Paris mon amour....

To visit Paris and climb up the Eiffel tower is just one of my dream come true...now I can check the box.

The Louvre Musee

on our wedding anniversary.

a top of Eiffel Tower the view of Seine River

the champ du mars garden

View of the Arch de Triomphe from the 2nd level of the Eiffel tower

The illuminated Eiffel Tower at night

Breakfast at Bistro Ribe

Admiring the huge art "Les Noces de Cana painted in 1562 by Paolo Caliari

The Mona lisa at Louvre Museum

Climbing up the 669 steps of Eiffel Tower

Coffee break on the second level of the Eiffel tower

Lovers at the summit of Eiffel tower

cheers to us baby

113th Philippine Independence day Celebration

Another Birthday spent in Yaounde

Every year I throw a birthday party for my husband. As much as possible I want it to be a surprise but this year it wasn't that successful. A day before his birthday he already suspect that I’m doing something, he think I’m being sneaky,and when I'm in the kitchen doing something for the preparation he just want to be there beside me and wanting to help around but at the same time keep asking me repeatedly of "are you doing something for me on my birthday? so I guess his persistent make me give up and admit that yes I’m throwing you a birthday party baby!
He start his day with abreakfast in bed, Claire picked some flower in our garden and I made an omelette and bagel with cream cheese that goes with his favorite brewed coffee, and while he's having breakfast in bed Claire is massaging daddy's foot. He just love the VIP treatment and he deserve it..
We had some friends over from the embassy and of course my little Filipino community is always present. Our driver and housekeeper came too and I think that is a surprise to Jeff he had no idea I invited them and he's glad I did. I made some Filipino dishes and a mango cheese cake for dessert but I hired a local chef to do the brochette for me. Good food, great friends everybody had a goodtime. We sang happy birthday and Claire our 5 years old daughter lead the song in French they thought it was cool. We went to bed midnight already and Jeff just can't thank me enough. Well anything for you baby. My husband use to say this to me always
“Grow old along with me baby and the best is yet to be.Happy Birthday Baby!

International Women's Day in Cameroon

with our pink and green pagne for the event.

March 08 is the date established since 1977 by the United Nations as International Women's Day. Cameroon adopted 8th March from 1986, a year after France. For 25 years Cameroon has had a very colorful and unique way of celebrating International Women's Day. Once again the USE Yaounde group of women marched at the event that takes place on May 20th Boulevard, where the marching is held every year. The March Past Train start at 0945.The theme for this year is Equal Access to Education, Training, Science and Technology. Dancing on the street wearing the green and pink special print pagne truly makes this celebration unique for the women in Cameroon. In the evening restaurants and bars are filled with women who are having a good time celebrating the day, our neighbor is playing loud music and it seems a big group of women are having a party there. Jeff and I went to our local "sports bar" for a burger after we got home. Last year I marched too and wear the pink pagne, this time I choose the color green. I am so glad to experience and be among the women of Cameroon to share the pride of this event. Will post Photos from this event soon. To All Ladies out there Bonne Fete de la Femme!!!!

Guess where the Stricklands are going next post!

Its like being with a big family on christmas. The Strickland just had another year of christmas spent in Yaounde but this time is more special. Our Friends from Duoala spent and Celebrate Christmas with us.. for the last 2 days I did a lot of cooking, Jeff helped me a lot in the kitchen he even bake cheese cake and he is a wonderful host entertaining our friends and being sensitive to their needs, making pancake for breakfast, my baby is awesome!
We had our little family tradition which is on the night of christmas eve after dinner Jeff will put the topper on the christmas tree then Jeff and Claire will bake cookies for santa before going to bed and in the christmas morning opening presents under the christmas tree. As usual santa has been good and generous to me this year I got what I wish for, many thanks to my mom in law whos been a santa to us all year round... and now we are looking forward to welcome 2011!

Hoorah!!

Once again MSG Yaounde did a great job last night in celebration of the 235th Marine Corps Ball. It was held at Hilton Hotel. Our 2nd time to attend the ball in Yaounde and it was just as good as the first time. This year we brought a few guests with us…some Filipino friends we have made here. They really enjoyed it as well! Also, our friends the Nicholson’s and Royster’s were there this year…they were both away last year, so it was great to get to enjoy this night with them. A good time was had by everyone…Happy Birthday Marines!Your Country is so lucky to have you. Hoorah!!

Cracking joke with a very good friend who is a retired Marine