Featured Traveler: Jeremiah’s Syrian Escapade
Aahhh, Syria. It made headlines in 2011 NO thanks to the uprisings that happened, which eventually led to a civil war. 
But of course, there will always be pros and cons in everything — especially when it comes to traveling. That’s why you shouldn’t be surprised to know that Syria CAN actually be a travel destination, too!
Just take my featured traveler Jeremiah as an example. 
Jeremiah at Ma’loula, Syria
But of course, just like my other featured travelers, I first asked Jeremiah how his love for traveling started. This is what he said: “I’m not really sure when, but I’m certain that I love traveling — domestic, international, or just about anywhere in the metro. My mother always tells me that I’m the kind of person who can’t stay put in one place. I always find myself walking and roaming around, but not necessarily getting ‘lost.’ I love discovering new things and searching for things that I don’t know. For me kasi, the best way to understand other cultures is to experience them. So what I always do is make sure that I experience things from a local’s point of view.
“When I was a kid, it was really my dream to ride an airplane. Seriously, it was such a big dream that time kaya feel na feel ko talaga dati whenever we welcomed our balikbayan relatives at the airport — it felt like airplanes were just a few feet away from me. When I started working, that’s when all my ‘travel dreams’ came true one by one.”
And CAME TRUE, they did! He further shared, “The first country I’ve visited was China. We went to Xi’an to participate in the National Model United Nations (NMUN). This was the first time that NMUN went outside the United States — it was less expensive kaya ako sumama.
“Then when I started working for the (Philippine) government, a lot of travel opportunities opened for me — but not just travel as leisure, but as a member/representative of the Philippine government to official meetings of international importance because these are our commitments. So far, I’ve been to the Syrian Arab Republic, the UAE, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, and Russia.
“But then again, I love traveling because I love the Philippines. Sometimes it’s hard to represent the Philippine flag kasi ‘pag nandoon ka na, hindi ka naman tatawagin base sa pangalan mo. You’ll be addressed based on the country you represent. It’s hard, but it’s also fulfilling.”
The Syrian Escapade
Jeremiah‘s Syrian escapade wasn’t really something he expected, but it turned out to be one of his memorable trips. He admitted, “My trip to Syria is one of the best things that happened to me. Going to a country like Syria is a very rare opportunity. It didn’t really enter my mind that I’d be able to go there because for me, Syria isn’t really any traveler’s first choice of country to go to — especially if it’s for a vacation or tourism purposes. That’s why the things that are currently happening there really sadden me, though I went to Syria before all that even began. Of course, I’m praying that the civil war will end soon because Syria is one of the cradles of civilizations and its culture is something that the whole world must be able to experience.
“I went to Damascus [the capital of Syria] at the age of 19 and I was still just three months at my work. It was really a challenge for me but at the same time, I was very excited because I knew that I was doing something I could be proud of.”
We’ve all heard it: work hard… and play harder. But in the case of Jeremiah, he definitely knew how to work hard AND travel harder! He remembered, “After attending to our official business, I got the chance to roam around Syria. We went to the Grand Mosque of Damascus or the Umayyad Mosque. If you’re fond of learning about the history of Islam, you’ll be overwhelmed while in Damascus. According to Wikipedia, after the Arab conquest of Damascus, the mosque was built on the site of a Christian Basilica dedicated to John the Baptist — who is also honored as a prophet by the Muslims. I took a photo of the shrine, believed to be where the head of John the Baptist lies. This mosque is also considered one of the holiest places in Islam. The Umayyad Mosque holds great significance to Shia and traditional Sunni Muslims as this was the destination of the family of Muhammad, who walked there from Baghdad. Moreover, the place where the head of Husayn (the grandson of Mohammad) was kept can be found there. Ito palang yung napupuntahan ko nun pero sobrang fulfilled na’ko kaagad kasi Damascus is really important in the history of Islam.
The Ummayad Mosque
believed to be where St. Paul walked
“The following day, we visited a number of souks (markets) and historical landmarks around the city, especially the churches. I also had the opportunity to visit the monument of Saladin. As most of us know, Saladin is a very historic figure with a chivalrous heart. He led the Muslim opposition to the Franks and other European Crusaders in the Levan. And if my readings are correct, he was able to form his sultanate in some parts of North Africa and Syria.
at a souk
in front of a statue of Saladin
“We also went to the House of St. Ananias in Damascus and we attended a mass in a church where St. Paul was baptized by St. Ananias himself. We also went to two churches in the middle of a desert (I believed this is somewhere near the borders of Syria and Iraq): the Church of Saint Bacchus and Saint Takla in Ma’loula. This is outside Damascus and the travel time was approximately one hour and a half. Ma’loula is an ancient and predominantly Christian village in Syria. And according to Wikipedia again, it is situated at an altitude of more than 1,500 meters. Most of the inhabitants there have preserved their spoken language — Aramaic, also known as the language spoken by Jesus Christ. It’s a different feeling to hear the language believed to be used by Jesus. Iba talaga. When we attended a mass, the priest even gave us different religious artifacts and blessed us afterwards.
beside a statue that shows St. Ananias baptizing St. Paul
at the Ma’loula village
where the head of St. John the Baptist lies
at St. Ananias Church
inside the church of St. Takla
outdoor shots of the church of St. Takla
with the Aramaic priest
“As for the food, ang hinahanap-hanap ko talaga ay yung mga lamb chops, kebab, baklava, and hummus. Anything Mediterranean is really okay for me. Yung handmade ice cream din pala nila na sobrang dami ng pistachios sa isa sa mga souks nila dun. Even though the weather was cold when I went there, I still kept on eating ice cream because of its different taste that I can’t fully explain.
“Overall, Damascus is very beautiful. With its rich history, culture, and status of being considered one of the oldest inhabited ancient cities, Damascus is a place for people who love history and have the passion to study West Asia. The architecture is magnificent — as if you were brought back to the old civilization with very unique and distinct cultural manifestations.”
Now that we’ve established the fact that traveling is a big part of Jeremiah‘s life, what makes it still interesting for him? He answered, “Traveling for me is still the best way to understand cultures and know the significance of one’s existence. You can read all the books you like about a particular place, but it’s way different when you actually experience how it feels like to be there. Just like any other thing, you need to experience it before you can fully comprehend it. Your love for traveling is something innate, thus it comes from within and it can’t develop overnight. Traveling isn’t something that you should envy. It’s your passion and thirst for knowledge — to search for a deeper understanding of one’s self, life, and culture.
“Furthermore, traveling taught me a number of realizations. Considering the fact that traveling is very expensive especially abroad, I’m fortunate that the profession that I chose to be in has the provision for traveling. Traveling taught me independence and the ability to recognize the diversity of the world and its people. It also made me understand that we’re living in a cosmopolitan sphere where borders are in one way or another irrelevant.”
Having said that, what are his future travel plans? Jeremiah said, “My dream destination is Maldives. However, I’m still hoping that I can visit the following countries someday: Nepal, Bhutan, North Korea, Ukraine, and Argentina.”
Lastly, he leaves us all with these travel tips: “Research on the history of the place. Experience culture through food (particularly street food). And as they say, EAT WHERE THE LOCALS EAT. But most importantly, don’t be afraid to get lost.”
An escapade-worthy answer, indeed!
—
You can also check out my other featured travelers HERE.
Travelers of The Month: THE WORLD Through The Lens of George And Angelo
“Save the best for last,” they say.
And that’s exactly what I’m doing here as I conclude my 2012 (travel) blog project — by featuring two of the most well-traveled people in the country I can think of: George and Angelo.
No specific country or place will be highlighted in this post because as you’ve seen in the title, THE WORLD itself is the focus. From Africa to North America, Europe to Asia, my featured travelers surely went and will go there!
Best of all, the photos you’ll see in this post were ALL taken by themselves. And despite not being professional photographers, I definitely had a hard time choosing which photos to include here not just because of the number of albums (they’ve been to A LOT of places!), but because of the endless great shots that truly captured each and every place they’ve traveled to.
So I’ll stop rambling now and share with you what George has to say about TRAVELING… and why it’s always better when he’s with his “better half,” Angelo.
Angelo and George in Borobudur, Indonesia
“I never counted the countries I visited; even if I would, I would’ve already lost count. I just remember places and faces and even if I revisit, something novel will emerge or I will simply make it happen,” George answered when I asked him about the number of countries he’s been to. And it’s true. If you counted the countries he has traveled to, you would’ve lost count too! 
But like most people, George‘s first take on traveling happened in the country. He shared, “I first ventured out of Manila when I was four or five years old (1981 or 1982); we went to see Mayon Volcano. It was a great experience just to leave but then one had to endure long hours of land travel and as a child, I never looked forward to this. I can’t remember if I successfully articulated in my consciousness that passion for travel; what I know is just that I was glad that we left and that I went to a place that I’ve never seen before.”
It wasn’t until a few years later when he found himself traveling to Japan — his first international destination. “I first ventured out of the country when I was 9. It was a dream come true because I grew up being fascinated by Japanese pop culture and anime. Godzilla, Voltes V, and Daimos amongst many Japanese cultural artifacts have become indelible memories. Tokyo Disneyland was so surreal.”
A young George in Tokyo, Japan (top) and Taipei, Taiwan (bottom) both in 1987
And thanks to those childhood memories, Japan — as it turns out — is now one of George‘s favorite countries to visit.
That AND Spain. When I asked him about his favorite countries, this is what he said: “Spain and Japan are the foremost countries that come to mind. The diversity of experiences and cultural depth have always inspired me and my soul mate [Angelo]. I’m not so sure if it’s the historical/cultural connection but I guess it all boils down to what I learn regardless of repeat visits.
“I’m just drawn to the rich art scene in Madrid, while Barcelona breaks the boundaries of art. Think of Gaudi and one will just want to stay. On the other hand, Valencia has exquisite and modern architecture (Calatrava’s City of Arts and Sciences). Spanish food (eating authentic paella should not be dismissed), markets, and the warmth of the Spanish people are always worth looking forward to.
(photos by Angelo Lacanlale and George Binay)
Clockwise from top left- Cordoba, Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, La Alhambra, Madrid, and Garden of Alhambra
Clockwise from top left- Peñiscola, Parque Guell, Streets of Granada, Valencia, Zaragoza, and Toledo
“On the other hand, the paradox of the modern and the traditional core is the contradiction that defines Japan. For me and Angelo, Japan has become an annual journey. I don’t even know where to start. I guess the historic monuments of Ancient Kyoto so much so that it’s named UNESCO World Heritage City; it’s only second to Rome. We also make it a point to go to Japan not just to welcome the new year but to spoil ourselves with all the fukubukuro (mystery bags) in all our favorite Japanese stores and signature labels. With such significant discounts, we shopped like hoarders to our hearts content. Never mind overspending in this time of the year. The food — need I say more? The precision/attention to detail in all aspects such as gift wrapping makes Japan what it is. More importantly, the civility and strict order that defines Japanese society are truly remarkable and exceptional.”
(photos by Angelo Lacanlale and George Binay)
O-torii
Clockwise from top left- Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima, Shinkansen, and Okunuin
Top- Arashiyama; Bottom- authentic Japanese food
As a seasoned traveler, those two countries must be really special to stand out among the number of countries they’ve visited… and still counting. Having said that, how does “traveling” still affect them? George admitted, “Traveling is empowerment and a liberating activity that must be experienced; imagination becomes a reality and it is essential precisely because it’s education. It removes you from your shell of ignorance. My work and ministry as an academic have been largely enriched by this. Creativity, innovation, and inspiration at work and my relations with other people have largely been nurtured by my travels.”
More thoughts on traveling: “There are times that you have to venture on your own (business trips) but the better half and I have always valued shared experiences and yes, we discuss the lessons that we’ve learned simultaneously as we discover the people, places, and the cultures we experience.”
The World
all photos by Angelo Lacanlale and George Binay
Bandar Seri Begawan
Vienna
sampling authentic Japanese food
Brussels
Vancouver
Notre Dame
Shanghai
Eiffel Tower
Ayutthaya
Penang
The Great Wall of China
Clark Quay
Vatican Museum
Zagreb
Prague
London
Chateau de Versailles
Delphi
Budapest
Taj Mahal
Borobudur
Gyeongbok Palace
Montenegro
Marrakech
Auschwitz
Bangkok
Trojan Horse
Stonehenge
Starbucks mugs (personal collection)
Seeing those shots, it makes you wonder, “What’s next for these two?” Well George said, “Nepal. Simply because I haven’t been there. You always want to visit an unchartered territory. The unfamiliar excites me.” In fact, he recently posted this on Facebook,
“Thanks to National Geographic, Gelo and I will welcome 2013 on a spiritual note which is inspired by Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism and by the grandeur of the Himalayan peaks — most notably, Mt. Everest. A lifelong dream that will finally become a reality.”
National Geographic? Mt. Everest? A dream turned into a reality? By the looks of it, there’s no doubt that 2013 will be another great travel year for these two! As George put it, “I look forward to equally interesting journeys next year.” And so do we!
Lastly, George leaves us with one, but very useful travel tip: “Research, research, and more research so you will welcome, appreciate, and enjoy the unique absurdities that will come your way. Just go and be modern-day global nomads.”
♥♥♥
Once again, I’d like to say thanks to Sir George (and his partner, Angelo) for sharing with us their travel adventures. It’s truly an honor!
As for all of you, it has been a wonderful year sharing with you the different travel stories of “people like you and me — who just happen to have ‘wanderlust’ as their middle names!!! ” May all of us embark on interesting journeys this coming 2013 as well!
To repeat what George advised,
“Just go and be modern-day global nomads.”
The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project… signing off. 
Happy New Year in advance, everyone!!!
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
You can also check out my other featured travelers HERE.
Traveler of The Month: Bianca Loves The Maldive Islands!
No man’s an island, indeed. So when you plan to have your very own getaway to an island like Maldives, make sure that you’ve got your friends with you!
Or better yet, the love of your life — as is the case with my featured traveler for the month of November: Bianca. ♥
Born and raised in Zamboanga City, and eventually transferred to Manila when she was 16 for college, “traveling” always had a special place in Bianca‘s heart. She said, “As a kid, my mom made sure my brother and I were both ‘exposed’ to life outside of Zamboanga. Traveling for me is, as my mom said, an exposure. It widens my horizons to other kinds of history, cultures, places, people, etc. I also consider traveling as a therapy and sometimes, an escape. When I feel that pressure and stress are already getting the worst of me, I just want to pack my bags and take a break!”
So far, she has been to at least eight countries. Bianca shared, “The first place outside the country I’ve been to was Hong Kong. Then eventually, I was able to travel to Malaysia, Thailand, China, South Korea, Maldives, the USA, and Singapore. Hong Kong and Thailand are my usual travel destinations — I’ve been to these two places for as much as I can remember.
“When I travel, I don’t limit myself to the country’s capital city. In Thailand, I’ve been to Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chang Mai. In the US, my mom and I went around California (L.A. and San Francisco), Florida (Orlando and Jacksonville), New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. I’ve lived in Beijing, China for nine months. While in Beijing, I made side trips to Shanghai, Inner Mongolia, Xi An, Luo Yang, Shao Lin Si, Hang Zhou, Su Zhou, Nan Jing, Xiamen, and Shi Shi.”
But even before she studied and lived in China, all this “love” for traveling started when Bianca actually celebrated her debut. “I was 18 when I chose a vacation to the USA over a grand 18th birthday party celebration in a five-star hotel with 200 guests,” she admitted. “After graduation from college, my love for traveling grew even more. I loved the idea of spending time with my girl friends in strange lands, where no one knew us — and where we didn’t give a care in the world that someone might recognize us!”
From Maldives, With Love
Bianca and her husband got married last 11/11/11 (nice date, huh?) and chose to have their honeymoon in the Maldive Islands. “I initially wanted to go to Europe since I’ve never been there,” Bianca mentioned. ”But then my mom said that Europe isn’t a honeymoon destination, but a shopping destination! So, nahuli ako ba’t gusto kong mag-Europe — not for honeymoon, but for shopping!”
Her three-day honeymoon trip with her husband happened at Irufushi Island, but started in Male. “As soon as we landed in Male, I immediately felt like a VIP! Someone was there to meet us, who then took care of our luggage and walked us to our car — which transported us to the Hilton Irufushi Resort’s waiting area,” Bianca said. “And waiting area for what? Well it’s the waiting area for our sea plane! When we got to the reception area, the assistant handed us cold towels and welcome drinks with fresh flowers as decoration, and offered complimentary massages. There, you’ll find a wide assortment of healthy snacks, Evian bottled water (you can get as much as you want!), sodas, wines, and a whole lot more!
“You need a sea plane to get to your island, and riding one was truly an unforgettable experience for me! When we got to the island, a butler approached us and introduced himself to us! And for a second I thought, ‘Why would we need a butler?’ We’re on a honeymoon!
“The beach literally blew my breath away! It was so quiet and peaceful — and of course, clean! Our villa was no exception! We had our ‘personal’ cabana and beach front as well. ’Personal’ in the sense that no one else could stay in that respective area which was reserved specifically for us!”
♥♥♥
Having had the time of her life (with the love of her life, nonetheless!) in Maldives, what advice can she give to those planning to have the same kind of trip? Bianca advised, “Some people are more adventurous and don’t prefer to make prior arrangements. I’m different, I want everything set to the last minute because I don’t want to waste time when I’m abroad thinking of what to do or where to go to.
“Making prior research about your destination can be very helpful. By doing this, you’ll know more about the must-see places!
“Bring a lot of CASH! You’re already abroad, so might as well make the most out of it! When you’ve got cash, you can do anything and buy anything!
“Unless you’re going on a honeymoon (where a hotel room MUST be the highlight of the trip), you might wanna check out boutique hotels rather than the more expensive ones. You’ll be out all day shopping or sightseeing, and the only time you can go back to your hotel room is when you wanna sleep or take a bath!
“Last but not the least, keep on dreaming! You might just get to your dream destination someday!”
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
You can also check out my other featured travelers HERE.
Traveler of The Month: Madel’s “U.K. Calling”
“Traveling is one big, interactive, history lesson. It opens my mind. It removes biases and misconceptions against places and people. And surprisingly, it also makes me appreciate my own country and people,” my featured traveler for this month said.
And since it’s October — my birthday month (ehem!) — what better way is there to celebrate it than talk about one of my loves: THE UNITED KINGDOM!!! =))
That’s why it’s truly a privilege to introduce to you this month’s featured traveler because she didn’t just “travel” around the U.K. — she actually experienced living the English life! *inggit* So my dear readers, meet my friend (and fellow Lasallian!) Madel and read carefully… because I guarantee you, this is “one big, interactive, history lesson” about the U.K. that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Madel at Baker Street
—
As always, the first question I ask my featured travelers is about the time they first caught the travel bug. And in Madel‘s case, this was how it went: “I started to appreciate traveling at a very young age. Before my seventh birthday, my dad brought me (and my mom) to the U.S. where I really enjoyed myself. We visited a lot of places that were very enjoyable to young children — Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World — to name a few. So as a young girl, that experience gave me an idea that traveling brings you to wonderful, ‘magical’ places.
“However, my awareness and deeper appreciation for traveling actually started when we toured Europe in 2002. At that time, I was still in high school and we just finished taking up world history. The tour allowed me to relate the beautiful sites I saw through the history lessons I learned. With this, my appreciation for traveling definitely deepened.”
And “deepened” it did! Madel has already been to at least 15 countries (including the Philippines). “At around seven years old (1993), my parents and I traveled to the U.S. My next trip was at the end of my first year in high school (2001) at Assumption, where I got to visit Japan as an exchange student and traveled alongside with seven other students and two teachers. This trip was a special experience because I got to live with a Japanese host family and be fully immersed in the Japanese culture and traditions. Exactly a year after this trip, we went to Europe (2002). We joined a tour organized by Trafalgar Tours. It started in London, England, and continued by bus to Belgium, Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and France. We then ended our trip by visiting some of our relatives in the Netherlands. In the summer of 2007, we visited Australia and passed by Singapore before going home. From 2011 to 2012, I studied in the United Kingdom. During my year abroad, I also traveled a bit, touring Spain and Portugal for a week.”
Top left- Stonehenge (England); Top right- Barcelona, Spain; Bottom left- Lisbon, Portugal; Bottom right- Edinburgh, Scotland
London Calling?
Even before Madel decided to pursue her graduate studies in the U.K., she already toured England (e.g. Stonehenge and Lake District) and Scotland (Edinburgh). But when she finally became an official student at the University of York, that’s when she got the chance to visit more places in the U.K. with some of her friends: from England (Oxford, Sheffield, London, Bristol, Brighton, Leeds, and Manchester) to Wales (Cardiff)!
Left- Brighton; Top right- Manchester; Center right- Cardiff; Bottom right- Sheffield
Oxford University
So what will Madel miss the most about the U.K.? Well, here are some of them:
London
“It’s the place to be! Honestly, I really wanted to study in the U.K. after seeing London in 2002. It’s very beautiful and full of history. Also, you’ll never be bored in London because there are so many palaces, parks, gardens, museums, and shopping places to go to.”
Left top to bottom- SHERLOCKed at 221B Baker Street; Right- Big Ben at the back
Top- Buckingham Palaca; Bottom- with the British Royal Family (at Madame Tussauds London that is! Haha!)
Hogwarts!!! (a.k.a. Harry Potter Studios in Leavesden)
Yes, the same one from THAT movie!
London 2012
“I was so lucky to have been in England during the Olympics. I remember that I used to watch the Olympics not even dreaming that I’d be able to watch it ‘live’ someday because I knew it was impossible. However, by some lucky twist of fate, I studied in England in the exact year the Olympics was in town. Although I wasn’t able to watch the opening ceremonies live (that would’ve been a dream!), I did watch a semi-finals football game in the historic Old Trafford in Manchester. Although the competing teams were from Egypt and Japan, my friends and I happily cheered on our chosen teams — with flags and banners to match.”
York
“This is the beautiful city where I lived in for one year. It’s very scenic because of its medieval history. There are walls surrounding the city. There’s also a beautiful York Minster that’s the focal point of this city. Unlike London, York’s still predominantly British. And because of this, I had some first-hand experience of how it is to really live amongst the British. What I discovered is that the British are very courteous and friendly. People always say ‘Thank you!’ to bus drivers before leaving the bus. Also, when you walk into any of York’s street shops, store keepers greet you and sometimes, even engage in a good conversation with you. Also, the locals often call you ‘love’ (for example they’d say, ‘Hi, Love!’ or ‘Thanks, Love!’) — which I find very endearing.”
Left and center right- Christmas in York; Top right- Cliffords Tower; Bottom right- York
Castle Howard
York Minster
The University of York
“I feel really lucky to have studied here. Originally, I hadn’t planned on going to this University. But by some lucky twist of fate, I landed a spot here. The University of York is amongst the top 10 Universities in the U.K. and top 100 in the world. This is despite the fact that it has only been in existence for less than 50 years. Recently, it has also received the top place in the ranking of the youngest universities in the U.K. Our professors are also amongst the best scholars in the country.
“Our University’s also very modern and beautiful. It has one of the biggest man-made lakes in Europe. It’s also famous for its ducks and swans — which walk freely on the university grounds. Truly, it was inspiring to study in a campus as excellent and beautiful as this!”
Sweets and Pastries
“England’s well-known for its sweets and pastries shops! Inside you’ll find traditional candies like toffee and mints, as well as traditional pies, cookies, and cupcakes. I love them because I have a sweet tooth. But to be honest, some find these things too sweet.”
♥♥♥
Now that you’ve learned a thing or two about the U.K. thanks to Madel‘s own personal experience, “what are her travel tips,” you may ask? Well, she shared, “For people who are very interested in seeing the world, I suggest that you consider joining tours rather than going around a city on your own. These are the reasons why:
“First, joining tours allows you to see many places in one go. Our tour of Europe is the perfect example! In as little as two weeks, we visited seven countries! Although we had a strict schedule to follow, the tour brought us to all the key places with enough time to go around, take pictures, and buy souvenirs.
“Second, joining tours will save you a lot of time, headache, and even money. I know that there’s a misconception that tours are very expensive. But on the contrary, tour companies usually have more efficient ways of going around cities (using their buses). They also have good arrangements with their partner hotels — which are usually the luxury hotels in the area (they probably get the rooms at a much cheaper rate because they buy in bulk). Hence, you’ll not have to worry about hotel bookings, understanding public transportation, and not knowing how to speak the local language.
“Third, tours mean tour guides! And honestly, nothing beats the knowledge of these locals! Apart from knowing the history of their place by heart, they usually also have funny anecdotes and stories about the place or tourists who have visited the site. This is one of the things which I enjoy the most. It also makes me remember a place even more. And last but not the least, joining tour groups gives you the chance to meet really nice people (of different nationalities). They can even end up as your lifelong friends as you share many wonderful experiences and photos together!”
A Scottish tour guide
I actually agree on that! I, personally, prefer booking tours for hassle-free travels! Hahaha! But enough about me… after 15 countries, where does Madel plan to go to next? “To be honest, my next dream destination would be somewhere in the Philippines. I actually envy people who have seen so much of our country. I’d love to go to the underground river in Palawan. I’d love to have my picture taken beside the Chocolate Hills. I’d also love to visit Batanes where life seems so simple and peaceful! There’s so much to experience in our own country! That’s what I plan to do this coming year.
“Although if there’s a place outside of the Philippines that I’m eyeing now, it’s China. I’ve made many Chinese friends back in York and I’d love to visit them in their country.”
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
You can also check out my other featured travelers HERE.
Traveler of The Month: Rema’s Bermudan Life!
BERMUDA. Aside from the infamous “Triangle” that comes after this place’s name, what else do you know about Bermuda?
In fact, rephrase that. What SHOULD you know about Bermuda?
Well, that’s the goal here — to answer that and more. Much, much MOOORE!
But first, let’s get to know our “tour guide” in Bermuda and our family friend — September’s featured traveler, Rema!
She has been to the Philippines (of course!), Australia, the U.S., Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, France, the U.K., China (Hong Kong and Macau), and of course, Bermuda! So how did all of this traveling started for Rema? When did she “catch” the so-called travel bug? “Well, since I was a kid, I’ve always referred to myself as ’gala,‘ ‘layas,‘ or ‘makati ang paa’ — all of which means that I love to be always on the go and not stay in the house. I have this ‘up for anything’ attitude and ‘anywhere the road takes me’ kind of view in life. While still living in the Philippines, I’ve already had my fair share of travels within the country and I went to Australia to visit my family before starting my ‘career journey’ to Bermuda. One of my deepest desires is to really travel and as they say, the rest is history.”
And in Rema‘s “life history,” Bermuda now occupies several chapters — if not an entire book — in her story. She shared, “I’ve been living and working in Bermuda for five years now. Wow! Even I can’t believe it everytime I say it. Time really flies fast when you’re having fun. Most, if not all of the expats here, will tell you that they’ve come to Bermuda for only two years and found themselves staying longer. In my opinion though, Bermuda’s not for everyone. If you’re a city boy or girl, it may be difficult to adjust to the lifestyle — but luckily, I’m a country girl. Born and raised in Bulacan, I’m a ‘probinsyana’ through and through — so Bermuda’s so right up my alley. The ‘Rock,’ as we call it, has about 64,000 people — both expats and locals included. Pretty small, no? But people here know how to make use of their time and resources. From the various summer activities to house parties during the winter, there is something to do in Bermuda after all.
“Being on this side of the world, I can’t help but take advantage of traveling.”
Life in Bermuda
Let’s start with the basics first. So what should we know about Bermuda? Rema answered, “Bermuda is a British territory in the North Atlantic Ocean (yes, our money has the Queen’s face on it). The main businesses of the island are Offshore Finance/Investments and Tourism. The island has pink sand beaches (thanks to pink algae) and aquamarine waters. The island looks like a wide horse shoe and we only have East and West sides. Also, the island doesn’t have cities or suburbs. What we have are parishes — and there are nine of them.
“We drive on the left side of the road and there are only two lanes, thus the small cars and mopeds. One household is allowed to have only one car to limit road traffic. The main kinds of transportation are mopeds/scooters, cars, and buses. And of course, I drive a moped for that’s what it means to truly experience Bermuda!
“There are also a lot of churches and different religions. There are six catholic churches in Bermuda so when we do our visita iglesia during Easter, we’re always one church short — doesn’t stop us from pushing through with it, though. The various churches have a lot of volunteer activities for the poor. One that I’m actively involved with is the Soup run by The Salvation Army.”
As for food? Rema declared that “Bermuda’s famous foods are codfish, fish chowder, and potatoes. The island has mixed cuisine: American, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Jamaican, and just about anything with just two or three restaurants for each kind.”
Now let’s go to the fun part: the tourist sites! Rema said, “Since Bermuda is mainly a tourist attraction, everywhere’s a must-see. By living there for five years, I think I’ve been to almost all of them.” Having read that, here are some of her recommended tourist destinations:
Beaches
“Some of the famous beaches are Horseshoe beach and Elbow beach. These are located on the west side of the island, while I live on the east side (since there’s less traffic). There are beaches here and there, and people have their own favorites.”
Horseshoe beach
Lighthouses
“There are two lighthouses on the island, each on the east and west sides. I love Gibbs Lighthouse, which is on the west side, as it gives me a more aerial view of Bermuda whenever I climb the top.”
Gibbs Lighthouse
Dockyard and St. George’s
“Dockyard’s on the west side. From the name itself, it used to be Britain’s largest naval base outside the U.K. During summer, cruise ships dock there and people take the ferry to go to the town and do some sightseeing. On the other hand, St. George’s is on the east side. It used to be the city of Bermuda. But until now, it still boasts of a lot of tourist destinations such as shops, restaurants, forts, and beaches too.”
Top- Dockyard; Bottom- St. George’s
The Swizzle Inn
“This is the island’s famous pub and restaurant, and of course there are only two branches. You guessed it right — one on each side. This is a favorite among locals and expats alike — open seven days a week. And during the summer season, it even offers live bands at night. The famous drinks in Bermuda are called Rum Swizzle and Dark and Storm. All very yummy! Bermuda’s very famous for its rum — gold, black, white — name it, Bermuda’s got it!”
Other “Happy Hour” Destinations
“Bermudians and expats love their happy hours! During summer time, when the clock strikes five, people will come running to the Fairmont Hamilton Princess (one of Bermuda’s largest hotels) for happy hour. This lasts until 9PM, then people either get dinner or go straight to Lemon Tree for more ‘happy hour’ until 12 midnight.
“Lemon Tree is a small cafe that is next to a park. During happy hour, they open a portion of the park for everyone. When the clock strikes 12, people in Bermuda still continue to party… Next possible destinations could be Pickled Onion, Cairo, or Cosmopolitan — all are nightclubs with plenty of drinking and dancing.
“Pickled Onion or what we call PO, closes at 2AM, while the other two close at 3AM. After that, it’s time to go home… except of course when people still go crazy and have pool parties, or just go to a random beach for a swim. I’ve to say that it’s a really good cure for hangovers! When winter comes, we still do happy hour but not as extensive as how we do it during summer time — especially since it can be really quite cold in a subtropical island like Bermuda.”
Top- happy hour; Bottom- Lemon Tree
♥♥♥
But after traveling around (and living in) Bermuda, where else does Rema plan to go to? She admitted, “I’ve always wanted to go to Greece! I honestly don’t know why. There’s something with the white houses overlooking the water (not that I haven’t seen enough in Bermuda) that interests me.
“And guess what? Next week, I’ll be traveling again. A friend of mine is getting married in Ireland and because I want to take advantage of my visa, I will travel to Europe once again. I won’t just be in Ireland, I’ll also visit Germany (Cologne) and Spain (Ibiza) and yes… Greece! I’ll be there for a week to visit Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini! I can’t wait!”
Well, Rema deserves it! After all, traveling FOR HER is this: “Traveling and meeting new people open your eyes to the world. It is indeed big and it is indeed worth experiencing. For those of us who have traveled, the experience is beyond explanation; the lessons you’ll learn will be a part of your life forever. You’ll meet people from all walks of life — some you will envy, and some you will pity. But mostly you’ll just be grateful for where you are, who you are, and who you want to be.
“I became less materialistic. Some of my friends might argue but I believe that even though I still want a lot of things, they don’t really matter that much anymore. I realized that there is something more important than material things, and you’ll just learn how to let go of them. I’d rather travel than have a brand new pair of shoes or clothes. Life’s short, so live it well. There are too many places to see, too many lessons to be learned.”
Speaking of lessons learned, seasoned travelers always have one or two (or more) that they get to impart to other travelers. As for Rema, here are hers — or what most of us know as TRAVEL TIPS! “Grab a map and go! Nothing’s stopping you. I like planning things, and I’m proud to say that more often than not, I follow them (I also think this holds true for traveling!). If I plan a trip one or two years from now, I’ll do it. Some people might change their minds, reevaluate their plans, but me? I’ll definitely push through with it. There’s something about being on the other side of the world that makes me push myself to do things I’ve always wanted to do (that I couldn’t do before). So yeah, I just grab a map and go.
“Follow your dreams and do what you want. Each of us has only one life to live, so live it with no regrets.“
Well, I couldn’t agree more!
Thanks, Ate Rema! Looking forward to traveling with you SOON! -Mika xx
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
You can also check out my other featured travelers HERE.
Traveler of The Month: Gian’s Greek, Russian, And Turkish Routes
Yes, you’ve read that right! GREECE, RUSSIA, and TURKEY are this month’s featured travel destinations!
As for the featured traveler, well, I can assure you that he’s 100% Filipino (just in case you misread the title and thought of the last word’s homophone “roots” instead of what it actually is! But then again, maybe that’s just me! Hahaha!)
So I’ll cut to the chase and finally present to you August’s Traveler of The Month, who also happens to be my childhood friend — Gian.
Gian at Giza, Egypt
But first thing’s first! What does my featured traveler think of TRAVELING itself? 
Well, he said, “I think of it as education outside the classroom. Traveling is a learning process.
“First, I get to know myself more especially when I’m confronted with different situations. It brings out the street-smart in me.
“Second, it provides me the opportunity to see what I’ve read in history books. As a matter of fact, I just travel to see historical sites. Every time I see a site or landmark, I just can’t help but be amazed with it.
“Third, it enhances my social skills as I interact with people from all walks of life. I enjoy talking to locals because it shatters my stereotypes and impressions. It allows me to have a deeper understanding of who they are — their culture, opinions, disappointments, dreams, and aspirations.”
Very well said for this soon-to-be attorney! Traveling, indeed, is a big part of Gian‘s life (aside from law school, of course!). Proof? So far, he’s been privileged to visit the following countries: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Russia, France, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, China (Hong Kong and Macau), Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand. But he’s not just any traveler! Last May, he and some of his friends participated in the International Labour Organization’s Youth Employment Forum, wherein they were awarded by the Director-General of ILO himself, and was of course held at — you guessed it right — Switzerland! In fact, that didn’t even have anything to do with law school. They simply did it because they are passionate advocates of youth empowerment!
So yeah, you can say that he’s a traveler with a cause!
awarded by Juan Somavia, the current Director-General of ILO
And just like anything, there’s always a beginning — even when it comes to traveling! So when exactly did the travel bug “bite” Gian? He admitted, “I started traveling just recently. It was three years ago when my family decided to go to Hong Kong and see Disneyland. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, that trip didn’t push through and that made me quite disappointed. So when we went back to Qatar, I thought of a wonderful idea: to visit the neighboring countries in the Middle East. And eureka! I found out that Egypt’s only a three-hour flight away from Doha, and I thought that visiting that place was a perfect time to revive my childhood curiosity about history — and that’s pretty much the beginning of my travel escapades.”
The Routes
GREECE
at a marketplace in Athens
Gian traveled to Greece with his whole family (a.k.a. his mom, dad, and younger sister). He shared, “It seemed like they hired me as their tour guide. I explained the history of almost everything we saw.
“Traveling with them was very comforting especially during nighttime when we got the chance to have long conversations. But the downside with this is it’s also difficult to travel as a group because I have to think of my mom and little sister since they can’t walk as much as I do — which makes it difficult to visit everything we plan.
“We went to Athens and visited the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Agora (where Socrates used to hang out!), Temple of Dionysius, Roman Agora, and the Greek Parliament (where we saw the changing of the guards in their funny uniforms).”
Top- Parthenon; Bottom left- Agora (Socrates’ hangout); Bottom right- Temple of Dionysius
Left- Greek Parliament; Top right- changing of the guards; Bottom right- authentic Greek sculptures displayed in the subway
Unforgettable moment in Greece: “When I saw the Acropolis in Greece, my reaction was unexplainable and I almost cried when I first set my foot on it. The word ‘fascinated’ is an understatement. I felt like I was back to the era of Greek civilization!”
RUSSIA
at St. Basil’s Cathedral with his dad
In Russia (and Turkey), Gian was with his dad. “We’ve been partners and backpacking buddies since our Cairo trip. My dad has been an OFW for almost 20 years and we seldom had quality time with each other. So this trip was also to catch up for the lost years of my childhood.
“We went to Moscow and went to these places: the Kremlin, the Red Square, the tomb of Lenin, St. Basil‘s Cathedral, and some other Russian Orthodox cathedrals and parks.”
Top left- Alexander Garden; Bottom left- Cathedral of Christ the Savior; Right- at Kremlin with his dad
Left- GUM Department Store (where billionaires shop); Right- “M:I 4″ lang ang peg!
But it might surprise you to know that he almost didn’t go to Russia! Gian remembered, “At first, I was hesitant to go to Moscow because of my impression of Russians — as depicted by Hollywood movies. But alas, Russians were very helpful to us even though most of them couldn’t even utter an English word. My trip to Moscow was very challenging as a backpacker. If it hadn’t been for the Russian words and phrases that I brought with me, we wouldn’t have survived. Everything was written in Cyrillic, so I was decoding almost every letter of the street signs just to look for our accommodation.
“Also, the food in Russia was very expensive. One memorable experience I had in Moscow was when I asked for ketchup (in sachet) at McDonald’s and the lady charged me 24 rubles (or about 32 pesos!).”
TURKEY
the Blue Mosque in the background
“Turkey is a melting pot of cultures — this is where the EAST meets the WEST. And the food was to die for! A gastronomic experience at a very cheap price! My fine dining experience in Manila is just as good as what I ate while walking in Istanbul. The Turks are absolutely known for their prowess in their cuisine!
at Topkapi Palace
“In Turkey, we visited the Hagia Sophia (one of the 7 wonders of the Medieval World), the Blue Mosque (part of the 7 wonders of the Muslim World according to Nat Geo), Topkapi Palace (where the Sultan kept his concubines), Dolmabahce Palace (the former seat of the Ottoman Empire), and then we had a cruise at the Bosphorous strait — the body of water connecting Asia and Europe.
at Dolmabahce Palace
“Moreover, Turkish people are very nice, friendly, and GOOD-LOOKING! They have a tourist police who managed to help us with everything we needed to roam around the city. Istanbul is a fantastic place to visit. I can say that it’s on the top of my list. I was overly fascinated with the beauty of all the mosques and the ruins of the Ottoman Empire.”
Left and Bottom right- inside the Hagia Sophia; Top right- the Blue Mosque at night
Now that you’ve seen Greece, Russia, and Turkey through the personal experience of my friend Gian, what kinds of travel tips does he have in store for all of you? Well, here goes…
Prepare by at least learning the language. “When you are knowledgeable about their language, locals appreciate the effort and they become extra kind to you.”
Read about the city you’re planning to visit. “It adds flavor to the experience when you know something about the country. It can be about food, history, culture, or even politics — but try to be sensitive at all times.”
Know the routes. “The best way to visit a city is through public transportation. Get an online copy of the metro station maps. Know where the bus stops are and how much money you have to allocate for transportation.”
Don’t keep your money in one wallet. “You should put some of your money in hidden pockets. Traveling won’t always be a perfect experience. Beware of pickpockets and don’t be an easy prey by acting like a local. Also, always bring photocopies of your passport and visa/s in case the originals get lost. Don’t forget the contact number of your embassy for emergency purposes.”
Be adventurous. “Stay out of your comfort zones. If there’s something you can try in a particular country, try it as long as it’s legal. Enjoy the food. Visit the sites that they are known for.”
Maximize your time. “Plan your trip very well. Research where you can stay and eat at very cheap prices. You can always have fun by not spending too much.”
Be an ambassador of goodwill. “I’m always mistaken as Thai, Malaysian, Japanese, or Chinese but I always tell them that I’m Filipino. Always be proud to be one. Tell them good things about our country. Be genuinely nice and friendly to everyone because foreigners will remember you not just as an Asian, but as a Filipino.”
Love, love, love that last tip! And I’m sure Gian will always put that tip to use as he pursues his other travel plans. “I plan to visit Madrid (for another competition), Paris, and Vienna within the year. This December, I might also avail of the visa exemption granted to permanent residents of Qatar to Georgia (a former member of the USSR).
“But overall, my dream is to go to the Hague, Netherlands (legal capital of the word) and eventually take my masters of law degree there through a scholarship. The thought of becoming a scholar someday thrills me! I just can’t wait to live there and go to other European cities that I still haven’t visited yet.”
Whew, right? Well, best of luck to you, Gian! And we also wish you more HAPPY TRAVELS to come!!!
P.S: You can help send Gian and his partner to Madrid and support their advocacy by voting for them! You can do so by clicking this link.
Their entry is this: THE 1K PROJECT: Entry from the Philippines
Thank you!!!
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
You can also check out my other featured travelers HERE.
Traveler of The Month: Arlene Goes to The Holy Land!
Christianity. Islam. Judaism. Israel… These are just some of the things that come to mind once we think of the Holy Land.
As a Roman Catholic myself, I’ve always dreamt of visiting Israel and taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. But because that stays as a dream for now, it’s very fortunate to have my featured traveler for this month who will share with us her very own inspiring travel experience…
And I’m talking about my high school batchmate, Arlene.
Arlene at the city of Wadi Musa, Jordan
As of press time, Arlene has been to 20 countries. She said, “I see to it that every year I can travel in spite of my hectic schedule. I consider it as my prize for all the hard work I’ve done in a year. Also, traveling helps me to de-stress and reflect. After every travel, I feel recharged once I get back to Manila.”
Traveling is indeed a big part of Arlene‘s life. However, she admitted that she doesn’t really remember when the travel bug bit her. “My earliest fondest memories were already of traveling. When I was young, we already used to travel a lot, especially during vacations. We frequented local places like Iloilo where my parents were brought up, Boracay, Roxas City, Palawan, Pampanga, Tagaytay, Batangas, and of course the summer capital, Baguio. I never miss Baguio during summer maybe because my siblings and I consider horseback riding as one of our favorite sports along with swimming.
“I love to see new places and people. It was my dream to know every language, even Bisaya or Karay-a. I consider ‘language’ as a souvenir I take from every trip. I make it a point to learn a little of their language. My mom also collects souvenirs like stones, sand, leaves, or whatever it is she can take with her then she writes the date and displays it in our home.
“We couldn’t afford international travel at that time, so we limited our trips within the Philippines. Nevertheless, we had so much fun. Our country owns some of the best places in the world!”
Going to The Holy Land
When Arlene visited the Holy Land last February, she was with her younger sister Analyn, mom Leonisa, and Aunt Lina. “It was our gift to my mom because her dream is to walk where Jesus walked. And out of four siblings, I was lucky enough to be chosen as their guide!
“It was priceless to share this experience with the people I love — with the people who share my deep faith in God. The only not-so-good part was I was the ‘porter’ since I had all the strength to carry their luggage!”
Whether she carried her family’s luggage or not, it was sure that Arlene‘s “holy” trip was worth it. She recalled, “Our first destination was the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan where we saw the Jordan river, Dead Sea, Mt. Nebo, mosaic city of Madaba, and the Treasury — where the movie Indiana Jones was filmed.
at the Treasury with her sister (left) and a Jordanian girl (right)
Top- at Mt. Nebo (a.k.a. the burial site of Moses); Bottom left- with her mom and aunt at the Siq; Bottom right- early morning at Mt. Sinai (where Moses received the 10 commandments)
“After Jordan, we went to Israel — the Holy Land — and it really was a ‘holy land.’ Everything was green. You can feel it in their very fresh air and everything was preserved. It was an indescribable moment. You can go there by car or bus. The immigration checkpoint before you pass the border was really strict. It made us all nervous because their police always carry heavy weapons. We watched our every move as we didn’t want to cause trouble, especially not in that place.
“The first destination stop in Israel was the place where Jesus was born, Jerusalem. I felt like a character straight out of the Bible! I saw the houses, their dresses, and their faces. You’ll get involved, and I don’t know why, but I just felt like I was a few steps closer to Jesus because I was in His place, where He lived, and where He spent more than 20 years of His life.
Top left- at St. Joseph’s Church; Top right- her mom at Yardenit River (where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist); Bottom- the City of Jerusalem at the back
“It was already a surreal journey from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. We traveled through Haifa, Israel’s second largest city. Next up was Mount Carmel for Stella Maris Church, Ceasarea, Jaffa. After that was Ein Karem for St. John The Baptist Church and Visitation Church (where Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth). We finally proceeded to Bethlehem for the Nativity Church and Manger’s Square (where Jesus was born), Milk Grotto, and Shepherd’s Fields (where the Angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus).
Top- at the Sea of Galilee (where the Apostles used to fish); Bottom- at the Shepherds’ Quarters (where the Angel announced that Jesus will be born)
“Our full day tour in Jerusalem included the Mount of Olives for sites like the Ascension Chapel (where Jesus ascended into Heaven), Pater Noster Church (where the prayer ‘Our Father’ was translated in different languages inscribed in the Church and outside), Palm Sunday Road (Jesus‘ entry to Jerusalem), Dominus Flevit (where Jesus wept upon seeing Jerusalem’s destruction), and Gethsemane Gardens for Basilica of Agony. We then continued to Mount Zion to visit St. Peter Church in Galicantu (where Peter denied Jesus three times before the cock crowed), Last Supper Room (institution of the Holy Eucharist), King David‘s Tomb, Dormition Abbey (where the Blessed Virgin died in her sleep). At this point, I was almost overwhelmed and I almost couldn’t imagine that we’ve been to so many places. We had an itinerary straight from my wildest dreams!
Left- at the Transfiguration Chapel in Mt. Tabor (believed to be where Moses and Elijah appeared); Right- her mom struggling to touch the Nativity place where Jesus was born
“The non-stop activities could be tiring, but I was caught up with the almost magical moments that came one after the other. I couldn’t take pictures fast enough. Actually, I wanted to document the whole thing!
leaning on an old pillar inside the church that was touched by Mary and promised that will never be destroyed; oldest church in the whole world, still standing after 1,500 years
Top- adoring the cover of the tomb where Jesus was laid after He died on the cross; Bottom- several pieces of pita bread
Left- leading the eight station in Via Dolorosa; Right- at the Holy Sepulcher
“The most unforgettable place in Jerusalem for me was the Yardenit River where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and Via Dolorosa — the 14 stations of the Cross. Our itinerary included the renewal of our baptismal vows in the Yardenit River. The water was so cold and even looked dirty so we were surprised that as we filled our souvenir containers, it ran clear! As for Via Dolorosa, that’s where we did the Visita Iglesia. We left the hotel around 4 in the morning, so we avoided a large crowd. Members from the group recited the prayers for each station and I led the eighth station. It was such a great feeling to experience those things in the places where they actually took place. I promise to go back there as much as I can. It feels really good to be that close to God and embrace my faith.
“As for food, one reason why I love to travel is because I lose weight and that’s 100% sure. I only love Filipino food aside from chicken, spaghetti, and pizza — which other countries can prepare, but with different ingredients and different tastes. But I loved the pita bread that looked like big pieces of communion bread. They were tasty, but I found them hard to eat.
“Overall, my trip to the Holy Land was truly an experience I will never forget.”
It sure is unforgettable! And judging by the life-changing experience the Holy Land gave Arlene, no other place must be able to top that! “As of the moment, I don’t have any plans to travel abroad because of my busy schedule — but my priority is to go around the Philippines. I’d love to see all the places in my own country.”
But still, she has this advice for fellow people with wanderlust: “Bring your passport all the time, pack light (you need space for your souvenirs), and please save for a Holy Land trip — I assure you, every centavo is worth it!” Rest assured, I’ll definitely take note of that!!!
And if that’s not enough, I’d like to leave you with these beautiful words Arlene mentioned in our interview. I hope it will inspire you as it inspired me! ”Traveling is putting yourself in different scenes. Traveling is my best friend. It never fails to give me new learning, more realizations, and reasons to be happy in life. When I travel, I always go home with a new motto or belief that pushes me to strive harder. Traveling makes my mind, body, and soul rested and it feels great. Parents always say that it’s only education that can’t be taken away from you. I say please add ‘travel’ to that saying because memories last forever!”
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
You can also check out my other featured travelers HERE.
Traveler of The Month: Anthony’s (South) African Story
St. Augustine once said, “The world is like a book. Those who don’t travel read only a page.”
Well, if the world was indeed one book, then my featured traveler for this month would already be near the last chapter, if not in the sequel already. Why? Simply because he’s been to ALL CONTINENTS, except Antarctica — but even Antarctica isn’t slipping his mind! He plans to go there, too — hopefully SOON!!!
And that person — June’s featured traveler who will wrap up the first half of my 2012 blog project — is none other than my friend Anthony.
Ton and Mika
He has been to 25 countries (including the Philippines): four in the Americas (North and South respectively), two in Oceania, one in Africa, four in Europe, and the rest, in Asia. In fact, two more countries will be added in his list this year as he plans to visit Japan next month AND Burma in September! Cool, huh?
Some of Anthony’s travel destinations – “some” being the operative word! (Top from left- Brazil, Australia, and the U.S.; Bottom from left- Maldives, France, and India)
But before knowing about the African country he has been to, let’s take a look at how his interest in traveling started. Anthony shared, “My first travel as far as I can remember was in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China way back in 1994. It was followed by an American vacation four years after. From 1999 until 2005, my passport was never stamped for several reasons. First is school, second is — I guess — it’s expensive for me to travel since I’m from Davao, and third, I really never thought of traveling then.
“My addiction to traveling started when I was in college. During my college days, I was learning a lot about other countries and that made me interested. The next thing I knew, I was bookmarking travel-related websites here and there!”
skydiving in Hawaii; bungee jumping in Costa Rica
And TRAVEL was exactly what he did! Luckily, our featured continent for this month (Africa) is one of Anthony‘s favorite places. He said,“Whenever people ask me my top three favorite visited countries, I usually say Brazil, India, and South Africa. Brazil for the Caipirinha and drinking marathon, India for its food and intact culture, and South Africa for having Cape Town.”
The South African Story
Anthony traveled to South Africa with one of his closest friends named Daby. “This South African trip was supposed to be with her cousins and siblings but because of certain unbelievable reasons, they all canceled. If you travel with her, the best thing to bring is a camera. She drinks thrice of what I can, and the only way to remember events is by checking out the photos the following day.”
Anthony with his friend Daby
Anyway, they both went to two South African cities: Johannesburg and Cape Town. Anthony recalled, “South Africa geographically is on the southernmost part of the African continent. For the flight, it took 15 hours (or maybe more) to get to Johannesburg via Hong Kong. South Africa is the richest country in the whole of Africa. Its economy is two times larger than the Philippines, so it’s not surprising that 1 South African Rand is equivalent to 6 Philippine Pesos.
“Actually, I find South Africa expensive. But according to locals, city centers are really expensive and the suburbs are cheaper.”
African Safari, anyone?
But between Johannesburg and Cape Town, Anthony felt more drawn to the latter. He remembered, “Cape Town was really unbelievable. It’s the best place I’ve been to so far. I was able to try their food called ‘pumba.’ It’s a warthog and it tasted like baby back ribs, but it’s a little bit expensive. I also enjoyed our wine tasting tour, but that gave me a hangover after.”
“pumba” was served!
during the wine tasting
As mentioned earlier, Anthony‘s not yet done with traveling the world. Aside from Japan and Burma, he has other dream travel destinations. He admitted, “I actually made a list of countries that I would love to visit. It’s so long but the ones on top are Nepal, Egypt, Argentina, Peru, and Turkey.”
As for his travel tip, he has only one: “Spend less to see more.” True that!
All in all, Anthony considers traveling an investment. “Traveling is where my salary goes. I invest in it a lot because I think that it’s something that will remain with me for as long as I live.” Well, I couldn’t agree more! After all, memories will always be GREATER THAN material things! Riiight?
So thanks to Ton for “touring” us to South Africa! And of course, thanks to YOU for reading THIS and my other “Traveler of The Month” features!
As always, KEEP CALM AND TRAVEL ON!
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
You can also check out my other featured travelers HERE.
Traveler of The Month, Part 2: Carol’s (East) Asian Experience
Time to share with you Part 2 of this month’s travel feature! And I’m glad to say that my chosen traveler is one of my closest college friends and fellow blogger, Carol.
M and C
Carol has been to 13 countries (excluding the Philippines): China (Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland), the USA, Mexico, Thailand, Switzerland, France, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu), Brunei, Vietnam, and Japan. And when asked what’s TRAVELING for her and how it affects her, she said, “Traveling’s a good way to waste money. Instead of spending so much on clothes, shoes, bags, electronics, and other things, I realized that going to places and exploring new things are better ways to exploit my savings. In this way, I invest on experience and memories.
“Traveling has affected me in many ways such as learning different cultures, tasting new kinds of food, understanding different languages, and many more. Furthermore, traveling is a way to renew bonds with my co-travelers — family or friends. It made me and my family grow closer and it made my friendships deeper.”
Having said that, she has these TRAVEL TIPS for all of you:
Read. “Study everything you need to know before traveling — customs, tourist destinations/attractions, modes of transportation, food, etc.”
Make a checklist. “Make sure to pack everything you need. Also, pack light. Make a checklist of all the things you need, so you won’t forget anything. Don’t over pack because it is downright impractical. Always save some extra luggage space for shopping just in case.”
Learn how to decipher a map. “Trusting your gut feeling alone is not really advisable when traveling because getting lost is a terrible waste of time. Learn how to read maps. This also includes the maps of metro/subway/bus stops. In this way, you’ll know where to go.”
Always have a back-up plan. “Make sure to have Plan B in case Plan A doesn’t work. For example, what will you do if you’re left by the train or when the weather isn’t cooperative?”
Check (electrical) sockets. “I always bring a universal adapter whenever I travel just in case my hotel room only has local sockets. Sometimes, the hotel lends adapters or sells them (for double the price). So for practicality, I prefer to bring my own adapter just in case I need it for charging my electronic devices.”
Eat like locals. ”Be adventurous in trying their food. Choose a restaurant where the locals eat because it’s a sign that the place has authentic cuisine.”
Seize the moment. “There will always be instances that your plan won’t work out. Nevertheless, don’t cry on spilled milk and enjoy the moment.”
Carpe momentum, indeed! But can you believe that the travel bug has only bitten Carol around February 2011 when her family booked a trip to Shanghai, China? She admitted, “Prior to that, the last travel I went to was in Europe back in 2007. Traveling again after more than four years of hiatus made me realize that I was missing a lot. After that I decided to travel with family and friends when I have the time.”
As a law student, Carol sure knows how to make the most of her breaks. How? By traveling, of course! And today, we’re privileged to “travel” to the best of East Asia — China, Japan, and Korea — through her experience.
The East Asian Experience
CHINA
Carol was with her family the first time she went to Shanghai. “It was my first time to go to East Asia. I was just along for the ride because it was my mom’s dream travel destination. The weather was cold and perfect since we went there in mid-February 2011.”
And then just last month, she went to Guangzhou with other college friends. “It was an unplanned trip to China over lunch. Our stay there was almost a week, so we decided to maximize our tour by also going to Shenzhen and Hong Kong. In truth, there was nothing spectacular in Guangzhou but my friends made it a super special vacation.”
More thoughts on China: “I’d say that each city has its own beauty. You can never have too much travel in China since every place is different and nothing like the other. As for the food, everything’s sumptuous. It’s really a paradise for foodies, especially dim sum lovers like me. One notable thing about authentic Chinese cuisine is that it doesn’t taste of MSG — what Filipinos usually assume.
“The most unforgettable place I’ve been to was the Fanyu Lotus Hill. The view was an amazing reflection of mainland China.”
JAPAN
The most recent trip Carol has been to was in Osaka. She and her family toured the major cities in the Kansai region. She shared, “I went to the major cities in the Kansai region namely Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. All of these cities are connected by train, so it’s easy to take a day tour for each. In my travel, I was surprised to know that all the Japanese know how to speak English. I never felt the language barrier dilemma. I was truly amazed that every person we talked to knew how to speak English.
“Another thing that I have to praise the Japanese for is that they are truly nice persons. I’ve never met one rude local in my stay there. In fact, everyone was truly courteous and helpful.
“As for the food, takoyaki is a popular food in Osaka, so it’s a must-try.
“The most unforgettable experience I had in Japan was going to Nara. The place has the traditional ‘Japan feel’ much like Kyoto. It has a lot of temples as well. What’s very interesting though is that there were a lot of deer roaming around the area. You can take pictures and feed them… and it was so much fun.”
SOUTH KOREA
In October 2011, Carol also went to Seoul with her family. “This time, it was my dream travel destination. I guess the emergence of Korean media influenced me to go there. I could say my family really did enjoy going to Seoul since we always talk about how we had a good time there.
“We went to Blue House, Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Folk Museum, Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, Korean Folk Village, DMZ, Myeongdong Shopping District, and Lotte World.
“Also, it was a culinary adventure for me when I went there. I came to have much liking for Korean cuisine. I especially love the fact that their food always has vegetables. It’s healthy and delicious.
“The most unforgettable experience I had was the DMZ tour. Being a foreign affairs student, I was really ecstatic to be in the 38th parallel. They have a viewing deck wherein you can see a North Korean village nearby. They even sell North Korean-made products at the souvenir shop. Too bad they only allowed taking pictures in selected areas.”
BONUS:
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Okay, I know that Kota Kinabalu is in SOUTHEAST ASIA… but because one reader asked for it and Carol has been there already, might as well include it here too!
Having said that, Carol went to Kota Kinabalu last December 2011 with her mom, cousin, and aunt. “Our trip was laid back. The scenery was much like the Philippines but somehow, everything was a bit cheaper. Worth mentioning are the white islands of Manukan and Mamuntik. Chicken Rice is a very popular food there. English is also widely spoken and people are very friendly.” And to know more about Carol‘s trip to Kota Kinabalu, I suggest you visit her blog HERE and HERE.
Overall, Carol said that “traveling in East Asia is more expensive compared to traveling around Southeast Asia. The costs of living in China, Japan, and Korea are higher compared to countries in the ASEAN region, so be prepared to shed a few bucks if you’re planning to travel there.” And to make traveling in East Asia a breeze for all of you, Carol has more travel tips:
Bring a calculator. “Japan and Korea have inflated currency rates, so it’s quite difficult to manage their money. As for China, every city has a different price for goods and commodities. For example, a commodity in Shanghai is more expensive than in Guangzhou. Bringing a calculator can help you convert your money easily and compare prices from one city to another.”
Mind the weather. “East Asian countries have four seasons, so it’s essential to research first the estimated weather condition before going there. In this way, you know what type of clothing to bring.“
Try to understand the language barrier. “Not all East Asians can speak English, so study and arm yourself with a few local vocabularies such as customary greetings and ways to count numbers, ask for directions, buy food, and many more.”
Take note of cultural differences. “Some people tend to mix Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cultures altogether. This is rude for them, so take note of the differences of these three nations. Each of them takes pride in their own heritage, so better not think that they’re all the same.”
If you think that Carol‘s travels end here, well think again! When I asked her about her dream destinations, she answered, “For the short list, I want to travel more around Southeast Asia and visit cities like Phnom Penh, Penang, Chang Mai, Phuket, Hanoi, and Jakarta. Most of these cities don’t have direct flights from Manila, so going there will really be an experience for me. They’re not the typical Southeast Asian destinations for Filipino travelers, so they’re must-sees for me.
“For the cities I’ve been to, I want to go back to New York and Geneva. I remember New York as a big city full of lights with a lot of people walking. Going there is so much fun because it’s a melting pot of different cultures. I enjoyed the crazy energetic way of life there. In fact, this is the only city I would agree to live in on my own. On the contrary, Geneva is a city with a peaceful ambiance. The place is very clean and safe compared to other European cities. I love to go back there because of its laid back atmosphere and its European feel without the tourist destination frenzy.
“For my future-future dream destinations, I want to go to the Hague, Madrid, St. Petersburg, Cape Town, Florida, Cancun, Dubai, and Havana. I’m somehow curious to see these cities since I only see them in pictures and movies. I want to go there for the simple reason that I want to see them.
“For my ultimate dream destination, I want to go to Jerusalem for a holy pilgrimage. I chose this destination for historical and spiritual reasons.”
And that’s my friend Carol‘s (East) Asian Experience! Next month, I’ll finally reveal to you my last featured traveler for the first half of my blog project for this year! And the best part is, we’re finally “going” to AFRICA!!! So see you on Independence Day — the 12th of June.
Keep calm and travel on.
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
You can also check out my other featured travelers HERE.
Related article and blog
- Traveler of The Month, Part 1: Joanna’s (Southeast) Asian Experience (theladyisin.wordpress.com)
- Laws of Distraction (jancarolyn.wordpress.com)
Traveler of The Month, Part 1: Joanna’s (Southeast) Asian Experience
It’s that time of the month again! Well, at least for The Lady’s Blog, it’s that time to give in to each and every one’s wanderlust! ♥
And since May’s featured continent is ASIA, I decided to divide it into TWO PARTS. That’s right! Two featured travelers, and two selected Asian regions for two days in May!!!
Okay, enough rambling. Time to meet this month’s featured traveler who will share with us her adventures in Southeast Asia…
—
“Traveling is learning. With every country I visit, I’d like to think I gain new knowledge.” That’s what TRAVELING means for one of my college friends and former colleague, Joanna.
Joanna as Yoko Ono and yours truly as X’Men’s Storm (HA HA HA)
The first time Joanna traveled abroad was in 1996 when she was still just eight years old. She shared, “I vaguely remember what happened on that trip, only that I was so excited to go to Toys “R” Us, visit Ocean Park, and be far from where I lived. It took almost 15 years for my next trip to happen — an experience that brought upon me the desire of traveling.”
So far, she has been to five countries (excluding the Philippines): Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore. Southeast Asia at its best, eh? Well, now you know why she’s my first Traveler of The Month for May!
in Universal Studios, Singapore
The Southeast Asian Experience
When Joanna traveled to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand — “routes which, mostly, backpackers call the ‘Banana Pancake Trail,’” she was with her friends. She said, “we were on a tight budget, so traveling with them wasn’t hard.
“We roamed the streets of Ho Chi Minh on our first day, were amazed by Siem Reap’s most treasured temple on our third day, and got lost in Bangkok on our fourth day. We took the bus from one destination to the other.”
“Motorbikes are very popular in Saigon – a means of daily transportation for the locals.”
roaming the streets of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
However, when I asked her about those that have left a big impact on her, she answered, “Angkor Wat had the biggest impact on me. It thrills me still remembering the time we were entering the gates.
“The food prices were also overwhelming. When I was there, I couldn’t believe how cheap and good the food was especially in Vietnam and Cambodia.
“The bus rides from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap, and from Siem Reap to Bangkok were long yet memorable. I tried not to sleep, so I wouldn’t miss out on the sights.”
Having said that, Joanna has this advice for those planning to have their own Southeast Asian Experience: “Don’t take the taxi. As much as possible, WALK. This way, you get to have a feel of the place and know it better. Plus, you get to save.”
“The night we got lost.” (in Thailand)
“We finally got to where we stayed, and met up with our friend Biboy.” (The Lady’s note: Biboy was then studying at Le Cordon Bleu Dusit. Click the image to visit his blog.)
The Grand Palace (Bangkok, Thailand)
Moreover, she said that when traveling in general, one should “research and learn to live without luxury (especially for those traveling on a budget).” Couldn’t agree more!
As for her dream destination, Joanna plans to travel East — Japan! “The people and the culture fascinate me. Japan is breathtaking in photographs and movies. I can just imagine how it is in real life.”
Perfect choice. Why? Because at the end of May, I’ll finally reveal to you Part 2 of this month’s travel feature! A new featured traveler AND new Asian destinations! But for the most part, it’ll be all about — you guessed it right — EAST ASIA! So see you again on May 31st, alright?!
Ooh, before I forget… THANKS, JO!!!
Keep calm and travel on.
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
You can also check out my other featured travelers HERE.
Traveler of The Month: Europe As Cara Knows It
EUROPE. Who doesn’t dream of traveling there? @_@ In fact, there was even a time (during one of those end-of-the-world false alarms) when I was able to tell somebody, “Hindi pwedeng mag-end of the world! Hindi pa’ko nakakapuntang Europe!” So random, I know. But that’s how I felt and still feels about Europe.
Honestly, I want to go to only two European countries: ITALY and of course — being your resident Anglophile and all that — THE UNITED KINGDOM. If I’m able to go to the rest, I won’t complain! But I’ll just consider those as my “bonus.” For me, Italy and the U.K. are my “all or nothing” when it comes to traveling to the EU (yep, even the Eiffel Tower takes only third place!). But, and a BIG BUT at that, I told my sister that if we’re going to those aforementioned countries, we have to go to Florence, Milan, Pisa, Verona, Venice, and Rome ; England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Uh-huh, syempre the whole Italian and English package dapat noh!!!
But enough about my European dreams first. I think it’s about time I finally introduce to you this month’s very special featured traveler. Why muy especial? Well for starters, she’s a Creative Writing graduate at the Ateneo de Manila University and the current (female) lead singer of The Executives Band. She’s also passionate about blogging, photography, and of course, traveling (she’s been to four continents; 21 countries and still counting*). And most of all, I’ve had the privilege of meeting her in person (thanks to my cousin) and actually convincing her to agree to do THIS…
So without further ado, my dear readers, I’m talking about the very kind and gorgeous Ms. Cara Manglapus.
with Cara
So let’s start, shall we?
♥♥♥
One of the first things I ask my featured travelers is about the first time they were “bitten” by the so-called travel bug. So when I asked Cara when her love for traveling started, she shared,
“The first time I was on a plane, I was two months old. I was born in New York and traveled back and forth to Manila as early as then. When we moved to the Philippines, my parents made sure to expose my younger brother and I to the beauty of our own backyard, so we would spend Christmas vacations in local tourist destinations (Palawan, Davao, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Baguio, etc.) and summer vacations in the US (New York, California, and Florida).
“Lucky that my first job when I graduated from college involved a lot of travel. I was relocated to a different country every four months. Aside from the US and the Philippines, I’ve lived in Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, Brazil, Taiwan, and Sweden. From these ‘bases’ where I was working, I’d travel to neighboring countries and cities on the weekends.
“There’s something very magical about how you seem to just connect with certain cities, and you can’t explain why. Two things I consider when I’m in a new place are: how is the food and would I want to live here?
“Strangely enough, I love long-haul flights. Most people hate airplanes, but my head feels the most clear when I’m up in the air. For that certain number of hours, you are untouchable, unreachable by anybody. It’s just you and the book you brought or the in-flight entertainment.
“Most people count the number of countries they’ve been to, but that is actually an irrelevant number. I count cities. Why? Think of it this way, if a foreigner comes to Manila, has he really seen the Philippines? Each region has a different experience to offer, different culture, different food, different landscapes, different dialects, different people even. The same goes for other countries. Especially big ones like the United States and Brazil, each city has a polar opposite within the same country.”
Europe As Cara Knows It
“My first taste of Europe was a family vacation to Italy when I was 14 years old. My parents rented a car and we drove all throughout the country in three weeks, passing through quaint little towns, making a sort of religious pilgrimage, and visiting the known tourist destinations. Some notable places and things we saw that most tourists don’t look for: the fully preserved head of St. Catherine of Sienna, the ‘host turned to flesh’ in Lanciano, the ancient city of Pompeii preserved in volcanic ash after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D., the chapel of the Cappuchin Monks in Rome made entirely out of bones, the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Da Vinci in Santa Croce, the wood from the table of the Last Supper in St. John Lateran Basilica, the home of Dante, the tomb of Padre Pio. To this day, Rome is my favorite city.
Cara in Italy, age 14
“There was a time I was living in Prague in the Czech Republic for work. I was living alone and traveled with colleagues on the weekends. My trips to Vienna, Berlin, Dusseldorf, London, Paris, and Barcelona all happened weekend after weekend in early 2010. Some of my fondest memories were made with some of my favorite people, friendships formed by our common love for travel. In early 2011, I was living in Stockholm, and from there I visited Denmark (and the very cool Freetown Christiania), and the Baltic states of Europe: Latvia and Estonia. Estonia was one of my favorite destinations [check out Cara's blog post about it here].
Prague, Czech Republic
“My last two Easter holidays before this one were both spent in London (2010 and 2011). If you know the right people, it’s a great place to visit and stay for an extended time. I absolutely love the east side, very vintage chic.
London, England
“Every city I’ve been to has made its mark on me, I carry a little bit of every place with me everyday. I’ve got stories to tell from all over that wouldn’t fit on a blog, really. Pictures will just have to suffice, but even pictures don’t do these places justice.”
Austria
Denmark
Estonia
France
Germany
Spain
Latvia
Sweden
Based on what you just saw, it’s obvious how much Cara loves traveling. She admitted, “I love to travel because it reminds me that we live in a global community and that there is so much more to see and learn. Learning is the best part about traveling. Learning and eating.”
Having said that, here are some of her travel tips:
Let a local be your guide. “Don’t get too caught up in packing in all the tourist sites, what’s more important is experiencing what it’s like to live there. If you can’t see all the museums, so what? You can get all that information on the Internet. Go out on the street, meet new people, eat local food, walk into random art galleries, shop at the vintage markets, learn history by having conversations with anyone that will talk to you. Sit down, have a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. Pretend for a day that you are living there. Trust me, you won’t regret it.”
Another interesting place to visit in every new country is the supermarket. “You’ll be surprised what goods are in store and how much you’ll learn from something so simple. For example, one time I was looking for peanut butter in the supermarket in Prague, and found it in the ‘exotic foods’ section — something so normal for me to eat, but so strange for the Czechs.”
Be smart. “They say some places are more dangerous than others, but the truth is, EVERYWHERE is dangerous. Even your hometown is dangerous. You just need to be aware of your surroundings, be with a friend, call or text someone so they are constantly updated by your whereabouts. Don’t be afraid, but trust your instincts. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, listen to your own body. Don’t be paranoid, but be smart.”
Don’t be afraid to ask. “Most often than not, locals are more than willing to give you tips and advice, to tell you where to go and how to get there. Why? Because they want you to love their country as much as they do. They want you to have a great time, so you’ll tell your friends about how awesome their country is. No one knows their own turf better than them, so don’t rely on Google or Trip Advisor — ask!”
♥♥♥
*All in all, Cara has been to the following places:
Europe: Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice, Pompeii, Corato, San Giovanni Rotondo, Lanciano, Assisi, Padova, Sienna, San Domenico, San Gimignano, and La Verna), Czech Republic (Prague, Brno, Plzen, Liberec, Ceske Budejovice, and Karlovy Vary), Austria (Vienna), Germany (Berlin, Dusseldorf), England (London), France (Paris), Spain (Barcelona), Sweden (Stockholm, Gothenburg, Uppsala, and Sundsvall), Denmark (Copenhagen), Latvia (Riga), and Estonia (Tallinn)
But aside from Europe, she has also been to…
North America: the US (New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Sonoma, Monterey, Tahoe, LA, Orlando, and Tampa)
South America: Brazil (Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Iguacu) and Argentina (Buenos Aires)
Asia: all over the Philippines (as in all over, no exaggeration!), Thailand (Bangkok and Krabi), Cambodia (Siem Reap), Taiwan (Taipei, Tainan, and Kaoshiung), Japan (Tokyo), Singapore, and Hong Kong
Yep! Cara surely takes the word “wanderlust” seriously if I may say. In fact, the next big trips she’s planning and praying about include Turkey, Peru, and Egypt. But even before those, she already has upcoming regional trips to Malaysia, Vietnam, and China (Beijing and Shanghai).
So if you want to know more about her adventures and travels, I highly suggest you visit her blog. Trust me, it’s one of the best out there! (I, personally, am a fan! Heehee.) So don’t hesitate and click HERE — now!!!
And there you have it! Once again, I’d like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to Ms. Cara Manglapus for giving me some of her precious time and sharing with us her travels, especially in Europe!
And of course, see you again on the 12th of May to meet my next featured traveler(s) and read all about our “home” continent: ASIA!!!
Keep calm and travel on.
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
You can also check out my other featured travelers HERE.
Travelers of The Month: The Chiong Girls in The Land Down Under
Well hello there, mates!!!
This month’s featured continent is extra special because aside from the fact that I’m six days ahead of schedule (excited kasi!), you’ve already read it from the title… I’ll be blogging about my family trip to AUSTRALIA!!!
I’ve already written once about my trip to Australia (you can check it out HERE), but THIS is different from THAT in a sense that there’s a mooore personal touch to THIS. Ahem!
Anywhooo, I’ll be talking about Sydney and its two suburbs — Parramatta and Westmead. Of course, I’ll also include the city, some sightseeing here and there, and even some souvenirs! Haha! (Tip: click on some of the pictures/links I’ve provided to get tons of FACTS!!!)
So in alphabetical order, let me share with you some of the places we’ve been to in Sydney:
Blue Mountains
If you notice the distinct rock formation located behind our heads, that’s actually called The Three Sisters. Coincidence? I say not! Kinapos lang ng isa kasi kami’y FOUR sisters! Hehehe.
Bondi Beach
Ahhh. THE beach just across the street. I remember being ALL SMILES while at this beach because aside from the fact that it’s a beach right in the middle of the road, there were also A LOT of *ehem, ehem* alam niyo na… mga “HELLO,” mates! Think Hugh Jackman — in “plural” form! Wahahahaha! But seriously, I may be living in an archipelagic country, but I still need to travel a couple of hours from the city just to see a SIGHT like Bondi Beach. Well, depende nalang kung game kayong mag-beachin’ sa Manila Bay! FAIL!
So alam niyo na kung ba’t tuwang-tuwa ako dito.
Darling Harbour
Oh dahhh-ling! This is Darling Harbour. If my memory serves me right, you’ll have to pass through this place in order to get to the Sydney Aquarium…
Jenolan Caves
Isang napaka-lamig na kweba! But still, this is spelunking at its BEST!!!
Oceanarium (Sydney Aquarium)
Have you watched the animated movie Finding Nemo? Wala lang. Baka kasi hindi niyo pa napapanood, eh ang cute kaya nina Nemo at Dory — and they’re exactly what you can find in the Sydney Aquarium. Plus their friendsss!
Parramatta
One of the malls I frequented during my short-but-sweet stay in Sydney — Westfield — is located in this suburb. Kaya pa’no ba ‘yan… SHOPPING TIME!!!
Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
Look who went to visit her “grandmother”… Hahaha, just kidding! Ah, Queen Victoria! Well, British Royalty IS British Royalty! ’Nuff said.
On a more serious note, the Queen Victoria Building is actually a MALL! Yeheesss. Built in the late 19th century. Believe it or not.
Sydney Harbour
If you’re fond of watching New Year countdowns on TV, I bet the Sydney Harbour Bridge is no stranger to you! Lagi ba naman kasi mauna mag-celebrate ng New Year ang Land Down Under! (Read: three hours ahead of the rest of the world! Astiiig!)
Sydney Opera House
Repeat after me: SYDNEY. OPERA. HOUSE!!! Now, if that’s not self-explanatory… well, repeat THOSE three words again! HA HA HA
The Gap
Two words: FISH and CHIPS!!! Wahahahaha! Anyway, this place may share a name with a famous American clothing retailer, but the experience you’ll get when you visit it is 100% Aussie! Just take a closer look at the wind blowing through my hair! F na F lang ng lola niyooo! =))
Westmead Children’s Hospital
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead is actually a teaching hospital of the University of Sydney — and this was where one of my pediatrician sisters studied her sub-specialty in Clinical Genetics. IDOL!!!
Zoos
We went to two different zoos: Taronga Zoo and Featherdale Wildlife Park (located in Doonside). But due to the fact that this post’s already photo heavy, I’ll just show you some of the most popular animals that come to mind once you think of “Australia!” You name it, Australia’s got the cutest and most peculiar animals!
Kangaroos. Koalas. Tasmanian devils. Wombats (which by the way was a childhood nickname of Prince William! Uyyy, trivia!). ETCETERA.
♥♥♥
Here are more memorable shots from my Australian trip:
Circular Quay
Hilton Sydney
love the “atmosphere” of their train stations!
The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is actually “bounded by George, Market, YORK and Druitt Streets.”
And of course,
souvenirs! souvenirs!! souvenirs!!!
Like what I’ve said before, just like the United Kingdom, Australia has a special place in my heart. Besides, I think you’re nuts to pass up an opportunity to travel to a CONTINENT-slash-COUNTRY! Actually, passing up ANY chance to travel makes you nutty-nut-nuts!!! Harharhar!
Anyway… speaking of the United Kingdom, you wouldn’t want to pass up the opportunity to read my next featured continent for it’s a continent that everybody — and I don’t care if I’m overgeneralizing here — wants to visit at least once in their lives! Yes, I’m talking about the capital “E.”
“E” that stands for EUROPE, baby! Even I… am excited for this — not just because of the continent, but also because of my featured traveler! So see you again on April 12th!!!
Keep calm and travel on.
define HOT and COLD – like literally!!! =))
END.
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
You can also check out my other featured travelers HERE.
Travelers of The Month: North America According to Danica and Pia
For this month — the month of HEARTS (or hurts! Chos!) — I’ve prepared a very special feature. Why? Because I’m not just going to feature one traveler, but TWO travelers! That’s right. I’ll be featuring two of my college friends, Danica and Pia, who’ve been kind enough to share with us their adventures in North America respectively!
…with Danica. By the way, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!
…with Pia.
But before that, let’s get to know D and P first, shall we? So, let’s get the ball rolling…
When do you think the “travel bug” has bitten you?
DANICA: My love for traveling started when I was really young. I remember my mom would always bring me to Hong Kong with her when she was looking for a possible market for our recruitment business. I remember then that I’d memorize MTR lanes and stops at a young age. Also, my dad was very fond of mapping when we are traveling and so, that somehow made me love traveling and getting to THE destination.
Top- Canada; Center- London; Bottom from left- Hong Kong and Malaysia.
PIA: For many years, I’ve been surrounded with people who love to travel. And since I was a little kid, with relatives and friends going in and out of town, I’ve always dreamed of traveling, riding airplanes, and exploring different types of food and cultures. I actually labeled 2011 as my travel year, went to different awesome places in the country as much as I could, with my U.S. and Canada trips being the highlights of my travel year.
Canada (Top- Downtown Toronto; Bottom- trip to the Niagara Falls)
How many countries have you traveled to so far?
D: I’m not so sure. The first few countries I visited when I was young were Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. The family tours that followed were in Canada, a few countries in Europe, and then the U.S.
P: So far, I’ve been to only three countries [excluding the Philippines]: Hong Kong, the U.S., and Canada. I still have a long list of interesting countries to visit. This month, I’ll be in Singapore with my friends — it’ll be my first time to go there and I’m very excited!
Do you travel with your family? If so, how can you describe traveling with them?
D: Yes, it always feels good to travel with my family. I always feel that we get closer after every trip that we have. Also, we get to share more stories with our relatives when we get back. For example, when we went to New York last May 2011, I got to hangout with my bestfriend from gradeschool and sharing stories with my brother (who was traveling with me then) when we went out for drinks made me feel good about the whole trip — it gave a sense of a sharing experience. During that trip, I got a lot closer to my uncle as well. He had the week off and booked a trip to New York with us. He showed us around the city since it was our first time.
P: I travel mostly by myself or with my friends. In my recent U.S. and Canada trips, I traveled alone. I was on a total of eight flights. Yes, it was tiring to carry around huge bags (not to mention not having someone to talk to while on the plane for hours!), but the excitement of getting out of the plane and being in a totally different place made everything so worth it.
What’s “traveling” for you? How does it affect you?
D: Traveling has always been an exciting experience for me. I’m a very curious individual and I always love learning something new about something or someone. Traveling has helped me understand better the different cultures and traditions we have and so, it has become something I always look forward to.
Danica‘s TRAVEL TIP: “Always, always travel light. You can always buy things that you need, clothes in particular, in different destinations. Plus, they can serve as souvenirs.”
P: For me, traveling’s something everyone should do while they’re still young. Aside from escaping from your stressful day-to-day life, I believe it’s also a way of discovering how life is lived in other places. Travel and be inspired! Don’t pass up the chance to travel while you’re still young because when you get older, there may be a slimmer chance for you to do it.
Pia‘s TRAVEL TIP: “For all those jetsetter wannabes like me, when planning your next vacation, make sure you do some research first before going — for safety and security purposes — then leave everything else for adventure!”
♥♥♥
The U.S. of America According to Danica
Danica has been to the United States before, but her latest U.S. trip last May 2011 was actually her first time to visit both Hawaii and New York. BUT it was Hawaii that has left a bigger impact on her. She said, “Hawaii felt like an extension of my province — Ilocos Norte — since most of our relatives are there and I met a lot of people who speak Ilokano. I got to encounter a lot of Filipinos in Hawaii, especially at Ala Moana’s food court — who were mostly Ilokano, too.
Ala Moana
“So far, I’ve been to California (Los Angeles and San Francisco), Texas, New York, and Hawaii. Visiting the U.S. is always about visiting some of our relatives. It’s just that lately, it has also been about visiting a few friends since we’re a bit ‘grown-ups’ now.”
Top- Hawaii; Bottom from left- California and New York.
When asked about the place in the U.S. that has left a big impact on her, Danica shared, “I will never forget my Hawaii trip last May 2011. Saying that I had a great time’s an understatement. My stay in the island lasted for a week, and choosing to stay at Kuhio Avenue was so worth it. I crossed the street to get to the International Market Place, Waikiki Beach, and a stretch of awesome-ness! Everything was just close to everything, and having to ride the bus wasn’t a pain in the ass compared to riding a bus in Manila. The week-long trip was unforgettable, but I’ll share those that made it at the top of my list.
Waikiki Beach
“I guess one unforgettable experience I had would be the one over at Hanauma Bay. It was a great day, the sun was up, and I was so ready to go snorkeling and see the reefs and fishes up close (imagine seeing Nemo and Dory), but it was such a struggle for me because it was low tide on that day! I tried to swim and simply checked out the beautiful reefs and fishes. At first, I was really freaking out because they were really close to my face and they’re slimy as f***! Hahaha! But eventually I got used to the ‘closeness.’ Right after my adventure, I saw that my legs were full of scratches and bruises. Reefs are a bad idea when it’s low tide, but the view was just too breathtaking to miss!
Hanauma Bay
“I also enjoyed the Diamond Head trail, a two-mile hike involving steep, dusty, and dark-in-others trail that allowed me to see the beautiful view of O’ahu.
Diamond Head Trail
“And when it comes to food, I’m not hard to please. I’ve always enjoyed In-N-Out, Cheesecake Factory, the Yardhouse, Panda Express, and Chipotle.”
Danica‘s TRAVEL TIP for those planning to visit the United States:
“When traveling in the U.S., well, sunblock is a must! Nakakalinlang ang cold weather nila.”
Canada According to Pia
Pia‘s latest Canada trip was short and sweet. She was also in the U.S. for a three-week vacation, and then she decided to spend a week with his brother and his family who are now living in Toronto. She remembered, “I was able to make the most of it. We went to different interesting places.”
A photo of Pia with her brother Marvin, sister-in-law Emily, and niece Mara taken inside the Eaton Center, downtown Toronto.
The Niagara Falls: “One of the most beautiful and breathtaking views I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Standing right in front of it was like standing in front of a 4D painting, complete with cool mist spraying all over my face.”
She was also lucky to have witnessed the annual Santa Claus Parade, a tradition which started in 1905.
“I’ve always thought dinosaur fossils only exist in movies like ‘Jurassic Park,’ but I actually saw real ones in ROM or Royal Ontario Museum – a museum of world culture and natural history.”
Canon Theatre – a historic film and play theatre built in the 1920′s.
“One of the major tourist destinations in Canada, the CN Tower, is one of the world’s tallest structures ever built.”
“My ‘chocolate tower.’ This photo was taken in a restaurant called 360, inside the CN tower. It’s a fine-dining restaurant that literally revolves to offer a great 360 view of Toronto – 1,515 feet above the ground! To those planning to visit Toronto, make sure you don’t miss this place.”
“Tourists, like me, dared to stand on the glass floors.”
“Tim Horton’s is Canada’s version of Starbucks. There’s one in every corner. I was able to try their biscuits (so good!) and of course, their ever-famous French Vanilla.”
Pia‘s TRAVEL TIP for those planning to visit Canada:
“If you’re planning to visit Canada, make sure you’re prepared for the cold weather. I went there during the fall and I wore layers of clothes.”
“Here’s a photo of me and my niece inside the subway. It’s much easier to go around by taking the bus and the train than driving your own car.”
♥♥♥
When all has been TRAVELED TO and done, the “travel bug” will still keep on “bugging” you! That’s why Danica and Pia have other dream destinations…
D: My next dream destinations are Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. I’d like to check out Australia and New Zealand for job opportunities, really. But I’m very much curious about the pure adrenaline drive people are crazy about (bungee jumping, paragliding, and sky diving). With Japan, basically, I want to see the cherry blossoms and an ice bar.
P: I don’t have a particular dream destination as of yet. I’m just inspired by my friends and their experiences in different places in the Philippines and in other countries.
And that wraps up North America according to my two friends Danica and Pia! How about you? What’s your DREAM DESTINATION?
Well, I think you can agree with Danica first for next month, I’ll be featuring my next continent: OCEANIA (or AUSTRALIA). See you again on the 12th of March!!!
Keep calm and travel on.
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
Also, check out January’s featured traveler -
Traveler of The Month: Minnie And Her Latin American Adventure.
Traveler of The Month: Minnie And Her Latin American Adventure
¡Hola, hola! (Translation: “Hello, hello!” Hahaha!)
But before you even think na idol ko si Dora, I’ll already introduce to you my very first featured traveler AND one of my closest friends: Minnie.
M stands for MIKA and MINNIE
Minnie has been traveling ever since she was young (around 9-10 years old), but it wasn’t until she was older when the “travel bug” has bitten her. She claims that when she was still a kid, she wasn’t really thrilled whenever she had to travel and didn’t really think of traveling as a “big deal” — which I think is common among the younger ones! Eh kasi naman diba, traveling means GISINGAN NG MAAGA — a big no-no for children, heck even for me — until now! Hehehe.
Anyway, Minnie traveled (and still travels) mostly with her family during school breaks and the summer season. She has been to at least 24 countries and four continents: Asia, Europe, North America, and of course, South America!
Just last year, she was able to visit Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, and Peru. Nice, huh? Well luckily, Minnie was kind enough to share with us her very own adventure…
MEXICO
VENEZUELA
Sprite… err… CHINOTTO, anyone?
Minnie said that the South American country that has left a big impact on her was Peru (Cuzco and Lima). Why? Two words: Machu Picchu. As we all know,
“Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll.”
Ayyy, as Wikipedia knows pala! Wahahahaha! Anywhooo, Minnie also finds it cute that llamas are everywhere in Peru! However, she mentioned that Peru has extreme weather. Yung tipong cold-hot-cold sa umaga-tanghali-gabi. And for those with asthma and difficulty in breathing, heads up! It’s normal in Peru to have a dose of “oxygen” or two. No kidding. They even sell “oxygen” candies or whatnot just so you can breathe normally again.
a sample of the “oxygen” candies I was talking about…
Aside from Peru, Brazil (Foz do Iguacu and Rio de Janeiro) also holds a special place in Minnie‘s heart. Simply because if you don’t find seeing the Christ the Redeemer statue in the flesh as something special, then I don’t know why you had to go to Brazil in the first place! Main tourist attraction kaya yun! So you get the point. I hope so. Haha! Also, Minnie recalled that traveling in the land of Havaianas is actually a bit relaxed. Plus, their “steak” is to die for! So if you happen to be in Brazil, alam niyo na ang o-orderin ninyo. And speaking of Havaianas, a pair of this famous Brazilian flip-flops is Php200-300 cheaper compared to the ones sold in the Philippines! SOOO, alam niyo narin ang magiging pang-pasalubong ninyo!!!
Travel tip: Minnie observed that when it comes to food, Mexico’s prices are cheaper compared to Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela’s. So spell affordable. But of course, they’re still a little bit pricey compared to the Philippines! Haha! Kaya mi amigas y mi amigos, magtipid na — now na!
BRAZIL
Foz do Iguacu
Rio de Janeiro
PERU
Cuzco
Lima
Of course Minnie‘s travels don’t end here. In fact, some of her dream destinations include South Africa, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Greece, Russia, Turkey, and many mooore! Sabi nga namin (in true “Consular and Diplomatic Affairs” fashion — our course in college), the United Nations has 192 member states… Kung ganun, we still both have a looong waaay to gooo! (Heller, lalo na’ko! LOL.) But with a travel history like hers, it looks like it won’t be THAT long before she crosses out one country (after another) off her list. It’s actually a “MUST” for her to travel EVERY YEAR — doesn’t matter whether it’s domestic or international — as long as she gets to discover a new place everytime. In fact, I think that if there’s one thing my friend will never get tired of, that’s DISCOVERING NEW PLACES for sure! And that, THAT is one thing she also wishes for YOU — to never get tired of traveling and discovering new things. After all, LIFE — as we say — is already a “journey” in itself.
Thank you, Min, for agreeing to share with us your very own Latin American adventure!!!
Love yah, Min! Mwah, mwah, mwah.
As for you my dear readers, already inspired to SAVE! SAVE!! SAVE!!! for your next trip? Well, hold your horses! For next month, I’ll be covering the second continent on my list: NORTH AMERICA!
The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project, let’s do this! See you again on the 12th of February to meet my next featured traveler!!!
Keep calm and travel on.
—
This post is brought to you by The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project.
Something *NEW* (The Lady’s 2012 Blog Project)
In my year-ender post, I mentioned that I’m working on a special project for THIS blog of mine. And I’m happy to say that d-day has come to finally reveal it (meganon?!)
On my sidebar, you can see “The World” as one of my categories. And yeah, I’ll be adding a subcategory called “SPECIAL FEATURE: The Travelers” — which is kind of self-explanatory. Obviously, I’ll be featuring one traveler per month, but they won’t just be any travelers. For the first half of 2012, my goal is to cover EVERY CONTINENT. Which brings us to…
Six Continents in Six Months
To satisfy MY and YOUR “wanderlust,” I’ve contacted some of the people I know who’ve been to each continent to share their very own stories (thanks much to some of my friends who already agreed to do this project with me!) So if you’re itching to travel but still haven’t quite reached your “travel fund” goal yet, then all you have to do is sit back, relax, and READ MY BLOG! Of course I expect you to enjoy, too, along the way!
So that’s six months, six continents: South America in January. North America in February. Oceania (or Australia) in March. Europe in April. Asia in May. Africa in June. After that, let’s see what happens…
So check back every 12th of the month. Wala lang… Kasi 6+6 = 12 — 2012! Haha, sabaaaw! But yeah, EVERY 12TH OF THE MONTH. Starting this January 12, 2012… See ya!
In the meantime, you can check out my very own “travel history” here. (Oy don’t expect much! I, myself, am a “budding traveler!” Hahaha!)
—
AND OH! Since it’s the New Year and all that — wherein “cleaning” is one of the infamous resolutions — I decided to do my own “cleaning!” I’m such a major bookworm that my room is already FULL of books — both read and unread. I can actually “earn” from them if I ever decide to have a “rent-a-book” business (haha!) or sell them for a fraction of their costs. But no, I have a better idea! Instead of making a profit out of them, I’ve decided to give them away for FREE! Don’t worry, they’re all in GOOD CONDITION. And yeah, I prefer to call them PRE-LOVED instead of secondhand! Think The Lady’s Pre-Loved Books! Mwahahahahaha!
And since our theme is TRAVELING, I scoured my entire book collection for some travel-themed ones! Hence one of my favorite book series, Students Across the Seven Seas (S.A.S.S.)
“Students Across the Seven Seas is a novel series published by Penguin. There is no set author for the series. The books center around a fictional Study Abroad program which shares its name with the series title…”
I’ll be giving away TWO BOOKS to ONE WINNER:
Now and Zen by Linda Gerber
(set in Japan)
and
When Irish Guys Are Smiling by Suzanne Supplee
(set in Ireland)
To join, simply send me your answer to this question (in one sentence, please):
“What is your DREAM DESTINATION and WHY?”
Send your answers to mikhaelageorgette@gmail.com (I repeat, only one sentence) on or before January 14, 2012 (Saturday). The winner will be notified directly via e-mail.
[CONTEST CLOSED]
Bon voyage, mi amigos!!! (Oha, I just used both French and Spanish in ONE SENTENCE! Hahaha! )
P.S: Don’t forget to come back on January 12, 2012 (Thursday) to read all about my very first featured traveler! Ciao!!!
