves with jackets, gloves, hats, thermals, and the like, amidst the -22º C temperature and the slippery, icy ground. 

Joining our fellow Philippine tour group with about 40 people, from the ages of 14-22, in this winter camp, we had Chinese language classes, wushu (武术）or Chinese martial arts lessons. Some people chose to take Chinese dance lessons rather than wushu. Also, we learned a Chinese song called 青春舞曲, and doodled in some calligraphy works as well! 

One of my favorite parts of the tour was the actual touring itself! From exploring a boat museum to skiing without the 
sticks, we gained so many new and exciting experiences! Even though we had limited time to shop in the malls, we
were still able to fill our shopping bags with numerous articles of clothing, shoes, foods and snacks, and small gifts and 
souvenirs for our families and friends back home. I can't forget the time when we visited the Siberian Tiger Park, the 
trip was absolutely memorable. I mean the fact that you only had a one meter distance between you and the tiger, which
was only separated by the barred doors of a van isn't something you experience every day right? 

One of the most famous attractions in Harbin China is the ice and snow sculptures! Ahhh, an absolute beauty! I must give 
a hand to all of those talented sculptors who worked their butts off in the creation of these majestic wonders. Not a lot of
people have the ability of doing that. Although we weren't able to visit the highly popularized land of Ice and Snow 
World in Harbin, which contains the most renowned ice sculptures in the world (it wasn't open yet when we ventured 
throughout the land, huhuhuhu), we still had the chance to tour around other sculptures as well. And I must admit,
after our butts quickly went downhill on the long icy slide, the landing wasn't so comfortable!! But anyway, it was still
super fuuunnnnnn!!

Let's take a look at some of the pictures! 

A view from the hotel

A colorful ice sculpture!

Photo by Kendrick Cobankiat

A European-like shopping building

Our calligraphy class!

Our Philippine tour group!! Credits to the camera dude Mars!

This is one of the Siberian tigers I was talking about
Photo by Kendrick Cobankiat

This was one of the first snow sculptures that we saw!
Photo by Kendrick

But honestly, the reason why I enjoyed all of those activities was the fact that I was able to make new
friends and spend time with them all. I super duper love being with the whole tour group because they make every moment
so special even in simplest ways. They're like my family already. <3

Sadly, the tour only lasted for like, 12 days, which was of course too short to explore Harbin more and go shopping!
(Actually, now that I think of it, I probably wouldn't have enough money to go on a shopping spree there. Oh well!)
But even though the trip wasn't long, Cara and I were still able to make the best out of the stay! Not a single day 
wasted!

I hope to be able to bring my whole family there one day, and hopefully be able to renew all of those memories that were
created from this trip! Cheers to Harbin!

-laineblu

Typography Unfolded

Introducing my latest obsession...typography! I've been inspired by many artists (actually most of them are my super artistic friends) and decided to try it out myself! And once I started, I honestly couldn't stop. (sounds weird, but totally true)

For most of my works, I use various quotes that I randomly found in books and the Internet, most especially through Facebook and Instagram. I know that quotes can be too mainstream, BUT I must say, they're really really inspiring. And I also mustn't forget to give credits and show gratitude to the pens/markers of Sharpie, Muji, and Uni Pin, which have been all used in at least one of my projects. These pens/markers are absolutely amazing!

I'd like to share two of my works, which can both be seen below. Hopefully, as time passes by, I'll be able to share more of my typography and improve my skills as well.

One of my favorite quotes by Helen Keller

A quote by the great Vince Lombardi

For me, typography's just one of those unique things that captivates one's mind and creativity, and lets one's true self be more defined. :) A creation of art, indeed.

-lanieblu

Yummm...

Due to my everlasting love for food and cooking, I present to you...dundundun...last Sunday's meal!

(I sound too dramatic but I've always wanted to make an entrance like that.) 

The meal contains the creamy mashed potatoes, the tender steak, and the nutritious okra, with the organic red rice. 

I unusually didn't have such a hard time grilling the steak because unlike the regular thick steaks you order from the restaurants, this steak was quite thin, but still has the right dose of juiciness and tenderness. Butter, milk, sour cream, salt, and of course the potatoes all add up to the most amazing mashed potatoes, with endurance and perseverance to smoothly mash the potatoes. HAHA. The okra was just sautéed with garlic and onion which adds more flavor to the vegetables. And lastly, the red rice was, well,  steamed in a rice cooker. Although compared to white rice, the red rice proves to be a lot more expensive, it still contains many many healthy benefits!-laineblu

Living Life

living life     

      Sometimes we tend to wonder why everything happens the way it does in our life, especially questioning all of challenges and hardships we face. We constantly ask ourselves, "Why is life so hard?" or "Why can't life be more simple?". Because of these realizations, we may be led to frustration, anger, and sorrow.

      But we should keep in mind that all of the happenings in life have a reason or certain explanations for their existence. We may not fully understand the meanings of them, but as the saying goes, "life goes on".

      Life is full of pairs of ups and downs, and without either one of them, life would never be as fulfilling and complete as we experience it today. Therefore, we should not be merely hindered by the rough, strong waves from reaching our goals, but at the same time, we shouldn't carry a big, fat head when we somehow soar high. One cannot forever stay down below nor forever keep themselves on the top of the mountain. 

      So therefore, let's learn how to face and deal with the daily happenings in our lives with growing strength and humility along with the endless rope of love, for this kind of attitude and willpower will lead us into true happiness. 

-lanieblu