#Capt

The week has been generous of natural Vitamin D. We’re always grabbing the chance to be out and fully enjoy the nature. We met my boyfriend’s guy best friend to walk his dog, Paco (a Border Collie). See how proud and happy he is everytime we throw his stick in the open and he will move fast like a tornado to get it. He is a well trained dog. I think all dogs here are trained as part of being responsible pet owners. They don’t bark even in public places, crowded or not and, can go off leash in parks/ nature reserve areas. I love how they are treated with utmost care here and how they are free to run in nature. The same time that I feel sad hoping people back home will show love and care to animals especially strays.

Dogs here will even meet in parks and won’t even fight nor bark to one another. I get amazed how discipline they are. My boyfriend will even say its normal in NL hahaha but of course, he understands where I’m coming from. I remember during Kings day, it was supeeeer crowded and we went out to the centrum to enjoy the festival. I saw a huge dog (literally bigger than me) walking towards me and I got scared thinking it might bite. My boyfriend was even pushing me to the dog (Bwisit! 😅) but the dog didn’t even mind like I was invisible. Lol.

Sarah couldn’t believe how humiliating this was. Subdued and tied up by a diminutive Asian girl. Being tied up and knowing the police were on the way was bad enough, but having her boots removed and being forced to kneel barefoot on the floor was more than she could bear.

Celebrating this boy’s birthday today more than Valentine’s day and even we’re miles away (again), I always surprise him with a cake and sing happy birthday.

As usual, we’re back to our regular programming. We’re busy with work and time difference is quite impossible to cater video date or whatever it is to celebrate the day but everything is good. He is somewhere navigating North West ⚓️ No flowers, no chocolates, no date - no problem. What a better way to spend money but book plane tickets and accommodations. Yep, all set for another adventure 🙏

Btw the photo on the left is totally unfiltered. The sky is so beautiful I had to pause walking to capture it.

We made our own pesto. I always make grilled cheesy pesto sandwich. It’s sooo good I have the same lunch everyday and not complaining 🍃

His and hers healthy food edition.

I treated Capt to dinner and we went to a beautiful authentic Indonesian restaurant - Candi Borobudur. We had the Rijsttafel Iboekoe or the traditional rice table with various dishes from all over Indonesia (for 2 persons). The Netherlands has Indonesian cuisine and most of their foods are Dutch-Indonesian fusion because of its colonial history in Indonesia.

We had Daging Krengsengan (beef if sweet soy sauce), Ayam Besengek (chicken in spicy coconut curry), Telor Merah (eggs in sambal sauce) Sate Ayam (chicken satay), Tumis Broccoli (stir fry Broccoli), Sayur Podomoro (vegetables in coconut milk), Gado-Gado (salad in peanut dressing) and Nasi Goreng (fried rice).

The portions were generous and the foods were fantastic. The restaurant has lovely interiors, staff is very friendly and we’re lucky to have the place to ourselves during the entire stay.

It’s been foggy the whole day (Silent Hill vibes 👻) and I want to fight laziness by doing simple chores and going out for a walk. Capt is in training for a week (but comes home around 3.30 PM) so I have the day to myself.

I didn’t have any idea what to have for lunch and Capt’s favorite bread is also finished so I went to the store close to his mom’s house. I was heading back home then I saw her having lunch by her window. I waved to greet her. I didn’t want to bother but she stood up and opened the door to let me in. We had a short talk and she gave me gifts (wool socks and soap from France). I got a nice shower set from her last Christmas and she gave me lovely items again. She is so sweet ♡

📍 Wine & Cheese and Dutch dinner

Capt’s mom invited us for dinner and she is the sweetest to prepare Dutch foods for me to try ☺️

We had wine and cheese while catching up on life’s highlights and whereabouts. I thought fancy but it’s just normal for Dutch people to serve this kind. I’m not into these things but I learned to love the complement and contrast of wine and cheese pairing. Even better when you have a good company to enjoy it with.

Who wouldn’t be impressed of her table set up? Those ceramics are even more than 50 years (if I remember correctly). I like how she tells me stories about her things injected with beautiful memories and explains the dishes she made. I helped her cut some vegetables (gaddd I think it was first time to feel anxious just by cutting tomato and onion.. praying I won’t mess up. Whew! Hahaha!)

A typical Dutch dinner meal consists of potatoes, meat and vegetables (yep, no rice). While I’m not a fan of potatoes…. I don’t have a choice but to eat em. Hahahaha. Kidding aside, his mom prepared a very nice meal and even made chocolate mousse for our dessert.

I would like to talk a lot about his mom but I’d keep it for my next posts. I like to think we get along well. I don’t like to assume but deep in my heart we are building a happy and healthy relationship and I like to keep it that way. She even gave me little presents on this day so….. hihi 🥰

📍 Ankeveense Plassen

We did a 7KMs hike in this beautiful grassland with lake views and plenty birds roaming around the area. It’s pretty obvious Dutch people like to walk for exercise and leisure purposes. I see them walk or bike everyday especially the old ones. I’m not surprised people age well here.

It’s nice that Capt and I bond over this kind of activities. Out of the blue, we decided to explore this nature area. So spontaneous we didn’t know there is a swampy path (the route we took going back) and without proper hiking shoes, you know what’s gonna happen. My white shoes were full of mud! He felt guilty about it but still so sweet to clean it for me. We just laughed it off and my shoes looked newer than ever. Haha!

The lesson? Read reviews of the area first and… hiking shoes. Lol. Anyway, it was a very nice day and even if my shoes will get dirty or broken, I wouldn’t have it any other way ☺️

📍 Naarden

One of the best fortified towns in The Netherlands with a starshaped fortress which serves as defense from war and attacks.

It may be a small town but has an old charm with historical sights such as the Fortress gate (upper rightmost photo) from 1877 and the beautiful city hall (middle leftmost photo) from 1602.

I am lucky to visit this tranquil little town by bike on a sunny day. Capt and I had a good spot having coffee and Carrot cake while enjoying the lovely architectural buildings around.

The problem is not the problem; the problem is your attitude about the problem.- Capt. Jack Sparrow
. Jack Sparrow
https://homesteadpros.com

i love how levi just sits down in this scene

the poor guy’s probably in so much pain, all things considered, but he looks adorable just sitting there in the paths. He probably watched the others running for ages and figured he would make himself comfortable

i think you both mightve! you saw the same room and everything, so i wouldn’t be surprised honestly.

also bet you 10 bucks (zero bucks) that if you read him a bedtime story someday he’ll be the happiest guy around. honestly same with yancy-

DONT FORGET YOU ALSO MADE HIM BRING HIS SPACE DOG CHICA PLUSH WITH HIM!!! but of course i remember and of course he does too-

he’d be at your side anytime and anywhere!

hi capt!! sorry, i meant to answer and i forgot-

so, i did a little research, since i dont know much about flowers, and i found the Starry Sky Petunia! they’re beautiful, and of course remind me of space..

but the thing that came to my mind first, without any research, was the Rafflesia Corpse Flower! mainly because of the speckled look at well, but also because it reminds me of alien life, which i find REALLY fascinating!!

right back at you, captain!!

I am still over the moon from yesterday’s birthday celebration. It feels like my day is extended. My heart is so full ❤️

I had different plans for my birthday but in the end, I chose to celebrate it with an early dinner reservation at Farmer’s Table. An al fresco restaurant in Nurture Wellness Village. I was browsing through nature themed dining a couple weeks ago and it’s the most beautiful place I laid my eyes on. High ceiling, spacious dining, outdoor breeze, nature and pretty much an escape from the city. I love it! I don’t mind taking photos of the area since my eyes are the perfect lenses to capture the place.

They serve variety of delectable dishes from International to Filipino favorites. We ordered a big bowl of salad, Cinque Formaggi pizza, Fettucine Al Frutti Di Mare, Pad Thai, Char-grilled US Beef Cheeseburger and Fried Danggit rice meal for grandma. The foods presentation are very appealing. The prices are on the expensive side though but you pay for it’s worth.

We were serenedad by a man playing the violin and guests can request for songs which made the place very romantic. It’s such a beautiful moment when he played The Corrs’ Runaway and Lady Gaga’s Shallow. Everyone’s in awe and enjoying the lovely ambiance.

Had to share a funny yet memorable moment tho. I was waiting for the complimentary birthday cake. My sister had to ask the staff thrice since we were about to pay and leave. It took 30 minutes until the music played a birthday song and staff were holding 2 cakes towards our table. We thought the huge cake would be included in the bill since we were just asking for the free cake. It turned out Capt reached out to them prior to my birthday and give it to me as a surprise 🥲 I already received his gift but another one? Huhu. I’m one of the hardest people to plan surprises to but he never fails. This is the second time he made me cry with his surprise and happiness. He is the sweetest and even ordered an Ube cake because he knows how much I like it. He pays attention even to smallest details and I am very blessed to have him in my life. My heart is so happy, I literally cried. Silly me haha 🥺🥰

He told the host he is faraway and can’t be with me on my birthday *crying while typing* 🥲 It was indeed a sweet and heartwarming gesture. A couple of months and we will be together. I can’t wait! Huhu!

You have always been good to me, dear Lord. It’s amazing to be loved for all the right ways and to all the right reasons. Happy birthday, self ❤️

Three nights ago, Capt had an emergency surgery. Minor lang naman but still I wish I could be with him and to look after him. He called me post surgery and I can’t help but cry because I was worried.

He told me he felt pain when he was still on board and kept it from me since he didn’t want me to be stressed about it since I just recovered from my condition. Nothing serious though. My health is in a good state.

Our situation is hard since we are miles away but we make the best out of everything. I don’t share much about my personal life especially my relationship ‘cause we like it low-key. The presence of our family and close friends are enough to know about us. It works for us. It’s perfect for us. I guess I am already in the quiet era. I don’t have to say much about anything in my life and I’m loving it.

Anyway, he is doing well and always praying for his healing and safety. Not being the pasaway boy anymore hahaha.

A couple of months to go and I can finally hug my bastardoooo!

More than Valentine’s day, we celebrate your birthday 💙