I made it to CNN. I made it to Georgia

To visit the CNN headquarters was on my bucket list. 

I started as a CNN iReporter in August 2010 back in the Philippines. It gave me a taste of a journalism career that was once another dream career. Fortunately, I was given great exposure on CNN, with numerous stories vetted - some were used on TV. Two photos were used in November 2010 for the “CNN Asia” commercial, which lasted for a month.

In May 2013, I was honored to receive the “CNN iReport Spirit Award” to recognize my hard work and sense of collaboration. Being one of the recipients of this award, it had proven my profound interest in storytelling. It helped me gain more confidence and enhanced my skills in writing and photography. Also, it developed my enthusiasm to travel and see more places.

My visit to CNN headquarters with my daughter, Mary, in February 2015 was another fulfilled dream, and another item checked off on my bucket list. The CNN tour that gave me a photo opportunity to be a news anchor for few minutes was the highlight of our visit. I wish it was for real.

On another occasion, I went to Savannah in November 2014 with my adopted son, Ryan. It was a side trip to visit his family in Wisconsin on Thanksgiving. 

We walked along the historic district to see those beautiful old houses and the famous Forsyth Park. Those houses are adorable. Just like other people, Savannah is on my list of favorite small towns. This quaint town has the charm that you wouldn’t mind visiting back.

Another favorite place in Georgia is Tybee Island. My encounter with the Tybee lighthouse was a pleasant surprise. We climbed the 178 steps to the top. That was exhausting, but I survived! The view of the island from the deck was peaceful and gorgeous.

After seeing this lighthouse, I added another item on my bucket list - that is - to visit lighthouses in America. I knew then that it would be interesting to do.

We also walked along the shore while picking up shells. I wrapped up our trip by driving back to our hotel. I missed driving, and this experience had reconnected me to one of the things I love to do - driving.

There are lots of things to do and a lot more places to see in Georgia.  I know for sure that this was one of the best memories I have of Georgia. 

I was a real CNN iReporter for years. And on this trip, I became a CNN news anchor for few minutes!

CNN Headquarters

News Anchor on CNN Tour

Tybee Lighthouse, Tybee Island 

 

 

Forsyth Park, Savannah

Driving from Tybee Island to Savannah

Up Up and Away in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is known as the world's premier event. My first Hot Air Balloon experience was in the Philippines.  Attending the one in New Mexico was on my bucket list.  I made it there in October 2014!

It was a beautiful and colorful morning! I watched how they prepared balloons for taking off. Unfortunately, due to the wind situation that morning, the balloons didn't ascend. Nevertheless, it was so amazing to see those gigantic and colorful balloons. The twilight twinkle glow event that night was so enchanting.  Can you imagine a vast field full of balloons dancing with the music? It was such a fun and entertaining show!

Nothing was as nice as having a relaxing day in nice weather on the grass, with my book and watching people having a great time. Since I am in New Mexico, Mexican food is a must, so I had it.

I knew that the event would be a great festival headline news. I wrote a CNN iReport, and as expected, my reports were vetted and featured as the travel photo of the day.

To maximize my trip, I went to "Old Town," a quaint town that is called the heart of Albuquerque. I walked around the town. I watched performers at the plaza. I visited the local shop, galleries, museums, and the San Felipe De Neri church.

I had a taste of Mexico in New Mexico; It's a prelude to my Mexico trip soon. This is one of my favorite places and events  . . . Yes, I had a wonderful time!

Old Town, Albuquerque

A Peek at Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. To see this wonderful creation is a travel milestone. The size and beauty are overwhelming!

Seeing the Grand Canyon in 2005 with my kids was memorable. They were able to experience it, even though they have very little memory of the trip. It was their first time to see snow on the ground. We also saw the Hoover Dam on our road trip to Grand Canyon.

I went back to Arizona in 2014, this time to visit a great friend, Hazel,  in Goodyear. Not having seen each other in 5 years was an emotional meeting. My other great friend, Rousel, joined me on this trip. We had sumptuous fiesta food, a karaoke night with wine, and endless chat. It was a wonderful time!

Cactus is a common outdoor view in Arizona, and a photo opportunity is necessary. On our road trip, we saw many palm trees, and it reminded us of Florida. The weather is similar. I love it. And of course, catching a beautiful sunset on the road is always nice. 

I am always welcome to visit my friend, Hazel. I will find a time to revisit and use that opportunity to see other nice places in Arizona.

Grand Canyon

Cactus in Phoenix

Hazel's house in Goodyear

Arizona State Building

Sunset

Lighthouse in Portland, Maine

 

I have always been fascinated with lighthouses. Hence, I have a goal to visit as many lighthouses as I can. I wanted to have a special birthday trip in 2014, and I chose to visit Portland to experience my first lighthouse in the U.S.

 

Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. It is iconic and the most photographic in New England. According to the record, it was first lighted in January 1791. 

 

A trolley tour brought me to explore the beautiful city and waterways. I had a chance to visit the Portland Museum of Art.  The pieces of art and history are very impressive. 

 

Just because lobster is a big thing in Maine; I had to try it myself. So I had dinner at Bay View restaurant and ordered a lobster soup, which I thought was great. 

 

Maine has more than 60 lighthouses on the coastline. I know for sure that I would explore some of them in the future. 

 

Some trips are not perfect, and this one was not. It was unfortunate that I lost my favorite necklace that has my name on it. It was precious to me, and I felt sad losing it. However, I always believe that material things are replaceable and good memories are not.

 

My monunent in New Orleans, Louisiana

The "Pelican State."

When we hear New Orleans, Lousiana, the first thing that comes to our mind is Mardi Gras. It was not Mardi Gras season when I was there, but I had a glimpse of this beautiful city. A famous place, one of the most culturally and historically rich destinations where everybody wants to visit.

A ride on the train, a walk on the French Quarter, and a Mississippi River view was my great experiences in New Orleans. 

At Woldenberg Riverfront Park, a "Monument to the Immigrant" is seen erected. That's for me! 

I definitely will revisit New Orleans, and when I do, I will make sure I have my Mardi Gras experience. 

Train ride to downtown

Mississippi River

Monument to the Immigrant

Port of New Orleans

Downtown