Cheska’s Pride

There’s no denying that if you want to learn something, you could read about it. Since I’m a bit old-fashioned, I prefer to learn my way to a new place through the lens of authors and the imagined lives of fictional protagonists adventuring in such a place.

Here’s a little list of books to bring along on trips (or could bring you on a trip by itself!) for the unique insight of the author about the setting you’re bound to hit up. (And no, I won’t throw in The Da Vinci Code in here, since, well, in as much as it features unique European sites, I really could care less about the story. ;p )

Spain
Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon – An intriguing and mysterious fantasy set in Barcelona, this tale is about a 10-year-old boy who comes across a wonderful book, and becoming its guardian.

China
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan – This is a classic. If you loved the film version, you’ll definitely appreciate the book version even more. (Unless you already love the book in the first place, it IS a classic, you know.) Relive the mother-daughter bond cleverly represented in this one.

France
Pardon my French by Cathy Hapka – A story about a homesick girl in France who meets wonderful friends who eventually give her comfort in their strangeness.

New York
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella – Follow Becky Bloomwood as she frolics in the high fashion world of New York.

Australia
Down Under by Bill Bryson – Follow the travel writer’s funny accounts in the land down under.

Are you the type of gal that dismisses a guy because of his looks? Are you too guy picky? Take the test and see.

1. Your co worker sets you up with a guy she says looks like Brad Pitt but he is totally not. You:
   1. Bail after 30 minutes and use the headache excuse.
   2. Try to enjoy the date even you know sparks won’t fly.
   3. Give the guy a chance, maybe he’ll look handsome after a few wine.
      

1. What interests you in a guy?
   1. A guy with full set teeth and a hundred peso.
   2. Rich, gorgeous, smart, kind, romantic and a great sense of humor.
   3. The one who treats you with respect even he’s not loaded or super attractive.
      

1. Has anyone told you the guy you’re dating isn’t good enough?
   1. Once or twice
   2. Yeah
   3. Nah
      

1. After a date with a guy who never called you back in weeks, then suddenly phones you and asks you out. You:
   1. Tell him that he’s blown his chance.
   2. Don’t pass up since you wouldn’t know when he’ll call again.
   3. Give him another chance if he gives a very good reason to go MIA.
      

1. Your dating MO was on a bumper sticker, this might read:
   1. Will break for testosterone.
   2. I’ rather ride solo than to pick up a lame passenger.
   3. I only go for top models, caution!
      

1. You met a guy who just left his job to find himself then asks for your number, you:
   1. Tell him you don’t have a phone.
   2. Get his number instead, and then decide if you’ll call after an interesting conversation.
   3. Give it; you might be able to help him find himself.
      

1. You have this great guy but totally bad in bed. You:
   1. Tutor him subtly in the art of giving pleasure.
   2. Break up with him.
   3. Try not to get bothered by it.

1. If you notice a flaw in a guy - his hair, you:
   1. Can’t seem to get the icky vision out of your head.
   2. Pretend you never saw it.
   3. Forget about it and think you also have your own flaws.
      

1. What is your usual post party mood?
   1. Icky. Thinking why you kissed a slime ball
   2. Hyped. After having fun and flirted.
   3. Depressed. Unworthy idiots.
      

1. Your birthday is next week and you told your new guy, you expect:
   1. An email or birthday call from him.
   2. A fancy dinner and present.
   3. Not expecting anything.
      

Check my next post for the result.

Be fabulous by trying out these six trendy pieces with the ones you have. Break free from your old style and out with the new.

• Poncho Punch

  

Ditch those cardigans and have this new way of covering up by wearing a sheer sexy poncho. Don’t you just hate when it’s too hot but you still want to cover up your body? Make your poncho as your buddy, this way you won’t feel so warm and yet you would look very stylish.

• Woman, Loosen Up
  

Tarty and tight doesn’t mean sexy. You can also be sexy by using soft and flowing fabric while exposing a little flesh. A better way of traveling without being too casual, you’ll never know when you’ll meet someone.

• Homme Free
  

A menswear defined to be powerful and yet when worn by a woman can be powerful and feminine as well. This pair can be used in business meetings.

• Waist-ed time

  

  
  

Cinch your waist for a sexy subtle effect. It’s time to show off you shape!

• A Lacey day
  

Lace made a big comeback! Pile a lot of it for a feminine and romantic look. Wear it on a date.

• Shoulder Stand

After the backless trend last year, the new and hip

off-shoulders are in. It became the new erogenous zone now.

            Fashion guru, punching bag, unlimited call partner, shoulder to cry on — what else can a friend do for you?  These are few of the duties a friend can do. But what else can we do for a friend besides from being the rag to drag around?

            We usually find ourselves giggling in coffee shops, hanging out at the mall, and having sleepovers.  But is that enough to be called a fabulous friend?  Here are some tips to improve or have a better relationship with your friends.

• Admit the Humiliating Truth
  

      Tell a friend about the Ungodly truth about yourself - it’s a requirement mostly in women.  Women can be mistrustful and unless you reveal the naked truth about your juicy past, a woman may never trust you.  Invite a friend, grab some beer and confide!  At first, it may seem awkward but after a while the trust will fill the air and the other will spill the sickest thing about him/her as well.  Both having known the dirt of each other will help you encourage to trust one another.

• Dating her EX?
  

      Remember to only date her EX if the following applies:

1. The relationship they had wasn’t serious, no “I Love You’s” involved.
2. The person you’re dating isn’t the recent one he/she had.
3. If he/she met someone else.
4. And make sure his/her “someone else” is much hotter than the EX.           

      But it is better to avoid dating an EX.  Even though your friend tells you that it’s so over and it’s okay, there will still be a question inside their head.  They’ll be asking themselves why you, and why not him/her.  There will always be a comparison of why your relationship with the EX worked out, and not with them.  You’ll just end up hurting someone and will have to choose between a friend and a lover.
 

• Be the “Nice” Mirror
  

      A lot of women usually ask if they gained weight or if they still look gorgeous.  A lot of us would lie and say “Nah, you’re in great shape” but knowing the truth that they did gain weight.  A true friend should tell the truth even if it would hurt, but say it in a subtle way.  And remember to offer to be the gym buddy or her stylist.

• Never Take Advantage
  

      The difference between a comfy couch and making your friend a doormat is the way you’ll be treating them.  Don’t take advantage of the person even if it’s alright with them.  Always make sure that it would still be a give and take relationship and not just take and take.

• Endure at least 10 hours Per Month to Hear Out Obsessions
  

      Getting sick of the yada yada stories about the recent break-up, a new crush, work-related problems, or even tell you the detailed stories about his/her sex life?  Next time tell your friend in a nice way that you like hearing things about what is happening with his/her life but you also would prefer to keep some stuff to their selves.

• Be the Air Bag during an Embarrassing Moment     

      Instead of laughing, be the airbag that a friend would need.  Try to lessen the trauma of embarrassment.

• Never Leave a Friend Dangling
  

      Always be there for a friend in times of needs.  Even if you had to work the next morning without sleeping at all, then do it.  It’s not as if she bothers you almost every night to be her pillow.  Give the time he/she would need to recover and give assurances that everything will be just fine.

• Judgment Call, Ditch it!
  

      Forget the word “I told you so” when a friend runs back to you after taking an advise and doing the total opposite of it.  You’re still a friend so try to understand, although you’re sick of it, still do comfort your friend.  He/She will do the same with you.

• Treat a Friend
  

      Make sure you have the proper bonding time without anyone else.  No partners around.  Plan a vacation or a trip that includes only the two of you.  Go to a beach, eat out, hang out at the café, or go on a tour.

• Never Wave your Triumph
  

      Although you have the Bragger’s right, never wave your triumph in a friends face.  Remember if something comes up, like a promotion, something beautiful happened in your life, you won a trip Paris or you found the love of your life, share it with a friend first.  A friend will be most proud and happy for you.

“Neither a borrower nor a lender be; for loan oft loses both itself and friend”, Shakespeare’s advise.  To lose friends less oft, here’s how.

• If you’re Lending
  

      When lending money either to a friend or someone else, always set a firm date on when the money should be returned.  Remember not to lend money more than the borrower can afford to pay.  Lastly, if a big amount is involved make sure to make draft of a written agreement including the scheduled payment dates and the signature of both the lender and the borrower.

• If you’re Borrowing
  

      In borrowing money, make sure you only borrow money that you can afford to pay back in a timely manner.  Make a guideline or a schedule of payment dates.  Make a clear statement on exactly when you are paying the loan and how you are going to pay it.  If unable to pay on time, don’t ignore your friend’s calls.  If possible be the one to call your friend to reschedule the payment date.  At least you have the decency to face your friend and tell him/her that you can’t pay on time; then you’ll still have him/her as a friend.
 

            This way you and your friend can still be in a harmonious relationship.

Weekend parties and trips to the parlor or the bars begin to sound “blah”, and then it is time to do something mind-blowing and exhilarating. Try heading to South Africa, it’s not just the home of the wildlife but it is also a place to experience new adventures.

• Pony Trekking
  

This is very popular in Lesotho, since they have valleys over 1000 feet above sea level. In pony trekking you will experience beautiful scenery and magical terrains of waterfalls, mystical mountains, and lush forest.

· 4 x 4 Trails

Riding a 4-wheel drive going to 800 caravan parks and campsites, that can only be reached using this vehicle. This is actually ideal for travelers with limited budget but want to have an adventurous trip. The 4 x 4 trail can reach the Eastern and Western Cape, Kwazulu Natal (magical mountains), Mpumalanga has magnificent wild-life and lush forests, Limpopo, North West Province, Guateng, Free State, and Northern Cape.

· Canopy Tours or Tree Topping

This is for the nature lovers. If you feel like you wanted to be Jane or Tarzan, then this is the best thing for you to try. You will be sliding and gliding from one tree to another while suspended 30 meters above the forest floor. There are three locations where you can find canopy tours, namely Tsitsikamma, Kawzulu Natal Midlands, and Magaliesberg in North West Province.

· Crocodile Cage Diving

You might have heard of Shark Cage Diving but Crocodile Cage Diving is only offered in Western Cape by Cango Ranch. These 4 meter long crocodiles are actually man-eating predators making it more exciting for people who want adventure. But don’t fear because the cages are designed specifically for crocodile bite pressure. You will be lowered to the home of 5 crocs slowly, you will be provided with snorkel and goggles for better viewing. You will also be given a photograph of yourself while under the water surrounded by the crocodiles as a souvenir. What a thrill?!

· Micro lighting

This is an extremely audacious way of exploring the beauty of South Africa. You can choose between the birds eye view of the mountains or be pushed to the limits of hardcore aerobatics.

· Ostrich Ride

If you visit Oudtshoorn, you will see that they have the biggest population of Ostrich. One of their main attractions is the Ostrich ride. I dare you take the Ostrich ride, this is not recommended for the faint-hearted.

· Rapp Jumping or Abseiling

This fairly a new sport in South Africa, with just a special rope attached to your back, you will run down the sides of a rocky mountain. You can try abseiling in Drakensberg, Johannesberg, Durban, and Pretoria.

· Walking the Safaris

Here you will discover the wildlife, Kruger Parks offer this safari walks. You can learn and experience how it is to be in the wild.

· Kloofing

An adrenaline rush jump from the high mountain cliffs to the icy cold water below. This is best for the thrill seekers. Kloofing is actually the art of following the water stream either through jumping, swimming or floating. Kloofing started in Western Cape, and now being followed by different parts of South Africa.

Did you think South Africa would have these adventurous and entertaining places? Let’s not miss out on the beautiful places we can visit. And one way of not missing out is through subscribing to a newsletter. In that way, we will be updated of new places, new events, and new adventures we can avail.

It’s okay to be a couch potato once in awhile, but of course there are a lot of things to explore and a lot of things to do than just stay at home and bury your ass in the couch.  Eventually you’ll get bored and get up.  Here are things that we can do than just sit around and wait for sprouts.

• Exercise    

      This is the main reason why we should get out of the couch.  For many years of just sitting down, fats have already accumulated and we are now in a very high risk of getting a heart disease.  So live longer by going to the gym, try something different like boxing or karate.

• Don’t miss out on a Blockbuster Movie      
  

If you just sit there in your couch, you won’t be able to see the latest movies.  While your family and friends are chatting how beautiful the movie, you’re stuck there wondering what they are talking about.

• Take time to enjoy a family vacation
  

  

      It is a great time to relax and recuperate from work,
also the best time to bring your family together.  Having a vacation resets your mind and makes your body stronger, and taking you away from the stress at work.  To get a best place to relax and enjoy the luxurious vacation is to subscribe to a newsletter.

• Try new restaurants
  

  There are a lot of new places and cuisines that you will not be able to try if you just go home and sit there in front of the TV while munching on the popcorn.  You can’t order Chinese forever!