Before I begin, or continue my story (Day -2)… I told myself I’m going to write more about living and studying in Germany, but instead of getting a legendary moleskin notebook, I resorted in keeping a digital notebook on my Iphone and write about my experiences, the places i visit, and the people I meet. This way I won’t forget the little things and details that I learned to be very important in each adventure.

Ah so…

August 25 2010, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Philippines. 10:05 a.m.

I chose the seat 2-J because of a couple of things: first, I wanted to be on the second row to have some privacy; second, because it’s on the window side and I didn’t have any seat-mate; and third, also because of the first letter of my name. Line was short at the KLM check-in counter for business class passengers. Check-in was quick but I had to move some stuff out of my luggage to make the 23 kgs limit per luggage. I was allowed up to 3 luggage but each one should weigh 23 kgs only. I took out my coat, my jacket and just like magic! 25 kgs. They let my luggage thru… They kept my boarding pass for me because I had to pay travel tax first (1,620pesos)–my ticket was issued abroad. I booked my ticket via Expedia.com. After paying the travel tax, went back to the counter and SHAZAM! An invitation to the Delta Sky Lounge! I was in for a treat!

I made my way to the Delta Sky Lounge and viola! Petite dejeuner! Aroz-caldo complete with fresh onion leeks, fried garlic, calamansi and chili! tres bon! I had chicken (writing this onboard now… Turbulence! Air pocket!!!! then AIR POCKET AGAIN!) anyway where was I? Ah yes chicken sandwich, delicious and bite size, perfect! I also had fresh fruits (mangoes, pineapple, and melon) fresh jus-d’orange and ice cold water! yummy!

10:45am, onboard KLM 804, Seat 2-J.

Flight is delayed due to ground operations and documentations. I had a welcome champagne on my spacious and convertible seat complete with business class gift pack, big blanket, noise canceling headphones and ultra soft down pillow! Comfort 30,000 feet above. The business class crew were mostly dutch women around their 40s, They’re were all nice and helpful.

Flight attendant just got my order for lunch, I’m having Prawn forcemeat (offered with peppered loin of lamb, plum sauce, mixed greens, asparagus tips and mango) for appetizer. Pan-fried pompano fish (served with coriander meunière sauce, parsley potatoes, asparagus tips and a roasted vegetable medley) for main course. Seasonal fruits and Tiramisù for dessert.

I watched  2 and a half movies on board. First one was an italian movie ”All is Love” (Tilda Swinton), second was 2012 (John Cusack), and a little bit of Greenburg (Ben Stiller). I liked “All is Love” the best. In between these movies I had my dinner (They called it a light dinner). For appetizer: Roasted duck char Siew (with smoked trout with stuffed green olives, served wiith peach and redcurrant salsa and horseradish cream). For main course: Grilled beef tenderloin (served with Filipino steak sauce, garlic fried rice, braised onion rings, asparagus tips, sautéed tomato and onions and fried aubergine). Chocolate cake with seasonal fruits for dessert.

Amsterdam is now in view thru my window…

19:18pm (local time), Amsterdam Schipol International Airport.

My Dilemma: to go down the city, walk around the red light district and surrounding areas, maybe visit a couple of places I’ve been before see how it looks… or stay in KLM lounge overnight? I had some money changed $400 = € 290 (What happened to the dollar?). I made my way to the KLM Lounge. Ate macaroni, banana, apple and kiwi for second dinner.

20:46pm Train to Amsterdam Centraal.

I decided I’m on a journey, left my backpack at an automated locker room for 3 euros, made my way to the ticketing counter and got myself a roundtrip ticket to A’dam Centraal. It was only night fall, till dark blue skies, and drizzling. Some tourists asked me which is the correct train to centraal, did I look like a local?. I was wearing my new coat, 16-18 degrees outside, alone. I can see Dutch houses outside, sensing I am near. I’ve been to the Centraal. Just what the conductor announced! Here we go!

Walked for two hours in the rain. From A’dam Centraal around the special coffee shops & infamous Red Light District, from time to time I’d smell this awful mix of booze, vomit, smoke, marijuana and smelly tourists. This didn’t surprise me anymore, I’ve been here before and the first time I was shocked at how they are here. I slipped into a peep show and Dutch girl #4 I can’t remember her screen name danced and bared her nether regions in front of me (waxed but it looked old). The live show doesn’t go on until 10:00 pm. I saw a tourist being dragged by his mates while he is puking all over the pavement. I saw a couple of teenagers (that’s what they looked like) sparking up a joint. I also saw lovers walking hand in hand, kissing in the middle of the bridge. It was late then, slipped into a Live couple show for a couple of minutes then made my way back to schipol airport, took a nap before my flight to Paris.

to be continued…

(And I Am sure he told me in dogspeak somewhere between breakfast and tag: “Welcome Home Brother!”)

I was amazed with the new tricks he has mastered, taught to him by my oh-so-patient mum while I was away… (adding to his already long list of dog tricks).

New trick 1: “Sit Up“ a trick where Tuna Sits with only two legs on the floor and two legs up in the air.

Trick 2: The “Wave Bye Bye” (which was derived from the “High Five” trick).

I can’t say enough about what has been said time and again and again by dog lovers from far and wide….Dogs — a mans best friend.

Tuna is family.

Now let’s get down to the facts:

Top 5 Health Benefits of Having a Dog

Dog owners have lower blood pressure. Several studies have shown that the simple act of stroking a dog can reduce blood pressure. More recent studies have found that these effects continue throughout the day when people are away from their dog as well. Dog owners cope with stress better and lowered blood pressure is a result of that relationship between a dog and his human.

Dog owners have lower cholesterol levels than non-dog owners. Studies done in Australia and England have shown that dog owners have lower cholesterol and triglycerides and are at less risk of developing heart disease or other cardiovascular problems. In fact, studies show that dog owners overall are healthier than the general population. This can be partially explained by regular walks with the family dog.

Dog owners are happier in general. Dog ownership has been shown to reduce loneliness and fight depression in their owners. When people are not lonely and depressed they are happier. Dogs can cause happiness in humans, in part, by causing the release of endorphins in the brain, which are natural anti-depressants produced by the human body. With this increase in mental health, quality of life is increased respectively.

Dog owners live longer. Because dog owners cope with stress better and do not suffer from depression as often; they are more likely to live longer. While being happy will not heal a person it can keep them from becoming ill in the first place. According to happiness studies experts the effect of happiness on longevity is comparable to that of smoking or not smoking. Pets provide companionship, healthy relationships and become topics of conversation which aid in social interactions with others. Dogs also increase self esteem and cause humans to feel more compassion for others. All of these factors combined have a dramatically positive effect on the day to day happiness of dog owners.

Dog owners have higher survival rates after serious illness. Some studies have shown that heart attack patients with dogs are twice as likely to be alive one year after their heart attack than their no-dog owning peers. Some experts even believe that dogs affect survival rates to a greater extent than friends or family members. This is most likely explained by the patient’s desire to get better because they feel they need to in order to care for their dog.

Studies show that pet ownership in general can lower cholesterol and increase longevity; however, maximum benefits can be obtained only through dog ownership. When we look at it this way cleaning up the rug and going for mid-night potty breaks don’t seem like as much of a sacrifice anymore. In fact, it seems that humans get just as much or more from their canine companions as they give in the first place. With dog owners experiencing longer, happier and healthier lives it makes you wonder why the rest of the population hasn’t jumped on board.

By: Brian S. (published at www.buzzle.com 2/25/2009)

More Photos Here