MyJourneyin50States

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

I Love Cheese in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is known for cheese. It has a long tradition and history of cheese and continues to be one of the largest cheese producers in the US.

I love Cheese, so I would eat anything with cheese. It’s my comfort food. We all have it, right? Cheese curb! I tried it. I love this photo at the airport on my uniform with cheese hats.

My friend, Ryan, invited me to visit his family on Thanksgiving week in November 2014. I met his nice family and had Thanksgiving dinner with them. We walked along the quaint downtown on a chilly night with his nephew and niece.

The Madison Capital is a landmark in Wisconsin. It’s the second biggest Capital next to Washington, DC. The Capital is grandeur, but I believe it is more majestic and photographic at night than in the daytime.

People are nice. While strolling on Madison's main street, my FA colleague and I saw a red mustang top-down car parked at McDonald's. We took photos with it, but the owners inside the store saw us and gladly offered to have a photo with them and their car. Isn't it nice of them?

Wisconsin is a beautiful state with nice people. This is one of the reasons why I love to go South.

Madison Airport

Madison Capital

Monday, June 8, 2015

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

Friday, May 8, 2015

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!