New Year's Travel Resolutions

 

     Every year, Filipinos make a list of their New Year's Resolutions.  It's fun, really, but it doesn't mean that everything, or perhaps, even anything, on that list will be undertaken.  Oh well, I guess I wouldn't lose anything if I make one for myself, right?  Considering this is a travel blog, I might as well write down my new year's resolutions pertinent to traveling, right?

     Here it goes:

1. Go to JAPAN in the fall.

    2. Stay at a hostel or budget inn.

   3.  Celebrate Christmas or New Year in another country.

   4.  Go to Boracay and use my all-expenses paid raffle prize [I already bought a bathing suit].
 

   5. Go to Singapore during the Singapore Sale.
 

   6. Finish articles about my past travel experiences to Singapore, Bangkok and Malaysia before the first week of February.
 

   7. Buy a new luggage set.
 

   8. Try to minimize my foreign travels into 2 trips this year [but then again I won't be able to fulfill my other resolutions].
 

   9. Travel alone.
 

   10. Don't buy unnecessary things so I could use my money for traveling instead [this year, I bought a laptop even though I already have one; I bought set of jewelry and I bought a Bulgari and Prada specs (my eyesight's really poor) and a few branded shades.   Yup, I always end up wasting money.

     Will I be able to do all these?  Ehh... Heehee.

    
N.B.


Stock photo courtesy of City of Blackbirds

A Future Trip to Boracay

     I'm probably one of the few local tourists who haven't been to Boracay, ever.  As you may well know, Boracay is a top tourist destination, for local and international travelers alike.  White, sandy beaches, varying hues of blue waters, beautiful sunset, and relentless partying come summer.  I love the beach, even though I cannot swim, but I do like to frolic in the sand, dip in the cool sea, and just stare at the beauty of nature.  However, I find going to Boracay a tedious process.  You must board a plane to Caticlan, and then ride a boat or something going to the beach.  Also, it's [overly] crowded during the summer and I'm not a party-person.  I'd love to have a more serene atmosphere you see.

     By a stroke of luck, I won a trip to Boracay, all expenses paid, during our Christmas party.  Now, I don't have a reason not to go to Boracay.  I think I'd like to go there in February, but not during March and April.  Let's see if I get the time to go there.  I'll have something to blog about if my Boracay trip pushes through .     

     Wish me luck!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

     I know, it's quite late to greet a Merry Christmas.  In fact, it's the 26th already in our country.  However, it's still Christmas in some parts of the world, right?

     Ever wondered how do I look? Am I a girl or a boy? Do I look creepy or not?  Well, for a limited time offer (it's as if I'm selling something on home tv channel, eh), I'm posting a photo of myself taken during my trip to Beijing.  I'll post it for a few minutes, just so you know I'm a real person who goes to all these places.  For now, let me say my apologies; I am not much to look at. [Edited to add: I deleted the picture already].

     Happy Holidays, dear readers!

 [Candy cane photo by City of Blackbirds; 

cutouts and textures from the Coffeeshop Blog; 

font by MisprintedType]

Merry Christmas!

     I've been having a hard time using the Internet. Our connection has suddenly become so slow, like dial-up slow. Maybe because it's Christmas?!

     Anyway, I know I've been slacking off the past few months and that I haven't been up to the task of completing my travel adventures. I've been busy with work lately but I might be able to wrap up my blogging tasks before the year ends. This week, to be exact. I will also try my best to watch and blog about the Hidden Cities season 2, but for some reason, I always forget to catch it on tv. All I've watched was the episode on China's Yangtze river and the Grand Canal that I've been dreaming of visiting. Well, Shanghai's going to be my main destination and I'd like a side trip there plus to the West lake.

     Enough of my day dreaming. I must greet all of you a very Merry Christmas before I forget why I wrote this entry.

     Happy Holidays!

Thoughts - New Philippine Peso Bills

     Yesterday, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas unveiled the new Philippine Peso Bills.  There are significant changes: the color saturation is deeper, the persons featured on the bills are made to look younger, way younger (President Quezon looks like in his 20's, while Presidents Osmena, Roxas and Macapagal look like in their 40's.  The new Php 500 now has President Cory Aquino, together with her husband, who happens to be the incumbent President's parents.  The dorsal of the new bills are also new.  

     I hope this helps travelers to the country not to get confused with the new bills which will be in circulation this month.

From: Business World

Thoughts: Approved Visa to China

     Finally, I got word from my travel agent that my visa to China has been approved, for 30 days! Yay!  It'll be delivered to me later.  I can finally go to China.  I'll be leaving the country tomorrow and will arrive in Beijing past midnight, 24 November 2010.

     See, I'm so happy considering that my visa was applied for just last week.  Certain circumstances led to the late filing of my visa but all's well.  And I got a 30-day visa at that.  See, I could even stay longer than I wanted in China, not that I'm planning to do so.  Well, who knows if some guy falls madly in love with me and begs me to stay longer.  Not that it'll happen, or that I'll allow that to happen.  But still...it's the thought that I could choose to maximize my stay that counts, right? 

     I don't know if I could blog in China; perhaps not.  I'm sure that there's no Facebook access, but I don't have a Facebook account so it doesn't matter.  So, probably, you'll hear from me when I return back on the 29th.

     Wish me luck!

Thoughts: Philippine Tourism's Slogan - Pilipinas, Kay Ganda

     In the past days, news of the Department of Tourism's (DOT) new slogan for attracting tourists into the country quickly spread.  Apparently, the DOT's replacement for Dick Gordon's WOW Philippines is Pilipinas, Kay Ganda.  What was that again?  Ehh...

     Personally, I prefer the old slogan, WOW Philippines.  It's catchy, it's easy to understand not just by Filipinos but by other nationalities as well since it's in (very basic) English. But the new DOT Secretary's pet slogan is Pilipinas, Kay Ganda.  Not only it is in the vernacular, and thus limited in its scope, but it also sounds so, so...Ricky Reyes' Hair Salon: Gandang Ricky Reyes.  It has no bite, and even if the slogan provides a pronunciation guide and a definition of what kay ganda means, tourists are more likely to be confused than be curious with the slogan.  They'll be like, what was that again?

     Well, a slogan in the vernacular is great if it's geared for attracting local tourists since we could all understand it.  Foreigners, on the other hand, will likely have a difficult time  remembering and saying our slogan.  And I guess that's the common sentiment in the country considering that the DOT is now saying that Pilipinas Kay Ganda is not yet set in stone; it's just a preview.  Say what?  The DOT releases an unfinished and incomplete idea to the public?  Why is that?  Unless they're ashamed of their own idea.  But who are they kidding?  They already launched the slogan.  Well, at least the DOT is willing to (appear to) listen  to the people: the new slogan's really, meh.  But really, they even pulled out their new website if only to placate the tirades hurled against the DOT.

     See, Malaysia has "Malaysia, Truly Asia" and I love their slogan.  It rhymes perfectly when spoken, and the idea that Malaysia is really and truly representative of Asia is well-thought of.  It's like, "What can be more Asia than Malaysia?  Malaysia, Truly Asia."  See.  Very Nice.  Makes me want to go to Malaysia.  Then Taiwan, our close neighbor, has "Taiwan, Touch Your Heart."  And you know what, when I went to Taiwan, I really felt the warmth of its people; it really touched my heart.  Thailand has "Amazing Thailand." Short, simple, easy to understand, and very easy to remember.  Vietnam has "Vietnam: The Hidden Charm."  It makes me want to there and explore Vietnam's hidden charm. 

     Indeed, the Philippines is a beautiful country, but the slogan's better off said in English so that more people from other nations could easily understand it.  And the goal of the tourism department is to entice not only local tourists but likewise foreign tourists.

Thoughts: My Travel Essentials

     

     I admit, I'm a very lousy and sloppy person.  I am not organized with my things; in fact, my desk looks as if disaster struck.  And my inability to be orderly reflects how I pack my travel suitcase.  Yup, I am a pack-rat to be honest.

     I know, I know.  Packing my whole house in a suitcase is not the ideal way to travel.  Who wants to lug around heavy luggage?  That is why I'm trying to change for the better.  During my last 3 trips abroad this year, I packed light.  I swear.  I brought just enough clothes and only 2 extra blouses/shirts. I used to pack a change of clothing to last for the whole week even if I'll only be traveling for three days.  But now I've seen the light: the extra space on my luggage would mean more space for souvenirs and goods. Haha.

     Seriously, I've traveled to foreign countries a few times already (and a lot of domestic flights), so I know what and what not to pack.  But then again, I'm kinda weird, so, my list may not be suitable for everyone. Here's my list of travel essentials:

      1.  Make-up and Hair Iron

           This is not all vanity, you know.  Remember that while Filipinos get by wearing with little or no make up at all, that isn't so in other countries.  It's actually polite to wear make-up, especially in East Asia.  Making yourself look presentable, even while visiting tourists spots, is always a good thing.  And, who knows, I might get to meet a guy or two.  Heehee.  As for the hair iron?  I could use it to curl my hair or to tame my voluminous tresses.  First impressions really last, and I don't want to leave an impression with my disheveled hair, patchy skin or dry lips.

     2.  Sunscreen/sunblock [SPF], Moisturizer, Lip balm and my own Toiletry set

         These are a must here in the tropics and they're a must elsewhere.  Staying too long under the sun?  Or outdoors in a blistering cold?  Remember that sunscreen, moisturizer and lip balm are all-seasons essentials and not only for summers.  These are great for winter as well as cold winds dry-out the skin. Also, UV rays are as damaging in winter as in summer.

        Even if hotels provide toiletry items, I still bring my own, especially shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste and so on.  I put them on a small, compact case, something that would fit inside my purse.  And I never forget to bring facial tissues, cotton balls, cotton buds and wet wipes, too.

     3.  Cardigan, pashmina wrap or a light jacket

         Even if I'm going to Bangkok or Singapore, I still bring with me either of these three.  You'll never know when it'll get a little cold, and it's usually cold at the airport and inside the plane.   Personally, I really  prefer a pashmina. I could use it as a wrap when it gets cold, as an accessory, or as a blanket, too.  And it is so convenient to carry around.

     3.  Book or manga

         I never fail to bring with me a book or two or some of my manga.  However, reading a manga can last no longer than half an hour, snail pace at that.  So, I just bring one manga volume with me, and a paperback.  But really, it consumes space, so I'm thinking of buying a Kindle.

     4.  Laptop

         I know, I know.  If I want to travel light, I should leave my laptop at home.  But see, I always bring it with me whichever country I go.  I should opt to have a netbook or perhaps an iPad if I want to bring a computer with me, right? But, I've adapted so well traveling with a laptop when I was working in a different city last year, shuffling to and from airports.  I don't find it a liability anymore, just a part of my life.  However, what is the use of a laptop if there's no wi-fi?  Hmm.  Nonetheless, I plan to carry my new laptop to China.

      5.  Cellular phone, camera and their chargers plus adapter

           You see, if I have a phone, I can access the internet especially if there is wi-fi.  But I just carry my phone just to placate my mother's sentiments that I am all right, that I'd tell her that I'm not lost, or having a hard time or in trouble.  Or if the boss needs to ask about work  Besides, my phone, has a Google maps application, so it's handy when I roam around (yup, I just leave my laptop at the hotel).

         Of course, what it the use of traveling if you don't have with you a camera.  It does not need to be a fancy dslr, just a simple point and shoot will do.  And don't forget the chargers and extra batteries for your gadgets, and before you zip up your suitcase, research first the the type of pin and the voltage used in the place you'll go to.  In the Philippines, we use the 2-pin socket, just like in the US but in Singapore and Hong Kong, they have three-pronged pins.  I carry with me an adapter whenever I go there, in case the hotel doesn't provide one or if I have to use all sockets at one time.

     6.  Medicines

         Even if it's just mefenamic acid, or loperamide, better bring your own. It's difficult to find the brand that you're used to.  If it's prescription, it is all the more important to bring your own medicines.

     7.  Insect and Mosquito repellent, and Umbrella

          We live in the tropics, so I'm used to having a mosquito repellent handy.  Whenever I go to another country, I use one; you'll never know what bug will bite you.  And you'll find an umbrella, a folding one, very useful.  Protect yourself from the sun's rays, from the rain or snow.  Use an umbrella.  A very cute umbrella would make bringing an umbrella tolerable.

     8.  Credit cards, Cash and Travel Insurance

          I bring just enough cash with me; just around USD 400 to 500 (around Php 17,000+ to 21,000 Php) per travel in an Asian country.  After all, our flights, hotels and ground arrangements are all pre-paid.  But I don't spend it all.  That's a lot of money, at least for me, especially if I'll only be staying for 3D2N.  I bring credit cards for emergency purposes.  There might be instances when flights gets canceled, or when I fail to reach the airport on time for my departure, or when I decide to stay an extra day or two.  At least, I'll be sufficiently funded to buy another ticket home, or to book another hotel.

          And, don't forget to buy a travel insurance; it's always better to be on the safe side.  In fact, never travel without one.

     9.  Shopping bag [cloth or nylon]

         I always bring with me those convertible shopping bag, the ones that can be folded.  I could always stash my souvenirs and goodies in there when I go shopping; I could put an extra bottle of water in there, or an extra piece of shirt.  If I can't fit my belongings and souvenirs into my suitcase, I'll just have to put the excess inside the shopping bag and hand-carry it inside the airplane.

     10.  Notebook and Pen

          Come on, you should always bring a pen and notebook, or paper (those stick notes are good, too), with you anywhere you go.  And you need this most specially when you're out traveling.  You need to fill up departure and arrival cards; you can write down important information on your notebook; the name of a place, a restaurant, phone number of someone you met...there you go.

    So, this is my travel must-have list, and if you'll notice, these could easily fit into my purse, as  hand-carry, of course, except for the laptop and the hair iron.  Just make sure that there's nothing that exceeds the size and volume restrictions for liquid-based items (sunblock, for example).  

     I hope you find some useful tidbits for your travel planning.

Thoughts: Visa Application to China

     I still don't have a visa to China, and I am supposed to leave on the 23rd of November.  I have submitted my requirements already, though.  However, there is this probability that my application might be denied; apparently, the embassy's so strict in processing visas.  And if that happens, I will bid adieu to my plane tickets (no refund; bought them on sale), and to the fees I paid for visa processing, including agency fees.

     I earnestly hope that I get a visa; after all, I'm not an undesirable alien with no money to spend.  Neither do I have an intention to work in China as an illegal alien. I have complete documents, and I have been to China just last September, though on a group visa to Shenzhen.  Besides, I already bought some autumn/winter clothing already.  So, I'm really really hoping that I'd get a visa.

     I'm crossing my fingers for luck!  Wishing for all the best!

History Channel's Hidden Cities - Taiwan [Unable to Live-blog]

     I was not able to live-blog the episode; I fell asleep early, way too early!  Argh!  I'm sorry. I'll watch it this coming days and replay-blog it.

     And I was so looking forward to watch the show!

Planning for an Adventure in Beijing, China: Part 3 - Preparing for the Weather

     We'll be in Beijing, China, on the last week of November, during the last vestiges of autumn and the early days of winter.  Unlike China, the Philippines only has two seasons: the wet and the dry season.  However, we Filipinos often describe our climate as either of these two: hot, or hotter.  Kidding aside, since we don't have four seasons like China, well, except for Batanes as claimed by Seair's website, we're not accustomed to the cold, much more, winter.  And we cannot be blamed for that.  We're used to the almost year-round humidity and we don't use winter clothing here, so, we have a limited choice when it comes to buying those seasonal clothes.  This is where our problem now lies.

     When I went to Hong Kong almost two months ago, I bought some autumn clothes, the knitted ones  I can also use here when staying inside airconditioned places, like our office.  Then, I made some research and realized that the temperatures in November in Beijing ranges from 10 C to 0 C, and that is just about the average.  And since we'll be there on the last week of November, temperatures drop to single digits to the low negative single digits.  Seriously, it's a reason to be bothered.  I haven't experienced low temperatures, at least, not lower than what the airconditioning provides, and certainly, not in the lower -teens.  Besides, I get colds whenever the temperatures change due to my allergies.  So, yay me!

     Right now, I'm trying to find some winter clothes, preferably, the ones which are on super sale or extremely cheap.  If it's pretty and it fits me, I'll buy even if it's from a second-hand store.  We cannot use winter clothing here in our country so no need to splurge.  But I'll definitely buy thermal camisole and leggings/stockings; I actually prefer wearing skirts or dresses, and I'll just wear thermal stockings underneath to combat the cold. 

     Next on my list of problems: shoes.  I cannot wear my Fit Flops, right?   That is, unless I wear Japanese  tabi socks.  Hey, that is not a bad idea.  Hmm... Anyway,  definitely, I cannot I wear my platform sandals, even if its made by Crocs considering that those are not made for walking far, much less for winter walking (almost 3 inches high).  So, do I need some winter boots?  I have a pair of ankle boots made of soft faux leather material with cloth lining.  It's flat, it's soft and I've tried walking quite a distance with those boots and they're comfortable.  But I bought it just for Php 300.00 in Divisoria, two years ago, so I don't know if it'll last that long.  I saw a pair of winter boots, though, like UGGs in Terranova, a clothes boutique, as well as some autumn/winter clothing.  The boots were almost Php 1,700.00, and I'm not sure if I can afford it.  I still have to buy my thermal tights and camisole from Marks and Spencer and they're not cheap.

     I don't have any thick jackets yet and I plan to layer my clothes.  But I do have some neck scarves I bought in Hong Kong, and one my cousin lent to me, and a bonnet.  I don't have gloves, though.  While my list of must haves for late autumn/early winter survival are still deficient, I'm still planning on how I would look.  I still want to look fashionable as much as I want to stay warm.  And, I'll just buy another winter boots in Beijing, the cheap ones, even the knock-off ones, and a winter coat if the need arises.  So, I have to watch what I bring to and from Beijing, lest I end up with excess baggage.

     Even if faced with weather challenges, I'm still super excited to go to Beijing.  And I'll be much happier if it snows, even if I can only barely tolerate the cold.  I haven't seen real snow, ever, so as long as I don't catch pneumonia or something, I'd be happy to see snow falling from the skies.  Although I know that it rarely snows, much less in November, unless the Chinese government decides to make the snow fall in November, just like last year.

Engine Troubles: A Plane Makes an Emergency Landing in Singapore

     Travelers' greatest fear might be plane troubles, and honestly, every time I ride an airplane, I always utter a short prayer before take-off.  I never seem to get used to turbulence; not at all.  That is why I always pick seats in front when flying with Cebu Pacific; in fact, I almost always buy those coveted first-row seats.  After all, Cebu Pacific's planes are small and every twist and turn, you'd get to feel it.  But if you're seated at the front, it is not so bad.

     This afternoon, I got twitter updates regarding a Qantas A380 plane bound for Australia from London which made an emergency landing in Singapore.  Apparently, while over Indonesia, the passengers heard an explosion of some sorts, and one of the four engines malfunctioned.  The airplane had to fly back to Singapore where it departed (on a stop-over).  And, debris fell from the skies down to Indonesian land.  Thank God, no one was hurt.  But it is still a very frightening experience for the passengers...

Live-blogging the Hidden Cities - Beijing

     So, the show officially starts now!

     10:03     Underground city

     Okay, so the Chinese built underground shelter in case of nuclear attack. No. 46 Fang Jia Hutong has a bomb shelter?! Hey, can we come and go there?  Woah! It's huge and vast! There was a restaurant, office, machine room and even an elevator shaft.

     10:07     Tunnel in the underground city

     So narrow!  Not for the claustrophobic as it gets narrower. They call it the underground Great Wall.  It was built in the 1950s to the 1960s.

     10:09     Construction of the underground city: Narrative account from an officer involved.

     300,000 people built it; half a square meter allocated per person inside the bunkers.  As long as there is nuclear power, the officer says the bunker will always be relevant.

     10:12     Commercial

     So, No. 46 Fang Jia Hutong, I'm looking at you now.

     10:14     Some bomb shelters have been destroyed

     Oh, a cute Chinese journalist.  They'll go into one of the bunkers again.  Another hutong (Nanluoguxiang), another bomb shelter.  The cute journalist who accompanies the host says some people does not even know that there are shelters underneath.  Oh, they went into another tunnel.  It looks creepy, like straight from a horror movie.

      There are even exit signs, men's toilet signs, even no smoking signs.  They say some have been converted into subterranean hotels before for budget travelers and migrants, but not anymore because of safety concerns.

     10:21    Oh crap, the History Channel's having signal problems.

     10:21    Old Summer Palace

     Five times the size of the Forbidden City.  The host is talking about the looting and destruction of the Old Summer Palace.  Experts are attempting to recreate it in 3d.  And it's commercial break.

     This is one place that I'd really love to visit, I just don't know if I could cajole my friends to do so.

     10:25    Tsinghua University's attempt to recreate the Old Summer Palace in 3d

     Old Summer Palace is huge; 8x the size of Vatican City.  They've completed the western section, the palace where Qianlong Emperor lived.

     They're now in Haiyan Pavillon, now in ruins.  They'll conduct a laser scan, with the professor and two of her assistants.

     Back at the University.  Holy crap! 3d images, of even complex buildings!

     10:31     Tian Yi Tombs

   

     Eunuchs' history.  Important eunuchs were likewise rewarded with massive tombs, such as Tian Yi, and they're visiting his tomb.  The tomb is circular with a dome roof.  Going underneath the tomb now.  Tomb split in two sections, one like a courtyard.  Looters have been inside the tomb.  And, it's commercial break.

     10:40     Religious sites: Beijing a religious hub

     Fayuan Temple, a Buddhist temple.  Then a mosque, Niujie mosque, built in the 10th century.  It's a traditional Chinese structure.  They're showing the cleansing ritual, then to the main prayer room.  Oh, Arabic calligraphy in gold.  The oldest section is built a thousand years ago and it's well preserved.

     10:48     Dining with a Chinese muslim family

     Lively dinner with delectable meal.  And there are 20 million muslim in China.

     10:52     Relic hunting in Bao Guo Temple

     Thursdays and Saturdays have more relics for sale.  The host calls it a glorified garage sale.  95% are newly manufactured.  Few antiques are far and between.  Replicas are mostly from Henan.  They make it look really old.

     Relic hunting in demolished hutongs.

 

     10:57  Beijing recap

     The end.

     The episode was very entertaining and informative.  Hope I could visit some of these places as well.  Learn from the episode: antiques are now far and between, so be cautious.  And, we should try to visit the hutongs before they disappear.

Thoughts: Testing - Blogging from Microsoft Word 2010

       

     I bought a new laptop the other day. It's a Sony Vaio E Series laptop [VPCEB23FX] in coconut white. It's 15.5" and has a very excellent 1366x768 widescreen display, an Intel i3 Core, 2.26 ghz, 4g RAM and 320 gb of disk space. It came pre-installed with Windows 7 and Microsoft Office Starter 2010 [Word and Excel only]. Not bad, eh? But it rendered me almost broke. Heh. And I have to pay it in 6 months. Yup. I'm on the edge of being destitute now. Haha! 
       However, my new laptop's sleek in all white (save for the bottom part) and its full keyboard is a huge plus. Yup, I have a separate numeric keypad like that of an ordinary desktop keyboard. The gleaming whiteness of my new laptop is just so calming…How could something so pretty render me totally penniless?  Well, one thing's for sure.  it's going to affect my travel plans for next year...Perhaps, no more travel for the first six months of 2011?  We'll see.

      Err, I'm still unsure how to post pictures using this service. Hmm. Let me try.

     [After the blog has been posted, no photos appeared so I just uploaded photos via Blogger the ordinary way.]

      So, I don't know how to post pictures via Microsoft Word blogging service.  Hmm, I'll just post the old-fashioned way via Blogger.

Thoughts: So Lazy

Lately, I have not been feeling well which led me to fall into a deep hole called procrastination. I know I have not been able to update my travel entries for Singapore and Malaysia. But I'll make up for that this weekend. Hopefully.

Thoughts: Surviving in Non-English Speaking Countries

My survival guide which I guarded zealously as if it's my passport.

 

     Before I went to Taiwan, people I know were asking me how would I survive in a non-English speaking country.  It baffled me, too, to be honest.  I realized that I went to Thailand and not everybody there speaks English but I got along just fine.  So, what's the fuss in the going to Taiwan where the main language is Mandarin?  And now that I'm going to Beijing in November, people are once again wondering how could I survive without knowing how to speak and understand their language.

     
     Well, in my case, I just thoroughly researched ALL the places I wanted to see in Taiwan before actually going there.  My main concern then was directions to and from those places, so, to minimize asking the locals for directions, I used google maps to scout the area I wanted to visit.  With the street view offered by google maps, I became well-acquainted not only how to get from one place to another but also how the area looks like.  Moreover, google maps in Taiwan also provides information how to get by through public transportation.

     Of course, I was aware that I'll have to ask someone about something sometime.  So, I asked the hotel receptionist to translate useful words and phrases for me in my notebook which I could show to people in case I really needed to say something.  These range from food allergies,  money changer to asking someone to marry me.  Needless to say, the hotel receptionist was laughing so hard translating my list.  You never know when asking someone to marry you comes in handy.  Hahaha.  If I had my way, I would even ask the receptionist to translate this, "Police! I've been raped!" ala-Nodame (Nodame Cantabile anime/manga).

     In real life, the sentences which proved very useful for me are: "I'm allergic to shellfish," and "Today is my birthday."  And yes, I was not able to use, "Will you marry me?"  I didn't see Vic Zhou, Jerry Yan, Mike He, Ethan Ruan, or Joe Cheng, so I had no one to say it to. Heehee.  Perhaps, some other time.  In Beijing, maybe.

     Speaking of Beijing, this time, I will try my hardest to be able to speak even a little of the basic Mandarin phrases.  I don't know if I can do it, but I'll definitely try it.

   

Thoughts: Mooncake Festival

     When I was in Hong Kong early this month, I noticed that there were a lot of posters for mooncakes; at the MTRs, malls, everywhere.  I was wondering why.  Then, I realized, the mooncake festival was about to come. 

     Last week, I received mooncakes from a Chinese acquaintance I met a few years back.  I helped her with some matters concerning her citizenship, and now, she doesn't fail in giving me gifts every Christmas, Chinese new year and mooncake festival.  One Chinese new year, she even gave a red envelope with some cash inside.  Well, she's older than me by some 15 years or so, and she wouldn't take the envelope back, insisting it's tradition, so I just imagined it came from my aunt.  Heehee.

     This year, she sent a box of mooncakes and some yogurt treats for the mooncake, or mid-autumn, festival. Yay! 

   

   

Thoughts: I'm Sick!

     For the past two weeks, I've been feeling under the weather, primarily because of the weather.  Well, let's just say that I am not a fan of changing temperatures: summer hot and sunny in the morning and afternoon then rain showers late afternoon or at night.  This roller coaster of a weather is bad for my allergies, thus, for two weeks now, I have colds that would not go away.  I was even absent for work this Monday because of my unrelenting allergies.  

     And, worse, I am feeling under the weather, figuratively.  Well, let's just say that I want to go to some other places other than those I've already visited but there's no one who wants to come with me.  Yay, not. I've never been the popular one, so I guess, I just reap what I sow.  And mind you, travelling alone is more expensive than say, travelling with someone, unless I pay for the both of us.  At least for me.  

     I know, I know, I could travel by myself, but I don't want to get used to it, and I don't want to do it in say, South Korea.  Drop me somewhere in Japan and I'd probably survive since I am a little used to their culture, food and language.  But in South Korea?  I'd manage but still...oh well.  And I really, really want to go there early next year.  I guess, I'd just go there alone.  Anyway, I don't think Korean immigration would detain me being single, a lady and travelling alone.  After all, I can always wave around a certain identification card and they'd let me be, for sure.  But still, I must muster enough resources and courage, yet again.   

Taiwan Adventure: Wrap-up

  

     Finally, I've finished my Taiwan adventure chronicles.  A few observations and insights:

     First, the people of Taiwan are warm, helpful and hospitable.  They made me feel at home, and whenever I was on a bind, someone would lend a helping hand with a smile.

     Second, I've only seen a part of Taiwan but what I saw was just beautiful.  And the city is very green and very clean.

     Third, I like that Taipei, though a city, has plenty of parks and walking and/or hiking trails to offer.  And rest and relaxation can be had some 30 minutes away from the city, like in Beitou and Yangmingshan.

     Fourth, I love that beauty products from Japan are cheaper.  A huge bottle of Tsubaki shampoo is less than Php 400.00 at Cosmed.

     Fifth, Taiwanese people are stylish, and I felt so pedestrian with my Coach bag since a lot of people were carrying LVs and Guccis.

     Sixth, public transportation is efficient and orderly.  Almost no one takes the seats reserved for the pregnant, disabled, the old and the children at the MRTs, even if these are unoccupied.  And, the waiting lines at the MRTs are so organized, and people fall in line properly, with a good distance from the person in front of them.  Unlike here in my country, they don't push/pull people whenever the trains arrive.

     Seventh, I want to live in Taiwan, but that's next to impossible, unless I obtain a scholarship for Mandarin language studies.  And I might just do that, probably.

     Eighth, I want to return to Taiwan the soonest possible time.  Perhaps next year during spring.  I'll stay longer, not just for three days, and I'll visit Alishan, Kaohsiung, Sun Moon Lake, and other places of interest. I'm always in awe of the beauty of nature.

     Ninth, of course, Taiwan is a very beautiful country.  I love its mountains, I love its seas. I love its culture, I love its tea.  I love its people's warmth.  And of course, I love its food and Taiwan's love for Hello Kitty!

     And tenth, I love Taiwanese drama series.  I love Ariel Lin, Vic Zhou, Jerry Yan, Rainie Yang, Mike He, Joe Cheng, Ethan Ruan, Allan Luo.  The next time I visit Taiwan, I'll make sure I'll scout more places where their tv series were shot, like Meteor Garden and Black and White.  I understand Black and White was shot in Kaohsiung.

     There.  I think I've said it all, at least for now.

     Thank you Taiwan for those lovely memories! I'll be back to see you again soon!

Thoughts: Succumbing to the iPhone Generation

I've always been a fan of not following the latest trends in technology. I am not particularly fond of texting and calling someone over the phone. I always feel I'm a bother. I don't have an iPod because I'm not particularly fond of pop music and I don't even listen to the radio or buy CDs or download music from iTunes. I think I'm just too absorbed with my own little world to think about having an iPhone. I mean, I won't be using it much anyway. But yesterday, I bought an iPhone. Yes, I finally gave in even though I am not a person who lives by texting and calling all day and night.

So why did I buy an iPhone though it's so expensive and overrated? It's simple. So I won't have to bring my laptop with me when I travel abroad. I could use the iPhone for better phone web browsing and since Blogger just had this new app, I could use my phone to blog about my latest travel adventures. Why not buy an iPad instead? I've seriously thought about it but I have 2 laptops already so I don't think it'll be of much use when I'm not traveling.

At the end of the day, I succumbed to the iPhone generation almost against my will and out of necessity and convenience. I just hope this purchase would really make a difference.