Think again.

Even in mayhem, the relentless good remained: the good of friendships that never grow old; of trusting adventure to take you on a worthwhile road.

2020, it heaved and it hurled; not a quarter in, had everyone unnerved. Welled up and crashed into our simple, happy home; deposited my family on the corners of the globe. Even in mayhem, the relentless good remained: the good of friendships that never grow old; of trusting adventure to take you on a worthwhile road. The year that took me, hardly asking consent, to places I’d never been or…

Next up in “Life on Lockdown” we’ll talk about some of the most exciting online resources that have been made available for free during coronavirus lockdowns, school closures, and quarantines.

Since there’s no age limit for learning, I’m including resources for children and adults alike. 

1. Access to 300,000 free ebooks from NYPL

For booklovers, this one is really exciting. 

To…

One thing is for sure: now is not the time to travel.

Covid-19’s global spread coincided with a round-the-world trip I’d planned from mid-March to late May. But instead of hopping around the US and Europe to visit family and then touring Asia, I was flying out of Manila on government mandate. 

Taking it one step at a time after a streak of flight cancelations and rerouting, I ended up on…

Want to scuba on one of the world’s most beautiful islands? Here’s how to plan your own all-inclusive Palawan diving weekend for less than $200.

In this post:

How to plan your weekend getaway and (first) diving experience.

Budgeting a 2d3n solo dive trip for under PHP 10,000 ($190).

Fun things to do, see, and taste while you’re in Puerto Princesa.

Last weekend I made my first trip to Palawan. It’s always been on my Philippine Island bucket list (post coming soon!) and I’d planned to go earlier in the year but unfortunately had to…

A look into the extraordinarily ordinary life of one of those elusive digital nomad folks #onlinefreelancer #digitalnomad #workandtravel #tripswithflo

Am I living the dream? Not mine, I hope. I’m pretty awful in my dreams. 

Do I take my laptop to the beach? Of course. Sand and salt water work wonders for my writing.

Seriously, though. It’s been a tough week. Lacking inspiration for work today, I found myself instead drawn to write my narrative of what it’s like to be an online teacher and freelancer.

“Work from anywhere.” “Be like us!”…

Inspired by a recent visitor for whom I briefly played tour guide. Manila is worth seeing, but it helps to know what you're in for! #metromanila #manilahistory #intramuros #tripswithflo

You land in the Philippines and have time to kill in Manila before hitting the islands. What do you do?

Here’s what we’ll cover today:

Setting up your local sim card and ride-sharing apps

Seeing some of Manila’s cultural and historical sights

Experiencing Filipino bargain shopping

Blending in and staying safe

Getting Out of the Airport

When you arrive at Ninoy Aquino International…

Everything you need to know, from where to stay and when to surf to how much cash to bring and where to find billiards and the best coffee #sabangbeachbaler #cityescape #weekendgetaway #tripswithflo

In this post:

Taking the Bus from Cubao to Baler

Where to Stay in Baler: Cost Comparison

Sabang Beach Surf Rentals and Seasons

Budget Breakdown: 3D2N for P6000

Local Highlights and Travel Log

Returning from Taiwan with renewed inspiration to surf, it was only a matter of waiting for the opportune moment to revisit Baler.

In truth, I’ve been waiting for an excuse to return to Baler since my…

WorkAway experiences and ways to take in Taipei City #workaway #taiwan #tripswithflo

After two weeks at a surf hostel in Dulan, enjoying the beach, trying to surf, and exploring surrounding attractions such as Sanxiantai, it was time to make our way back to Taipei City. 

The WorkAway experience we had in the big city—though the work was of a similar nature to what we did in Dulan—couldn’t have been more contrasting.

Hitchhiking in Taiwan

Instead of taking the bus back…

Things to Do in Taiwan: Sanxiantai and the Dragon Bridge

While doing WorkAway in Dulan, we took advantage of WaGaLiGong‘s discounted scooter rental for volunteers and used a day off to ride up Taiwan’s east coast to Chenggong, for seafood and Sanxiantai.

Though our scooter was old and clunky, the ride was sensational. Flanked by mountains on the left and the wide open ocean on the right, we enjoyed views of shimmering riverbanks, near-fluorescent…

Half of my heart with my daughter, the child from my womb who lives with her father. 

Half of my heart with my beloved man, who connects me to myself and makes me more than I am. 

And when I fly across continent and ocean, from one to the other, my heart is torn open; it spills down my face and I shudder. 

Half of my heart with the girl who has given me more joy and capacity to love than I thought myself capable of.

Half of my heart with the man whose eyes stare back into mine with equal wonder and adoration every time. 

Half of my heart with my child who's beautiful nature fills me with pride and who puts me to shame when I myself am distant and shy. 

Half of my heart with the man who's voice alone calms my anxious mind and in whom a tender embrace I can always find. 

And when I fly across continent and ocean, from one to the other, my heart is torn open; the heart of a mother and a lover. 

Half of my heart with you, my crazy angel, always, and half with this strange, beautiful man whom I respect more than any other.

Terrified that I may never be happy

Again, or was I

Terrified of being always on the brink of tears

Never able to cry

Terrified of what I've done with my life

Terrified for my daughter

With every year she gets older

Terrified to see her on my phone

And not be able to hold her

Terrified of making poor choices

Little by little, day by day

Terrified of what I'm throwing away

Terrified but when I face the terror

Up with me away I go Sunshine, rain, hail or snow Somebody needs to see me

No rest for the wicked, no Just a train ticket Somebody needs to see me home