CRISTINE FARINAS

Five years ago, I wrote this on my Facebook page: You know you've lived a life when you've gone out of your comfort zone and realise that that's one of the best things you've ever done in your life.  Since that day, I've never been afraid to step out of my comfort zone because let's face it, you can only remain comfortable in one place for so long. After a while, our comfort zone becomes the source of our misery and dissatisfaction. Saying that though, sometimes we would rather suck it up for a little longer than subject ourselves to gruelling job applications and interviews. Oftentimes, it is our fear of starting over again that prevents us from walking away. Or sometimes, because the arrangement is convenient for us, it doesn't matter if we are happy or not. Fortunately for me, I learned through the years that life is too short to stay in a place that no longer serves me. And so, three months ago, I decided to give up the job that I thought I loved

Things indeed happen for a reason. Whilst I was disappointed that our trip to California in August was cancelled at the last minute, I am grateful that we were able to visit Seattle a few weeks ago, even just for a couple of days. This trip came as a surprise, so we didn't have much time to plan our itinerary. J and I had different priorities, and mine was to catch up with my cousin Dyami, whom I haven't seen since 2015. The last time I saw him was in the Philippines. As I was telling Dyami, I think that full day I spent with him in Seattle was our first proper bonding moment in more than 20 years. It was very heartwarming to have been able to have a proper catch up with this funny young man.  I requested to see a panoramic view of Seattle, so he took me first to Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Then we drove back to Downtown Seattle and visited the very popular Pike Place Market. Dyami was very enthusiastic in showing me the gum wall that I didn't understand what he

Yesterday, what was meant to be a lovely catch up with a friend I haven't seen in two years turned into a rather terrifying experience.  It was around 1615 when I met up with Lizzie in one of the busiest streets in London -Carnaby Street. The place was even busier yesterday because of Black Friday. Also, a lot of people visit the area this time of the year because of the impressive Christmas lights and unique decorations.  So, we decided to have a quick coffee in Sacred Cafe along Ganton St for some "New Zealand cafe experience" as I have been missing New Zealand coffee lately. This explained why I finished my latte in five minutes.  Deep into our conversation, the waiter interrupted us and asked if he could take our empty cups away. Lizzie and I said "yes, please" in unison. We were talking about going to Primark in Oxford Street to buy some pyjamas, when all of a sudden we heard a commotion from the street. The sight of fleeing crowds, screaming a

"Ate, who is the tourist, you or your friend?"  is the question I was asked by one of my dearest Adings when she saw my photos with my friends who visited London from the States in the summer. It happens all the time when I am playing tourist guide either in my city or any other place that I have been to before. Sometimes I even doubt myself whether I genuinely want to be the tourist guide, or because I just want my photos taken. Haha. Either way, I should really be a very special person to you, for you to even consider asking me to show you around, because I have the tendency to make your most anticipated trip to be all about me. You have been warned. Lol. Kidding aside, a much needed catch up with one of my favourite people warranted a trip to Paris in October. Paris, being so convenient from London, has become a perfect rendezvous for me and anyone who genuinely wants to spend some time with me. Whilst I half-heartedly put Paris as one of my  favourite cities in the

Life clearly took over the last four weeks because I feel like I've not had a downtime for a while. October went by so swiftly, I can barely remember some of the things that took place in the month that facebook claimed " I did right ".  October has indeed been quite challenging for me- mentally and physically.  Actually, roughly a week before October, I made a prudent decision to quit my current job because we were going to relocate to Edinburgh. And then better things just kept coming to a point where we were no longer sure where we'd be next. But as J's Mom always says, "something will come up and then you'll know".  And then October came. My October was about catching up with some people whom I haven't spent time with in a while. First of all, I finally  went to a spa with one of my closest friends. It was my first time to have a facial because I've always believed that I didn't need one. I'm glad I gave in because I felt

I can't believe it's almost a year since we left New Zealand. No wonder why I have been missing Wellington lately like I've never missed it before. Yes, I have been reviewing our photos over and over again for the last two weeks. This actually gave me the reason to reflect on a few things that I really miss about this beautiful little city I once called home. 1. 67 Hawker St, Mount Victoria - This top floor flat has everything that we needed and wanted in a flat- beautifully decorated with a combination of classic and modern furniture and some impressive artworks, two spacious bedrooms, open plan kitchen, shiny wooden floors, clean and good-sized bathroom, happy looking ornamental plants and a balcony with the most amazing view of the Wellington harbour. It was the perfect place for us to officially start our life together.  The house sits on top of a hill, in a quiet neighbourhood next to one of Wellington's most famous landmarks- the St Gerard's Church