Elmer Blogger

I observed that when traveling by train in many other European cities, it is crucial to be aware of certain things that may easily be overlooked or ignored by many. Departure and Arrival signs are usually displayed separately. When…

Milan's Centrale railway station is a bit different to the ones we previously experienced in Zurich, Innsbruck and Salzburg a few days ago. The station is huge but crowded, expanding vertically to accommodate passengers and shops. While…

One of the most remarkable things I observed in Europe is the fact that the public transport sector does not need plenty of enforcers to ensure the riding public gets to ride the buses, trams or subway systems. When spending a few days…

Innsbruck, Austria - I am fond of traveling and one of my most favorite places to go in Europe.  But since I carry a Philippine passport, I don't have visa-free access to most of Europe. Azerbaijan and Georgia in Eastern Europe and…

As I grow older, the concept of time moving faster becomes more evident every single day. Friends say, ang bilis ng panahon, parang kailan lang, , etc. Why is it so? Routine makes time go faster. When we're new to a place, or first…

Facebook not only brings people closer -- finding long-lost friends and acquainting new ones -- it also rekindles old memories, as old photos emerge. Like this photo of birthday party of Rey Amador Bargamento, a classmate in second…

Today, my folks in the Philippines celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Not only from my college alma mater, but also from the very place I was raised -- Mintal, Davao City. It's already a given that we love Davao City --…

I've always wished to travel to Russia. One of the intriguing reasons to pay a visit is my fascination with the largest country in the world even during the height of Cold War. I used to read books on geography and marvel at the great…

At UIC, we were granted yearly religious retreats. While teachers take a break off from their classes, we spend every day in summer supposed to go to work. So such retreats come as a good break from the daily grind in the office.…