Coming from a tropical country and a beach lover at heart, spending the Christmas season in the United Kingdom is entirely new to me. I am used to wearing slippers, shorts and tank top when I travel in my home country. Now, I need to put extra clothing (leggings, long-sleeved blouse, coat, scarf, bonnet, gloves and other layers) whenever i go out. I am not complaining though. It is a totally new experience for me and excited about it! π
Right after we dropped mom at the office, Tita Arlyn and I went to the Cardiff Queen Street. It was snowing and I am savoring the moment walking in the street despite the shivering factor. The fact that I am wearing Ugg Boots is not a good idea, but tolerable for me at least. Let’s walk and have some fun under the sun…. i mean snow LOL.
We went back to the hotel (Barcelo Cardiff Angel Hotel) in Castle Street to rest a bit since we cannot tolerate the coldness outside. My mom called in less than an hour and asked us to pick her up LOL. We asked if we could just meet in the nearest Starbucks branch. I am eager to drink my hot mocha and yes, i am hungry as always 0_o
So many busy people in the UK! Why so serious? People are rushing to work while some are doing the manual jobs outside.
‘You’re too much addicted to Starbucks and Krispy Kreme! Why don’t you just spend less?’ my mom said again in a nagging manner while we were at the counter.
‘Just let me. I don’t have any other vices anyway π ‘ I replied with a naughty grin.
‘You have a point. What do you want? Order the largest drink and get your favorite pastry snack’ Mama said.
This is our usual scenario. She would nag and complain about me spending too much (?) then she will later on give in. I am not taking advantage of her generosity though. Anyway, this is a perfect moment to bond with Mom and Tita Arlyn. I would like to research on cheap package holidays in either Scotland or Ireland so we can go on a trip as a trio again soon.
Tita Arlyn is a good friend of my mom in Rugby. It is my first time to go on an out of town trip with her and i’m happy that she went with us. Although I travel most of the time, I still have that difficulty in reading maps especially when I am lazy to think LOL. In this case, we sat down and talked about life in the UK and the stories of other overseas workers there.
I also explained how the Cinnamon Swirl from Starbucks Philippines is way better compared to other countries.
I saw a Korean girl blogging at the other table. I should have approached her or something. She might be a travel blogger too!
We visited a number of shops along Queen Street. I am not really fond of shopping so I find this activity tiring π I sat on the couch found in every shop as I wait for Mom and Tita Arlyn as they go around. At least its much warmer inside.
Our next stop is the Capitol Shopping Centre, which i believe is the biggest shopping destination in Queen Street. There are nice shops for clothes, bike shoes, accessories, sports equipments among others. I asked if i can go to one of the coffee shops because I am tired. They said no. Ok haha π
After minutes of window shopping, we went out to see more of Cardiff. I may not feel comfortable with the cold temperature, but i truly feel like a kid again! Wanna know what I did after?
SNOWY JUMPSHOT WITH THE CAROUSEL AS MY BACKGROUND π
We were looking for a good place to eat until we reached Hilton Hotel Cardiff. The snow on the floor looked like a pool or beach sands to me so..
‘Micaela, tumayo ka d’yan! Nakakahiya para kang bata! (Micaela, stand up! you’re acting like a child!) Mama said while laughing.
‘Eh bata pa naman ako eh’ (I’m still a child anyway!) I replied back.
‘Anlaki mong baby damulag’ (You’re one big baby!) she said… laughing still.
Halika! (Come Here!) then pulled her LOL.
My Mom is already celebrating her 6th year in the UK this year, but i think she never did what i did… till now HAHA
Feeling cold, tired and hungry, we went back to our hotel room to fix our things and leave our luggages at the reception area. It’s 2PM and we haven’t eaten our lunch yet LOL
UP NEXT: Winter Cardiff Photo Walk
Original Travel Date: December 20, 2010
I am glad you are enjoying the British winters, might have a little more of that to have fun with soon π
Thanks Iain! When are you going? I might go early next year which means i’ll catch winter minus the snow π
I had temporary cardiac arrest when you said you weren’t a shopper. I believe every time a woman says that, a bag loses its price tag. Chos.
I’m so inggit. The only pic I have of being in snow was when I was 2 – of course I remember nothing of it! Can’t wait to see more pictures!
Hahaha i’m not talaga not unless i need to shop for important reasons. I spend much on food, travel and coffee though π When is your next UK trip? π
I agree that snow could bring out the child in us. Lalo na pag freshly fallen sa kalsada at fluffy pa. Parang ang sarap talunan at magpagulong-gulong hehe! Otherwise, I generally hate it hehe! I love the last 2 pictures π
I agree! Sayang tingnan at pagmasdan habang bago pa, pero kapag tumatagal tsaka nagmemelt na, annoying na LOL. Marami akong nakitang muntikang madulas kahit kotse π
Ilove Wales
Weeeee <3
LOL @ “Γ’β¬ΛMicaela, tumayo ka d’yan! Nakakahiya para kang bata! ”
Asan ang planking photo mo sa snow?!
Hindi pa naging trend (or super hyped up) ang Planking that time kaya di ko ginawa… ayoko rin haha
Besides the lovely photos, I really like the mother-daughter bonding theme of this post – so heartwarming and sweet (and yeah, funny too!) π
Thanks Nadia! Glad that you liked it π
I hope di ka nagka-pulmonya lying down in the snow hehehe!
Actually, two weeks akong under house arrest dahil dyan LOL
I wish I could send you more of the snow from Canada! π Glad you had such a great time though!
Thanks Sam! Unfortunately, my dream of building a snowman didn’t happen LOL
Found your blog via crazysexytraveler and glad I did. Good stuff. I travel to AVOID snow, so this post was particularly interesting for me π
Thanks Michael! I know that most people living in the US and Europe would leave their countries and fly to Asia to avoid the snow. On my part, i wanna spend the white christmas with my family. It was indeed a tough challenge LOL π
ang cute ng bantering dialogues nyo ng mom mo.. hahaha.. at yung nakahiga ka sa snow wahhhh gusto ko rin maexperience yan!!
Hehe thanks Joan! Namimiss ko tuloy si Mama hehe
inggit! buti ka pa nakakkita na ng snow. π sarap cguro tlga mag tour sa London esp kung ksama mu mama at sib mu. π
Yup super saya π Unbelievable lang for us na magkakasama kami in a different country. I miss them na!
welcome to British winters! Can’t believe it’s snowing in Cardiff already though… it makes you feel so christmassy doesn’t it xx
Thanks Jen! I have to clarify that the pictures were taken December of last year π And yes, i did really feel the Christmas spirit because of the snow! π
I will do the same when I experience my first snow π love your ugg boots by the way.
Thanks Claire! Lapit nang mag-pasko! π
parang di ko keri ang snow, baka mamatay ako sa ginaw. hehe
ang ganda ni mother mo ha, parang kapatid mo lang =)
Kaya yan! Oo nga, mommy sis LOL
how i would love to travel europe… baka maging #boxofficeking ako jan para maipakita ang pagkaenjoy ko.. lols