Hello ! Renxkyoko Iglesias here ! I greet you all a Happy Christmas and peace and goodwill to all, no matter what your religions are.
And here’s my humble wish list…. oh, please change the ’54 Covertible to a brand new Beemer, 2 door.
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. I’m not jumping for joy this Christmas. I’m remembering those 20 kids who were massacred in Connecticut, and what effect their deaths are on their families. I wonder what the parents are feeling now. I wonder what the other 6 year old twin is feeling now that her sibling is gone. I wonder what the parents are thinking as they go over their dead child’s stuff… their clothes, shoes, toys, and the change of clothes before they went to school and never came home. . I’m not a parent, but I feel the pain so much. My tears have not dried up.
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.To be honest, Christmas always makes me feel nostalgic and long for all the happier Christmases past.
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So, anyway, this post is about my trip to Avignon and Carcassone. Avignon and Carcassone were mere side trips, although we did stay overnight in Carcassone.
Avignon is also called ” The city of Popes” because the Popes made Avignon their residence for over 100 years. This happened during the Papacy’s schism when there were 2 rival Popes who assumed the papacy, one residing in Rome, the other in Avignon.
The population of Avignon is 100,000, and about 12,000 live within the ancient town centre that is enclosed by medieval ramparts or defensive walls
Below is the enclosed medieval town center, courtesy of Wikepedia.
.Photos below are the only ones I have of Avignon. It was raining very hard , and we stayed for 4 hours or so. We had lunch there and I also had “lavander” gelato ( ice cream). Growing lavander flowers ( for the essential oils) is one of Avignon’s main produce.
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Do you see that red hood at right hand corner? That’s yours truly, ha ha. This time , that’s the only thing you see of me, he he he… No Monaco – like stuff.
.The photo below is the panoramic view of the center, courtesy of Wikipedia.
Next is Carcassone..
Carcassone consists of 2 areas, the upper part which is heavily fortified, surrounded by 2 outer walls ( double ramparts) of concentric design. The fortress that time was considered impregnable. The lower part is the area outside the fortress. There are 53 towers, one of which is called The Inquisition Tower. It was used during the Catholic Inquisition. ( I don’t like to talk about the Catholic Inquistion. Suffice it to say that the Inquisitors did indeed use torture to break the will of those they considered heretics ) I saw one original torture equipment employed by the Catholic Church . It ain’t pretty.
Below are photos of the fortress , courtesy of Wikepedia.
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.Above is the view from my hotel room. Super, huh.
.Above photo is a medieval bridge going to the fort.
Another old bridge…..
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.So that’s it for Avignon and Carcassone.
I was supposed to post this before Christmas but I was so busy with holiday activities. At work, there were so many late holiday shoppers. The best one was on Christmas Eve when a Hongkong businessman came in, a regular client, who bought all the clothes I showed him, mostly Runway clothes. Runway meaning, clothes that have been designed for a runway show of the designer. I wore each design and showed it to him. So happy that he bought the designs, all sizes. I got a free Runway blouse for a job well done. I’m sure I’m going to get another silver circle.
So, here’s my new blouse. That’s a Runway blouse, okay? * happy dance*
Of course we knew the businessman was coming, so I had to wear a 4 inch heels, put on makeup, do my hair, etc. I got 2 more free runway dresses this december. Almost all our big time clients are Asians ( Japanese, Chinese, Singaporean, Indonesians, Koreans )…. I’m Asian, so I;m the one who gets to wear and show off the clothes. I have the body build of an Asian , petite, small boned, etc. They want to see how each dress looks on an Asian girl. So, yeah, that’s part of my job. And I always get something free, right off the bat. Like that red blouse. My manager told me not to take it off anymore. It’s mine.
This is all for now. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL ! !
Am a Molecular Microbiology student, love to read books, and I play the violin. 
dreamsending
renxkyoko
renxkyoko's space 
Posted by sa saliw ng awit on December 28, 2012 at 7:29 am
hello, Ren… masayang kapaskuhan, kapatid. hugs na marami… ay, sus, puro fortress, kakatuwa. hey, this is one of your best pic series, lalo na sa bandang Carcassonne – ang gagandang tingnan. 🙂
gusto ko rin ang second anime, apt na apt. di naman halatang ferevent ang wish mo, hehe. lastly, ganda ng blouse – it becomes you! ahaha, yan na atang compliement ang papasko ko sa iyo, hihi. happy yuletide, dear. warm regards… ~ Ate San
Posted by renxkyoko on December 28, 2012 at 8:56 am
Really? Parang parejo lang ang pics, di ba? Also, I was in a hurry to post this…. I didn’t even bother to check if the pics are okay, or repetitive.
Ha ! Runway dress yan, ha. Max Azria. Hindi yan retail dress.
Happy new year, Ate San ! ! I’ll visit you soon.
Posted by sa saliw ng awit on December 28, 2012 at 9:54 am
hahaha. hindi sya talaga mukhang retail. it’s too pretty and elegant. 🙂
Posted by sa saliw ng awit on December 28, 2012 at 7:30 am
mali ang spelling ng compliement. pa-edit na lang po… 😉
Posted by sa saliw ng awit on December 28, 2012 at 7:30 am
haha, mali pa rin, sus. pa-edit pa rin. 😉 ang palpak, a…
Posted by renxkyoko on December 28, 2012 at 8:57 am
Madalas ganyan ako, ha. Ha ha ha
Posted by Will of Heart on December 28, 2012 at 12:43 pm
Nag enjoy ako checking all your photo shared… all are awesome Ren, happy New Year …
Posted by renxkyoko on December 28, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Thanks, will of heart and Happy new Year to you and your family, as well.
Posted by hallucinatingmartyr on December 28, 2012 at 6:45 pm
Merci!! Have a fun and safe Holidays!!!
Posted by renxkyoko on December 28, 2012 at 9:06 pm
Pas de quoi ! You, too, hallucinatingmartyr, have a merry new year!
Posted by hallucinatingmartyr on December 28, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Lol, not enough time? Thank you Renxkyoko 🙂
Posted by topiclessbar on December 29, 2012 at 7:38 am
Merry Christmas girl! Hope you had a great one. I got you a runway blouse, but seeing that you have it already, I’ve since taken it back and blown the money on carbonated milk. Really, the blouse is gorgeous! Happy holidays, Nene!
Posted by renxkyoko on December 29, 2012 at 11:41 am
Nene !!!!! That’s how I’m sometimes called at home, the youngest one. How the heck did you know, Kuya ? ( pronounce Kooyah , honorific for older bro) I call my sister Ate ( Ah-teh), honorific for older sister. Confused?
How was your Christmas?
Have a merry, merry and Prosperous 2013, Oppa ! ( Or shall I start calling you Kuya? )
Posted by topiclessbar on December 31, 2012 at 8:09 am
Hi Nene!!! I’m a man of many languages. Actually, I Googled ‘younger sister’ in Google and that’s what it came up with, although I know ‘Nene’ isn’t a direct translation. Sweet! I was a tad nervous that it wouldn’t make any sense whatsoever. My Christmas was very good, and I hope yours was as well. : )
Happy new year, Ren! Here’s to an amazing 2013. : )
Posted by renxkyoko on January 1, 2013 at 8:01 am
Nene is like a term of endearment, like, little one? No, not really. It’s just a common name given to the youngest one. But then, when my parents are angry , they call me by my, well, real nickname, the name my friends and family call me. I have 2 first names, and you’ll be surprised what they are. They are old school Spanish names, like, Maria Esperanza. Ha ha
Posted by topiclessbar on January 3, 2013 at 5:40 am
Wait, you mean your name isn’t Ren Kyoko Inglesias? How many names you got, Nene? I had no idea you have so many aliases. You’re like that guy from “Catch Me If You Can” or something. : )
If I get mad at you, I’ll be sure to call you Maria Esperanza.
Posted by renxkyoko on January 3, 2013 at 6:04 am
Ha ha ha Renxkyoko has been my avatar’s signature’s for a long time, and I got it from my most favorite manga characters of SKIP BEAT, Tsuruga Ren and Mogami Kyoko. This is a manga that I’ve been following and reading since highschool, and been addicted to. I have dedicated my blogsite to these two, hehe. Hence, this is called Renxkyoko’s Space.
Posted by topiclessbar on January 3, 2013 at 9:21 am
This is mind blowing. Please change your name legally to Ren Kyoko to avoid future confusion. I don’t think that’s a lot to ask.
Posted by renxkyoko on January 3, 2013 at 9:42 am
Ahhhh ! What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet…..
Happy days, Oppa !
Posted by simpleek on December 29, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Wow. You look great in the blouse. Good for you that you do your job so well that you get the occasional free stuff! It’s well deserved I think. 😉
I remember Avignon and Carcassone. I also remember seeing so much lavender in Avignon. I love the smell and color of lavender. To be honest, I secretly picked one lavender as a keepsake for my journal. Except, I believe we were told not to pick them. XD Oh well. It’s now well preserved in my old journal from years past. Memories!
Posted by renxkyoko on December 30, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Simpleek, we have so much lavender plants at our backyard ! ! Did you go to the Perfumery? Avignon supplies this company with the flowers. I bought a lot of lavender soaps. Expensive though, like US$4 a piece.
Posted by simpleek on December 30, 2012 at 11:18 pm
Yes, we did in fact! The place we went to was Fragonard I believe? Was that the one you went to? My mom bought their variety set a long time ago, and she gave me one to keep. I use it sparingly and after all these years, the fragrance is still very fresh. Not stale at all. 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on December 31, 2012 at 7:05 pm
Yes, that was the one we went to. I learned a lot from the tour guide. Like, they use tons and tons of flowers to get just an ounce of the oil.
I happen to like stuff like soaps, perfumes, etc. But, believe it or not, I only use baby shampoos. I reckon if it’s good for the baby, then it’s better for me.
Happy new year , Simpleek !
Posted by Mitzie Mee on December 29, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Avignon looks like such a picturesque place!!! And that blouse of yours…WOW! You look stunning! It must be such a nice job:)
Happy New Year in advance!
Posted by renxkyoko on December 30, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Happy New Year to you, as well. Hey, I love your blogsite!
Posted by Ben on December 29, 2012 at 11:19 pm
You look lovely in the blouse, glad you got to keep it. Happy New Years!
Posted by renxkyoko on December 30, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Thank you , Ben ! Happy New year to you too ! !
Posted by efratadenny on December 30, 2012 at 4:07 am
Nice hat 😀
Anyway, beautiful red blouse and nice christmas tree. Happy christmas and happy new year..
Posted by renxkyoko on December 30, 2012 at 5:19 pm
Efratadenny, I think that was the last time I wore a hat. I checked out the rest of the pjotos, and , there was no hat anymore. T.T
Cheers and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
Posted by efratadenny on January 1, 2013 at 5:30 am
No hat, so sad 😦
However, it’s okay. I adored your MAX AZRIA dress. I believe more of them will come on your next photo 😀
Posted by renxkyoko on January 1, 2013 at 8:02 am
Yes, I saw 2 more !
Posted by Ang Tambay na si MyR on December 30, 2012 at 4:19 am
Oh my very cool!…..May you have blessed year to come…happy new year!
Posted by renxkyoko on December 30, 2012 at 6:02 pm
You, too, Tambay, have a happy new year !
Posted by WordsFallFromMyEyes on December 30, 2012 at 8:19 am
I LOVE EARTHA KITT!! I have never heard her sound so SWEET – never. This must be so old. Really enjoyed it, Renx.
Your pictures, as ever, are beautiful – but man, you look gorgeous in your runway red top. You have the beauty and elegance of a princess, to my view. Two new runway dresses for free?? JEALOUS! 🙂
I can understand your tears haven’t dried – I too can imagine the presents bought but not given and how different, so different this past Christmas would have been…
Bless you for caring.
And happy New Year 🙂 N.
Posted by renxkyoko on December 30, 2012 at 7:41 pm
Noelle, I’m going to post the pics of the dresses. I’m so happy . It’s like having outfits by a famous designer, and they are not even retail, they have been desinged for a fashion show ! ! Whoooo ! There are quite a few that I’ve seen celebrities wearing the same design that we’re selling at the store.
About those kids…… sometimes I just wish I wouldn’t think about them anymore. That way, feelings would go away.
Happy New Year, and cheers to both of us. And say Hi to Daniel for me, ha ha ha…..
Posted by Fae's Twist & Tango on December 30, 2012 at 10:18 am
Very entertaining post! 😀 ))) Fae.
Posted by renxkyoko on December 30, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Thanks, Miss Fae ! ! Happy New year !
Posted by jalal michael sabbagh.http://gravatar.com/jmsabbagh86@gmail.com on December 30, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Stunning post,you have captured with your pictures most beautiful aspect of life in Europe,by the way l visited few European countries myself.I am glad you enjoyed your time there.Who sees Europe will go back again.Have a healthy ,happy and successful 2013.Thank you so much for liking my post(farewell…)Jalal Michael
Posted by renxkyoko on December 30, 2012 at 7:45 pm
You, too, Jalal Michael ! A happy and prosperous 2013 !
Posted by Cool Berman on December 30, 2012 at 7:16 pm
Amazing post, as always! Happy new year! 😀
Posted by renxkyoko on December 30, 2012 at 7:43 pm
Thanks, Cool Berman ! May you have a happy and prosperous 2013.
Posted by Rob. on December 30, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Ren we’ve been to so many similar places in summer! Not Avignon in particular, I’ve not been there, but other places. Imagine if we randomly bumped into each other somewhere, like Nice? You look lovely in that blouse, and in those Monaco photos, why were people bothered by it?
Posted by renxkyoko on December 31, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Eh. Rob, I waited for you to invite me when I was in London. ha ha That was our free time ! So we just asked around, and we had a map to guide us.
Anyways, Happy new Year, pal.
Posted by ~REBECCA DAWN~ on December 31, 2012 at 6:27 am
Happy New Year, Ren!
wow look at you fashion model 😉 You look lovely in the blouse ^_^
getting freebies as part of your job?! Nice! um you could throw some swag my way, I wouldn’t complain at all…I mean sharing is caring!!! 🙂
I am kidding!!!
Posted by renxkyoko on December 31, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Well, we need to sell a lot ! Points, you know the drill. This year was not so good though. 2011 was our best, we were #3 in California. I hope it gets better in 2013.
I’m the only who can get into a size zero dress, ha ha ha, or into an XS . I don’t really look thin, I think I look fat, but Asian girls are small boned, so I guess that’s it.
Hey, HAPPY NEW YEAR ! You still have diarheah? He he he
Posted by ~REBECCA DAWN~ on January 3, 2013 at 7:57 pm
size zero? ack! I think that is the size of my pinkie! Just kiddng! Yes I do still have it!! grumble. Lost 10 pounds, but Im trying to gain it back by eating…then losing it when I do…sigh…
how was your new year? did you party it up?
Posted by countingducks on December 31, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Nice to see you getting some free clothes. Good for you. I’ver actually been to Carcassone so I remember what it was like. I’ve really loved reading your Blog in 2012, and want to wish you a happy and fruitful 2013
Posted by renxkyoko on December 31, 2012 at 8:07 pm
HAPPY NEW YEAR, Countingducks ! May it be prosperous and peaceful, too ! !
Posted by Jueseppi B. on January 1, 2013 at 3:15 am
I wish you, your family & friends a wonderfully joyous and healthy, safe, fun Happy New Year….See you right back here next year….Namaste. 😉
Posted by renxkyoko on January 1, 2013 at 8:10 am
Ohaiyou Gozaimasu ! It’s morning and it;s New year’s day. Manigong Bagong Taon ! !
Cheers !
Posted by Jueseppi B. on January 1, 2013 at 8:28 am
Health, Happiness, Joy & Love to you Ms. Renzkyoko…..Namaste
Posted by evilnymphstuff on January 1, 2013 at 7:45 am
Happy new year 2013! Wow you’re spending your holidays there! It’s gorgeous! Wish I were there too.
Posted by renxkyoko on January 1, 2013 at 8:12 am
Oh, I’m back home , evilnymphstuff ! Ha ha ha !
Happy new year to you, too !
Posted by andysalwaysright on January 1, 2013 at 8:38 am
Hey Ren. Wow! You visit such amazing places!! I hopw 2013 is even better for you and I look forward to reading more fantastic blogs from you 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on January 18, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Same to you, andysalwaysright ! have a great 2013 !
Posted by Wendell A. Brown on January 1, 2013 at 4:36 pm
Ren it looks like you had a wonderful time, and that the holiday season was a very good one. Happy new year to you, and i pray many more wonderful blessings come your way! You are deserving! Its a wonderful thing to have you as a sister and friend! God bless!
Posted by renxkyoko on January 18, 2013 at 9:25 pm
Thank you very much, Wendell A. Brown ! 2012 had been a very good year for me , I pray 2013 will be a good one, as well.
Posted by Cafe on January 4, 2013 at 4:03 am
You look great! 🙂
And that must have felt like you were warped back into time or something. So awesome!
Posted by renxkyoko on January 18, 2013 at 9:27 pm
Thanks, Cafe ! ! You, too ! You always look great ! * and I mean that * * mutual admiration club * he he
Posted by Cafe on January 19, 2013 at 12:58 am
Hehehe, thank you, thank you =P
Posted by Margaret Sullivan on January 5, 2013 at 10:49 am
you look great ! thanks!
Posted by renxkyoko on January 18, 2013 at 9:28 pm
Thank, margaret Sullivan ! have a great 2013 and thank you for visiting !
Posted by Subhan Zein on January 6, 2013 at 1:32 pm
You look great, and that’s a fantastic experience that you have! 🙂
I wish you a wonderful New Year. May 2013 bring you more love, happiness, and success. Thank you for keep following my blog. I hope my blog posts do not disappoint.
My blog subscription went messed up, so now I am resubscribing. In the meantime, take care, many blessings and much love to you. 🙂
Subhan Zein
Posted by renxkyoko on January 19, 2013 at 12:52 am
Thank you ! ! You know, I have subscribed to you, but I just noticed I have not been getting updates from your blog. Maybe it’s on My Reader. Problem is, I haven’t been checking My Reader. My email folder has 7000 unread emails now. I’m simply overwhelmed.
Posted by Subhan Zein on January 20, 2013 at 2:26 am
I am sorry for your trouble, I have about the same amount of unread emails, most of them from wordpress. But for now, you can be certain that my new post will appear every Thursday, I only post once a week, so I hope it doesn’t add a burden to you.
Take care, Ren. many blessings and much love to you. 🙂
Posted by 35andupcynicismonhold on January 7, 2013 at 8:07 am
hello, Ren… thanks for one year of funny tales, cool manga pics and stories of adventures (and cute rants, hahaha). dear, all the best for 2013! 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on January 18, 2013 at 9:30 pm
Awww ! Sorry for being late here ! Someone even asked ” where are you, MIA ?
Ahhh, 2013 ! I hope I maintain my good disposition the whole year round. And my so called humour. I might become despicable this year, ha ha ha.
Posted by 35andupcynicismonhold on January 19, 2013 at 8:54 am
ahaha, happy weekend, Ren! 🙂
Posted by potsquared on January 8, 2013 at 12:16 pm
wow! lady in red!!
Posted by renxkyoko on January 18, 2013 at 9:31 pm
You bet ! ! Any redder than that and I’m gonna explode ! ha ha ! how’s it goin’, potsquared !
Posted by potsquared on January 19, 2013 at 12:29 am
red looks good on you…
i’m doing great! had the time to catch up on other blogs… how about you?
Posted by renxkyoko on January 19, 2013 at 12:48 am
I’m on semestral vacation… so that’s more time for work.. more money. Meanwhile, my emails have piled up,,, now almost 7,000. @__@ Mostly subscriptions.
Posted by potsquared on January 19, 2013 at 1:24 am
better start sorting you emails… i know the feeling of thousands of unread emails.. goodluck!!
and more money!! woohoo!!
Posted by Jepiner on January 15, 2013 at 4:10 am
Nice photos Ren! And I would say the blouse is becoming of you. 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on January 19, 2013 at 12:49 am
Thanks, Jepiner !
Nice to see you again here… it’s been awhile, huh.
Posted by Jepiner on January 22, 2013 at 1:59 pm
Oh yeah! It’s been a while. Been buried in my emails lately. Haha…Just kidding…Been busy with work and a lot of things…. 😉
Posted by renxkyoko on January 22, 2013 at 7:56 pm
OMG, the emails ! Mostly subscriptions, I presume ? =_= ” Mine is almost 7,000 now, but I’m starting to read, as of this very moment.
Posted by Jepiner on January 23, 2013 at 4:05 am
Yeah…mostly from wordpress…the others from my choir in Singapore. They don’t want to let go of me so they still send me study guides and musical pieces of the songs they are practicing. And some are job alerts…hehehe….they just keep piling up…hahaha
Posted by Kavita Joshi on May 21, 2013 at 6:28 am
what a traveler you are dear…I am very much enjoying your posts here
Posted by Tea with Erika on July 22, 2013 at 7:25 pm
Great pics! BTW do you know the board game Carcassonne? It’s lots of fun!
Posted by renxkyoko on July 22, 2013 at 7:28 pm
No, I don’t. But I’ll Google it.
Hey, thanks for passing by ! Cheers ! !
Posted by sa saliw ng awit on February 19, 2014 at 7:58 am
hello, Ren… just going over your pics of medieval Europe again, ahaha. how are things with you, hey? you’re always busy, you’re supposed to have a love na, hehe. 😉
hey, would you like to guest-post, dear? sa ssa or sa english – sa 35and up. it would be fun and an honor… excited na ‘ko, maski di ka pa pumapayag, haha. hope to hear from you. 🙂 warm regards… 🙂 ~ate san
Posted by renxkyoko on February 19, 2014 at 9:32 am
Ok What do I write about, Ate San?
Posted by sa saliw ng awit on February 19, 2014 at 10:02 am
about anything, actually, ahaha. may i suggest? hmn, i’d like to hear your take on excellence and compassion, an elusive mix in these hard, modern times… something like that, hehe. kill me, now. or, the day after tomorrow, haha.
Posted by loujenhaxmyor on April 12, 2015 at 6:21 pm
Love these fortress pics! What a cool place!
Posted by renxkyoko on April 12, 2015 at 9:30 pm
Oh, my goodness. I love it too, and guess what, it’s like looking at the photos for the first time, and I was actually surprised I was there ! lol