tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22564502965769358652024-03-14T12:07:28.795+08:00Tales from the Red BackpackerChronicles of a twenty-something Graphic Designer, living the indie life, one trip at a time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-54526890562211350242015-08-15T22:17:00.000+08:002015-08-23T18:29:59.182+08:00Hawk Bag: My New Travel Companion<div>
<b>One day, I received a Red Hawk Bag from Cyrus Villarosa, Sales and Marketing Manager of Hawk Bags. I wasn't so sure about trying another brand (since I was using Herschel or North Face for the longest time). But, as soon as I opened the package,</b><b> I knew that I would be using it in my next travels. If you love a bag that looks clean and simple on the outside, but has multiple compartments on the inside, you may consider Hawk Bag as one of your options. </b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI_ENCpp7fwsEj3fi9n50lqd9XJIwJUCgxV_JsGH8S2Pzu3qb6jwKjzVvFjcyeKbMETGEilb7Vh7_H4Rf_8EPQoIJRld_XMpdVONlQCQc3NmsnAtkJRQsm17LPJW-JvLIKTlzexz_S6o/s640/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="460" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See what makes Hawk Bag the perfect companion</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI_ENCpp7fwsEj3fi9n50lqd9XJIwJUCgxV_JsGH8S2Pzu3qb6jwKjzVvFjcyeKbMETGEilb7Vh7_H4Rf_8EPQoIJRld_XMpdVONlQCQc3NmsnAtkJRQsm17LPJW-JvLIKTlzexz_S6o/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div>
<a name='more'></a>I was smitten by the size, design, the functionality, and most importantly, its color. Design-wise, it has two big pockets and one main zipper. I was skeptical at first, with the fear of limited space for my needs -- I was wrong.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Functionality</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The top pocket can handle my notebook, passport, and other things that need immediate accessibility.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQJ3ZBuTwFf4qOaGqaOI1B2kBFLSV22HNgTs624xsQircs3InZft6N9tX2NwQVMFnFaT6MmPcOKeA1zoxBBw3fWEnhhtOcbWtzV6QYp9Wekc5m6I29o09UZ8tIB5bQoSasCSmQoC7BNc/s1600/FullSizeRender+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQJ3ZBuTwFf4qOaGqaOI1B2kBFLSV22HNgTs624xsQircs3InZft6N9tX2NwQVMFnFaT6MmPcOKeA1zoxBBw3fWEnhhtOcbWtzV6QYp9Wekc5m6I29o09UZ8tIB5bQoSasCSmQoC7BNc/s640/FullSizeRender+copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The bottom one contains different pockets for my pens, charger, and other stuff that requires minimum space. Now on to the bigger part: the main compartment.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkHn_KXcPKelCH8yfQ3sm56cr5T1NX03AbdnyN0ZI-a6IzkZ-K_Y1m9h68-0pbuktICcVqAQU6dzAJOcgifn5PGy4dn3vP7PMfpVyPyPrEo6-u756jVxUYSz650293eZbR6o01ZB4mto/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkHn_KXcPKelCH8yfQ3sm56cr5T1NX03AbdnyN0ZI-a6IzkZ-K_Y1m9h68-0pbuktICcVqAQU6dzAJOcgifn5PGy4dn3vP7PMfpVyPyPrEo6-u756jVxUYSz650293eZbR6o01ZB4mto/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just when I thought the bag was small enough for 3-4 days, I was surprised to see that everything fit in. It has a garterized division for your laptops/ipads/valuable items. And the main one can carry 2 pairs of slippers, 6 sets of clothes, toiletries, and my travel pillow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Features</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZO-g69F7VDZNJGMRxKNdFhPd3nOC88D7XIQ3stIEfxHFEsKODy4QsX_XhbCCHNwruu9Cj10Mo9WIpIf7BFtSXzt83bYlvxyv8lLfnqJQzO4UkrTWjxRLAaSwzteC-b9AAsD-mZglvjg/s640/IMG_3920.JPG" width="480" /></span></div>
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What I like most about it is its fabric made from Durashield<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUTwL3OADTis7QIWXnObWaGWsbZUgB_oIfSZvqVubluyPJ0MTVuQxY7H6_mO-zVDt6zvyHXoX6sheHXzg3JtEGw3yAwNWuaE4SaiCbidQjyRakgTIguEjwDVHoGTQNnmeMVuIAKg2Ckc/s1600/FullSizeRender_2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUTwL3OADTis7QIWXnObWaGWsbZUgB_oIfSZvqVubluyPJ0MTVuQxY7H6_mO-zVDt6zvyHXoX6sheHXzg3JtEGw3yAwNWuaE4SaiCbidQjyRakgTIguEjwDVHoGTQNnmeMVuIAKg2Ckc/s640/FullSizeRender_2+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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-- Polyvinyl Chloride made for heavy-duty usage to protect your valuables.<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgs4sJdb69g35JHtUbZJ6y5cmj-p7O2hyphenhyphengY5PgUBsTrzO6fMwbM6Pj00rLIcxMnYLJaTOxk-DKfoxf563ub3iFtTNHqP1K93hgGiEpdp4fS6JA2Sy3whG7UQb7oHJbFwm4BavK2xLc-I/s640/FullSizeRender_1+copy.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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It also has a cushion to support your back.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQEiITD8HAXGLQVqTOH-y9EAjCvnC0Ts0v0qvQ_Kfpb3htveyiIP5CWDdrKIQW1uebSXAvcAZLAHrE5-W58-a-DdByn61OJjGRMTV7lYkz4K9lAUhNkj71e1_no3oFvY32kug8eNPBdQ/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQEiITD8HAXGLQVqTOH-y9EAjCvnC0Ts0v0qvQ_Kfpb3htveyiIP5CWDdrKIQW1uebSXAvcAZLAHrE5-W58-a-DdByn61OJjGRMTV7lYkz4K9lAUhNkj71e1_no3oFvY32kug8eNPBdQ/s640/IMG_3911.JPG" width="542" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Laptop compartment can carry and protect my 13" Macbook</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In my opinion, this is a pretty handy and durable bag. I tried to fill it with heavy items, and it proves to be durable enough to last for a trip. I got soaked because of sudden heavy rain pour, but my items remained dry and secured.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Price</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5oIczYaC7Umsn7GiitMcw0_gHY_Ze5arG66MtWKf1eBlRsLdQqiIVuEJeqUubbaYoEVT4zyMkGjnaFXLoXCFNDyhcR0C3axQrsNr4D6RAuVW-KkTahbvJ9_FO4O108yzfvRzNv_G6Ns/s1600/IMG_3918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5oIczYaC7Umsn7GiitMcw0_gHY_Ze5arG66MtWKf1eBlRsLdQqiIVuEJeqUubbaYoEVT4zyMkGjnaFXLoXCFNDyhcR0C3axQrsNr4D6RAuVW-KkTahbvJ9_FO4O108yzfvRzNv_G6Ns/s640/IMG_3918.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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Herschel's Little America cost me at a hefty price of P4,999.00. The minimum price of a North Face bag will cost you at around P5,000.00. But with<span style="font-family: inherit;"> this design, you can only get it at P1,499.75. You may purchase from their <a href="http://www.hawkbag.com/" target="_blank">website</a> or at any Department stores near you.</span><br />
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<b><u>Overall</u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am a fan. I have always loved backpacks and I've also had my share of disappointments with other brands. Hawk Bag is not one of them. I got this last April and have been using this for staycations....</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrxUsCL7Qg2rQK-BomlphBuawZEneIKdcELnCfrjHrstW6hZWXPFr7mSz6L1MMTXHvYnGjZJkyyrKBx5n4EFxp8t7oZo4sjT4T7kYgw5n70sfJ-TE2suOm5PsV5R2i56Bv-QMmGK2vA8/s1600/11908312_10204148423144315_789465947_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrxUsCL7Qg2rQK-BomlphBuawZEneIKdcELnCfrjHrstW6hZWXPFr7mSz6L1MMTXHvYnGjZJkyyrKBx5n4EFxp8t7oZo4sjT4T7kYgw5n70sfJ-TE2suOm5PsV5R2i56Bv-QMmGK2vA8/s640/11908312_10204148423144315_789465947_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Avoiding the noise of the Metro at Microtel Baguio</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Baguio City, Benguet, July 2015</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfYIuI_VzoK67D1UInlvYEo428dlVs1bPysY_szHNgU0Rkqs-RSfqO0gTFGnT2TNPRbZAjFqwfh6CGmK7TPidE3tmbcAdOwSjkxAfgOec3kha5CeOf3tbcwXqwS2EZ6RujtsV1AfgZd0/s1600/11913398_10204148426344395_358582638_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfYIuI_VzoK67D1UInlvYEo428dlVs1bPysY_szHNgU0Rkqs-RSfqO0gTFGnT2TNPRbZAjFqwfh6CGmK7TPidE3tmbcAdOwSjkxAfgOec3kha5CeOf3tbcwXqwS2EZ6RujtsV1AfgZd0/s640/11913398_10204148426344395_358582638_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Taking a Staycation at Red Planet, Aseana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Manila, July 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">... and long vacations.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBrMaj5kjMMhvW_JWNJkkpSYddY19P3lWpNnqpDJiIFOtz3P6ODzVTF-0L_kR7XS8hyphenhyphen4QRxPrY_Bm0ZhwnnpAsjZyS35umRGwOyU5ySLkk_WhKDOSrC_PR49ZyouW4BueAPwmU35YRDA/s1600/11911121_10204148383143315_1346799124_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBrMaj5kjMMhvW_JWNJkkpSYddY19P3lWpNnqpDJiIFOtz3P6ODzVTF-0L_kR7XS8hyphenhyphen4QRxPrY_Bm0ZhwnnpAsjZyS35umRGwOyU5ySLkk_WhKDOSrC_PR49ZyouW4BueAPwmU35YRDA/s640/11911121_10204148383143315_1346799124_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Strolling along the streets of Jordan, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Hong Kong, China, June 2015</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLQBvdUyHtNVyPXOnVM8B0diaNAb8i8TUZJqDMjUnEg0ix7jasKsWUNVbqqQkybUPviSntlfIh3dszhDx33IBDhexCyDMOqcq-jKbe2s_W8OXetiuTWehINBhLr5v7y3-H0DO_CXO884/s1600/11903524_10204148377623177_825167401_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLQBvdUyHtNVyPXOnVM8B0diaNAb8i8TUZJqDMjUnEg0ix7jasKsWUNVbqqQkybUPviSntlfIh3dszhDx33IBDhexCyDMOqcq-jKbe2s_W8OXetiuTWehINBhLr5v7y3-H0DO_CXO884/s640/11903524_10204148377623177_825167401_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Gazing at the Golden dome of the Sultan Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, August 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Their recent rebranding shows their commitment not only to keep up with their image, but to provide quality and aesthetically modern-looking products for students, travelers, young professionals, and the young-at-heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To quote <span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">Chester Ching, VKC Incorporated Marketing Director</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><i>"Our present generation is a thinking market. With the growing demand of our patrons, who are very specific with what they want and need, we cannot compromise not to step up and better our game play. We cultivated from offering a durable brand to giving close attention to the bag’s functionality, stylish design with superior features. By persistently adapting to changes, Hawk is increasingly growing in the market,”</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ev5aTtO0uOFwW7RDuZdse0aMq8jL2lKfVKdCKGKrDYdUon9WxZwJXpMfw5FBaM_IMlaraLGxc0d2K7bY7z9xsxxmMtgAn-4_qh56_ezNrzBlgOtNX7wrP42oY-dFQ4qIjibwNiwwSCI/s1600/11909899_10204148380823257_1799534688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ev5aTtO0uOFwW7RDuZdse0aMq8jL2lKfVKdCKGKrDYdUon9WxZwJXpMfw5FBaM_IMlaraLGxc0d2K7bY7z9xsxxmMtgAn-4_qh56_ezNrzBlgOtNX7wrP42oY-dFQ4qIjibwNiwwSCI/s640/11909899_10204148380823257_1799534688_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Waiting for Departure at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">August 2015</span></td></tr>
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<b><i>Whether it be for travels or or just a normal day, I trust Hawk Bag and will be using this for days to come.</i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-74052203045980449692015-04-06T20:22:00.000+08:002015-04-11T15:20:03.587+08:00El Nido, Palawan: A Quick Guide to ParadiseThere is nothing more homey than a town like El Nido and its heartwarming people. Of all the trips I've had in 2014, I could probably say that this trip is my most favorite. Here is a quick guide to planning your trip to paradise, that is El Nido, Palawan:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmRyqFU7acxTLigD6gQUM4zkwc9MSgfQUG_clwv5o-bjK5_uSJDgRwE1yfZdN-tq6jv3z7Q_LAzotI9YhRuxFHClEyR9IaQibLhyphenhyphenDRgUTwnaDvoCbKVNTe5FjG7SvI0I_Tapkk-5I-Os/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmRyqFU7acxTLigD6gQUM4zkwc9MSgfQUG_clwv5o-bjK5_uSJDgRwE1yfZdN-tq6jv3z7Q_LAzotI9YhRuxFHClEyR9IaQibLhyphenhyphenDRgUTwnaDvoCbKVNTe5FjG7SvI0I_Tapkk-5I-Os/s1600/cover.jpg" height="318" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paradise is inexpensive as you may otherwise think</td></tr>
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<b><u>How do you get to El Nido, Palawan?</u></b><br />
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Check out promo airfares from Cebu Pacific or Air Asia. I was able to score a Php 2,000 roundtrip flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Book with your chosen hotel so that they can arrange your pickup from the Puerto Princesa airport to El Nido. Roundtrip costs <b>Php 1,100</b>.<br />
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<b><u>Where to stay?</u></b><br />
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There are so many hotels/inns that are available for every traveler. Whether you have the money to book at prestige resorts like El Nido Resorts, or just the right budget for travel inns like Nido Bay Inn, you can never run out of choices for accommodations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvg8dt3JZ0HGDR4c7mIrdc0EPjlUUr1MYicfLsUb2ezQeYfiPDefVbF485ksF47O_cX_RKXzonXC8BRsD7NIW8HGmFw9zBVwUwU-vcMsDScuLRH99bi0YA7fiyGYFk7DLvRtJeEMIcrc/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvg8dt3JZ0HGDR4c7mIrdc0EPjlUUr1MYicfLsUb2ezQeYfiPDefVbF485ksF47O_cX_RKXzonXC8BRsD7NIW8HGmFw9zBVwUwU-vcMsDScuLRH99bi0YA7fiyGYFk7DLvRtJeEMIcrc/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our inn</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><i><b>The Red Backpacker's tip:</b></i></span><b> </b>For budget travelers, like me, I highly recommend <b>Nido Bay Inn</b>. For <b>Php 1,500 per night</b>, you get a fully-furnished beachfront room (with free meditating sound of the waves), private bathroom with shower and bidet, air conditioner, cable television, and most important, <b>FREE BR<span style="font-family: inherit;">EAKFAST. </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just look for Ms. Sheila at <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">+63.927.560.8535</span>,<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"> +63.998.987.2995</span></span> or visit their website at <a href="http://www.elnidoinn.com/" target="_blank">www.elnidoinn.com</a></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our room at Nido Bay Inn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Buko (c/o our driver/tour guide, Kuya Gerry) to match our complimentary breakfast</td></tr>
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<u><b>Where to eat?</b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<b>El Nido Boutique & Art Cafe. </b>While Art Cafe's dishes can be a bit pricey (average of Php 200-400 per head), what makes this place special is the relaxing ambience. If you're lucky, you can get to watch their live band playing old school hits or even reggae. :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leave your slippers before heading up</td></tr>
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<b>Sea Slug's Beach Bar and Restaurant</b>. If you want to dine facing the beach, then this one's for you. Their food is good and enough for 2 people. There are only a few bands playing in the island, so if you're lucky enough to catch them here, you're in for a high (of good vibes). :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Slug's</td></tr>
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<b><u>Where to book your tours?</u></b><br />
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No itinerary yet? No problem. As soon as we arrived at the terminal, we were picked up by this tricycle driver (that would later be our private tour guide thanks to our hotel). He brought us to Nido Bay Inn and offered us his services. We call him <b>Kuya Gerry</b>. This honest-to-goodness man will get you your money's worth.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvxMfw-upW1aIMiSUKQLSueJ3Q7JsXEFicchsc8xLdoZntGDxD6NHzOsL2n6Y8Z0BXdy4l_fP7FpYjLcLk3JeqRjzgsjRVQd5c3q6WBa6nOUVH__MMQe2BUDIkfAk5BlVtgnZACkHpuQ/s1600/IMG_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvxMfw-upW1aIMiSUKQLSueJ3Q7JsXEFicchsc8xLdoZntGDxD6NHzOsL2n6Y8Z0BXdy4l_fP7FpYjLcLk3JeqRjzgsjRVQd5c3q6WBa6nOUVH__MMQe2BUDIkfAk5BlVtgnZACkHpuQ/s1600/IMG_0593.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuya Gerry of GEA Tours</td></tr>
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Aside from his day job as a tricycle driver, he also owns a newly-built boat that you can use for the island tours. Since we did not have plans then, he offered us a sweet deal of <b>combining 2 tour packages (A & C) at a decent price</b><b>.</b><br />
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<b><u><i>What islands are included in Kuya Gerry's package?</i></u></b><br />
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<b>a. Helicopter Island </b>- Use of snorkels and goggles are <b>FREE</b>. And, it's a must. This is where you first see beautiful corals and school of fish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitueZ3J8XQAnsWXQNVQhTG3EOjqlJJMPgTB8waeF8pYbgPaL1lFbOEH8T5ghOde7MKaQU1KMpZfHSriwZ1MSSKUtz-m6kJNgG3b5ceQxGM-2x4FwPZYcl6Pr3Gfc_LqkPb87HdUdytgac/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitueZ3J8XQAnsWXQNVQhTG3EOjqlJJMPgTB8waeF8pYbgPaL1lFbOEH8T5ghOde7MKaQU1KMpZfHSriwZ1MSSKUtz-m6kJNgG3b5ceQxGM-2x4FwPZYcl6Pr3Gfc_LqkPb87HdUdytgac/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Helicopter Island</td></tr>
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<b>b. Hidden Beach </b>- Between limestones lies a hidden beach with white sand and clear waters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN8HMNCZ0Eg0yR9XLawz4JC288qY6gpQTyX3pPBPG_L8JKVOEO7XUTAoS5z06vtTMSluVGGpN21Pb6uid9sn7FYcprPTdhsvt75ehySK_TQn95T8k37iP6gSikMqXZr-pQKkDJs0f5fw/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6S7KD0BIZH0lgx9GZIJscE_In1yMLMs-TCaNnJlGzqq8t8YKkEphl_99MhAxa-5YPSxR1euki1hf_gagb5lgs9AvEhCR11nvcFWo2l41CmcPzcWZEx6yGTp7oTJBD9YOI_4mr3EL7N4/s1600/IMG_0383.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN8HMNCZ0Eg0yR9XLawz4JC288qY6gpQTyX3pPBPG_L8JKVOEO7XUTAoS5z06vtTMSluVGGpN21Pb6uid9sn7FYcprPTdhsvt75ehySK_TQn95T8k37iP6gSikMqXZr-pQKkDJs0f5fw/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN8HMNCZ0Eg0yR9XLawz4JC288qY6gpQTyX3pPBPG_L8JKVOEO7XUTAoS5z06vtTMSluVGGpN21Pb6uid9sn7FYcprPTdhsvt75ehySK_TQn95T8k37iP6gSikMqXZr-pQKkDJs0f5fw/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hidden Beach</td></tr>
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<b>c. Matinloc Shrine </b>- Built in the 80s, the government spent millions to renovate this place only to be abandoned years later.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matinloc Shrine</td></tr>
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This was our stopover for lunch. The photo on the top of this blog post was also taken from this island.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm17L0vE7GS9KURzVOfr_pxjiIKhiJTr66g85wTo9kiLc_ehKIkxYB4FOd-oObtlMKfvH8s2lL2ehqgDAE-TOq36NYQiQidjVN3D_4MVa9lGiaWqvslADdxqSu-HNUrdqjyhqPe3hYGz0/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm17L0vE7GS9KURzVOfr_pxjiIKhiJTr66g85wTo9kiLc_ehKIkxYB4FOd-oObtlMKfvH8s2lL2ehqgDAE-TOq36NYQiQidjVN3D_4MVa9lGiaWqvslADdxqSu-HNUrdqjyhqPe3hYGz0/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tour guide, Kuya Mark, preparing our delicious island lunch</td></tr>
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<i style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">The Red Backpacker's tip: </i>Another group tour stayed in this island for lunch. From what I've observed, they were a group of not less than 20, and others did not get a chance to try the other dishes that were prepared by their tour guides because they were too many. One advantage that a private tour can offer is making sure you have (more than) enough to eat.<br />
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<b>d. Secret Lagoon </b>- We skipped the Secret Beach because the entrance was packed with boats so we're guessing the place was also filled with tourists. So, we headed on to another secret destination without the crowd.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoWkEXPrJltL6a3BNjT-s-v3gLsRJ6DHSx4QpD-F0ohovzNwrxU7YYoF4_iGBSewJUGRFy3uIvwDPw5c4T0yHH7q5tCx6udVU03a8j_OBLNp7Wp_hsrWZhKXjFWkgjgE1DM-ZSUqnwWQ/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoWkEXPrJltL6a3BNjT-s-v3gLsRJ6DHSx4QpD-F0ohovzNwrxU7YYoF4_iGBSewJUGRFy3uIvwDPw5c4T0yHH7q5tCx6udVU03a8j_OBLNp7Wp_hsrWZhKXjFWkgjgE1DM-ZSUqnwWQ/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Secret Lagoon</td></tr>
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You enter the secret lagoon through a small hole. If you're successful, you're welcomed by a small pool of water (not too deep) surrounded by stalactites shaped like an upside-down alligator, and the subtle Last Supper, hidden inside the shade.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3K-jb8rlvMW-JdTs0AwvE2kN4gYMBp7kKlgXTK2JzdkH2dcbqpnwL3xtVw9XYmFowxOYSi8KF44UZj1Xohn51gsHVIDIZyKZgZAakDwSSYvFuHNh_S4Hr9QkqsApD74htTgkDoClszw/s1600/IMG_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_zIwi4E_fqUHXUloBcAeFK6h_dMcWowWqyy4ZUJAlOHvZ7aTf-cckI1K9Wlwv20KskaGLJ2mYNXbO2acViMGVtIJ7Y7qm5UTR-ZW_rRYR7u__Q5qSXA2tuVEgtV_ceKsi12OOoFsSyM/s640/15925463756_4182ef60ac_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Secret Lagoon</td></tr>
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<b>e. Shimizu Island </b>- What makes this island unique is the Japanese-looking tree that stands out among the lush green trees, and its autumn leaves scattered along the sand.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bwuKQxk6iGkMQZtL5MdplMdIAtQAIei6oYm12X4B_WMSYcDLuTa6CItTYM34B3CDoQfW4X3kY-iRgq3IjPh3D883s1yZQwjXtB1Z0Tma-_DtrxZjN4-_knplH2j7W8rJJwXM5hI4_xk/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bwuKQxk6iGkMQZtL5MdplMdIAtQAIei6oYm12X4B_WMSYcDLuTa6CItTYM34B3CDoQfW4X3kY-iRgq3IjPh3D883s1yZQwjXtB1Z0Tma-_DtrxZjN4-_knplH2j7W8rJJwXM5hI4_xk/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Shimizu Island from the boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWNfHDKTqLE5zH-dqa5ShVVhYCdNUIuw9VtokEiU5pPlOpc8qEFiEekd3Q3gDwJr2OsIQ1GIrUNI7KoOaQ-zIyQA1wp2RtOmTAHxEc12pnPCkQYNmMNuR4iXrClLg3DSrWOBzxze6rUo/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWNfHDKTqLE5zH-dqa5ShVVhYCdNUIuw9VtokEiU5pPlOpc8qEFiEekd3Q3gDwJr2OsIQ1GIrUNI7KoOaQ-zIyQA1wp2RtOmTAHxEc12pnPCkQYNmMNuR4iXrClLg3DSrWOBzxze6rUo/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had the whole island to ourselves!</td></tr>
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<b>f. Big Lagoon</b> - Encompassing Matinloc Island is this lagoon where you explore by boat. More rock formations that resemble the likes of Batman and Mother Mary's praying form watch you from above.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaciJukqbDkMXzzIaIoY6nDHsOFFQuKovnbPVxePL-RiG5Tsl_WEkyo7LXteyAbbn5_EP13zgFGrPnvBGGXF4SDoxc3LOrrze9RfgCjOdGkOHRrjEkAXAdUtCv343e4C9Di9t5vAX_jy8/s1600/15763918070_45f316a823_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaciJukqbDkMXzzIaIoY6nDHsOFFQuKovnbPVxePL-RiG5Tsl_WEkyo7LXteyAbbn5_EP13zgFGrPnvBGGXF4SDoxc3LOrrze9RfgCjOdGkOHRrjEkAXAdUtCv343e4C9Di9t5vAX_jy8/s1600/15763918070_45f316a823_z.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My travel buddy, Monica of <a href="http://www.thebohotravels.com/" target="_blank">The Boho Travels</a></td></tr>
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<b>g. Small Lagoon</b> - Unlike the big lagoon, this little one can only be accessed by swimming through the entrance or by kayak. I failed to take a picture of it because we had so much fun swimming and floating inside the lagoon (oops).<br />
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<b>h. Seven Commando </b>- They named the beach after the shipwreck <i style="font-weight: bold;">7 Commando. </i>One of the survivors left the ship's name on a stone. Unfortunately, the stone was taken out, no thanks to vandalism.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M8oXEHVKiTBLB_eAtOdGOdSeZtNCn_thpxLEh3KvwNKy1XthoYrgq6DIWIKF_nWCkw-5vzSstflswviDA8L4eTHM3OW1fCLMIRFFpte6iDuTyBv4E4Yxsw56pMSIz7nGgG6FbVAqlA0/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M8oXEHVKiTBLB_eAtOdGOdSeZtNCn_thpxLEh3KvwNKy1XthoYrgq6DIWIKF_nWCkw-5vzSstflswviDA8L4eTHM3OW1fCLMIRFFpte6iDuTyBv4E4Yxsw56pMSIz7nGgG6FbVAqlA0/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="color: red;">The Red Backpacker's Tip: </span></i></b>If you're looking for a grand sunset, forget Las Cabanas and watch it here... along with a bottle of beer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_hzrsWEP6zArEIFp6oFUFzygO096VoS5Kbg7eb-ihnygR198YZ9wRLinqp1Jmt2T_GkE0VWAvl8JYaGyqqixUSKdu_G16hXJz4ubFZosAhxygVW105DERHJjprOrtnXAwM_E9_stYg4/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_hzrsWEP6zArEIFp6oFUFzygO096VoS5Kbg7eb-ihnygR198YZ9wRLinqp1Jmt2T_GkE0VWAvl8JYaGyqqixUSKdu_G16hXJz4ubFZosAhxygVW105DERHJjprOrtnXAwM_E9_stYg4/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" height="540" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from Seven Commando Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0Xc_-2Zwp4wRvQYEzB9VUCNsi5LIyigDWlk1uBaJhyphenhyphenDz5OVYbucE2PSEPvOr1ysntFCfs4tFQEaNAHIysgefNyQwhR-2-JLGb3_wPblegaCDX0yLj9z_5fWMQjVLVvVkIvy-dIYvGu8/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0Xc_-2Zwp4wRvQYEzB9VUCNsi5LIyigDWlk1uBaJhyphenhyphenDz5OVYbucE2PSEPvOr1ysntFCfs4tFQEaNAHIysgefNyQwhR-2-JLGb3_wPblegaCDX0yLj9z_5fWMQjVLVvVkIvy-dIYvGu8/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chill with the island's best friend</td></tr>
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<b>The distance of each island is just minutes apart. But, If you're not a fan of boat rides</b>, Kuya Gerry also offers <b>inland tours</b> including the beautiful <b>Nacpan Beach</b>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJToTpm2fQTef3MjPvVNR_8TJqifgAYFaglXjgaPuEfLgNG0GToCpHsgRyzYlYvPbewMNIxEYRCk1hiFdf9XI7rerPOXlzkHynuKO4ZLUVvuiIgmVHlhS2j_YayUJbaO0Jg3_epmiATNw/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJToTpm2fQTef3MjPvVNR_8TJqifgAYFaglXjgaPuEfLgNG0GToCpHsgRyzYlYvPbewMNIxEYRCk1hiFdf9XI7rerPOXlzkHynuKO4ZLUVvuiIgmVHlhS2j_YayUJbaO0Jg3_epmiATNw/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace and Quiet at Nacpan Beach</td></tr>
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It is an hour away from the town and can be accessed via tricycle/motorcycle/van. The road is rough and I hope the government does something about it. But, once you get there, you will soon realize that the effort is worth it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For special rates for the island and inland tours, you may contact Kuya Gerry of <b>GEA Tours </b>at <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b><span style="color: red;">+63.909.237.2609</span></b></span></span><br />
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<b><u>Are the locals friendly?</u></b><br />
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They're awesome. When it comes to customer service, these people won't let you down. Plus, their genuine smiles will make your day. During our stay, these people did their best to make our trip comfortable. For me, this totally adds up to the beauty of El Nido.<br />
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<b><u>More of <span style="color: red;">The Red Backpacker's Tips</span></u></b><br />
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Make sure you have enough cash because <b>there is NO ATM</b> in El Nido. Or, ask your driver if you can stop by any ATM in Puerto Princesa.<br />
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Monica (of <a href="http://thebohotravels.com/the-philippines/palawan/">The Boho Travels</a>) and I came here in November. The rain was unpredictable and we didn't bring our umbrellas or raincoats. So, don't forget to include that in your backpack as well.<br />
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Also,<b> </b>if you don't have a Go Pro or other water proof camera, get yourself a water-resistant bag and case. I brought my <b>Rubberducky </b>and an <b>Overboard</b> <b>waterproof pouch (</b>given by my good friend, Angge). I was able to shoot underwater without fearing having a leakage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlwealBVvcDiaHCVYN3pK71kqa3XC_rOggxY-u8MVfT_yxRJJSQWz4JmhKcl-111pmoBljQ1nsFlPPHPozl0_Es-iQUBj6P4Kb4j5scIyy26xUv3sGhXhRbEDI00Xpt49pCIQerKfNOg/s1600/15925545376_0a85dbb991_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlwealBVvcDiaHCVYN3pK71kqa3XC_rOggxY-u8MVfT_yxRJJSQWz4JmhKcl-111pmoBljQ1nsFlPPHPozl0_Es-iQUBj6P4Kb4j5scIyy26xUv3sGhXhRbEDI00Xpt49pCIQerKfNOg/s1600/15925545376_0a85dbb991_z.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving my summer paraphernalia!</td></tr>
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I have seen Coron, explored Puerto Princesa, and recharged in El Nido. These provinces are different from each other but, all in all, they have one thing in common: These islands remind you of what makes the Philippines a beautiful place. <b><i>They are beautiful not only because of its natural resources and breathtaking views, but because of the warmth of the people. Palawan will always be memorable. El Nido will always be paradise.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><i><b>If you need more convincing booking a flight and packing your bags to Palawan, check out this 3-minute video I made during our 5-day stay in El Nido:</b></i></i></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/113411593" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://vimeo.com/113411593">El Nido Paradiso</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/justinegalvez">Justine Galvez</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0El Nido, Palawan, Philippines11.2097089 119.4622538999999510.7112829 118.81680689999995 11.708134900000001 120.10770089999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-25745884739139977762015-03-18T23:39:00.000+08:002015-03-20T15:02:26.629+08:00Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: What to do for a day or two?<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a mix of the old and modern times. The government has done a tremendous job when they decided to preserve old buildings built by the colonizers from the 19th century. I first came here when I was 7 years old, when I thought their mosques and buildings were very similar to those of the movie, Aladdin. So, when my mom decided to book a short trip to this lovely country, I couldn't help but feel nostalgic about the heritage sites I've seen before.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOO9iDRsBHtzRQH93VKrBrWl1PKepNjMKlwe2bDRuLJPVEAITQ8vIxoZRWWbg8S1iCY06tz3u765PP_alKurP8UJdyiS58fV4HRjLFZ4dLzBGR2wwsfx5z97JWL-_m0d6ohaETdj-7M4/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOO9iDRsBHtzRQH93VKrBrWl1PKepNjMKlwe2bDRuLJPVEAITQ8vIxoZRWWbg8S1iCY06tz3u765PP_alKurP8UJdyiS58fV4HRjLFZ4dLzBGR2wwsfx5z97JWL-_m0d6ohaETdj-7M4/s1600/cover.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're a fan of history and culture, Malaysia should be your destination. But what can you do when your days are limited to a day or two? Here are some tips to make your stay worthwhile:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2SidvecnnMIQFhiIoXUmhLtPkzDZNr6Za6r6hpTeCXXNn13-lZvtfn1sxuyU5qZyEPO3CXPY1OjM5p_GOTvzwIjXHAgWyliA7DdzO3CoLe43KLrCjHgmk1CwynjZY5ZfH-hWBBlFUv8/s1600/IMG_2748.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2SidvecnnMIQFhiIoXUmhLtPkzDZNr6Za6r6hpTeCXXNn13-lZvtfn1sxuyU5qZyEPO3CXPY1OjM5p_GOTvzwIjXHAgWyliA7DdzO3CoLe43KLrCjHgmk1CwynjZY5ZfH-hWBBlFUv8/s1600/IMG_2748.PNG" height="390" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<b><u>How to get to the city from the airport</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you took Cebu Pacific to fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, your plane will land on KLIA2. To get to KL Sentral, there are several options you can choose from:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>a. By bus</b>.<b> </b>There are kiosks that surround the lobby before you exit KLIA2. Get a ticket for RM10 (adult) and RM5 (child). Head outside and there are yellow buses that say KLIA2 > KL SENTRAL. Show the conductor your ticket, and wait until they fill the bus with other passengers. Waiting time may take long, depending on the number of passengers required. Once you get inside, pick the front seats and sleep those 40 minutes away until you get to KL Sentral. From KL Sentral, walk further or grab an Uber taxi to get to your hotel. </span><b><i><span style="color: red;">The Red Backpacker's Tip</span>:</i> </b>Some taxi drivers can be aggressive in haggling. <b> </b>If you're staying in one of the hostels in Jalan Petaling, it only costs RM5 based from the running meter. <b>Be vigilant in persuading them to use the meter. </b>Otherwise, they can overcharge you for as high as RM10-20 = 120 Pesos.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">One more of<span style="color: red;"> <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Red Backpacker's Tip</i></span><span style="color: #141823; font-weight: bold;">: </span></span><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 18px;">As soon as you're done with the immigration, buy a local sim for RM45 with 1GB worth of unlimited data. This will be useful when using Maps and grabbing Uber taxis and, of course, uploading photos on your social media as you cruise along your trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8zu9zZtPGEmAVjMlzWMbBkuBwxG1VwlSaudVVFz3SPd_KHajF6rSlIXgXs7r_6lnZeGCGKAyqLJcjZe6X4eltF6dgbkfWTAvrCJVgujpqPNAlQw5yXuQJ0cZpFuAPc6oycbem_aQ4nw/s1600/IMG_3045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8zu9zZtPGEmAVjMlzWMbBkuBwxG1VwlSaudVVFz3SPd_KHajF6rSlIXgXs7r_6lnZeGCGKAyqLJcjZe6X4eltF6dgbkfWTAvrCJVgujpqPNAlQw5yXuQJ0cZpFuAPc6oycbem_aQ4nw/s1600/IMG_3045.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>b. By cab</b></span>.<b> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">This option is more convenient and more expensive. Travel time from KLIA2 to KL Sentral is 40 minutes without traffic. Price is around RM90.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcGbTai93YMKL3Ruq7EujowoZgkJFprEA1Ln-sMDeMwtPFZmh8OeQ40EqR0TQ3MYzgAiE1Rn_WbqWYjNru286HqYZdk8GP7RktWduNja36dPFLco5phXXowfpXQHuL5yAfV2dCJikDKE/s1600/IMG_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcGbTai93YMKL3Ruq7EujowoZgkJFprEA1Ln-sMDeMwtPFZmh8OeQ40EqR0TQ3MYzgAiE1Rn_WbqWYjNru286HqYZdk8GP7RktWduNja36dPFLco5phXXowfpXQHuL5yAfV2dCJikDKE/s1600/IMG_3059.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Uber Taxis in Malaysia are the best!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>Regular cab vs Uber Taxi: </b>Taxi drivers in KL can be pretty notorious. They overcharge, and sometimes trick you into allowing metered trips then charge you double afterwards. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">One of the highlights for this trip is Uber's Uber the top service (pun intended). </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">All you need is a local sim with unlimited data option, a registered account on Uber's website, and a credit card. Not only are they reliable and cashless, they send pretty cars a</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">s well (as can be seen in the photo above). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>c. By train</b></span>.<b> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take the KLIA express train to KL Sentral. From there, choose the nearest train station (via LRT or LCCT) to your hotel. Get the directions from the hotel's website or, if you prefer to walk, open your Google Maps to get directions. If you're still not sure, take the cab or grab an Uber taxi. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><i>The Red Backpacker's Tip</i></span>: </b>If you're thinking of navigating the city by train, get a re-loadable Touch n' Go card for RM20-50 for a 4-day trip.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksUEX_UUTAQg6Gp6WdI1xYQdZWUh3CV42js38TzGW3axsDzxma8ByaX5f8jg4RF5vOtzjp_qSUt0ITYI-VXgEuybqDadv2l8rKUSjTjPQ3K2l9P9Ap0oh_CpZEpWUX3IHLqqI1A-MGuU/s1600/11073383_10203270085826431_1274784095_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksUEX_UUTAQg6Gp6WdI1xYQdZWUh3CV42js38TzGW3axsDzxma8ByaX5f8jg4RF5vOtzjp_qSUt0ITYI-VXgEuybqDadv2l8rKUSjTjPQ3K2l9P9Ap0oh_CpZEpWUX3IHLqqI1A-MGuU/s1600/11073383_10203270085826431_1274784095_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Where to find a money changer with the best rates in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A friend who is a frequent visitor of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, suggested <b>Sungei Wang Plaza</b>. During our stay, the exchange rate was at RM1 = P 8.10 compared to Chinatown's RM1 = P7.60. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: red;">The Red Backpacker's Tip</span></i>: </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">While at it, you can purchase your Old Town Coffee packs at Giant Supermarket that costs P10 less than buying at their restaurant.</span><br />
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<b><u>Where to stay?</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I suggest that you choose one of the 4-star hotels in Bukit Bintang. We stayed at Bunc Hostel, located in Jalan Petaling aka Chinatown. Just when we thought it was cheaper than the regular hotel, we realized that the rates are almost the same as with the 4-star hotels in Bukit Bintang. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVY2xd7hWz8mrMBzZTbClGxkBuyYQ0dVIWkWuDRfadH6YATF9TXJYMOxVqJ9v177mX7H0eemT1QMLjWY2dPVpNkGliD_or0v4To36fMrGsb1dtr7RpI_GSR_yZRSyD9nLNfEs8XFd3_Y/s1600/IMG_2991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVY2xd7hWz8mrMBzZTbClGxkBuyYQ0dVIWkWuDRfadH6YATF9TXJYMOxVqJ9v177mX7H0eemT1QMLjWY2dPVpNkGliD_or0v4To36fMrGsb1dtr7RpI_GSR_yZRSyD9nLNfEs8XFd3_Y/s1600/IMG_2991.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wouldn't recommend Bunc because the </span>WiFi<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is a bit slow. Plus, it was gone for a day during our stay. Their customer service was disappointing, too. They did not inform us that their wifi modem was broken nor suggested a place where we could get one. Moreover, when we checked out, no one was there but a local who did not know how to speak English. Instead of sticking to our schedule, we had to adjust by waiting for roughly 30 minutes before their regular staff returned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Where to eat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You will never run out of options on where to eat authentic Malay, Halal, or Indian food in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>a. Restoran Devi's Corner</b>. If you're into good Indian food, one restaurant you shouldn't miss, which is located<b> </b>at Bangsar Village.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlZEH9WdjvoLUo433-U9d9h3OD3Fd6WURc0LAnZp4EYVVxdq-51CCswVruIO2dH650kDIm4DES4TvLY2kMCDrws5GRRYY1GbkCY9WRkoMrNXRobKHTaf1iBybVQiUGiyBXdICb-J0el8/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlZEH9WdjvoLUo433-U9d9h3OD3Fd6WURc0LAnZp4EYVVxdq-51CCswVruIO2dH650kDIm4DES4TvLY2kMCDrws5GRRYY1GbkCY9WRkoMrNXRobKHTaf1iBybVQiUGiyBXdICb-J0el8/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Devi's Corner</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgoC91Nb_TSd9GxfeSougn_nA-HeRz5qTcnTs2rzToMwUT_FueF_uvod4W2LGDCekKfsCBvgx27SU0JOHqi_yF8sPkqDVkGyclVA0ry2vUQNMj2Ohq9r1-nxLepB98VxQCvLZQkc3b9k/s1600/IMG_2784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgoC91Nb_TSd9GxfeSougn_nA-HeRz5qTcnTs2rzToMwUT_FueF_uvod4W2LGDCekKfsCBvgx27SU0JOHqi_yF8sPkqDVkGyclVA0ry2vUQNMj2Ohq9r1-nxLepB98VxQCvLZQkc3b9k/s1600/IMG_2784.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYya4qi-vyA7RJhCEMI0oP5cYei7aTUg0_vvhwhA9Dc20UL8J4wIDzEF5wAIU00xDNRy-_AyyMw02ZJiL7CkTUylUO4rvJaKEKc6fYaHXPK2EpnH-nrgCNKoNKBYOOy4ycUZ90G1rOec/s1600/IMG_2790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYya4qi-vyA7RJhCEMI0oP5cYei7aTUg0_vvhwhA9Dc20UL8J4wIDzEF5wAIU00xDNRy-_AyyMw02ZJiL7CkTUylUO4rvJaKEKc6fYaHXPK2EpnH-nrgCNKoNKBYOOy4ycUZ90G1rOec/s1600/IMG_2790.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBdpCww3Q1dLFngX_4Dz3i63r3_UNhGF4BJjHb1MoDUUk-HkRYTkIU58zVR2Jndgvu3T2IBqZOiVOMZMAYt3kxubWsHB7virc_hRxHCTM5Rs6uMMbHBskZMiMeGOBiZ-NkBi7kqhLQm0/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBdpCww3Q1dLFngX_4Dz3i63r3_UNhGF4BJjHb1MoDUUk-HkRYTkIU58zVR2Jndgvu3T2IBqZOiVOMZMAYt3kxubWsHB7virc_hRxHCTM5Rs6uMMbHBskZMiMeGOBiZ-NkBi7kqhLQm0/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was featured in Food Network's <i>Best Thing I Ever Ate </i>and won <i>Best Cheap Eats </i>in the <i>Time Out KL </i>in 2013.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge86Ax-uGUHizApC1rNYEpOwgEpOS8o0qX9nwzoW5WBhQuvLcekwpxxx4P8NHV0_gTZz6_muQWban2TzgX4hw6pHlEjA8qR1El0QU3DD3v8PKqZgrIhwMsbLF3VIosLECTPMXevn7_Jhk/s1600/IMG_2777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge86Ax-uGUHizApC1rNYEpOwgEpOS8o0qX9nwzoW5WBhQuvLcekwpxxx4P8NHV0_gTZz6_muQWban2TzgX4hw6pHlEjA8qR1El0QU3DD3v8PKqZgrIhwMsbLF3VIosLECTPMXevn7_Jhk/s1600/IMG_2777.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: red;">The Red Backpacker's Tip</span></b>:<b> </b></i>If you're looking for a whole street to satisfy your tummy, head to <b>Jalan Alor</b>. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Although I've read in other blogs that it is best to visit this place at night, when all restaurants and hawker places are open, we went there during the day (no thanks to the unpredictable rainfall). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>b. Restoran Dragon View. </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We chose to dine here</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and it didn't disappoint us. Some items may be pricey, like these huge shrimps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OpdXWhlCaFhRqKatE1ERN7N8EApLPd71CPGijCoUt_6Vjvj2fAQ1Hrb9LZRWOPAsOGhfbahYsOiqpQ2QApXQI3hLa6jy96AH4Jg78hLxZJ3QvjEWhPuG2u2UDgUYIP9S94WO8Q6N8cw/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OpdXWhlCaFhRqKatE1ERN7N8EApLPd71CPGijCoUt_6Vjvj2fAQ1Hrb9LZRWOPAsOGhfbahYsOiqpQ2QApXQI3hLa6jy96AH4Jg78hLxZJ3QvjEWhPuG2u2UDgUYIP9S94WO8Q6N8cw/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But, their Nasi Lemak and roast duck are to die for. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemZs9n9dCPovC7Mf0GX4cCjBgTjnPHklkerO4z3BUUWUQP-6HBYUmjRiRgABX89ygXV5ZyOvUtJ7a5O8hT1-OrPnlmGsXzPhOgT59FoSo5a_8yU6C3uxnnqxuYaFKe8vpWtmj2YS_wwQ/s1600/IMG_3038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemZs9n9dCPovC7Mf0GX4cCjBgTjnPHklkerO4z3BUUWUQP-6HBYUmjRiRgABX89ygXV5ZyOvUtJ7a5O8hT1-OrPnlmGsXzPhOgT59FoSo5a_8yU6C3uxnnqxuYaFKe8vpWtmj2YS_wwQ/s1600/IMG_3038.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>c. Old Town Coffee</b>. When in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, never miss a trip to Old Town Coffee and get a taste of their <b>White Milk Tea</b>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OFOSL5SesZmvhpFoSLCuoqKBcbcI5Da2fppL3hEp7Pdk-q0FnPRCagjRkEOfuzjngY4pcU7MNDK3gjZ5974zUuboQZCB79zWCMrL71vXEx9tLKgntDUacRg12M4jzfmnrX_SD8OOtQ0/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OFOSL5SesZmvhpFoSLCuoqKBcbcI5Da2fppL3hEp7Pdk-q0FnPRCagjRkEOfuzjngY4pcU7MNDK3gjZ5974zUuboQZCB79zWCMrL71vXEx9tLKgntDUacRg12M4jzfmnrX_SD8OOtQ0/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Teh Tarik in town</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><u>What to do if you skipped the city tour</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The reason why my family chose this is because everyone wanted to skip the <i>tourist trap</i> locations where agencies require each city tour with a corresponding shop that sells overpriced souvenirs. We went DIY and did the following:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18HhFDpC3OMfju_bfewO6baahRUzwwyxP9sKPnHfsomm9maBPJ5XZebgzKtPkWrTnECu4TKbyn3eh11ED5-1QrvKfFXISWEOq2py_9arm9upHzIXf7GcStmEvFWfUCB7uQDQglE0GV24/s1600/IMG_2806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18HhFDpC3OMfju_bfewO6baahRUzwwyxP9sKPnHfsomm9maBPJ5XZebgzKtPkWrTnECu4TKbyn3eh11ED5-1QrvKfFXISWEOq2py_9arm9upHzIXf7GcStmEvFWfUCB7uQDQglE0GV24/s1600/IMG_2806.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>a. Visit Batu Caves</b></span>.<b> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">We booked a cab via Uber that only charged us RM14 (P170), compared to regular taxis or personal drivers that gave me quotations as high as RM55 (P660). Another way to go there is to head on to KL Sentral and ride via Central bus and train station connected to Nu Sentral Mall.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3uBixMRaMdpqg49DY7rVipJ1e7z9TDDKQPeqvqc0wZm0Pmp9KrQK_BjVksYAqxwf6LCiMLnRbgvGefXP82lQfzl9rfBejUtvH7G493fe8seLgogywCY8JuqjvrzfMnri9OCv-FBJAw0/s1600/IMG_2992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3uBixMRaMdpqg49DY7rVipJ1e7z9TDDKQPeqvqc0wZm0Pmp9KrQK_BjVksYAqxwf6LCiMLnRbgvGefXP82lQfzl9rfBejUtvH7G493fe8seLgogywCY8JuqjvrzfMnri9OCv-FBJAw0/s1600/IMG_2992.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Welcome to the Batu Caves</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: red;">The Red Backpacker's Tip</span></b>:<i> </i><b>Entrance is FREE. </b>Just make sure you <b>wear proper clothes</b> as they consider this a sacred place. Authorities will require you to wear sarong (you can rent one for RM2) if you're wearing shorts/skirt above the knee.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3kWL_MUa58A1zzOOdi4aGUJdvipr_PDkrFCYuBb0KUknwWFbAFuJHX7tVAHQtD-AbskS2dyo6s9NoDunphiiIfzEs92MYtVORfFkIjjx6qUpwWr8igXH4I8SmxRC43Hpszl1xKraYiA/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3kWL_MUa58A1zzOOdi4aGUJdvipr_PDkrFCYuBb0KUknwWFbAFuJHX7tVAHQtD-AbskS2dyo6s9NoDunphiiIfzEs92MYtVORfFkIjjx6qUpwWr8igXH4I8SmxRC43Hpszl1xKraYiA/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">300 steps to the top</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It takes 300 steps to get to the top. Are your lungs ready? </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbXtOMZvoRKbDLAZBqiSOmHnO-SBR0vtOZTJ8l-USueqMYj9pxfPJg4L1ptKn8fHYIDT_82itwuoFIrm16kby8JxKgpAoUtYmehCeVmPfkyCN2XKZKwe7GX6zb-DtzeYyxweg5v6VCYo/s1600/IMG_2993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbXtOMZvoRKbDLAZBqiSOmHnO-SBR0vtOZTJ8l-USueqMYj9pxfPJg4L1ptKn8fHYIDT_82itwuoFIrm16kby8JxKgpAoUtYmehCeVmPfkyCN2XKZKwe7GX6zb-DtzeYyxweg5v6VCYo/s1600/IMG_2993.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ceiling art</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As soon as I hit the last step, I can feel my blood gushing inside. My knees were shaking. And, my adrenaline all pumped up. </span><i>Hello, Cardio. We meet again. </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought I was going to pass out. But when I saw this view, I felt alright.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45nK23W1HonFG0v7VbSIYaiqnNCTwSGRRx7SNo5kzIe64VjDtmaocWkZybWjPwvQZPxqbeu_wkC-RVo9NLRwBpYfCd3suJJBVzneT4XA2ggQCJ5T_IiNIU2tteAn1_fBtPk1pOyiAj1E/s1600/IMG_2994+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45nK23W1HonFG0v7VbSIYaiqnNCTwSGRRx7SNo5kzIe64VjDtmaocWkZybWjPwvQZPxqbeu_wkC-RVo9NLRwBpYfCd3suJJBVzneT4XA2ggQCJ5T_IiNIU2tteAn1_fBtPk1pOyiAj1E/s1600/IMG_2994+2.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">View from the top of Batu Caves</span></td></tr>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">The Red Backpacker's Tip</span></i>: Bring a bottled water to keep you hydrated while climbing under the heat of the sun. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Monkeys are also everywhere so make sure to keep your accessories inside your bags.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBmCs7ZRPq4ZxdzpKC-leKJ70Wd-V2qmmTtrXT1Px66IjAZrWlqJJOBjYtGFtmCXHVDg4USQECr4DuG7ndG2Z73ajWjWjS-0ht4KnL2pbfwB_JKUPVj8lQabbYqxKUu-B0alDR9efwc4/s1600/IMG_2922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBmCs7ZRPq4ZxdzpKC-leKJ70Wd-V2qmmTtrXT1Px66IjAZrWlqJJOBjYtGFtmCXHVDg4USQECr4DuG7ndG2Z73ajWjWjS-0ht4KnL2pbfwB_JKUPVj8lQabbYqxKUu-B0alDR9efwc4/s1600/IMG_2922.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This lovely photo was shot by my sister</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you head down, you can relax and enjoy the view of pigeons flying from one place to another, scouting for food. My sister had her moment, too. She got pooped. :)</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz9wbW0hieAlsxe9oSUZjlXVb3ykYKHWFeIGEygOrmhOuC4_LypSkzBgMjtnfQLetY1ZLbQsJGE57zbTHz1UrKzrfllJW18zFSOO3ZnlkZiL-1Zlcgs22pghp70n6E1bixn2MQQkYxaw/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz9wbW0hieAlsxe9oSUZjlXVb3ykYKHWFeIGEygOrmhOuC4_LypSkzBgMjtnfQLetY1ZLbQsJGE57zbTHz1UrKzrfllJW18zFSOO3ZnlkZiL-1Zlcgs22pghp70n6E1bixn2MQQkYxaw/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pigeon's poop</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBHJts8D2iAEc0mGRRZM80ip5VTQav52aMDbTN_WaJoSfqxfTn_lAug55KS0JNRMDxb0AZRjG2w2aeWlVMoEEjpnA40P5xXD2wdtmgP0vW-kD16c6yu3pzwBnjaWZpSS1lTyWP8glgD0/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBHJts8D2iAEc0mGRRZM80ip5VTQav52aMDbTN_WaJoSfqxfTn_lAug55KS0JNRMDxb0AZRjG2w2aeWlVMoEEjpnA40P5xXD2wdtmgP0vW-kD16c6yu3pzwBnjaWZpSS1lTyWP8glgD0/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pigeons waiting to be fed</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>You have 2 options to go back to the city. </b>One is Uber. The second one is via train.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpAPVgl5xx4bAwLoIHkZR815zD8Mpvy99sAIIJrcA2mTpPPBbwRwCO-tvM_sXTaRzeBpiSh0gaffu6hBHvp7kBX89p-yKHl9qWrcxIM5ekrHf9pjflUrOdCc64ee8NnGDU2lugeLqXVo/s1600/11072931_10203270085546424_1481282848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpAPVgl5xx4bAwLoIHkZR815zD8Mpvy99sAIIJrcA2mTpPPBbwRwCO-tvM_sXTaRzeBpiSh0gaffu6hBHvp7kBX89p-yKHl9qWrcxIM5ekrHf9pjflUrOdCc64ee8NnGDU2lugeLqXVo/s1600/11072931_10203270085546424_1481282848_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My sister and I chose the longer, cheaper, and more fun option this time. We took the Port Klang Line and headed to KL Sentral Station. From there, we bought tickets to KLCC via <b>Kelana Jaya Line</b>. Once you reach KLCC Station, head out to AvenueK Mall, which is right across <b>Suria KLCC</b>.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOB9tBNc_mq_2C2VJskjzab0PBXO8aybhIA9eYS6C9J7BCQJk3H6FS5WASnP2MkWRKs_745GzRk4ov-83Jqm5xvsljV0OtGaQx63NHlC-ZQ-Yphv8qy4IHNT785qHlMZc0Z1ZJcuy0PY/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOB9tBNc_mq_2C2VJskjzab0PBXO8aybhIA9eYS6C9J7BCQJk3H6FS5WASnP2MkWRKs_745GzRk4ov-83Jqm5xvsljV0OtGaQx63NHlC-ZQ-Yphv8qy4IHNT785qHlMZc0Z1ZJcuy0PY/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" height="408" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The famous Petronas Twin Towers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>b. Relax at Suria KLCC</b></span>.<b> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a long time of waiting, walking, and switching trains, enjoy the lovely Suria Mall and head to the park at the back to enjoy the lovely view of <b>The Petronas Twin Towers</b>.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6kkLshV9oVE2pd2hEsw3_w7M7oQREjjCly-BzSLmwnzB2ktCdSHCkod558r9q5UfJpkPX8_1IZaZX_oXrLy_FKFsYJsFejXsK9PGTYaRq77wIPZgWg6o3V7DYisFVUAu0rwTnWdhfrs/s1600/IMG_3001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6kkLshV9oVE2pd2hEsw3_w7M7oQREjjCly-BzSLmwnzB2ktCdSHCkod558r9q5UfJpkPX8_1IZaZX_oXrLy_FKFsYJsFejXsK9PGTYaRq77wIPZgWg6o3V7DYisFVUAu0rwTnWdhfrs/s1600/IMG_3001.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">at the Suria KLCC park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>c. Go back in time at Merdeka Square</b></span>.<b> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">A National Heritage site, there are 20 national icons located here. Among them are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBvrIi-PAmg4tH1kZv2LmTKAAn0HQjcPoLwYZgrGl04AtF9O0wK71UHEyjGxr42xC-moabfZgqa6Y3qBipL36zVS8SFt59wiv3EiLf8kdsaszxfaii03bfm5LnjSCshdPFUC2OTKcd1c/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBvrIi-PAmg4tH1kZv2LmTKAAn0HQjcPoLwYZgrGl04AtF9O0wK71UHEyjGxr42xC-moabfZgqa6Y3qBipL36zVS8SFt59wiv3EiLf8kdsaszxfaii03bfm5LnjSCshdPFUC2OTKcd1c/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" height="404" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kuala Lumpur City Gallery</b>. Where you can take your selfie at the famous I Love KL installation. Admission to the gallery is RM5.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP39GO5qRbIs4Z92-owIIU-V70zyF7GsQ3MQ0Fdy-QBuGLoqor-TRhWCJSJSioWrf9GY2Co990DXT7pXme7xP4Y6MKb54o32TmCioTXMChTHU2FyWFKU1v3nnTybKYZJ2hZGBqkAhLa44/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP39GO5qRbIs4Z92-owIIU-V70zyF7GsQ3MQ0Fdy-QBuGLoqor-TRhWCJSJSioWrf9GY2Co990DXT7pXme7xP4Y6MKb54o32TmCioTXMChTHU2FyWFKU1v3nnTybKYZJ2hZGBqkAhLa44/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>National Textile Museum</b>.<b> </b>The Islamic style facade was derived from Moghul architecture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLibGHUZ2C21QmfWpyn8NTbdQkUAbDXHYoZ6mpFepGky4-EB9DokSjSKHrSwaROwZpYrSPLfsNXLmxlLse9iSgUU13w1mftRyKzrWUJRsLFGfOBS3wa0BqR-bON2R4GgWgEirXuDvXno/s1600/11075817_10203274064005883_1849854159_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLibGHUZ2C21QmfWpyn8NTbdQkUAbDXHYoZ6mpFepGky4-EB9DokSjSKHrSwaROwZpYrSPLfsNXLmxlLse9iSgUU13w1mftRyKzrWUJRsLFGfOBS3wa0BqR-bON2R4GgWgEirXuDvXno/s1600/11075817_10203274064005883_1849854159_n.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sultan Abdul Samad Building</b>. Grabbing one's attention because of its copper domes, this place is now occupied by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsH441V4mmjrTEJcpkpAFTig-69iDy11RT2081qoVvFddWZmEZ4ZbqWYx6NyTKhYLigYsZjfI2Glfqi5DgdAMn3GpzabC5iXWYoaGRtxIrv9LgamzHdzVVLA_T77Al78W6UpJJujeO54/s1600/11076043_10203274063965882_28591074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsH441V4mmjrTEJcpkpAFTig-69iDy11RT2081qoVvFddWZmEZ4ZbqWYx6NyTKhYLigYsZjfI2Glfqi5DgdAMn3GpzabC5iXWYoaGRtxIrv9LgamzHdzVVLA_T77Al78W6UpJJujeO54/s1600/11076043_10203274063965882_28591074_n.jpg" height="380" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kuala Lumpur City Library</b>. This also serves as a multi-purpose hall, conference area, and auditorium.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHJkEt4QyMROyybUPRPkujUiXaYwg59TClBzG1Wv93WSRTvRWkon4BTTU6gZg3p6xFuVFgpMKqNqnpeLYV42ATrYYWQe-WZx4QgH3Ek2Zko2lRIqx4i7sztw5tdlxLst047VAZIBP4qc/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHJkEt4QyMROyybUPRPkujUiXaYwg59TClBzG1Wv93WSRTvRWkon4BTTU6gZg3p6xFuVFgpMKqNqnpeLYV42ATrYYWQe-WZx4QgH3Ek2Zko2lRIqx4i7sztw5tdlxLst047VAZIBP4qc/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>d. </b>We also passed by the <b>KL Railway Station</b></span>.<b> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was built in 1904 & 1910 during the British colonialism.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTj-dS7yLZ5RBZYwXZ-kGCkazfkcZzRqgPbf9MwTq-1J21jFjuRyyqhzEOSi6X5xQTpvPMFjifU_myumxLec-z5aNpzoQYIYSYs8gA6H7Q-ARON4ycTIAtUQcQr3sHxTDL5tAHR7E0dRs/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTj-dS7yLZ5RBZYwXZ-kGCkazfkcZzRqgPbf9MwTq-1J21jFjuRyyqhzEOSi6X5xQTpvPMFjifU_myumxLec-z5aNpzoQYIYSYs8gA6H7Q-ARON4ycTIAtUQcQr3sHxTDL5tAHR7E0dRs/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">KL's view from the train</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>e. Check out the nightlife at Bukit Bintang</b></span>.<b> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Located at the heart of the Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bNWNeJ64cc2wMNLLbR8uOpN2rkF3XfjQUKHbQv80DQ712aPIka_-7UjgyuZOu-zxorNisw3PcsitkE7izer1Z5nNWRT8AggQI2uV5iFFhIYEW0z2ycWAU5jkBMw44LYB4jRRmsg0mqc/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bNWNeJ64cc2wMNLLbR8uOpN2rkF3XfjQUKHbQv80DQ712aPIka_-7UjgyuZOu-zxorNisw3PcsitkE7izer1Z5nNWRT8AggQI2uV5iFFhIYEW0z2ycWAU5jkBMw44LYB4jRRmsg0mqc/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>f. The best knock offs are at Jalan Petaling / Chinatown</b></span>.<b> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Drivers always say <i>BARGAIN </i>when in Chinatown. Prices start high so don't hesitate to haggle up to 30%.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo7C8VM1hyajlTipwKyHB08_r_PTqi13Pz4IV26mfcrf69_5tN9EbdlwYxwjvagZK7pj78wbDgjc4GJeFCestkALGdtBme25JVzKNOwi9FfrmmF1S_ZcqR-N3xii5UbKalbQDoEpFrAU/s1600/IMG_3072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo7C8VM1hyajlTipwKyHB08_r_PTqi13Pz4IV26mfcrf69_5tN9EbdlwYxwjvagZK7pj78wbDgjc4GJeFCestkALGdtBme25JVzKNOwi9FfrmmF1S_ZcqR-N3xii5UbKalbQDoEpFrAU/s1600/IMG_3072.JPG" height="516" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Others may suggest a full itinerary where you get to see more places. But, for us, what we wanted was to see KL in a relaxing light. We had time to rest and enjoy the view without rushing ourselves. Malacca and Penang were too far. Genting Highlands was under renovation. So, what else can you do but enjoy what the city has to offer.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSTyMVuDVOCsokYjiEDu6WPoHWn49nOJwmGMfM8ImTouZapF1tWTckbDmz34yYHr5VOjiFUElFg_MAw4zxu2FfxKbFiIx364qq2i7DUpxll7t5zUGjF1-GLc5q3L0TmLaQ2XgFQ1GKzk/s1600/IMG_3051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSTyMVuDVOCsokYjiEDu6WPoHWn49nOJwmGMfM8ImTouZapF1tWTckbDmz34yYHr5VOjiFUElFg_MAw4zxu2FfxKbFiIx364qq2i7DUpxll7t5zUGjF1-GLc5q3L0TmLaQ2XgFQ1GKzk/s1600/IMG_3051.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tune Hotels lobby. By far, KLIA2 is the best branch I've been to.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">The Red Backpacker's Tip</span></i>: </b>If your flight is scheduled during wee hours (12AM-3AM), you may want to <b>consider</b> <b>booking a hotel near the airport</b>. Our flight was at 1:30AM, and most shops in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, close at 10PM (including the train). It takes 40 minutes to get to the airport, so we arrived there at 6PM. My mom got us a room (for 6) at <b>Tune Hotels</b> for RM420 per night - a bit pricey but you can rest until 2 hours before your flight. Some shops in KLIA2 close early, too. So, this was by far, the better option.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLrTEAUfBrcbkLfZ0frci5c9aSihc-RhVfMPIzwUrTkLhuLaEyUmYG5ePMBvbP44fUi3kwxUZfMT3MH8yKes-uL4vKs1-beyrSVB8Ca3LiGT-2qkMQtiKIwZbV4xefR1CJFlsZiDJjN4/s1600/IMG_2758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLrTEAUfBrcbkLfZ0frci5c9aSihc-RhVfMPIzwUrTkLhuLaEyUmYG5ePMBvbP44fUi3kwxUZfMT3MH8yKes-uL4vKs1-beyrSVB8Ca3LiGT-2qkMQtiKIwZbV4xefR1CJFlsZiDJjN4/s1600/IMG_2758.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall, Kuala Lumpur reminded me of Manila. The food was great, the people were friendly, choosing taxis can be tricky. This is the kind of trip that is best to experience with family. I'd definitely go back for more authentic Teh Tarik. But, maybe, I would want to explore other places in Malaysia such as Penang, Cameron Highlands, and Langkawi.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i>Here's a 4-minute video of our 2 full day trip to Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/122345126" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/122345126">Drive Thru KL</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/justinegalvez">Justine Galvez</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia3.139003 101.686854999999922.885326 101.36413149999993 3.3926800000000004 102.00957849999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-77628412200882677652015-02-02T01:16:00.002+08:002015-02-02T01:38:53.874+08:00Explore Singapore<span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15.3599996566772px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>I was 7 when I first came to Singapore. Back then, everything felt larger than life because of its tall buildings and busy-looking people. This year, my family and I decided to visit this country to explore its beautiful landmarks, authentic Singaporean cuisine, and the fast paced multi-culture of this first world country.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 15.3599996566772px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Here is a summary of my 3-day visit to the Lion City. Enjoy!</i></span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/118322546" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/118322546">Explore Singapore</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/justinegalvez">Justine Galvez</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 15.3599996566772px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What amazed me most was their diverse culture. You could see it in each district, the way each dish was cooked and presented in every hawker, or the way people interact while waiting for their train stop. Everything felt like it was in motion. That when you stop and observe, you get every piece of Singapore's culture.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 15.3599996566772px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>In these 3 days, I felt that there was so much too see, and yet I had so little time. This trip felt like a day full of non-stop walking. My feet was sore... and it was worth it.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 15.3599996566772px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 15.3599996566772px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Check out the Boho Travels' interesting take on Singapore.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 15.3599996566772px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://thebohotravels.com/southeast-asia/singapore/">http://thebohotravels.com/southeast-asia/singapore/</a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-15922182326050186582015-01-10T20:21:00.000+08:002015-01-15T16:44:32.796+08:00Oslob, Cebu: Swimming with the Whale Sharks<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Planning a summer vacation is as easy as scouting for cheap airfares. The only problem is, when to score a good deal. There are many good beaches in the Philippines that I can suggest. But, among these places is a spot I recommend, not because of its fine sands, but the whale sharks you can swim with, endless shorelines you can relax in, and the gateway you can embark towards other islands . </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>For this vacation, my family decided to explore the southern part of Cebu: Oslob.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be charmed by the hidden gems of Oslob.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The sleepy town of Oslob is a 2-hr drive from the main capital of Cebu. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">On our way there, we stopped by and had lunch at the municipality of Carcar, to be able to try their special lechon (roast pig), and the 45-peso halo halo. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa4oZ9lQNRtoFkFcyL_BZV-BS8CcFDULSJoyoMvuJqZy-AOGgjtixux_MZs7dz2TJBd4mQoT6XRbK-3I11y0LoiDeF5C7WsZGkJ9FrIg9T1UJmXvVH1uE3gjn2VvT0_Xj7je6vyp6ftA/s1600/IMG_3968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa4oZ9lQNRtoFkFcyL_BZV-BS8CcFDULSJoyoMvuJqZy-AOGgjtixux_MZs7dz2TJBd4mQoT6XRbK-3I11y0LoiDeF5C7WsZGkJ9FrIg9T1UJmXvVH1uE3gjn2VvT0_Xj7je6vyp6ftA/s1600/IMG_3968.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't miss this 45-Peso Halo-Halo at Carcar</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is also a small strip of shoe stores that costs only P250 for a pair of Toms' knockoffs.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU0rRoDC9i6rmCTySv7C8GiueQv4NRN7sqfy8YXi8NKe-N5rSkmSj_IZcqT_xS-aS8GyDX232szO15tuu78jZ-JQrMxRORxK85iwfuxkqCyJem8ID0zu05ivBs2H1yMMucCLVBlJdvjg/s1600/IMG_4286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU0rRoDC9i6rmCTySv7C8GiueQv4NRN7sqfy8YXi8NKe-N5rSkmSj_IZcqT_xS-aS8GyDX232szO15tuu78jZ-JQrMxRORxK85iwfuxkqCyJem8ID0zu05ivBs2H1yMMucCLVBlJdvjg/s1600/IMG_4286.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The municipality of Carcar</td></tr>
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<b>Where to Stay in Oslob?</b><br />
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Since Oslob, Cebu is becoming a tourist spot, there are many accommodations to choose from. I was tasked to look for a good place to stay, so I searched TripAdvisor and found the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotel_Review-g3226128-d3460952-Reviews-Malonzo_Pension_House-Oslob_Cebu_Island_Visayas.html">Malonzo pension house</a>, which outranked (<b class="rank_text" style="background-color: white; color: #599442; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Ranked #1</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #599442; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"> of 10 </span><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotels-g3226128-c2-Oslob_Cebu_Island_Visayas-Hotels.html" style="background-color: white; color: #006699; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Oslob B&B and Inns</a>) <span style="font-family: inherit;">all the other B&B's on tripadvisor's </span><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotel_Review-g3226128-d3460952-Reviews-Malonzo_Pension_House-Oslob_Cebu_Island_Visayas.html" style="font-family: inherit;">list</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we arrived at Oslob, our host welcomed us and made us feel at home.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pick the ground floor room for faster WiFi connection</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4Na6GrwJwBPBgNcggvWNJUtujUjZzDbzvq1KfugGXHnK-yc-iJdlm8xCYIRHUrBuP2RG3Ci5d29Lr36P18keYh2xwPhwwgtgZmzDO09Cgy_jCXOt8_kaJpkUhFmYm03jhVzQ-Cb9hJ8/s1600/IMG_3977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4Na6GrwJwBPBgNcggvWNJUtujUjZzDbzvq1KfugGXHnK-yc-iJdlm8xCYIRHUrBuP2RG3Ci5d29Lr36P18keYh2xwPhwwgtgZmzDO09Cgy_jCXOt8_kaJpkUhFmYm03jhVzQ-Cb9hJ8/s1600/IMG_3977.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For <b>P1800</b>, we were able to book for a family room good for 5, that has its own comfort room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Other beaches in Oslob:</b></span><br />
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Other than unwinding in the common area, and leeching for their free wifi, there's nothing much to do here. That's when we decided to head out and start looking for a beach to stay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6xbqjyUvDAt0izEfhkN0rPhHhME0p53E3kXLMnJfMXrp7oiWL6OosyYqXgkXHgFsvy1Dx5pZCN15e1iv59hB_X-Wn6BLgpuCI94c477rvEsoZME4h65WmEZKyLg90fya3G6jeggCMHo/s1600/IMG_4007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6xbqjyUvDAt0izEfhkN0rPhHhME0p53E3kXLMnJfMXrp7oiWL6OosyYqXgkXHgFsvy1Dx5pZCN15e1iv59hB_X-Wn6BLgpuCI94c477rvEsoZME4h65WmEZKyLg90fya3G6jeggCMHo/s1600/IMG_4007.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tingko Beach, Alcoy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Tingko - located at Alcoy. A bit crowded and you can see tents scattered around the shore.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pebbles Beach</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Pebbles Beach - Perhaps named as such because its shores are filled with pebbles. While it may be sunset picture-worthy, if you're after comfort and beach bumming, I personally do not recommend this beach, except maybe for some pretty photo ops. There were a lot of sea urchins and we got stung by jellyfish!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. There's also Moal Boal, the Pink beach you'd want to dive in. Located at the farther side of the island, this beach deserves a visit because of its pink shores. We didn't get this far because of our sudden desire to ride the RoRo (ferry boat) to Dumaguete. (That's another story.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>4. Aside from the beach resorts where you have to pay for entrance, there are many beach shores you can hang out for free. Just like this one:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WEuval7Jjca9KIN7xwyHMMdthB1POy4KFVK68vt_a8n1zvmBkzYTeMil62kZrfoy97wAyC9jraqOPfZ3ujjDO0GUm-D4TAdhfKRaWdFTCubJnMZM-VFKsAAPxTQRs8lmRx4U1Z7aOjw/s1600/IMG_3983.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WEuval7Jjca9KIN7xwyHMMdthB1POy4KFVK68vt_a8n1zvmBkzYTeMil62kZrfoy97wAyC9jraqOPfZ3ujjDO0GUm-D4TAdhfKRaWdFTCubJnMZM-VFKsAAPxTQRs8lmRx4U1Z7aOjw/s1600/IMG_3983.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We came here a little late so what we got was low tide, </span>but that didn't stop us from getting ourselves our salt water fix.<br />
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<b>Where the Whale Sharks are:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, for the main event. As we finished our beach-hopping quest, we finally came to the beach where the Whale Sharks await. My piece of advice? Wake up as early as 4AM and head towards <b>Tan-awan beach</b> in Oslob. We arrived at 5AM, only to witness the massive crowd, waiting for the lines to open. Make sure to stay close to the facilitator holding the checklist because all hell will break loose once they open. While waiting, enjoy the beautiful sunrise. :)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at Tan-awan Beach, Oslob</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were lucky enough to make it to the first batch. We were a group of 10 so we got the boat to ourselves. <b>For P500 (for locals), you get snorkeling equipment for FREE. If you're not a fan of the water, you can stay on the boat and see these creatures for P300 (Foreigners have to pay P1000). If you don't have a GoPro or any waterproof camera, you can rent one for P500, plus additional P50 for the CD.</b> Everything has a price but the pictures and videos are worth it.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole fambam after diving with the Butanding</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First, the boat forms a semi circle while waiting for the Butanding to move closer. A guy on a boat will lure the whale shark with krill until it exposes itself in the enclosing circle. <b>You can only swim up to 10m away from the whale shark.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's free WiFi from the boat</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We went there last April, and we figured that it was jellyfish season, so be careful not to get stung by them.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">Don't forget to explore the other sea creatures as well.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Nemo :)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After 30-45 minutes, everyone goes back to the shore as the new line of tourists get their turn to see the whale sharks. Was it worth it? Definitely. But also make sure that you don't come near them to avoid hitting them or be hit by them.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My younger sister got overwhelmed by the whale sharks</td></tr>
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Aside from swimming with these gentle giants, locals would recommend you to visit Tumalog falls. We skipped this part because we chose to relax by the beach, or detour at Dumaguete.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's worth the wait</td></tr>
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As much as I want to say that this trip is perfect, there is a downside. There are limited restaurants to choose from.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left over Chicken Barbecue</td></tr>
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While our host recommended us <u>Cesar's Restaurant</u>, this small eatery on the main road, we got ripped off and charged us more than what we normally paid for from our previous trips. Apparently, they ran out of supplies, gave us almost leftovers from the menu, but still charged us more than P1000. There are no ATMs here either. If you want to withdraw, you have to go to a pawnshop as they will only offer you to swipe your credit card, and encash it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie at Tingko Beach</td></tr>
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<b>What made this trip worth writing are definitely the whale sharks. All the other beaches in the Philippines can wait, but these Southern Gems may flee in a few years time. </b><b>A word of caution though, these creatures will definitely leave you breathless the moment you see them, but one can't help to get eager enough to rush and swim their way at the expense of hitting others. </b><b>Always remember to <u>stick to the guidelines.</u> Everyone gets a chance to swim with these beauties. :)</b><br />
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<b>Overall, </b><b>I am happy and fortunate enough to experience this in this lifetime. Plus, I get to tick off another item in my bucketlist. Here is my video collating our whole trip to the Queen City of the South, Cebu. :)</b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/92582009" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/92582009">Queen City of the South</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/justinegalvez">Justine Galvez</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Oslob, Cebu, Philippines9.5499999999999989 123.399999999999989.2994419999999991 123.07727649999998 9.8005579999999988 123.72272349999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-72266414210549435852015-01-07T15:41:00.001+08:002015-01-19T11:44:06.164+08:00Quezon City, Metro Manila: The Best Burga in Town is at Pepe's Meat<div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>NKKLK - (adverb) or Nakakaloka means mind-blowing. </i>That was how I felt when I first found out that I no longer have to go all the way to U.P or Maginhawa to eat at Snack Shack because Pepe's Meat, a small burger joint in Kamuning, has just opened.</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These meat patties are Pepe's Meat's grilled Burgas</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">From 1PM-7PM, these 'Burgas' are ready to feed everyone's hungry bellies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHT4J0r7GllaU2B_GmytbV9BgU_WI6YEwcFlbNOIQHAN-VU-js50dmxZWN76pKn9ly-rkgN9bRBNZlUhAbslY9Xzz0VKpR4pB8tb9Wek4tCTqd9wbGgB7I4O-A-7fVywGxTFxv6QhxOA/s640/blogger-image-1946004381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHT4J0r7GllaU2B_GmytbV9BgU_WI6YEwcFlbNOIQHAN-VU-js50dmxZWN76pKn9ly-rkgN9bRBNZlUhAbslY9Xzz0VKpR4pB8tb9Wek4tCTqd9wbGgB7I4O-A-7fVywGxTFxv6QhxOA/s640/blogger-image-1946004381.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pepe's Meat's menu</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My personal favorite, the NKKLK, costs only <b><u>P100</u></b> wherein you get 2 CHAR-grilled beef burger patties topped with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, mustard, mayo, ketchup, and toasted buns. Match it with a bottle of Coke and you get a perfect lunch.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ellaine, the Burga Warrior</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pepe's Meat is located at J. Erestain St. corner Kamuning Road. <i>(Turn left if you're coming from EDSA, right if you're coming from Tomas Morato/E.Rodriguez)</i>. Patricia Cadsawan, owner/proprietor and resident Beks of Pepe's Meat suggests to come at 5pm to secure a spot, avoid the crowd and prevent from running out of those honest to goodness Burgas. :)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh those BORTAs.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Price Range - 60 to 130 Pesos</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Waiting time - 15 to 20 mins per order</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Parking and tables are limited</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Quality - 5/5</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe class="vine-embed" frameborder="0" height="600" src="https://vine.co/v/Op7HUUbLJKH/embed/simple" width="600"></iframe><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do these beef burger patties make you hungry? Visit Pepe's Meat's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pepesmeatburga">Facebook page</a> for more info.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Kamuning, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila, Philippines14.6274602 121.0385268999999714.6120962 121.01835689999997 14.6428242 121.05869689999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-5030382701515037152014-12-27T19:19:00.000+08:002015-01-13T22:39:28.214+08:00Bali, Indonesia: 10 Reasons Why Bali is the Perfect Cure for Burnout<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is so much to see in Bali other than the beach. For one, it is a melting pot of culture, people, sights, and of course, food. Let me take you to a journey around and the other things you need to know before visiting the beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Find out why Bali is the perfect cure for burnout</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">You can judge the rich culture of a foreign place by its airport</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is inspired by Balinese temples. They have fast and reliable wifi with a lot of coffee shops to hang out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <b>You can make the most out of your itinerary by ditching the group tours and hiring your personal driver. </b>Get a driver so you can customize your trip with a little help of your driver's recommendations. If you're looking for an honest, harmless, and excellent service, I strongly suggest that you hire <b>Edy Dazonk of <a href="http://www.edysmilebalitour.com/">Edy's Smile Tours</a></b>.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With our driver Edy</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aside from good discounts, his humor consistently works most especially on trips that would require long hours on the road. Check out his <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g297697-d6635850-Reviews-Edy_Smile_Tour_Private_Day_Tours-Kuta_Bali.html">tripadvisor reviews</a>.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S. He was awarded by TripAdvisor's certificate of excellence for 2014 so if that won't convince you, I don't know what else will.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3. Make sure to save a few Rupiahs before leaving. Airport tax costs Rp 200,000.00 / 800 pesos. </b>Unless you want the hassle of finding a money changer and lowering the value of your money, prepare this in advance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>4. Head to Ubud if you're a sucker for culture. </b>There's a reason why Elizabeth Gilbert made this place iconic: its chill and relaxing atmosphere. A word of advice from the locals though... Don't bother visiting Ketut. It's a complete waste of money. Take it from the villagers when I asked them about him.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ubud - Where the lush of greens rejuvenate your burned out soul.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Out of all the hotel lists we've researched, </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://umadewiguesthouse.blog.com/">The Uma Dewi Guest House</a></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> piqued my interest.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our host - Ibu and Desak</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For <b>P1959/night</b>, you get this: <b>They're rated 100% on TripAdvisor and 10/10 in Agoda.</b> The hosts are warm, very accommodating, and generous. We had unlimited refills in our Balinese tea and coffee. Plus, Desak and Ibu gave us really good discounts on their Balinese coffee. (Rp 12,000.00 for a bag)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">5. When in Ubud, drop by at the Traditional Market</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> because it's cheaper to buy souvenirs here than in Kuta.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The side entrance to the Ubud Traditional Market</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloBPoyJh5xEoChPIybFNy7Ab0fWAsGQj8awylY_Mn7vYcdD3wwbDYcHkz8-4n0Sdt37yEy6MQivhgUInIiKBXMl1HIuWuf29Xb6Vlex0_FAemOECttOpEv25Gw8JSd9ptCnj0lu25B6w/s640/blogger-image--1527941999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloBPoyJh5xEoChPIybFNy7Ab0fWAsGQj8awylY_Mn7vYcdD3wwbDYcHkz8-4n0Sdt37yEy6MQivhgUInIiKBXMl1HIuWuf29Xb6Vlex0_FAemOECttOpEv25Gw8JSd9ptCnj0lu25B6w/s640/blogger-image--1527941999.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't stop haggling! But make sure you purchase after. You don't want to disappoint them.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>6. After you've tried all the local dishes, you may want to get your hands on the best ribs at Naughty Nuri.</b> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get your hands on their big bad Ribs :)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">An Irish pub that serves good but a little pricey Eastern and Western dishes.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Enough about food. Let's talk about temples!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our first stop was at <b>Ulun Danu Bratan</b>, a temple dedicated to the goddess of prosperity, Dewi Uma. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Ulun Danu Bratan</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rice paddies are everywhere. But, take a selfie when you pass by the <b>Tegalalang Rice Terraces</b>. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Kintamani Volcano view</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">If you have the time, head out to the </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Kintamani Village</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> that offers you the dramatic view of the Batur Volcano. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pura Besakih aka the Mother Temple</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wouldn't recommend this but <b>the Besakih Temple</b> might lure you since its the mother of all temples in Bali. Be warned though, <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g294226-d506291-Reviews-The_Mother_Temple_of_Besakih-Bali.html">scammers are everywhere</a>. Beauty is wasted on the scammers, aka mafia, surrounding the temple, offering tourists overpriced tours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just pay the Rp 10,000.00 entrance fee and ignore everything else. When someone approaches you, don't hesitate to say NO. But my word of advice: <b>it's not worth it.</b></span></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMo5oipiX4ZhDHkTHLptNF-Kf8TgfnxQN3pfUU5aoG1I0zk-F1snQWs-0xbHsW4rBeNNqu7ZaikmZvQJKwGMPixrjuQlpSE07AVsa52g-C2X9OZ8jM4haP4cU1Si1OHbbcBarkjg0bB-0/s640/blogger-image--303045717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMo5oipiX4ZhDHkTHLptNF-Kf8TgfnxQN3pfUU5aoG1I0zk-F1snQWs-0xbHsW4rBeNNqu7ZaikmZvQJKwGMPixrjuQlpSE07AVsa52g-C2X9OZ8jM4haP4cU1Si1OHbbcBarkjg0bB-0/s640/blogger-image--303045717.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Located in the Eastern side of Bali, <b>the Tirta Gangga Water Palace</b> is a lovely maze of pools and fountains built on the late 1940s by the late heir of Karangasem. This is a much better place to visit with less tourists rather than the infamous Besakih Temple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>8. Let's talk about Kuta!</b> Located in the heart of Kuta, <b>Tune Hotels</b> is a budget hotel that offers all the basics. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A good dinner at <b>Yulia's Kitchen</b> would suffice one's craving for good local and Western food. Resto closes at 10 so be early. Check out the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurant_Review-g294226-d3707013-Reviews-Yulia_s_Kitchen-Bali.html">reviews</a> at Trip Advisor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had little time and were allowed to visit one beach. So, instead of going to Sanur or Nusa Dua or even Kuta beach, we chose <b>Bingin</b>.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bingin Beach - Not what I expected on Bali's beautiful beaches</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In my opinion, this beach is less touristy because of the long distance. An hour and a half away from Kuta, but nearer to Uluwatu. From the parking lot, you have to walk a bit more to reach the tip. And be prepared as you go down along the uneven steps. I thought the end of the tunnel revealed Paradise. But the truth is, it was a beach for surfers. The shores are rocky and slippery. The sand was hot and hard to walk on because of the pebbles, and the water was dirty. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tutti's Warung - Waiting time is long but the food quality is worth the wait.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The only saving grace for me at that time was the delicious food at Tutti's Warung. In short, if you're here just for swimming... go to other beaches mentioned above.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>9. Get your sunset fix at the Uluwatu temple.</b> It is 15 minutes from Bingin Beach, best to visit at 5pm. Be careful of the monkeys! Leave your hat, glasses, or anything they can steal off your face.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Beware of the monkeys!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>10. And lastly, enjoy the moment. </b>Bali may give you a collection of selfies with good backdrops, but make sure to save some for your memories.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These fishies will follow you every step of the way</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Picture perfect birthday celebration with friends</span></td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bali is a picture perfect trip for anyone. The difference is whether you're open to the ups and downs of it. Not all trips are perfect. But, it's up to you if you're gonna roll with it and just let go of everything you expect it would be.</span></b></i><br />
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<b><i>See the beauty of Bali (Including Yogyakarta) through this 3 minute video:</i></b></span><br />
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<b><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/106779611" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe></span></b></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/106779611">Indonesia Run</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/justinegalvez">Justine Galvez</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Bali, Indonesia-8.4095178 115.18891600000006-9.4146568 113.89802250000007 -7.4043788 116.47980950000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-49228158184993061482014-10-29T14:38:00.001+08:002014-10-30T16:20:46.880+08:00Yogyakarta, Indonesia: 15 Things to Do When You Only Have 60 hours<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had this conversation with a friend a year ago about temples and how I enjoyed my trip in Cambodia. She told me about her current trip in Yogyakarta and mentioned another set of interesting temples adjacent to the likes of Angkor Wat. That same night, I told myself that I want to see Borobodur and Prambanan myself. But, getting there isn't as simple as booking a direct flight to Bali or Jakarta. In case you're interested in visiting this sleepy town, here are some tips on exploring Yogyakarta in a breeze:</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What do you do when there are so many places to see, but with so little time?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1.<b> Book a flight to Jakarta/Bali via Cebu Pacific.</b> I highly recommend that you seize the opportunity to book when there's a seat sale. I got ours at P6,000+ (Manila-Jakarta, then Bali-Manila). Normal rates go from P15,000.00 per head.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <b>Choose what you value more. Is it time or money?</b> The cheaper way is traveling via train/bus that takes at least 10 hours to get from Jakarta to Jogja, or a bus and ferry ride from Bali. Since our time was limited, we chose to fly instead and booked via <a href="http://tiket.com/">Tiket.com</a> to save those extra hours. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take the free shuttle to Terminal 3.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Say you prefer to fly from Jakarta. Once you've landed at Soekharno Hatta (Terminal 1), head out, go right and once you see the staircase/lift, go to level 2. Beware of scammers standing by at the exit and ignore them when they tell you to ride a cab to Terminal 3. <b>There is a yellow bus, or the PEMBERHENTIAN Shuttle Bus that comes about every 10 mins. This can transfer you to terminal 3 for FREE.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. <b>It's better to buy a few Rupiahs in terminal 3 than 1</b>. Plus, there are 24/7 restos where you can wait until the counters open.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. <b>The currency rates in Yogyakarta are better than Jakarta's.</b> Once you've landed in Yogyakarta, tell your driver to bring you to Inna Garuda money changer. Airport's best rate (as of Sept 2014) is Rp11,300 = $1, where as Inna Garuda offers RP11,775 = $1.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friendly, honest, and reliable driver, Herman</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. <b>If you want a DIY itinerary, get a driver instead of a tour.</b> Thanks to my friend, Angge, she recommended us a driver that offered the best rate (by that I meant inexpensive), and quality service. For more details, you may contact Herman at <a href="tel:0000%200000" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">+62274 977 7389</a> via whatsapp or email him at txi_rental@yahoo.co.id, or visit his <a href="http://www.tourdriver.blogspot.com/">Adipura Transport Website</a>. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8RbtHJ9n0O88W9GUtI8Fh5IXDqwe_iU_x0uOdRDM_WUhoWHPHzT0k6kcBJ125QtPeOVxm4iGsX-QmN9BM-NUzZdhrV3K2-ozd5o-WmTBnv6LpCT7EK4xQgZJMcbgOuvS_lgpgEWneCo/s1600/IMG_8276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8RbtHJ9n0O88W9GUtI8Fh5IXDqwe_iU_x0uOdRDM_WUhoWHPHzT0k6kcBJ125QtPeOVxm4iGsX-QmN9BM-NUzZdhrV3K2-ozd5o-WmTBnv6LpCT7EK4xQgZJMcbgOuvS_lgpgEWneCo/s1600/IMG_8276.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yogyakarta's best-selling cokelat (Chocolate)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. <b>For souvenirs, bring home to your friends and loved ones a Monggo Cokelat bar </b>(probably the most famous Chocolate bars in Yogyakarta). Available flavors include but are not limited to: Dark Chili, Praline Caramel, Milk, and the classic Dark. It is cheaper to buy in the supermarket than in Malioboro.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjQMtTxrp9ZOxYdxVQmqZlyN8PTDpmVQBLu4Z5JfG8rJfC_PV1BA26RVH6ZwainMGabYySMs8UThxX71G27V_Zdwi6SeFMs8VPRzxH78k4mNNkg8Smho5fjWMPIK2mT5sifxyvwf72Ag/s1600/taman+sari+wisata.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjQMtTxrp9ZOxYdxVQmqZlyN8PTDpmVQBLu4Z5JfG8rJfC_PV1BA26RVH6ZwainMGabYySMs8UThxX71G27V_Zdwi6SeFMs8VPRzxH78k4mNNkg8Smho5fjWMPIK2mT5sifxyvwf72Ag/s1600/taman+sari+wisata.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Taman Sari Wisata Water Palace</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNinOtv1tfbKtAnJqB43OV_fUsLpX28iL8cq20kQotYPDw3Af7LLixHyZuzEKJhnKX0hypSNlgaF4LrdMaTCS7Lp71XFQHGHUnaChE_UtG6makxO-bEw7ckTRV3y9R-KNQrpm8a60Apw/s1600/IMG_7640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNinOtv1tfbKtAnJqB43OV_fUsLpX28iL8cq20kQotYPDw3Af7LLixHyZuzEKJhnKX0hypSNlgaF4LrdMaTCS7Lp71XFQHGHUnaChE_UtG6makxO-bEw7ckTRV3y9R-KNQrpm8a60Apw/s1600/IMG_7640.JPG" height="640" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the king watches his concubines bathe, and chooses a mate for his 'past time'.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. <b>Don't forget to explore the historical Underground Mosque, and Taman Sari Wisata Water Palace.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXmMglgVwcWz2r2yF2B9qIEUtfS8QlqYXPRBZPwnImCzxlEsYwXz8pYt9E2tWP04ARZA71I3KgOHtkF5_yqOylxM6WtxJjyp3rjqkThwS4uGq5Ogaqz1dKf28U2Bgb_zJY4paewSi-HM/s1600/IMG_8132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXmMglgVwcWz2r2yF2B9qIEUtfS8QlqYXPRBZPwnImCzxlEsYwXz8pYt9E2tWP04ARZA71I3KgOHtkF5_yqOylxM6WtxJjyp3rjqkThwS4uGq5Ogaqz1dKf28U2Bgb_zJY4paewSi-HM/s1600/IMG_8132.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prambanan Market</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. <b>If you're into relics and antiques, shop at the Prambanan market. </b>They offer better rates than in Malioboro.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDunjS_JKxagw-XbN9m6QUphe-pB0FVFo97yit7a8R5gIkKZJwAbjA32AuTeblJHS_mSQ22_MHcRlZ1G2NqwDVn3BFsg8v9zrBnJQ2mFYOcO1NNMt-4SrpsJuJUc1uCCBVx3oclT4lVks/s1600/malioboro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDunjS_JKxagw-XbN9m6QUphe-pB0FVFo97yit7a8R5gIkKZJwAbjA32AuTeblJHS_mSQ22_MHcRlZ1G2NqwDVn3BFsg8v9zrBnJQ2mFYOcO1NNMt-4SrpsJuJUc1uCCBVx3oclT4lVks/s1600/malioboro.jpg" height="242" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malioboro by day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n3VcY71EddcEgXVnDJAbBdd2T_JiFWLNl7Zi3us-V7lFYJur-Y_sTbhkT6P7NT_GFaFa4UJzboojE66s5WkVTzwFX_QmYkwkacV9l1GmYgn5qFh2XAogMqgWVC8YJYAMumH2Y434vnk/s1600/IMG_8277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n3VcY71EddcEgXVnDJAbBdd2T_JiFWLNl7Zi3us-V7lFYJur-Y_sTbhkT6P7NT_GFaFa4UJzboojE66s5WkVTzwFX_QmYkwkacV9l1GmYgn5qFh2XAogMqgWVC8YJYAMumH2Y434vnk/s1600/IMG_8277.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malioboro at night</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can, however, get good bargains on Batik fabrics for your mom in Malioboro.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq1M_QvdbW44_J8lhZ5dJbIygLcAcDAMJEiQHDzI_x_U6MwB__Rm-mRG4-_NZjPr05F7Cpt-YJyrNcOcQ-GAR6lOen5v6RMgvlN0w9AI0DNYanA7U9D3ABWilUgWLW0B-uh-86sUvhiQ/s1600/IMG_7527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq1M_QvdbW44_J8lhZ5dJbIygLcAcDAMJEiQHDzI_x_U6MwB__Rm-mRG4-_NZjPr05F7Cpt-YJyrNcOcQ-GAR6lOen5v6RMgvlN0w9AI0DNYanA7U9D3ABWilUgWLW0B-uh-86sUvhiQ/s1600/IMG_7527.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visually enticing as the whole lobby is filled with wall murals and hip furniture</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. <b>We stayed at Edu Hostel, a backpacker's haven with dorm-style rooms and private rooms that offers the basics.</b> It costs P650.00 for 3 days with your choice of bread, butter and jam, or fried rice for breakfast. Wi-fi is only available at the lobby. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can book tours in your hotel. Just approach the receptionist for more info. We got ours at a discounted price thanks to our wonderful driver. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bowl of bakso for only Rp 8,000 or P30.00</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">11. <b>Eat with the locals!</b> If you're not familiar with Halal food, this is your time to explore this cuisine. There are different ways to eat like a local - One is the <i style="font-weight: bold;">lesehan </i>that requires you to sit on a mat while eating. Herman brought us to the most famous <b><i>Gudeg</i></b> (Grilled Chicken with Spicy Buffalo Skin and Jackfruit in Coconut Sauce), and this tiny resto under the highway for a bowl of <b style="font-style: italic;">Bakso. </b>Whether you like it or not, trying out these local dishes brings you closer to their culture.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpK3xEDhUPdRkpKeWG6V0JnS74n5A4qANNuwlf_nQlYYF3G7stfHww45ympgL5f4QasOVfX1VCwDvOiRev_e2Tu7heL5ma5SJAYmVqLh1VBMp9iXl-xEgNJApsbWQHNidjrgSLyqBBDk/s1600/IMG_7869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpK3xEDhUPdRkpKeWG6V0JnS74n5A4qANNuwlf_nQlYYF3G7stfHww45ympgL5f4QasOVfX1VCwDvOiRev_e2Tu7heL5ma5SJAYmVqLh1VBMp9iXl-xEgNJApsbWQHNidjrgSLyqBBDk/s1600/IMG_7869.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Lovely Prambanan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94ux66u-227py7Y2rTCmvmySltqAHDHflTPSDqvKXZOK10aXw9Los4gi1FsDkrjlSMZsFf312rD0VgoEWyRSL9p34EbSJnlxPrYum6GT0cjZ4ZQ64W8qzdj4cvckA8wGe51QKuKb4myI/s1600/prambanan+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94ux66u-227py7Y2rTCmvmySltqAHDHflTPSDqvKXZOK10aXw9Los4gi1FsDkrjlSMZsFf312rD0VgoEWyRSL9p34EbSJnlxPrYum6GT0cjZ4ZQ64W8qzdj4cvckA8wGe51QKuKb4myI/s1600/prambanan+sunset.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prambanan Sunset</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">12. Candi Prambanan - <b>Rent a bike and explore the huge complex including Candi Sewu</b>. If you're into silhouettes, you can get picturesque shots during sunset. And if you have the time, catch the Ramayana Ballet. Show time is at 7:30-9:30pm.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYcOn1XDQrq_lKs12y8reEsNHCnl4UIf4eV620O5VWwx0pEgH4w8lRz4iYa2XyM_pt59e0sY1jh24L7YthJ2usVfHKfLgQZBNMWtPG5IjnSS4uXxhTY-qVE8L0vmFt4PgAZJ5Fk8S0eo/s1600/IMG_8099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYcOn1XDQrq_lKs12y8reEsNHCnl4UIf4eV620O5VWwx0pEgH4w8lRz4iYa2XyM_pt59e0sY1jh24L7YthJ2usVfHKfLgQZBNMWtPG5IjnSS4uXxhTY-qVE8L0vmFt4PgAZJ5Fk8S0eo/s1600/IMG_8099.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoops! Nothing to see here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSejDjGZzw8vbWDQJc47WMYts2rsLNMuOBu_xxb3KviQEv55mz7hQOBoWazTc_0t5Du89eN_Y54vZDzrGzrIPSZJJxjdxvaL6aXNfx45KM9cGAFPZLscaPnvs08scdYVpw_xElfwYp5AU/s1600/IMG_8092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSejDjGZzw8vbWDQJc47WMYts2rsLNMuOBu_xxb3KviQEv55mz7hQOBoWazTc_0t5Du89eN_Y54vZDzrGzrIPSZJJxjdxvaL6aXNfx45KM9cGAFPZLscaPnvs08scdYVpw_xElfwYp5AU/s1600/IMG_8092.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This looks like the gods's playground</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">13. <b>Skip Mendut, Sambisari, and other small temples.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92X9VGZgU1mpvIDEUyjW9fPvmJiKSaxFRsCATA2RuPgUlsnEzStMDVLLEWtEc0s3WSKsnxO5NSelAQJqUCSoYmz7MH_VbG4h-SgBMdLf7ZNVBBQ6hyphenhyphenuROkOb6H4Q0oHVEcSeuiVN17l4/s1600/IMG_8157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92X9VGZgU1mpvIDEUyjW9fPvmJiKSaxFRsCATA2RuPgUlsnEzStMDVLLEWtEc0s3WSKsnxO5NSelAQJqUCSoYmz7MH_VbG4h-SgBMdLf7ZNVBBQ6hyphenhyphenuROkOb6H4Q0oHVEcSeuiVN17l4/s1600/IMG_8157.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candi Plaosan. A huge lot, with rubbles, spaces, and less tourists to enjoy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">14. <b>But do spend your sunset at Candi Plaosan</b>. A smaller temple compared to Borobodur and Prambanan but bigger than the others. It is less touristy, has bigger spaces, and has a huge pile of rubbles and stones to be reassembled. Entrance is free but donations are welcome.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRIgr66n7yWXpvo3EL_7HNBc3DGKIKWSsdfZLO6eosUjbRAQ2VgFTuByQKWqo1CBaO6qDAOhrJYN88x7KE-j-LB2h0aRP16t310RiBJnKYfZwsGiCqXR_Nan_8rAA_kZQZveGJmli7rs/s1600/borobodur+sunrise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRIgr66n7yWXpvo3EL_7HNBc3DGKIKWSsdfZLO6eosUjbRAQ2VgFTuByQKWqo1CBaO6qDAOhrJYN88x7KE-j-LB2h0aRP16t310RiBJnKYfZwsGiCqXR_Nan_8rAA_kZQZveGJmli7rs/s1600/borobodur+sunrise.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Magnificent Borobodur at Sunrise</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTnja45QA5mUnh1P1hjV6Nbtwd5AZHk6MnYjL9CRLsrepLXXRsvdX5nfHvge9_gRYctkD_mjFTvW1wH-pDpDsWr1yx6Z9n691Nat9_FhO-oziKHeUmjcVQ2axv7OqOlh_a0FnGw_n6Cg/s1600/IMG_8002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTnja45QA5mUnh1P1hjV6Nbtwd5AZHk6MnYjL9CRLsrepLXXRsvdX5nfHvge9_gRYctkD_mjFTvW1wH-pDpDsWr1yx6Z9n691Nat9_FhO-oziKHeUmjcVQ2axv7OqOlh_a0FnGw_n6Cg/s1600/IMG_8002.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rise and shine :)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">15. <b>Borobodur</b> - If you're a sunrise person, wake up at 3AM and book at the Mano Hara hotel.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free coffee, fried banana, and rice cakes at the Mano Hara hotel</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ticket is Rp 380,000.00 and includes the following freebies: a scarf, free rental of flashlight, and coffee & snacks after the Borobodur tour. The normal one costs only Rp 200,000. My recommendation? <b>Save up for the sunrise package. It's totally worth the money. </b></span></div>
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Here's a summary of our Budget and Itinerary (prepared by my officemate, Eyeth Hernandez)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you need a larger version of this, send me a message so I can personally email it to you. :)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>There are so many ways to share my Yogyakarta trip. As much as I want to tell you more about our experience in Yogyakarta, let this video speak on my behalf. Enjoy! :)</i></b></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/106779611" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/106779611">Indonesia Run</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/justinegalvez">Justine Galvez</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia-7.7970683999999988 110.37052670000003-7.922921399999999 110.20916520000003 -7.6712153999999986 110.53188820000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-74846246572720216772014-09-10T12:11:00.000+08:002014-10-29T14:53:32.413+08:00Baler, Aurora: Surf's Up!<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Baler, Aurora is a 6-hour drive from Manila, located on the north eastern side of Quezon. You'd pass by rocky mountain paths with breathtaking views until you reach the small town, filled with secrets, long-forgotten during the last siege of the Spanish era. Today, the town is slowly being discovered by surfers, tourists, and influential people (e.g. Kris Aquino). With it's strong waves, historical sites, hidden coves and waterfalls, what's not to love about Baler?</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eargasmic call of the waves</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're planning to visit Baler, stay for at least 3 days. 1 day for surfing, 1 day for the tour, and another day for the road trip.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7HrQiZg1aqgHjMr4pV7lPALol3wPoUuPMf_NEz9wO1qKHInekex51yi5LNxjfz5zKVqqklG9D1H08xkx6QYKF4iaw81iyLt8Qp5MgQsGipugoL2y6I_EF0tUp6TWsuj6bSLhTVvZA8E/s1600/IMG_1127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7HrQiZg1aqgHjMr4pV7lPALol3wPoUuPMf_NEz9wO1qKHInekex51yi5LNxjfz5zKVqqklG9D1H08xkx6QYKF4iaw81iyLt8Qp5MgQsGipugoL2y6I_EF0tUp6TWsuj6bSLhTVvZA8E/s1600/IMG_1127.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Feel like a local by trying their well-recommended eat-all-you-can buffet at Gerry Shan's Place. For 185 pesos, you get to eat quality Filipino food and unlimited tumblers of Lemon Iced tea. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kaladkarin Crew (Just one invite and we'll say 'yes!')</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of Baler - Constructed from stone and brick during the late 1800s</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Don't miss their specialty: Nanay Pacing's homemade peanut butter</b>. For 100 pesos, you get to bring this wicked jar that doesn't leave a pool of oil on top. And make sure you put this on top priority because they easily run out of stocks. (No one resells this brand so you can only buy their products here)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset colors of the sea (No filter added)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Though we didn't get to see other hidden spots, there's definitely a reason for us to come back, especially the oldest tree in Asia: the Balete tree. Oh! Did I mention surfing?</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How do you ride this thing??</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For newbies, you can <b>hire an instructor (board included)</b> for <b>P350</b>. For pros, you can <b>rent a board</b> for only <b>P200</b>. In my opinion, newbies should learn their basics in La Union/Zambales.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We stayed at the Isla Virginia resort because the famous Aliya Surf Camp was already fully booked. We're 5 so we got a room facing the beach for only <b>P2,700</b> pesos. (It's actually a <b>room for 4</b> but we had to pay addtl 300 for the extra bed). The place didn't disappoint us. i loved the ambience of the reception, they have a mini sari-sari store for your last minute needs, we have a common area to drink, and a veranda to chill with the beach to our view. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">captivating sunrise</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out this short video I did during this trip! Enjoy! :)</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/86243311" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/86243311">Aurora to Aurora</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/justinegalvez">Justine Galvez</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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You made me happy Baler. This was another escape that I needed. You blew my frustrations away from the eargasmic sound of your waves, the friendliness of your locals, the beauty of your sunrise and sunset, and the comfort of nature. I promise to visit you again. :)</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Baler, Aurora, Philippines15.733607 121.5712499999999615.48909 121.24852649999997 15.978124 121.89397349999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-48298616109957142282014-09-08T07:04:00.001+08:002014-09-08T10:58:19.199+08:00Puerto Princesa, Palawan: The Great Escape<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Last November of 2013, I made an impromptu 4-day trip with a friend I met at Siem Reap. I enjoyed Coron but Puerto Princesa took me by surprise. Here, I carried a Bearcat, explored one of the 7 new Wonders of the World, survived spelunking and zipline, jumped off a diving board in the sea, and saw beautiful fireflies & planktons illuminate. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you believe this?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">My flight was at 9am and I wasn't sure if Kiernan was going to show up. And then I saw her, standing in one of the columns with her big backpack, waiting. This was my first time traveling alone with a stranger that I met for a night at a foreign country. To how this trip managed to push thru was a mix of persuasion and escape from my bereavement due to my grandfather's demise (RIP Papa).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">At first I was nervous, but was amused when we started chatting about our travels. The bubbly girl I met at <a href="http://www.theredbackpacker.com/2014/04/siem-reap-cambodia-angkor-what.html">Angkor What? Bar</a> was standing here in front of me, and I was grateful. Just to give you a background, we met in a bar at <a href="http://www.theredbackpacker.com/search/label/Cambodia">Siem Reap, Cambodia</a>, parted ways, and communicated via Tumblr. She's from California, backpacking Southeast Asia for 2 months (See her amazing blog <a href="http://exploringtheotherhalf.tumblr.com/">here</a>) and didn't have plans to visit the PH until she was persuaded by yours truly to include it in her itinerary. So, when our flight was announced for boarding, our 4-day vacation began.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I normally plan my trips in advance, but since this was a spur-of-the-moment type of plan, I booked thru Airasia for a roundtrip flight worth P3k, a tour thru </span><a href="http://www.boristravel.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Boris Travel and Tours Co.</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and was able to score a sweet deal of the ff. for only P6k/head.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDs5YW2_mvED5-pw6vP0UdraQLdCB3m88AcCEgQIbe7MM-74NKH138h9ioXb4M-MNYVOa5VYGUgv045urzTO0POs_xLHPM4skWWnOqrt4XEVFoPqzPhBL-JI348Iq3xW0PKwwnKvf3Fg/s1600/IMG_2405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDs5YW2_mvED5-pw6vP0UdraQLdCB3m88AcCEgQIbe7MM-74NKH138h9ioXb4M-MNYVOa5VYGUgv045urzTO0POs_xLHPM4skWWnOqrt4XEVFoPqzPhBL-JI348Iq3xW0PKwwnKvf3Fg/s1600/IMG_2405.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After an hour and a half, we landed on the shores of Palawan. And, here's how we toured the cleanest and greenest city in the PH for 4 days:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 1: City tour</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1.Plaza Cuartel</span></b><br />
<b>2. Immaculate Conception Cathedral</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3. The Crocodile Farm - </b>I caught a glimpse of this Koala prototype called the 'Bearcat' and asked the caretaker if I can carry him. From his branch, he climbed up to my shoulders where Kiernan took a photo of me with this cutie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>4. Mitra's Ranch </b>- A huge lot on a hill owned by one of the influential people in Palawan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>5. Baker's Hill - </b>Where you can shop and devour freshly baked Hopias and bread. :)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Christmas tree made out of plastic bottles. One of the many installations at Baker's Hill </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>6. Butterfly Garden - </b>Kiernan and I skipped this and went to the food kiosks for street food.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>7. Binatuan Weaving Center - </b>Where you get a chance to test your skills in weaving</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After the tour, our guide brought us to <a href="http://www.puertopension.com/">Puerto Pension</a>, a homey hostel recommended for nature lovers and native atmospheric aficionados.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each room comes with a side table, comfy vintage chairs, and a ceiling fan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After dropping our belongings, we head on to try out Kinabuchs, </span>one of the town's must-try restaurants,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and tried the bestselling Crocodile sisig.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous Crocodile sisig</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6ORLyPuV9Iiuk5KUs8vV2dXKtPgyxRBGDBUb4Q3UJXZyfxF2OSs6DM4AwSzxZ58c2l2MjSsLaMfmwx4lQUuFNv0OuYFEcBOIxNq65xA2ZSjsTb_8rD1uhGM00YJ3o-9b25sY0e6r8_Q/s1600/IMG_2428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6ORLyPuV9Iiuk5KUs8vV2dXKtPgyxRBGDBUb4Q3UJXZyfxF2OSs6DM4AwSzxZ58c2l2MjSsLaMfmwx4lQUuFNv0OuYFEcBOIxNq65xA2ZSjsTb_8rD1uhGM00YJ3o-9b25sY0e6r8_Q/s1600/IMG_2428.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's one hell of a tuna!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kiernan had her first 'San Mig Pale' and started becoming a local. She ordered a huge piece of Tuna steak in lieu of the native crocodile dish. We were so full after that, so we decided to walk to our hostel and got a little lost because we ended at the Cathedral. Thank you, Waze, for showing us the right way.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 2: Adventure time!</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glimpse of Puerto Princesa</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<b>The Underground River - </b>Our tour guide picked us up and brought us to UNESCO's new heritage site for our cave tour. One thing I can still remember from this tour was that when you're inside, try not to say "AHHH" in spite of being amazed so you won't have to taste bat poo.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tourist pose</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBg_rv_pIQ0Ge0Z2ffIm_6XCj0i2wApu44G9ad10Racgq9QIWMFyDRp4qBhX0ygK-4uw7i2WbKNmswPnsUkl_0EvXtoMczYEYnuz3ONQYXH0EtOxeR0DncDB-chyOfJdwUp9ShyVMurM/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBg_rv_pIQ0Ge0Z2ffIm_6XCj0i2wApu44G9ad10Racgq9QIWMFyDRp4qBhX0ygK-4uw7i2WbKNmswPnsUkl_0EvXtoMczYEYnuz3ONQYXH0EtOxeR0DncDB-chyOfJdwUp9ShyVMurM/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange is the new black</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our tour ended earlier than usual so the tour guide asked us if we wanted to go spelunking and zipline. We had a lot of time to kill so everyone in the van agreed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ugong Rock Adventure </b>- I must admit, i'm afraid of heights. I'm a bit claustrophobic, and I don't go well with trekking. But, since i'm already here, I might as well try it, right?</span><br />
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<b>Spelunking - </b>We were almost on top of the hill when my first challenge began: I had to go right thru a small gap between two huge rocks. Either I go thru it, or I head back down to where we started. I took no for an answer and was able to go thru.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found this on the outer side of the caves</td></tr>
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<b>Zipline </b>- The view from the top was breathtaking. After a couple of selfies, Kiernan and I readied ourselves to take the zipline. I was dead scared so I've thought of a plan to distract myself from my fear: as soon as the guide pushed me, I sang Wrecking Ball on top of my lungs. Panic started to kick in when I forgot the rest of the chorus and just screamed until the end. It was embarrassing at first, but then I felt proud because I didn't let fear stop me from having fun. (Kiernan, in case you're reading this... Can I have a copy of my Wrecking Ball moment that you caught on cam? :p)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like someone had a great time!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After our tour, we rested for a bit before we had dinner at another must-try restaurant: </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Kalui</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b>
Kiernan and I decided to have fun with the locals and headed on to the noisiest bar in the city: <b>Tiki Bar. </b>We had a few drinks until we dared ourselves to dance with the locals on stage. It may have been a bit embarrassing dancing in front of a live audience, but it was worth it.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 3: Honda Bay Tour and Firefly Watching</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grabbing our gears before our island hopping tour</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Again, we had to wake up really early for our island hopping tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our first stop was at </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Starfish Island</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">, where I got to jump off a diving board in the middle of the sea and swim with the fishes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had lunch at </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Luli Island </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">and dozed off till we got toasted. Our last island stop was at </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Cowrie Island. </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">The sands are whiter and the weather was perfect for snoozing while other tourists were busy doing photoshoots. Yes, we just snoozed around the whole island hopping tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At night, Kiernan and I had dinner at the Butterfly Garden before the <b>Firefly watching</b> tour at the Iwahig river. </span><br />
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This was probably the highlight of my vacation because we were able to see planktons illuminate just by paddling on the water.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before heading home, our tour guide blasted out their perfectly compiled cheesy songs where we danced and partied inside the van. It was a night well-spent.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 4: Baywalks and Souvenir Shops</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puerto Princesa's baywalk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We didn't have to wake up early the next day, so we had breakfast a little later than usual. I took a walk to explore the baywalk at the back of our pension house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I got back, Kiernan decided to cut the trip short by going back to her folks in Singapore. I felt a little sad for not being able to tour her around Manila, so we made the most of our remaining time by doing some last minute shopping at the Souvenir shop. When in Palawan, hoard boxes of Pearls. They're dirt cheap! A pair costs as low as P10.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And just like that, we're back in Manila. Kiernan had a few hours before her flight, so we had lunch at C2 Filipino Cuisine at Resorts World Manila. I brought her to the airport, said our goodbyes inside the cab, and hoped to make another impromptu trip soon.</span><br />
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Overall, it was a happy experience for me. Meeting a stranger is one thing. Traveling with them is another. I'm glad to have met a jolly and adventurous one. Bringing an Environmental Science Major graduate to an Eco-friendly city made this trip a perfect start for future travels to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Arrivederci Kiernan! <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">This turned out to be one of the best escapes I've ever had. </span>:)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines9.9672162999999987 118.785509999999938.9663057999999989 117.49461649999994 10.968126799999999 120.07640349999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-2771544730635944122014-08-29T11:00:00.000+08:002014-08-29T11:06:07.069+08:00Hanoi, Vietnam: The Layover Tour pt. 2Xin Chao! We took a break from our Hanoi city tour and had lunch at this restaurant called the Blue Butterfly. Our meals were already paid since it was part of the deal we got at Groupon. At this point, we've already made friends with our tour mates.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch time!</td></tr>
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After our little siesta, we boarded the van and headed out to our next destination: <b>The Temple of Literature</b><br />
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It was built in 1070 AD and has withstood different wars and dynasties. It is said that this was patterned to the original birthplace of Confucius and is also the first National University of Vietnam.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, Confucius :)</td></tr>
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This ancient sanctuary consists of tablets and structures that are meant to show tourists a deeper understanding of Hanoi's culture and tradition.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touch the yellow light for good luck!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't care. Just jump!</td></tr>
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After almost 2 hours of exploring the whole complex, we were so thirsty that the Texan ate 2 ice cream popsicles in less than 10 minutes. </div>
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Our last stop was at the Ngoc Son Pagoda, which can be found at the Hoan Kiem Lake. The photo below shows the sacred tortoise that defeated the Mongols by releasing a huge sword from it's mouth. He promised Le Loi that he would return the sword upon victory. Thus, the solitary temple was built beside the lake as a tribute to the sacred tortoise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is one huge turtle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The godfather of all ninja turtles</td></tr>
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The place was getting crowded as the tour was almost done. Before the day ended, we wouldn't let this pass without a jump shot with the group.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0N3nRqkh1zl9SpemL_9ClijGydLcu5g6a3w8wKXi73Gu7uHecYlrbWZvEki5EN1J7FW6ZwMAJn00kLIylgqRRreYZGn7XXCuczs3t3mt_v4XkpJ1MZtySiCgeKSlOz7vjPiNOxUvPRfE/s1600/jump+shot+with+the+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0N3nRqkh1zl9SpemL_9ClijGydLcu5g6a3w8wKXi73Gu7uHecYlrbWZvEki5EN1J7FW6ZwMAJn00kLIylgqRRreYZGn7XXCuczs3t3mt_v4XkpJ1MZtySiCgeKSlOz7vjPiNOxUvPRfE/s1600/jump+shot+with+the+group.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The fun, diverse, and jump shot pros that was our group :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hardcore Swan Lake in the middle of the bridge with Anya!</td></tr>
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There are 10 of us in this tour. (2 Filipinos, 1 Japanese, 2 Chinese, 3 Americans, 1 Russian, and 1 Vietnamese). At first, we were all strangers. But that quickly disappeared when we all decided to make this tour out of the ordinary.<br />
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After the tour, Kai and I were on our own. Kai decided to treat her sprained ankle but still chose to explore the streets of the old quarters. Every street stall was packed until we found this spot to finally try Hanoi's Bia Hoi. For 5,000 VnD = 10 pesos, this lady served us freshly brewed mystery beer. Due to language barrier, we couldn't understand what it was called so we just drank it anyway.<br />
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We had 2 rounds and ordered a dumpling for only 50,000 VnD = 100 Pesos. Just when we thought that after finishing all of these, we would visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, we suddenly realized that the beer was too strong, and we're already drunk. It was already dark and our map was not helping us. We asked around for directions but couldn't understand much of the language. In the end, we were just going around in circles and realized that the Lake was just a block away from us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDW1nmHGO5XaJaN3-O1mMkr7cA6SmETD1Hbw1g_lHz910cldntn_-mcnyuYXlbgzPpvv_FpPyHkCy37luf7RXk7GvGVYtJZDkERun1ScdhHgI7YAvFSkVwTyB1aBLPfAky8Ce3DZHMzqQ/s1600/hoan+kiem+lake+at+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDW1nmHGO5XaJaN3-O1mMkr7cA6SmETD1Hbw1g_lHz910cldntn_-mcnyuYXlbgzPpvv_FpPyHkCy37luf7RXk7GvGVYtJZDkERun1ScdhHgI7YAvFSkVwTyB1aBLPfAky8Ce3DZHMzqQ/s1600/hoan+kiem+lake+at+night.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoan Kiem Lake by night</td></tr>
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Our flight was at 9pm and it was already 6:30pm. Kai and I braved our way to find our hotel and crossed streets on fire. It was rush hour.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like a boss</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xin Chao, Hanoi</td></tr>
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We stumbled across flea markets and shady streets, but in the end, we found our hotel. Since I haven't tried their famous <b>Bun Cha (Vietnamese Pork Meatball and Noodle Salad)</b>, one of the hotel's staff, found a store that was still open and got me an order. (What a great guy!)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WBUp-AZzU5syfbnx2N3emNnm39Fo89kIKA_EF5MBvpvScsH5QluPVPpyAzPoi90vGx5ZJsvnZFR_8Ik_CZQ2_1a39DzAdOFnqVVCpJ0v_WUJOz2qaNOpIxk02g6pya8sXCgmMLKYD-U/s1600/bun+cha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WBUp-AZzU5syfbnx2N3emNnm39Fo89kIKA_EF5MBvpvScsH5QluPVPpyAzPoi90vGx5ZJsvnZFR_8Ik_CZQ2_1a39DzAdOFnqVVCpJ0v_WUJOz2qaNOpIxk02g6pya8sXCgmMLKYD-U/s1600/bun+cha.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bun Cha = 60 pesos</td></tr>
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Our airport transfer arrived and brought us to the airport on time. </div>
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And just like that, the whole trip was over. As soon as we landed in Manila, we felt like every bit of energy has left our body. Plus, we had a bad headache no thanks to the mystery beer. </div>
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<b><i>It's really fun when you visit a foreign place. Every stranger you meet has a different story to tell. And, these stories they share become a part of your experience. All of these experiences we've gained, friends we've made, and mishaps we've conquered, gave us more reasons to book more flights whenever there's a seat sale. Thank you, Vietnam. I may have enjoyed the two sides of your story, but I barely scratched the surface. 4 days wasn't enough so expect me to come back for more. :)</i></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Hanoi, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi, Vietnam21.033333 105.8500000000000220.974045999999998 105.76931900000002 21.09262 105.93068100000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-72388381417085179512014-08-26T12:37:00.003+08:002014-08-26T14:10:06.588+08:00Hanoi, Vietnam: The Layover Tour pt. 1<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;">Like any other city, Hanoi has it's own distinct personality. It's calm and charming atmosphere is a huge contrast compared to the busy streets of <a href="http://www.theredbackpacker.com/search/label/Ho%20Chi%20Minh">Ho Chi Minh</a>. This was o</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">ur last stop for our week-long <a href="http://www.theredbackpacker.com/search/label/Cambodia">Cambodia</a>-<a href="http://www.theredbackpacker.com/search/label/Vietnam">Vietnam</a> trip. We weren't able to see Halong Bay due to limited time, but we still enjoyed this laid back city (compared to Saigon) even just for a day. In case you're visiting Hanoi for a day, make sure to include these places in your itinerary.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6F9bo-gq2RI2r0x5XH2foWDgWch96vhRpgYavkuAG5ZHIym4rVzKvLqtJ99OfGzGkMQ8RVwxYESqSq56PY0110QOLzIwou9qvtfzejB4MHS-yYYX1Ca5z8dMUF-U5qZHFfhhfMKR_EoE/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6F9bo-gq2RI2r0x5XH2foWDgWch96vhRpgYavkuAG5ZHIym4rVzKvLqtJ99OfGzGkMQ8RVwxYESqSq56PY0110QOLzIwou9qvtfzejB4MHS-yYYX1Ca5z8dMUF-U5qZHFfhhfMKR_EoE/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" height="638" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I'm gonna need longer broom sticks if i'm gonna have a place like this.</span></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">From Ho Chi Minh, we traveled 4 hours via VietJet and arrived at the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;">Hanoi Domestic and International Airport at 11pm. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">I swear, if you have other options rather than riding VietJet, go for it. Our flight got delayed by 2 hrs and we kept on switching terminals like we were playing for the Amazing Race. Kai and I were extremely exhausted by the time we got to the airport. Good thing we had our airport transfer arranged earlier. Otherwise, we wouldn't have the energy to spot and hail a cab that wouldn't scam us.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hanoi Domestic and International Airport</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Our hotel was located at the Old Backpackers District. We were relieved to see that the deal we got on <a href="http://www.beeconomic.com.ph/">Groupon</a> was totally worth it. We haven't had dinner yet and all the restaurants were closed so Kai and I asked for a masseuse instead. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbb_BG8Bw785wL0_msZZ72ask9wQXQs47Gcrw6FmdAA2H_MJqz4fMrz9wp4EebwzmJCp1UqwA5gwYJwHK0xLTgqcV0jXVvv7hk05Ud2RaiDyeAaFdO1b4AmWS1tkwRRFiO6XeLrXcVnM/s1600/lobby.jpg" height="468" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Staff was friendly and very accommodating</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaTt74Oi7ldoRpMMwItneYITFeUDK3nZ5nDcFK7h_U4jlLVFyhzTLuUO2Hel4hHZNqDUfJNL4htiTXbuP62vf4WA8HdIgR7PRiVkR0ZqfDmCYesOji0eMcyU0mrrr6Hi04lAdE69qbPk/s1600/room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaTt74Oi7ldoRpMMwItneYITFeUDK3nZ5nDcFK7h_U4jlLVFyhzTLuUO2Hel4hHZNqDUfJNL4htiTXbuP62vf4WA8HdIgR7PRiVkR0ZqfDmCYesOji0eMcyU0mrrr6Hi04lAdE69qbPk/s1600/room.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">You gotta love our room :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">We woke up early the next morning and availed our Groupon's free breakfast buffet while waiting for our tour guide.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Our van arrived on time and our city tour began. Like any other tour, our group was a pretty diverse one. The tour guide asked everyone to introduce and share interesting trivia about themselves best reserved for icebreakers. Going back to the tour, our first stop was at the Quan Thanh temple. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic344lOx6TrJzA7lqXCK1rKFBRjdqnerp7BsCoPMf2hw1q99D-_yuEEeu7Z24tpaM5hEmtgBdZWfrWHTy2yk7rYoIbu9no6gB4iW4Px21wkAb5-0QBn1KREyr8vE8MePbPA_KvYGz8IwI/s1600/hanoi+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic344lOx6TrJzA7lqXCK1rKFBRjdqnerp7BsCoPMf2hw1q99D-_yuEEeu7Z24tpaM5hEmtgBdZWfrWHTy2yk7rYoIbu9no6gB4iW4Px21wkAb5-0QBn1KREyr8vE8MePbPA_KvYGz8IwI/s1600/hanoi+river.jpg" height="350" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Trivia: Hanoi was derived from the word Ha (river) and Noi (inside). <br />You can see a better panoramic view of Hanoi from here.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWBSx-W2cAayNvWyqCNV5561g7508fX4k6tGo4pRXesPlwRL6zgodzO_cCnjgbudXTlUdiuLtASHE2DPzgeCNBl56r0wIbReW7NT78jWkyP0SRFJEZZe9-X3Sgcy_KF__kYz5VemE68M/s1600/quan+tanh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWBSx-W2cAayNvWyqCNV5561g7508fX4k6tGo4pRXesPlwRL6zgodzO_cCnjgbudXTlUdiuLtASHE2DPzgeCNBl56r0wIbReW7NT78jWkyP0SRFJEZZe9-X3Sgcy_KF__kYz5VemE68M/s1600/quan+tanh.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The gates of Quan Thanh</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oBuPj04h53Qoh-qw04d0FJBE385li5Ua-ZI3-wPQxWdX1A2AWd5wTeFCPyvvhyiSFvdyMb6mFntplDSRSVTqrCmAy5EM63WNjH3mMGQw8Pk7k-61PXSVP_8kLalZ_vDy2wOhztri2lQ/s1600/quan+thanh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oBuPj04h53Qoh-qw04d0FJBE385li5Ua-ZI3-wPQxWdX1A2AWd5wTeFCPyvvhyiSFvdyMb6mFntplDSRSVTqrCmAy5EM63WNjH3mMGQw8Pk7k-61PXSVP_8kLalZ_vDy2wOhztri2lQ/s1600/quan+thanh.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Unlike Cao Daism, this is a Taoist temple</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtQriy7kmtcE6DXEpj9Q-X9wm_fQWxsttgpgYFx0oG-SLVlLTFCijzZ6tu8zLwBJcX0S6-CfpeeIK7Ap_e2rwJFJRZBTjp-fcwQYPkEWpJhezr3oPVBdYwG43NtwzDTyCK0kvn4VCCuo/s1600/quan+thanh+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtQriy7kmtcE6DXEpj9Q-X9wm_fQWxsttgpgYFx0oG-SLVlLTFCijzZ6tu8zLwBJcX0S6-CfpeeIK7Ap_e2rwJFJRZBTjp-fcwQYPkEWpJhezr3oPVBdYwG43NtwzDTyCK0kvn4VCCuo/s1600/quan+thanh+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Not just any temple, this is considered as one of the four sacred temples in Hanoi.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dwuhOFCEC8WYiD-l7JVN3lv4M1ffveOLG_7GtjyFhDNVKoI-5DqY09dod31pdPyNgr8jdYokVwX8mYLuML6dQ4m0cwRnezRvlT5Weqw-aA3wEtlhS-0MAIyGkbjnSGTR7dOFtkv0-pw/s1600/quan+thanh+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dwuhOFCEC8WYiD-l7JVN3lv4M1ffveOLG_7GtjyFhDNVKoI-5DqY09dod31pdPyNgr8jdYokVwX8mYLuML6dQ4m0cwRnezRvlT5Weqw-aA3wEtlhS-0MAIyGkbjnSGTR7dOFtkv0-pw/s1600/quan+thanh+3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">the bronze buddha</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqJuMlVFlw65pS-NfgokW00n_rC6W7eIWXiX1cbpPmaq_vmAHHY2PKc8IbAfraRcHoVNsgDnr7Fq0OwYMNtgXbZ_QFjhkHmkSU50DXBUdbtXWInIbxXWYTmVDWgD7m52RxBrs0nmu4fE/s1600/quan+thanh+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqJuMlVFlw65pS-NfgokW00n_rC6W7eIWXiX1cbpPmaq_vmAHHY2PKc8IbAfraRcHoVNsgDnr7Fq0OwYMNtgXbZ_QFjhkHmkSU50DXBUdbtXWInIbxXWYTmVDWgD7m52RxBrs0nmu4fE/s1600/quan+thanh+5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The lovely garden fountain outside</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Owc98mjA4txLijjV_ERSLMwT3czHpbD716YGs0WYnV4FCmDzmX-G9uNoxEDK3LHUGRpRkOYFUSJ0w4vsJxV3pbqwuhkiBMeKVcRFKXOZIucE5ILLFfN737d_3jrwLqtGLZ7iAQ0Scvo/s1600/quan+thanh+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Owc98mjA4txLijjV_ERSLMwT3czHpbD716YGs0WYnV4FCmDzmX-G9uNoxEDK3LHUGRpRkOYFUSJ0w4vsJxV3pbqwuhkiBMeKVcRFKXOZIucE5ILLFfN737d_3jrwLqtGLZ7iAQ0Scvo/s1600/quan+thanh+4.jpg" height="640" width="444" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73Q9YlWITd3phQWZoipjLQqPomJc61q433f3Rg-8T6CZQIGwZrzljPBpenllsZoEPxuaEqEHvFH6BbLvmLirq3uBpQ3RTVvCLPZajNrDtTSScyxia9XcyMOiM4VnfKoiOz_tXWYqDMMs/s1600/quan+thanh+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73Q9YlWITd3phQWZoipjLQqPomJc61q433f3Rg-8T6CZQIGwZrzljPBpenllsZoEPxuaEqEHvFH6BbLvmLirq3uBpQ3RTVvCLPZajNrDtTSScyxia9XcyMOiM4VnfKoiOz_tXWYqDMMs/s1600/quan+thanh+6.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCeTX3LjLgamRXuLlxMRn8RI7jNtXRRYk-GdOJzerEgOCLdb8o3JMd7aQA9EdF5qwhMzfbPwZNjMFJ1DdjhgbwFJVGOcnRyUJDoCqrYdOcpm7JUmPe-UB_m-iIkrEx8-5S4bp46Y7r1g/s1600/quan+thanh+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCeTX3LjLgamRXuLlxMRn8RI7jNtXRRYk-GdOJzerEgOCLdb8o3JMd7aQA9EdF5qwhMzfbPwZNjMFJ1DdjhgbwFJVGOcnRyUJDoCqrYdOcpm7JUmPe-UB_m-iIkrEx8-5S4bp46Y7r1g/s1600/quan+thanh+7.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">According to Wikipedia... It is also a training venue for several traditional martial art classes including Vovinam. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Our next stop was at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, one of the popular tourist spots in Hanoi. It is said that Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam's iconic leader, requested that his ashes to be scattered across Vietnam. A part of his remains lay here.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsf2LV_rCnWsp_evSTzP8JlVOE6c2URk0hwjYgf6pjcwh2YwFK5gQDklGVlB-hKshKIfTsr_AfJB7sPzj6yU2dxu8MsKaMbrNnPi6Uk60d9roQyPscuMU8bFfDBmpbdk_LZbEbq6ZFQk/s1600/quan+thanh+10.jpg" height="480" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ho Chi Minh's partial remains</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMbvKDDeOLX9jXrBF9CgfzJdbui-5xfK3qq9WD5-TK_vsEJbvSTjERurq3AV7T8Lrj0jdMXaMOPW6mru4Wr0duhqa6yNExc-PsHwubZwmQ_g1v8YTErBnul2EEMKLHZcXFilUUe_Wo8g/s1600/quan+thanh+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMbvKDDeOLX9jXrBF9CgfzJdbui-5xfK3qq9WD5-TK_vsEJbvSTjERurq3AV7T8Lrj0jdMXaMOPW6mru4Wr0duhqa6yNExc-PsHwubZwmQ_g1v8YTErBnul2EEMKLHZcXFilUUe_Wo8g/s1600/quan+thanh+11.jpg" height="366" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Tourist shot</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks to this shot, some of our group mates asked us how to achieve the panoramic effect on their mobile device. (I found her adorable because she's 55, and retired police woman who's been traveling around Vietnam.) Moving on... we head on inside and pass by the Presidential Palace.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T-AC5MoZCPP27FZ_SfGUs9W0oWrtegxF3ktM60MF6a3rZS_Ud5BxQapze0Mm8zQNJqqTZv4L9t3BHmGSYZyUoEDJQOt0TsgUx_qFfZ6KYUFUKoHgJCSljVu_XIBIFtEqWIOcX9rDH-U/s1600/presidential+palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T-AC5MoZCPP27FZ_SfGUs9W0oWrtegxF3ktM60MF6a3rZS_Ud5BxQapze0Mm8zQNJqqTZv4L9t3BHmGSYZyUoEDJQOt0TsgUx_qFfZ6KYUFUKoHgJCSljVu_XIBIFtEqWIOcX9rDH-U/s1600/presidential+palace.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">And it was all yellow...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3zNDq2tY-uxz20Us3DbusP5LuAzZi4sFbTVlwGPti7x4GicQt552BJF_X8oibs60ftW9Ud7FE2EdO-M2pzKqmwQqTNrQIITrVE3G1EGpCIqtkW7frGC7KcBi48oFos-ZhkCOFlu3udk/s1600/hcm+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3zNDq2tY-uxz20Us3DbusP5LuAzZi4sFbTVlwGPti7x4GicQt552BJF_X8oibs60ftW9Ud7FE2EdO-M2pzKqmwQqTNrQIITrVE3G1EGpCIqtkW7frGC7KcBi48oFos-ZhkCOFlu3udk/s1600/hcm+car.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">One of Ho Chi Minh's bulletproof cars</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAuM4hI04gtjacQS-vzEsuQih2CTDgER58Km-_dJAvv-loRVLsf1sTYZHiy0lP03iQ7VW6zHD5_rFzvsRj5IORE3wKwIv2otk15SwCSpxap-64qFmd2itPJ2YudcQg-fhn-718A-4MAw/s1600/tea+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAuM4hI04gtjacQS-vzEsuQih2CTDgER58Km-_dJAvv-loRVLsf1sTYZHiy0lP03iQ7VW6zHD5_rFzvsRj5IORE3wKwIv2otk15SwCSpxap-64qFmd2itPJ2YudcQg-fhn-718A-4MAw/s1600/tea+.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">During this tour, Kai discovered her favorite drink</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We rested for a bit at the One Pillar Pagoda. The area was too small and crowded so I just got myself a spot to rest and observe some students, sketching for their outdoor class. (It reminds me of my college days when we had to do freehand drawing under the sun). This time, we took the time to chat with our tour guide, and one of our tour mates from Texas. On our way out, it was time to unleash those jump shots.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyPjuXqPN2kKF82AGrADyavQFciPzf_yVAZRvgpGESrRibbSx-7du0-YPVzgYPMlKcx0aTlxFUsgLDWBDQ762HYwsagifYeDDJYAZCTYWMtL7w8BNW58dmnSE-Qmmxaf89pB9iCxaxus/s1600/sprained+kai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyPjuXqPN2kKF82AGrADyavQFciPzf_yVAZRvgpGESrRibbSx-7du0-YPVzgYPMlKcx0aTlxFUsgLDWBDQ762HYwsagifYeDDJYAZCTYWMtL7w8BNW58dmnSE-Qmmxaf89pB9iCxaxus/s1600/sprained+kai.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Kai took the risk of jumping with her sprained foot</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO2IdPtG_Sxcq2OWw7EKYZxKGAwAFU9tarf5VqqKF71TnkimxCAk32JjVoGI52a6bp5R_bN7MvBN5Bw3T5hDRuB90MPKGy33DwdAgua9WR6JzdUdwA1ZHiVKL_blRSRBS1RWKrP3TLmk/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO2IdPtG_Sxcq2OWw7EKYZxKGAwAFU9tarf5VqqKF71TnkimxCAk32JjVoGI52a6bp5R_bN7MvBN5Bw3T5hDRuB90MPKGy33DwdAgua9WR6JzdUdwA1ZHiVKL_blRSRBS1RWKrP3TLmk/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" height="638" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I jumped my heart out and didn't care about the rest</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We also went to the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about Vietnam's ethnic roots. I consider this as one of the highlights of the tour.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVNnWCV7zMPGJHh4jFN3O6uU_NuUB6hcwef3m1NcHYJ-ujSKItjXjEgdYEi_cUJ4VKv-p8q6y3v3ORXDb_zdeB7zdPMdvur_Fe_u579_blIidLjDCRnNc6CD8VUdZtdBD7GRxg0Ys8hM/s1600/ethnology+museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVNnWCV7zMPGJHh4jFN3O6uU_NuUB6hcwef3m1NcHYJ-ujSKItjXjEgdYEi_cUJ4VKv-p8q6y3v3ORXDb_zdeB7zdPMdvur_Fe_u579_blIidLjDCRnNc6CD8VUdZtdBD7GRxg0Ys8hM/s1600/ethnology+museum.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSIaqRFzyvhnzZDgg1mAQQDdpoZtQqS2w-ecBd8-fcjQxkpt-wcEvQ2kEb3z3FQ0yZwJzxPvpSJYHMccbtsIbrp26DMxhZvrIR20uqLWnsuRF-TOEesIB8nZzTWB9DARWiV82YQ53P7w/s1600/museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSIaqRFzyvhnzZDgg1mAQQDdpoZtQqS2w-ecBd8-fcjQxkpt-wcEvQ2kEb3z3FQ0yZwJzxPvpSJYHMccbtsIbrp26DMxhZvrIR20uqLWnsuRF-TOEesIB8nZzTWB9DARWiV82YQ53P7w/s1600/museum.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Interesting piece of Architecture we got here</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6xn5Zi-dJVDwUDm_sFUpbUxWL8PYVol97-8Iezl6K2hoZLSmpLMHK1SkNxqFJtl9kQTn9aYwc_DFq1xsMX_wSqB5xX9iS3yIFHxjhrsJlgbnoZ7IF-55grVHEMpeL-UXpE2z9BreGMQ/s1600/museum3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6xn5Zi-dJVDwUDm_sFUpbUxWL8PYVol97-8Iezl6K2hoZLSmpLMHK1SkNxqFJtl9kQTn9aYwc_DFq1xsMX_wSqB5xX9iS3yIFHxjhrsJlgbnoZ7IF-55grVHEMpeL-UXpE2z9BreGMQ/s1600/museum3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQrsSeU518qZ3HdUFSW4hU7IUDgPH8EJAnsXqaBQB6V6J4PJwYG1OBPhAs7xMe5heoxt1GpnmVioy53MNv3uYrHhHS6WKRIh_5MHBPYhmqc47w1oF1Z4Mv0yME3WVmQf5vu4M6hyphenhyphengLNk/s1600/old+school+silk+screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQrsSeU518qZ3HdUFSW4hU7IUDgPH8EJAnsXqaBQB6V6J4PJwYG1OBPhAs7xMe5heoxt1GpnmVioy53MNv3uYrHhHS6WKRIh_5MHBPYhmqc47w1oF1Z4Mv0yME3WVmQf5vu4M6hyphenhyphengLNk/s1600/old+school+silk+screen.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Old school silk screen printing</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx5pS2s3HZsH9InRS51ParggI5pvnNQc9lF-EWCcmbSud1MbVq78Gq4pWfWqegJQ_riTLXPxX2gvMf1hHGh0YkPkNnJ7ChDUlDr0idrpwQKQOfUoMRZDORxD_nU2Irp0Lnx1Hsb6fRIk/s1600/museum+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx5pS2s3HZsH9InRS51ParggI5pvnNQc9lF-EWCcmbSud1MbVq78Gq4pWfWqegJQ_riTLXPxX2gvMf1hHGh0YkPkNnJ7ChDUlDr0idrpwQKQOfUoMRZDORxD_nU2Irp0Lnx1Hsb6fRIk/s1600/museum+4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpfX8Ifm32GOQWZvg-Hvcx-ZxFQUOlmC1HOxPVYxW4wxE6inVv-f-ywEC7af63r5e5NAYqQydSBR8kppn-xeU2mJtoNB22xs1mNffgA5ku02qM_lftswlOcLsnqksxcei13QY5mCXRVo/s1600/calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpfX8Ifm32GOQWZvg-Hvcx-ZxFQUOlmC1HOxPVYxW4wxE6inVv-f-ywEC7af63r5e5NAYqQydSBR8kppn-xeU2mJtoNB22xs1mNffgA5ku02qM_lftswlOcLsnqksxcei13QY5mCXRVo/s1600/calendar.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Bamboo lunar calendar. Just thinking about how to make this work gives me a headache!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1dpRHXY9OeU6CO8W0s4ZUw4Ze8OJhJDCZcEH39TOtfYOQNWPmRo57yoEwqtQCYWiIHHceVzxLrNUqrCh3M7Yx0wbpxfAtvwT1oXG4fz68w6F-0jRL1JdkOzFrpdhv6lq8xLenK2nrj0/s1600/funeral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1dpRHXY9OeU6CO8W0s4ZUw4Ze8OJhJDCZcEH39TOtfYOQNWPmRo57yoEwqtQCYWiIHHceVzxLrNUqrCh3M7Yx0wbpxfAtvwT1oXG4fz68w6F-0jRL1JdkOzFrpdhv6lq8xLenK2nrj0/s1600/funeral.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Kai attending a ritual</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEIRMOaWYmX241odBjpIZP4ti30j0pbwabxlCOueqpuZdQVBv1vVOv71pIMCzcVpoBXWyPsGE500XUfHtcjJzWG-F5mCMeiLlksRNxNCDY4r7iuMiohk2ZEC7oge3p44ZavJB0R-4Hfc/s1600/diorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEIRMOaWYmX241odBjpIZP4ti30j0pbwabxlCOueqpuZdQVBv1vVOv71pIMCzcVpoBXWyPsGE500XUfHtcjJzWG-F5mCMeiLlksRNxNCDY4r7iuMiohk2ZEC7oge3p44ZavJB0R-4Hfc/s1600/diorama.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Posing at this huge diorama</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-bNyFBcKXUlGIKzPKSWxp2wpzeEPyRrPdDZkf0064RfnD_GzdHikpjM3PIZTd4gJ4ZSlrisTda2W3lNMBiCFLxrtaVYhlkl2g_CcJ5SaRUMNKA2Em_dv2MrfczOj6peo4Fgw45oJmO4/s1600/diorama+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-bNyFBcKXUlGIKzPKSWxp2wpzeEPyRrPdDZkf0064RfnD_GzdHikpjM3PIZTd4gJ4ZSlrisTda2W3lNMBiCFLxrtaVYhlkl2g_CcJ5SaRUMNKA2Em_dv2MrfczOj6peo4Fgw45oJmO4/s1600/diorama+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3DLyQooip1-PIL-EW39kMs_H0bFdfpqAbFKhOyrxrHciCYcnLMWrp44oPJ2b04qaHdDY9xZ7i9aJ9dST5iXRox5qEUOm1VMEdLof2lE8M5pJ73j0h-q8slWphe0KNzxSLNxwLVlb_1I/s1600/fisherman+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3DLyQooip1-PIL-EW39kMs_H0bFdfpqAbFKhOyrxrHciCYcnLMWrp44oPJ2b04qaHdDY9xZ7i9aJ9dST5iXRox5qEUOm1VMEdLof2lE8M5pJ73j0h-q8slWphe0KNzxSLNxwLVlb_1I/s1600/fisherman+bike.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">This is where fishermen place their fresh catch</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOtSvrHSvhzLP93Hc5f5IgZzNhT4HCfcW2wGWOC1RyJHJQEPcbh1Cw-biZ7RpB1WXffT5iLI3eEuuLhbGTi0w3pV_swDmjoPfm438KKt_8MZW6xTFhFLX-w_SvGQRXW6_Wkk15UAJoV8/s1600/fertility+hut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOtSvrHSvhzLP93Hc5f5IgZzNhT4HCfcW2wGWOC1RyJHJQEPcbh1Cw-biZ7RpB1WXffT5iLI3eEuuLhbGTi0w3pV_swDmjoPfm438KKt_8MZW6xTFhFLX-w_SvGQRXW6_Wkk15UAJoV8/s1600/fertility+hut.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">And of course, the fertility house</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0-eQkR3AqrU71qaQLhz3Pd6Olli1rOFR2fZEpDYwRI-llrjCtGuFF12E-hXiAlLV4-WitnAUpA2sK8bIdwcupmjy1i06S2EBHFWyb9PAc6xOGdpkeEinZCdMqWtFMUZ_uCKhdAC44EE/s1600/diversity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0-eQkR3AqrU71qaQLhz3Pd6Olli1rOFR2fZEpDYwRI-llrjCtGuFF12E-hXiAlLV4-WitnAUpA2sK8bIdwcupmjy1i06S2EBHFWyb9PAc6xOGdpkeEinZCdMqWtFMUZ_uCKhdAC44EE/s1600/diversity.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">You can also see the different ethnic groups of Vietnam in this chart</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJhF9sNG3ZJfB2RiSk4Vp9p71_LIxMPdsllDU9MYSQXojU8EEnNqaVX4NFDvi0w-i49568DvFkIgEJdWUfkHtEb-NtjssgiW0I2rwt0l9aNoHRbr58SEFFd1JSdSwfWKoTjWJvUiU7NE/s1600/hot+to+make+the+saigon+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJhF9sNG3ZJfB2RiSk4Vp9p71_LIxMPdsllDU9MYSQXojU8EEnNqaVX4NFDvi0w-i49568DvFkIgEJdWUfkHtEb-NtjssgiW0I2rwt0l9aNoHRbr58SEFFd1JSdSwfWKoTjWJvUiU7NE/s1600/hot+to+make+the+saigon+hat.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This is how you make the iconic Vietnamese conical hat aka the "Non La"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After the tour, our guide led us outside to see more ethnic homes in dioramas. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvT-umduAnd_I40oFAurQpb5mg26STJ20yLDdIM-ER-3aA2-4_5KjsZJDexUtNplZWP_lYFMwJG_dIh9LbUSZrAW6WOLEvC43W8akO7mRGMJ10KvcUYaHGEpcx1bgQLZ9wjKkbIw2b7s/s1600/puppet+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvT-umduAnd_I40oFAurQpb5mg26STJ20yLDdIM-ER-3aA2-4_5KjsZJDexUtNplZWP_lYFMwJG_dIh9LbUSZrAW6WOLEvC43W8akO7mRGMJ10KvcUYaHGEpcx1bgQLZ9wjKkbIw2b7s/s1600/puppet+show.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Puppet show stage (at night)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This piqued my interest.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbXzWU9SZCgIO7yUIEeJa31wuqc50YQ2CXoJ_rlaQ-ebPnhXhveqzLoHvgWuXlepK0FJX8owlQHBqvf86k4rTbw1UloWF9Qpg4ZyTsDkAzytvh-WrnG9d__Ev0bfcLHQfYl77wRUHT4g/s1600/kubo.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbXzWU9SZCgIO7yUIEeJa31wuqc50YQ2CXoJ_rlaQ-ebPnhXhveqzLoHvgWuXlepK0FJX8owlQHBqvf86k4rTbw1UloWF9Qpg4ZyTsDkAzytvh-WrnG9d__Ev0bfcLHQfYl77wRUHT4g/s1600/kubo.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
What you see inside this huge hut:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIk-XSXe_OdkQWVy2RGFg6Ajzi9KH_nYZoLGPdeg86sTLtPluXGcBKwhd1kv60xNGbIlxfIcW9RMiVHCQRQDp9qFEHyOHPibwRBBX7jLSCmcAhl3OYB5uAzsJ5-qW_zlt1i6Bp91o418/s1600/inside+the+kubo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIk-XSXe_OdkQWVy2RGFg6Ajzi9KH_nYZoLGPdeg86sTLtPluXGcBKwhd1kv60xNGbIlxfIcW9RMiVHCQRQDp9qFEHyOHPibwRBBX7jLSCmcAhl3OYB5uAzsJ5-qW_zlt1i6Bp91o418/s1600/inside+the+kubo.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dNS_nnEr4daEeU_8YsepmuHBb77xKoeYR9MUMYiVpC29jAw5AL4i7P9rEjUzPgfjeQNZkA0BDRnkvdgr9XXmZXAlJvEgbO2g1ac_TbPfBY3QNKmZ5PlAa-CGmvTyD5z_bzF_0lWqZME/s1600/inside+the+kubo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dNS_nnEr4daEeU_8YsepmuHBb77xKoeYR9MUMYiVpC29jAw5AL4i7P9rEjUzPgfjeQNZkA0BDRnkvdgr9XXmZXAlJvEgbO2g1ac_TbPfBY3QNKmZ5PlAa-CGmvTyD5z_bzF_0lWqZME/s1600/inside+the+kubo+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">To sum it up, this whole exhibit gave me a very informative tour on the rich culture of Vietnam. Learning the way they lived is interesting enough to see on paper. But to see it in a larger than life diorama? I say this goes to my interesting list of stories to share when I tell my friends what to see in Hanoi. In case you're in the capital, check this pretty neat museum. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Opening hours is 8:30am to 5:30pm Tuesday to Sunday</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #141823;">.</span></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #141823;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Check out the rest of my Hanoi tales on my next entry. Hope you enjoyed this one. :)</span></span></i></b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Hanoi, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi, Vietnam21.033333 105.8500000000000220.974045999999998 105.76931900000002 21.09262 105.93068100000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-6106296788654872712014-08-15T16:00:00.000+08:002014-08-15T18:38:17.299+08:00Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: When the City Became our Playground <div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">We had hours left before our next flight so we decided to tour the city by ourselves. It was pretty interesting to see, try and taste anything local. Plus, crossing the streets of Ho Chi Minh was no biggie to us anymore.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chasing Pigeons</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Kai and I woke up at 7AM and decided to try the </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">recommended local Pho restaurant by our host. Comparing it with the Pho stall we tried at Ben Tanh, this was way better. By that I mean, it was cleaner, cheaper, and more choices to choose from. One of them was the iced tea with milk that locals from the other table were drinking.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Kai ordered chicken Pho, while I had beef.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">After our satisfying meal, we walked along the park and noticed that it wasn't crowded, so we decided to goof around with the machines. After passing by the Market, we embarked on a long march to see the city's famous landmarks.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tour guide</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">1. Our first stop was at the <b>Reunification Palace.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">This used to be the home and workplace of the President during the Vietnam War. According to Wikipedia, </span><i style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">It was the site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">2. Next was the <b>Notre Dame Cathedral.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Since we time was on our hands, Kai and I decided to have a little fun by including couples doing pre-nups in our touristy photos. :p</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Joking aside, this is the facade of the Notre Dame Cathedral. It was built by French colonialists during the 1800s. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Before heading on to the next landmark, Kai and I chased some pigeons and stopped by this super cool bookstore. It looked small from the outside, but the inside looked insanely huge. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take a photo of it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">3. After spending almost a million Dong on posters, we walked another 5 blocks and finally reached<b> the Saigon Opera House</b>, another French colonial piece of Architecture.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Right across the street, we saw this park with an outdoor exhibit. Kai and I rested for a bit on the benches, then took another photo on the fountain.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">4. As we played along without looking at our map, we stumbled across the <b>Ho Chi Minh City Hall</b> or the <b>People's Committee Head Office</b>. We didn't go further because it wasn't opened to the public.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We were walking slowly under the heat of the sun, drenched, tired, and tempted to hail a cab. But, good thing we saw Ben Tanh Market. After buying some last minute shopping for Kai's mom. Oh! You should definitely buy your linens here. You can get a queen-sized bedding set for only 550k Dong = 1,100 Pesos! This is where you get your bargain skill's worth. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>And make sure to bring home a bag of Blue Mountain coffee beans. Look for this stand and ask for a discount! They can even recommend you fellow tenants that can give you what you want at a really good price. :D</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kai, happy with her Shopping</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We went back to the Hostel at 2pm, slept for a bit, packed our belongings, and we were ready to go. Almost. That's when we realized that we haven't eaten yet! So we headed out to Bui Vien St. (Where we got our North Face bags at a good price) and had</span></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">late lunch at this small Tex Mex restaurant. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We went back to the hostel thru the small alleys, got our bags, and waited at Park 23rd.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Ms. Vy got us a good cab and said something to the driver that made us feel secured because of the <a href="http://www.theredbackpacker.com/2014/05/ho-chi-minh-vietnam-guide-and-itinerary.html">scam incident</a> we experienced when we arrived. We said our goodbyes and thanked her for her hospitality and made sure to recommend her to our friends.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the lovely Ms. Vy of Vy Khanh Guesthouse!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">It rained hard when we arrived at the airport. We had problems with our check-in bags so Kai and I had to rearrange everything just to make it through. After some serious shopping for our friends (ehem Patricia), our 18kg bags now weighed to this:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Our boarding time was at 6:10PM but was postponed because of the bad weather.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Riding VietJet was a pain. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Thus, we were able to ride at 9PM. By the time we arrived at Hanoi, Kai and I looked like zombies. It was a good thing that we were able to score a great deal on Groupon. We had airport transfers, stayed in a 3-star hotel, and were able to schedule a last-minute massage for the both of us. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>If I were to describe Ho Chi Minh City in one word, busy would be an understatement. We've experienced a lot of things in Ho Chi Minh: nostalgia, scams, killer motorcycles, palatable dishes, and amazing bargains. And whether we regret it or embrace it. I must admit... The city gave us something that we will never forget: The taste of <i>Adventure</i>. :)</b></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Ho Chi Minh City, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam10.8230989 106.62966389.8248079 105.33877030000001 11.8213899 107.9205573tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-78053576326460916202014-08-11T18:12:00.000+08:002014-08-15T01:10:26.437+08:00Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: On CaoDaism and the Cu Chi Tunnels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another way to get a slice of Vietnam's culture is to head out to the countryside and journey to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. If you have more time to kill, include Tay Ninh's Cao Dai Temple in your itinerary, too. If these don't spring out excitement, I don't know what else will.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enter the Great Divine Temple</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeUM2OC-WTpzGsTvaBPjME5HzSnhB1JXV5L3uP_eo7nDrwN-Ud3EfS2bfMZwambw3EvluVpwIIT07D_u8sqYFCqMXjz2cIwIgmMNi8NLqnLcbUzYUa7ROKx659ekj7tdEs4a0pspm9aE/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeUM2OC-WTpzGsTvaBPjME5HzSnhB1JXV5L3uP_eo7nDrwN-Ud3EfS2bfMZwambw3EvluVpwIIT07D_u8sqYFCqMXjz2cIwIgmMNi8NLqnLcbUzYUa7ROKx659ekj7tdEs4a0pspm9aE/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" height="466" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their style of breakfast</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the bus</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">It was a beautiful day in Ho Chi Minh when Kai and I took a 4hr bus tour to the province of Tay Ninh to witness the Caodaism ceremony. Upon entering the temple, I felt amused with what I saw.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR84O-jleJX_YMIuU7h-qAvtjuBMMqsSBtoj7fHLkBPRIV1651Y6dt9RZ8jo72vDW4IdMq65TcFOifsXHz8XZlnG09BH80UlxYWRA-VMIGDeSrrrtVq5ds5qI4TAPXxGxHyVM_RAxNce0/s1600/1382159_10200401694958452_1798394658_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR84O-jleJX_YMIuU7h-qAvtjuBMMqsSBtoj7fHLkBPRIV1651Y6dt9RZ8jo72vDW4IdMq65TcFOifsXHz8XZlnG09BH80UlxYWRA-VMIGDeSrrrtVq5ds5qI4TAPXxGxHyVM_RAxNce0/s1600/1382159_10200401694958452_1798394658_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This symbol welcomed me as if i'm about to join the Illuminati. This eye symbolized the 'Left Eye of God'</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkfDhz5gbGyEhBuqbkljSHz7AL18nPgyiD8DTmKhfeBexPGGtM1qrNxNhx9gVMylpCaiMUAeI3C4iMOZKeXXqjU-pyxAzkP3jBZcHxzCn-B_zOrEd3TyN-FORDdMc9M7jZSITEV5e3qQ/s1600/1385258_10200401693318411_973139771_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkfDhz5gbGyEhBuqbkljSHz7AL18nPgyiD8DTmKhfeBexPGGtM1qrNxNhx9gVMylpCaiMUAeI3C4iMOZKeXXqjU-pyxAzkP3jBZcHxzCn-B_zOrEd3TyN-FORDdMc9M7jZSITEV5e3qQ/s1600/1385258_10200401693318411_973139771_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Divine Temple</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJELg_vNIXGO0z_zptNjIFPeh0BpY0AD5lKjHSPB6D3aUDfyV2lyfMgRysYm14bO789BP-2_sXry6D_svUxbmgfFFD2cetQy8_no4pYpYArOniPkBcLIjRPAs25v_XgvfVL867Ih9xFY/s1600/1379609_10200401702638644_1359224330_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJELg_vNIXGO0z_zptNjIFPeh0BpY0AD5lKjHSPB6D3aUDfyV2lyfMgRysYm14bO789BP-2_sXry6D_svUxbmgfFFD2cetQy8_no4pYpYArOniPkBcLIjRPAs25v_XgvfVL867Ih9xFY/s1600/1379609_10200401702638644_1359224330_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the Cao Dai Temple. To give you a brief description on what Caodaism practices, I got this excerpt from <a href="http://www.vietnam-beauty.com/vietnamese-culture/vietnam-religion/17-vietnam-religion/151-the-qvaticanq-of-caodais.html">Vietnam Beauty</a><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></strong></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><i>Caodaist ethics</i></strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><i> are based on the Buddhist ideal of becoming a good person with a veneer of traditional Vietnamese taboos. Basic parameters such as avoiding killing, lying, opulent living, sensuality, stealing and eating meat that facilitate the soul's progress through the cycles of reincarnation.</i></span></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0C2Ex6tPHQF_FX7-hitzFoWS8qsIvI3LcvQybya0Ai-Y5aJdsnfzDcVVqdxx82L1k3XMl7zFVDCvdb3ruD1qR0KYEbYpGLIlGFsO7_lxJhbDcrNGozSjSJXz-QVHnefEDLWrFxeLJ5o/s1600/1394323_10200401698438539_1843542876_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0C2Ex6tPHQF_FX7-hitzFoWS8qsIvI3LcvQybya0Ai-Y5aJdsnfzDcVVqdxx82L1k3XMl7zFVDCvdb3ruD1qR0KYEbYpGLIlGFsO7_lxJhbDcrNGozSjSJXz-QVHnefEDLWrFxeLJ5o/s1600/1394323_10200401698438539_1843542876_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlud_0J8-jKXOeqmGarVcxH4rq6XRfyLpi0T1N7AcmzDdlExz7jlCfErn6ZWB1cSdH3DC7d3MoyStCf6ibXbZnkbYVs66dBRWXB-iMj0fd1lWyE6I318RFtJck50m93wmpRCa_eWiUFI/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlud_0J8-jKXOeqmGarVcxH4rq6XRfyLpi0T1N7AcmzDdlExz7jlCfErn6ZWB1cSdH3DC7d3MoyStCf6ibXbZnkbYVs66dBRWXB-iMj0fd1lWyE6I318RFtJck50m93wmpRCa_eWiUFI/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 religions are merged into one, this painting depicted their venerable saints: Sage by Trạng Trình Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm</span><span style="font-size: small;">, Buddhism by </span><span style="font-size: small;">Sun Yat Sen</span><span style="font-size: small;">, and Religion by Victor Hugo</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRWClX7gFuyv0laYPiX26PdBfpsI6GxfIz-Rrpz-nveKVsiWAueEJuZsqPt_hgJZIXgjDe01pIBMekwxIkdPtgeZPSSsv_01DGfwgneB-RbaKMXo9xhGbVjdaKK4Phj1GmZ-1sex2BA4/s1600/1383346_10200401699798573_559871759_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRWClX7gFuyv0laYPiX26PdBfpsI6GxfIz-Rrpz-nveKVsiWAueEJuZsqPt_hgJZIXgjDe01pIBMekwxIkdPtgeZPSSsv_01DGfwgneB-RbaKMXo9xhGbVjdaKK4Phj1GmZ-1sex2BA4/s1600/1383346_10200401699798573_559871759_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">FYI, Caodaism is the third largest religion in Vietnam</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuTzkaLh2YhoCGVgwxuFsFNcxqzIO1D9BVlcneu_Tgrgwvj3YKhG253O7J8rFjpvmyRudzk6sQSoyLbEClr-68XREeFuEbRDydlbTZ60B-3XPCJmythrDJ56D3UujbI5ieCk51VLUMOA/s1600/1382881_10200401695238459_1492353170_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuTzkaLh2YhoCGVgwxuFsFNcxqzIO1D9BVlcneu_Tgrgwvj3YKhG253O7J8rFjpvmyRudzk6sQSoyLbEClr-68XREeFuEbRDydlbTZ60B-3XPCJmythrDJ56D3UujbI5ieCk51VLUMOA/s1600/1382881_10200401695238459_1492353170_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Worshippers in white</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8w320IZmZ4LwrP1KrKcUiEeYixILajY5rwyTr2C4N1Kf-ljGtXjeEwoVhgK-SzVr1nlvn8qmLMYqBdfGgWdcEbwoKI_5OLalNaLUUl-eATvZSLVbSNZdZSI2aljT-_tMFHdbsOsd_wZg/s1600/1379341_10200401697318511_1319981496_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8w320IZmZ4LwrP1KrKcUiEeYixILajY5rwyTr2C4N1Kf-ljGtXjeEwoVhgK-SzVr1nlvn8qmLMYqBdfGgWdcEbwoKI_5OLalNaLUUl-eATvZSLVbSNZdZSI2aljT-_tMFHdbsOsd_wZg/s1600/1379341_10200401697318511_1319981496_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Cao Dai refers to God the Father (The Supreme Being, the Creator, the Ultimate Reality of the Universe)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you for coming :)</td></tr>
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After an hour of being immersed in the ceremony, we had lunch at this small restaurant called:<br />
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and had this</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-IjxoV4KlcNuqj_sDaP_P4uE1fUi-HfC14rAZSaoPzC9Ff2hxBCaZieUrc8VX-ucMVV-WK1yI2eC0ylWnDamZIFzkZx-Wh5gipuNEuD3zDtTqsTeDldm2d0VrxfG3Bh2jUu6hXeGt4A/s1600/1385200_10200401716038979_829059382_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-IjxoV4KlcNuqj_sDaP_P4uE1fUi-HfC14rAZSaoPzC9Ff2hxBCaZieUrc8VX-ucMVV-WK1yI2eC0ylWnDamZIFzkZx-Wh5gipuNEuD3zDtTqsTeDldm2d0VrxfG3Bh2jUu6hXeGt4A/s1600/1385200_10200401716038979_829059382_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Along with a bottle of Bia Saigon and 7 Up. :p</span></td></tr>
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While waiting for the others to finish, Kai and I went outside for some downtime and observed the people around us. A few minutes later, we met 2 lovely ladies who traveled all the way from Australia. It was during that short break where we decided to merge on our trip to the tunnels.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdoFVjBSNtVHVooetCHiPKGQUIxhdQqewLwnKBb24UAl4JzfuGTBWugY1Egrl_0hM1OhCPQhS61MSTSvEt7C3bfWmtvgYE2Kcgcf8Ig2NPXXTjTz_QET5OJHyt2E8_c5U3xNzPMmEoz4/s1600/1383528_10200401725999228_1224055162_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdoFVjBSNtVHVooetCHiPKGQUIxhdQqewLwnKBb24UAl4JzfuGTBWugY1Egrl_0hM1OhCPQhS61MSTSvEt7C3bfWmtvgYE2Kcgcf8Ig2NPXXTjTz_QET5OJHyt2E8_c5U3xNzPMmEoz4/s1600/1383528_10200401725999228_1224055162_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A photo with them at the Cu Chi Tunnels</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQbxwxKvkP9WtQrFp_NvLQdUBmcsUoGyN3_XAsL-hasN3E9cc8Li3MarKBUIor0c_eEZqvX1_ulVdbi7UFiiVQqnHhtJE4lkKiLweM1IachS2LEhTKJD8jhRV0OPGsBMSdbnK0Bk3o-c/s1600/1390558_10200401717159007_245081287_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQbxwxKvkP9WtQrFp_NvLQdUBmcsUoGyN3_XAsL-hasN3E9cc8Li3MarKBUIor0c_eEZqvX1_ulVdbi7UFiiVQqnHhtJE4lkKiLweM1IachS2LEhTKJD8jhRV0OPGsBMSdbnK0Bk3o-c/s1600/1390558_10200401717159007_245081287_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">An old documentary of Cu Chi was presented before hitting the tunnels. I have no idea how old the video is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">But what was the main purpose for the tunnels? I learned that:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1. It served as an underground headquarters for the Viet Cong fighters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">2. It was bulit like a labyrinth that can either lead you to the Mekong River, the Cambodian border, to the homes of these fighters, or to your death by traps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">3. It was a successful resistance against bombs or massive attacks by the American soldiers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">After the briefing, we went to the main site and saw a diorama of the Vietcong soldiers, the traps they prepared, and the spoils they got from the Americans.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOjfXvtJjxtYsP5cFOCUJR0cPgy70EVbRM5u_MNSvReLPAaGOt2H_8xg7W9SLki0GjkmAd-4K6V0isCajJ0FhSsXjlNdopjVfBViPmTUVFHeqPrUCUckOoNrem692YyQ3SG1TjfSAseY/s1600/IMG_0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOjfXvtJjxtYsP5cFOCUJR0cPgy70EVbRM5u_MNSvReLPAaGOt2H_8xg7W9SLki0GjkmAd-4K6V0isCajJ0FhSsXjlNdopjVfBViPmTUVFHeqPrUCUckOoNrem692YyQ3SG1TjfSAseY/s1600/IMG_0963.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAB545Bp-Jo-UpG9g1T2jcEzJN_UFfQGWuizB2a9dwPnx0OQZZ5VpS2IORAkgiYG5oqe7q9zd8TRxifMU7uspQsHztc9-wNhyphenhyphenMD-X8gH08ay9mNjnEPMPbTvam-upCEPfqYZSn7Abyd8/s1600/1375297_10200401719239059_876984928_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAB545Bp-Jo-UpG9g1T2jcEzJN_UFfQGWuizB2a9dwPnx0OQZZ5VpS2IORAkgiYG5oqe7q9zd8TRxifMU7uspQsHztc9-wNhyphenhyphenMD-X8gH08ay9mNjnEPMPbTvam-upCEPfqYZSn7Abyd8/s1600/1375297_10200401719239059_876984928_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CePaGs8LrKq9Q_q0Uyw1IZZXOqH-jtH9Q_P46LkBogR13Vskj_s6KLWx3byp9ZxDKPO-RqzGBQsQEcfAQCbJHrW5_Kb9rT-D34PlTypBMMLpKP8XA9kIYMN0lDug6wt3fuBXaJOepdw/s1600/994924_10200401719799073_640593182_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CePaGs8LrKq9Q_q0Uyw1IZZXOqH-jtH9Q_P46LkBogR13Vskj_s6KLWx3byp9ZxDKPO-RqzGBQsQEcfAQCbJHrW5_Kb9rT-D34PlTypBMMLpKP8XA9kIYMN0lDug6wt3fuBXaJOepdw/s1600/994924_10200401719799073_640593182_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> Two viet cong soldiers wearing American military uniforms aka 'Spoils of War'</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcZWzPPGCPfm5QjBftxyoLvKvEyvQCNY33UcTAOvKXXGL5w5Cfnu9dlXi1LrD0jnPgRRWLAJ7LxQrVINk0dQxdwH2L-6Z5Vapfwyqpm6Tb-hbkAYmrJZXQDsD5ObFwXaw2YSHLR0lh1Y/s1600/1377293_10200401720039079_1610888338_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcZWzPPGCPfm5QjBftxyoLvKvEyvQCNY33UcTAOvKXXGL5w5Cfnu9dlXi1LrD0jnPgRRWLAJ7LxQrVINk0dQxdwH2L-6Z5Vapfwyqpm6Tb-hbkAYmrJZXQDsD5ObFwXaw2YSHLR0lh1Y/s1600/1377293_10200401720039079_1610888338_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">After learning about how smart the Viet Cong fighters did to protect their land, we proceeded to the tunnels.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PUSrmrC-KTqFRfo09i9SZGGQIZIYLzL01C8uxbqSglVXiPz9_cxix033_Th5JV_Brj508BThLdybXg1sK-fxQONAjATA0mgCiy8Y5jya0AbVc4iI4aMme03TOvEsbAhbzDZceh1tfxw/s1600/1384326_10200401725759222_1100259443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PUSrmrC-KTqFRfo09i9SZGGQIZIYLzL01C8uxbqSglVXiPz9_cxix033_Th5JV_Brj508BThLdybXg1sK-fxQONAjATA0mgCiy8Y5jya0AbVc4iI4aMme03TOvEsbAhbzDZceh1tfxw/s1600/1384326_10200401725759222_1100259443_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The entrance to the main tunnel</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCbrTAjeuKLhgLYQiyV3TJoMXLlM1ylAF2Zgz4NdwakR-f7US9HR4yqgjVLEFPI3C29JVOMcQ5p55VOW-B1kubOy_1VjSs-7gZXz4tkiISrhGzP5MiKtYxHdkB_4dMG8O6HOjwXrYFYg/s1600/1374152_10200401723959177_966295645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCbrTAjeuKLhgLYQiyV3TJoMXLlM1ylAF2Zgz4NdwakR-f7US9HR4yqgjVLEFPI3C29JVOMcQ5p55VOW-B1kubOy_1VjSs-7gZXz4tkiISrhGzP5MiKtYxHdkB_4dMG8O6HOjwXrYFYg/s1600/1374152_10200401723959177_966295645_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My friend, Kyla, was rocking her way while leading us inside the tunnel</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp0JsDR8GFuA_0wiq_2Jrvm8tOTlg3skXnH-611-xT45T_2sgIUDHZ8YL2pk8XOcasojIiiJu5nclXfuoz5F5OvbgdpcE93VacAwqDlVAE5tAosfIXlpoP2TWWY7UZpA67yN1aevQrYI/s1600/1382836_10200401724119181_897701100_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp0JsDR8GFuA_0wiq_2Jrvm8tOTlg3skXnH-611-xT45T_2sgIUDHZ8YL2pk8XOcasojIiiJu5nclXfuoz5F5OvbgdpcE93VacAwqDlVAE5tAosfIXlpoP2TWWY7UZpA67yN1aevQrYI/s1600/1382836_10200401724119181_897701100_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> And this is me panicking because I didn't know that I had a slight case of claustrophobia</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The path led us to a fork and we chose to go left towards the nearest exit. Seeing the daylight made me appreciate for seeing the sun. In case you're wondering what happens when you turn right, it leads you to your death. I'm kidding. It's just a longer path towards the other exit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0GnraXix4WUdbT1aHy8Z6MDZLTkdbBkoXQH4dDtr37Bjo6t7APTf3rq-HisxxTe_11QRrhETDLJRPZrCf9aJNONzg9y8WmKl1NSL2-c7MQsiv8-CZFYnKDPEEOq2-vtRAAEJdTmUzzE/s1600/1385980_10200401722199133_1602474163_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0GnraXix4WUdbT1aHy8Z6MDZLTkdbBkoXQH4dDtr37Bjo6t7APTf3rq-HisxxTe_11QRrhETDLJRPZrCf9aJNONzg9y8WmKl1NSL2-c7MQsiv8-CZFYnKDPEEOq2-vtRAAEJdTmUzzE/s1600/1385980_10200401722199133_1602474163_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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And this photo (above) tops the whole Cu Chi experience. I was able to hold and fire an old AK47 salvaged from the Vietnam war. :)<br />
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<b><i>Being able to witness a ceremony from a different religion, and a historical site filled with memories was an honor. If I could redo this experience, I would definitely love to get a hold on that AK47 again. And by the way, the whole tour costs for only $9 (thanks to Ms. Vy of <a href="http://vykhanh-guesthouse.com/">Vy Khanh Guesthouse</a>) so don't bother booking online because your local hostel can offer this at a very reasonable price. :D</i></b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Củ Chi, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam10.9959552 106.5112712000000110.7465967 106.18854770000002 11.245313699999999 106.8339947tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-32674309795958118132014-05-26T02:19:00.000+08:002014-05-26T03:22:55.122+08:00Makati, Metro Manila: Coupon Crazy at Genji M<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX176739853" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Thanks to my good friend, Helen, we scored a great deal at this unlimited sushi-all-you-can at Genji M where they served fantastic salmon! We had an amazing experience and the pacing was fine that we didn’t feel like vomiting or anything after that. I've thought of posting a review but I personally asked her to write this review because she was the one who found and pursued this deal from day 1. If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, this is a fair warning not to drool. Read on and enjoy :)</b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DlKy0oXrrg38xNC_9tPOKpiR5Diy_xVUwZ3iSxVF6zHtgRYDOFHb05cloYpErZqOPxDQRwgZTNRwjc4JGauNxLQkPq76hddfrjz8_EyzcOQ8WjCkSVbO4Wm_6B7Hz_JkOQO0BfP90XY/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco8_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DlKy0oXrrg38xNC_9tPOKpiR5Diy_xVUwZ3iSxVF6zHtgRYDOFHb05cloYpErZqOPxDQRwgZTNRwjc4JGauNxLQkPq76hddfrjz8_EyzcOQ8WjCkSVbO4Wm_6B7Hz_JkOQO0BfP90XY/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco8_1280.jpg" height="640" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you just love Japanese cuisine?</td></tr>
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<span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">I'm a big fan of sushi and sashimi. In fact, </span><span class="TextRun Strikethrough SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through;" xml:lang="EN-PH"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX176739853" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I know</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH"> I think I can live on those dishes every single day. Needless to say, I'm always on the look out for Japanese restaurants with good deals. </span><span class="EOP SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">During one of those busy work days, I found myself scrolling down my Facebook timeline (I think I've wasted around 2 hours or so, reading through meaningless statuses and (un)important articles I found interesting. Then that blessed day, one of my Facebook contacts shared a blog link about this Japanese restaurant, Genji M, who is giving Php250 off on their *drum roll please* Unlimited Sushi and Sashimi. I found it too good to be true so I wasn't satisfied with reading just one blog about it. I had to make sure it was no hoax. It was then I found out that many food bloggers have dined at the restaurant and wrote about their experience. After around 7 blogs and 30 minutes of hearing my stomach rumble, I was convinced. "I'm going to eat at that darn restaurant before the promo ends." Yes, I said that out loud. </span><span class="EOP SCX176739853" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">So basically the mechanics of the promo is to print out the coupon from one of those food blogs (one coupon per person), fill out the needed information and present it to the waiter upon ordering. 'Cause I want to make you life easier, here's the coupon I printed out. Got it from Thepurpledoll.net (link: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCX176739853" href="http://www.thepurpledoll.net/2014/03/genji-m-unlimited-sushi-sashimi-makati.html" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-PH">http://www.thepurpledoll.net/2014/03/genji-m-unlimited-sushi-sashimi-makati.html</span></a><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">)</span><span class="EOP SCX176739853" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6lgDwmswIGd5NKbq2IFlmrxCYEQid5U1y4KmJp1NoGkNf72EwLF5C9ExSoGA9xYNbyM6VthX_G0zqpVGcV_BnV7zWEhmCv2M98GlYOltLg8kfRQvJ3F-oFR5DmjjrMPs9JGQ9nmXl80/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6lgDwmswIGd5NKbq2IFlmrxCYEQid5U1y4KmJp1NoGkNf72EwLF5C9ExSoGA9xYNbyM6VthX_G0zqpVGcV_BnV7zWEhmCv2M98GlYOltLg8kfRQvJ3F-oFR5DmjjrMPs9JGQ9nmXl80/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco1_1280.jpg" height="640" width="542"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can download the coupon at <a href="http://www.thepurpledoll.net/2014/03/genji-m-unlimited-sushi-sashimi-makati.html)">The Purple Doll</a>'s blog</td></tr>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;" xml:lang="EN-PH">
<span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">There was a mix of opinions on the comments sections of the blogs about this restaurant. Most of the rants were about how slow their service was and I was given the impression that a lot of people were availing of this promo, so I could just imagine the long waiting line. (There was even a story about a night when there was just a crazy number of people in the restaurant that they were having a hard time keeping up with the variety of orders and to accommodate everybody was just next to impossible. That night, the chef walked out! *gasp*) Being the OC person who wants everything planned out, I called the restaurant on a Thursday to have a table reserved for the coming Saturday. I was told that they have reached the maximum number of reservations for that Saturday. 5 for lunch and 5 for dinner. The reason is so they can accommodate walk-ins as well. Uh-oh. That only means we had to get there early before the crowd comes in for dinner. I was informed that they open for lunch at - please take note - 11:30am and closes at 2pm to prepare for the 2nd batch which starts at 4:30pm until 9:30pm. The restaurant manager said that the dinner crowd comes in usually at 7pm. I had to be there at exactly 4:30pm.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfNyj64U9YEfZa_vlFIjOpCGDY9_VH-IONoCWO065mXGTY_G1l0jnQJ6D30djautLxjGurdjwa4iDFvRnx8FYGZFfb1abBxEpiC7oGPjR1wbN9yj95dpP1cUqXhA7OftlLjHbOKnVoas/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco9_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfNyj64U9YEfZa_vlFIjOpCGDY9_VH-IONoCWO065mXGTY_G1l0jnQJ6D30djautLxjGurdjwa4iDFvRnx8FYGZFfb1abBxEpiC7oGPjR1wbN9yj95dpP1cUqXhA7OftlLjHbOKnVoas/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco9_1280.jpg" height="640" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;" xml:lang="EN-PH">Come in at peak hours and you'll be greeted by waiting customers</span><span class="EOP SCX176739853" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">After a tricycle, a bus and a cab ride which lasted for around 2 hours (I live in Malabon. I'm crazy for sushi like that), we finally reached Genji M which is located at Makati. I was accompanied by my travel blogger friends <a href="http://www.theredbackpacker.com/">Justine</a>, <a href="http://thebohotravels.com/">Monica</a> and my girlfriend, Joy. We were there before 4:30pm so we had to wait outside. We were the first ones there (hooray!) so when the restaurant opened, we were the first ones to be seated. I was expecting that we'll be seated in the open area, but instead, we were ushered inside a small private room good for exactly 4 persons. (Hooray! Hooray!). And because I thoroughly researched about Genji M, I immediately asked for the checklist where we would choose the sushi we wanted to order. It isn't like the usual eat-all-you can sushi and sashimi where everything is laid out buffet-style. We had to order one set at a time by choosing our desired sushi, rolls or sashimi using a checklist. When you avail of the Unlimited Sushi and Sashimi, the first set that will be served will be choices of the chef, then you can practice your free will on the next sets.</span><span class="EOP SCX176739853" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">Here's their pricelist:</span></span></div>
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<img alt="Image" class="WACImage SCX176739853" height="640" src="https://onenote.officeapps.live.com/o/GetImage.ashx?&Fi=SDBAB7E12077ECE4C0!119&C=1__DM2-SKY-WAC-WSHI&ak=t%3D0%26s%3D0%26v%3D%21AN0I5fQb%5FpztRjw%26aid%3Db5f2d6a6%2D04c9%2D457a%2Da155%2D8ac494350aad%26m%3Den%2Dus&ObjectDataBlobId=%7B2943f7e1-db92-4b3a-b0e8-98deb48bbea1%7D%7B1%7D&usid=076ef641-1778-4797-8149-0a66324108df&build=16.0.2731.3012" style="background-color: #c6c6c6; font-size: medium; margin: 3px; padding: 0px;" width="640"></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">Take note though that when you avail of the Php250 off promo, there will be an additional 10% service charge based on their original price, not the discounted rate. </span><span class="EOP SCX176739853" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">Upon separating our wooden chopsticks, we chowed these down. And because we were excited to dig in, we were not able to take pictures of the other sushi and rolls we ordered. Sorry :) Oh, and there's complimentary iced tea and miso soup too:</span><span class="EOP SCX176739853" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH"><b>The verdict:</b> </span><span class="EOP SCX176739853" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">- In terms of service, I think the management has <b>improved</b>. I've read all sorts of negative comments on different blogs about how slow their service was. But whenever we pressed the buzzer to call a waiter, one of them got to our table in under 3 minutes. <b>They're very accommodating and friendly</b>. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yisc4Y9AQdTi5ekVzVwBxuuOKJQuLSFtTqpOoBGq0H6v-TFSZlOWOowfru3Q9Mc-4ifeM8wUDk0gfUaOuXOhj_JnKDmmaxYQA5coB6fhKP5tiQ9uCZ9mU_Up0O7-dv-3ySQy4tA6Ji8/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco3_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yisc4Y9AQdTi5ekVzVwBxuuOKJQuLSFtTqpOoBGq0H6v-TFSZlOWOowfru3Q9Mc-4ifeM8wUDk0gfUaOuXOhj_JnKDmmaxYQA5coB6fhKP5tiQ9uCZ9mU_Up0O7-dv-3ySQy4tA6Ji8/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco3_1280.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">- <b>The waiting time between sets was, to me, quite long.</b> Especially if you get there hungry. (But once you're full, and you've checked off almost all the salmon sushi and rolls, including their big maki, with 8 pieces each, you wish they'll stop. *guilty as charged*) Although the good things is, with <b>their style of ordering through a checklist</b>, you can cancel your order when you think you can't take in any sushi anymore. That's if they haven't prepared your order yet and is still in queue. </span><span class="EOP SCX176739853" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXuW4js31JMGt4BlV2raUEau9oaw51yZQikLM1gG_pwtXJ9cTGxXcjDhqHoL7uy01L60S5ViNdraZkI1wXep1CguY_-avtVM1no7bdZUh15naC8paJFeAVq_54Uq6x9QUAj2c1NSA1pQ/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco4_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXuW4js31JMGt4BlV2raUEau9oaw51yZQikLM1gG_pwtXJ9cTGxXcjDhqHoL7uy01L60S5ViNdraZkI1wXep1CguY_-avtVM1no7bdZUh15naC8paJFeAVq_54Uq6x9QUAj2c1NSA1pQ/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco4_1280.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samgyupsal Maki, Salmon Maki, Fatty Salmon Maki</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">- <b>I think the rice they used was not that fresh</b>, but our group <b>absolutely loved their salmon</b>. My personal favorites were the soft salmon sushi and fish roe. </span><span class="EOP SCX176739853" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOvG-m6zcrzScMZuxBaya4OCzjhNLV1Oh07FE5M_yF6Ok8ap3MNZGaEARr_6TT1ZdeAowFxCfU7Q45poxkX6QA8mDOl25dnX3DsY0fhbxLDTOxGp2_sIlMO-yjJrkFRvFvZgzME3d4r8/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco6_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOvG-m6zcrzScMZuxBaya4OCzjhNLV1Oh07FE5M_yF6Ok8ap3MNZGaEARr_6TT1ZdeAowFxCfU7Q45poxkX6QA8mDOl25dnX3DsY0fhbxLDTOxGp2_sIlMO-yjJrkFRvFvZgzME3d4r8/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco6_1280.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salmon and Fish Roe</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">- The <b>ambience was very good</b>. We were pretty lucky <b>we got a private room</b>, so we were isolated from the coming and going of people in the common area. But inspecting that area, the tables were spaced just right so customers there were fairly comfortable as well. </span><span class="EOP SCX176739853" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-CwoDP0li8OvPopBuvad07-Bv-_RDogvf-0Oce0t1PKGXMghH8SvFg1bJCB80s8-5uvIc1pIiY6xB2mgOjWaUhKn77qrPLnmZCyNlRkVjFqgq7vq3qpBy8thhzDs1LqLNxL_XrhYsMY/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco7_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-CwoDP0li8OvPopBuvad07-Bv-_RDogvf-0Oce0t1PKGXMghH8SvFg1bJCB80s8-5uvIc1pIiY6xB2mgOjWaUhKn77qrPLnmZCyNlRkVjFqgq7vq3qpBy8thhzDs1LqLNxL_XrhYsMY/s1600/tumblr_n63y67EQLS1qa0ybco7_1280.jpg" height="640" width="506"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fat Salmon that melts in your mouth. (Make sure to order this!)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">I'm giving it <b>4 out of 5 stars</b>. Will we be back? Yes! Hopefully before May 31, which is the end date of their Php250 off coupon promo :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCX176739853" style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-PH">For more details, visit:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Genji M (Former SamJung), Makati</span><br><span style="background-color: white;">Kalayaan Ave. cor. Makati Ave.,</span><br><span style="background-color: white;">San Lorenzo, Makati </span><br><span style="background-color: white;">Metro Manila, Philippines</span><br><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="tel:(02)%20804-2883" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2">(02) 804-2883</a></span><br><a href="http://www.genjimanila.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #8e6688; outline: none;" target="_blank">Official Website</a><br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GenjiM" rel="nofollow" style="color: #8e6688; outline: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image" class="WACImage SCX185250984" height="480" src="https://onenote.officeapps.live.com/o/GetImage.ashx?&Fi=SDBAB7E12077ECE4C0!119&C=1__DM2-SKY-WAC-WSHI&ak=t%3D0%26s%3D0%26v%3D%21AN0I5fQb%5FpztRjw%26aid%3Db5f2d6a6%2D04c9%2D457a%2Da155%2D8ac494350aad%26m%3Den%2Dus&ObjectDataBlobId=%7B6e7c945f-bbe3-4f40-a8c9-1323b45211f7%7D%7B1%7D&usid=076ef641-1778-4797-8149-0a66324108df&build=16.0.2731.3012" style="font-size: medium; margin: 3px auto; padding: 0px;" width="640"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Red Backpacker, The Boho Traveler, and the Dynamic Duo. :)</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><i><b>Thanks Helen for the review! I can't wait to read more of your food excursions and sweet life hacks on your blog. :)</b></i></span></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com2Makati, Philippines14.554729 121.0244451999999514.4932525 120.94376419999995 14.6162055 121.10512619999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-22005534438872159882014-05-20T14:59:00.001+08:002014-05-23T01:29:47.831+08:00Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: An Explorer's Guide to the CityExploring the city of Ho Chi Minh (formerly known as Saigon) is a challenge one must perfect. For one, crossing the streets will give a thrill-seeker a run for its money. The city's colorful culture comprises good food, popular historical sites, French-inspired Architecture, friendly owners of hidden hostels, countless bazaars, clean parks, extremely fit people, and not to mention, its wonderful exotic coffee. But, there is also a flip side. Let me share with you some tips on how to survive the city without getting lost, hit, or scammed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide to the city (Thank you Ms. Vy!)</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><b>1. Taxi Scam - </b>Upon arrival at the airport, make sure you head straight to the taxi bay. If you don't know where it is, ask from the airport's concierge/information center. Some will approach you and assert their rates to your hotel, while others will convince you that their service is cheap. Don't wait for them to confuse you with the conversion and just simply avoid them. We got rigged and had to pay $42. It was an expensive lesson we would never forget.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJK5PeENAl-zKvqzWduf8qXzwzIqb5IIO4vFmJSkQdVxpK78Q-qxN55f5QwsBrLGs7hvQHbL9-0o-bjuDjVvM07PpyYit_2Q5yRqOzWHW7zBiRTlpVm6AJIO_Mt42YrszAHtBIjU7nhOg/s1600/1378285_10200401526394238_1748195378_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJK5PeENAl-zKvqzWduf8qXzwzIqb5IIO4vFmJSkQdVxpK78Q-qxN55f5QwsBrLGs7hvQHbL9-0o-bjuDjVvM07PpyYit_2Q5yRqOzWHW7zBiRTlpVm6AJIO_Mt42YrszAHtBIjU7nhOg/s1600/1378285_10200401526394238_1748195378_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you see this logo, walk away.</td></tr>
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<i>Line up on the departure level and choose Vinasun or Mai Linh. It will only cost you $7 max to get to Ben Tanh Market Area.</i><br />
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<b>2. Familiarize yourself with the Dong Currency - </b>Congratulations! You are a millionaire! Whether you're computing from dollars or peso, don't be confused with the multiple zeros. If you have a smartphone, I suggest that you download the 'Currency' Converter. This helped us a lot especially in bargaining. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6mkh3x7q1oogNTWvbD3bAFRZjfuIJWdalwU8RfiplKhd6RlT8Qjh4jAZUs9m9w-4ncXSfKLCBS94y1Y40XTRtcKwtmDRAQZ_FlVJt_GPXti1CjGiepkwikQjyAcBrl17OprfjEcY1kI/s1600/1383059_10200401529834324_806079832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6mkh3x7q1oogNTWvbD3bAFRZjfuIJWdalwU8RfiplKhd6RlT8Qjh4jAZUs9m9w-4ncXSfKLCBS94y1Y40XTRtcKwtmDRAQZ_FlVJt_GPXti1CjGiepkwikQjyAcBrl17OprfjEcY1kI/s1600/1383059_10200401529834324_806079832_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't let the zeros fool you. :)</td></tr>
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<b>3. There's no place like Pho (<i>Fa</i>) - </b>Ask the hotel receptionist or hostel owner where the best Pho is. We've tried two different restaurants and I still found both delicious. It only costs VnD 65,000 (Php135) compared to the PH's Pho Hoa. The portions are bigger, more fresh, and richer in flavor. Eat like a local and match a hot bowl of beef Pho with fresh spring rolls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilj9EuAG4C9_ruFQv1IE3ca8TiKxayyEfHfzoStWUJRow_bx_n2VAmVyD8bJTxmHWCBbwmHEg6OnqexJ7015e8byPEpcM9kJb1m-y7UX7aGzKI_fys0WAHCrg1SboYGoRhgPkBDD0Fg0Q/s1600/996610_10200401528674295_1898692141_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilj9EuAG4C9_ruFQv1IE3ca8TiKxayyEfHfzoStWUJRow_bx_n2VAmVyD8bJTxmHWCBbwmHEg6OnqexJ7015e8byPEpcM9kJb1m-y7UX7aGzKI_fys0WAHCrg1SboYGoRhgPkBDD0Fg0Q/s1600/996610_10200401528674295_1898692141_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Totally worth it. :)</span></td></tr>
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<b>4. Take a Walk </b>- There are big parks in Saigon that would encourage you to be fit. You'd be surprised on how these locals take aerobics, Sepaktakraw, Badminton, Tai Chi, and jogging, seriously. Each park has its own set of machines that you can use for free! (Bad business for gyms with memberships)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-Q7pbis7vdvyu-n1DkMYPPhJ4bih_oxtNpZ1wDbBfXZHGWphR9jSvEu9ZSNbe2pe6E-rCWknuZXkH0fB-90B_4fVvTsv-IKJrWBTdnmQ0Y7sUa84sCGVPLIryJUUjJcJCP149RR-lKI/s1600/1380661_10200404416586491_1039103565_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-Q7pbis7vdvyu-n1DkMYPPhJ4bih_oxtNpZ1wDbBfXZHGWphR9jSvEu9ZSNbe2pe6E-rCWknuZXkH0fB-90B_4fVvTsv-IKJrWBTdnmQ0Y7sUa84sCGVPLIryJUUjJcJCP149RR-lKI/s1600/1380661_10200404416586491_1039103565_n.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These folks take fitness seriously</td></tr>
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<b>5. Stay in a Hostel </b>- It's cheap. The owner him/herself will accommodate you and give you a simple but helpful brief on exploring the city. We stayed at <a href="http://vykhanh-guesthouse.com/">Vy Khanh Hostel</a>, owned by the beautiful Ms. Vy, and she gave us a photocopied sheet of a map that served as our bible during our stay in HCMC. If you're planning to see the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Cao Dai Temple, ask her to book for you. It's much cheaper than booking online.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJUHIMdEeqOsIkZnPIyq3lQqYdK9dql6saZEtg8B6rlOXb-ed9kB8kucfk4Y-RgfO71vSJLffiBLJXDPiOmmIUbBKjv8wwhrG4hiuyg1qPOQtaNvf-VUI8JXKrtDI8l9dR4xm9Csabss/s1600/1385069_10200401533714421_1345202543_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJUHIMdEeqOsIkZnPIyq3lQqYdK9dql6saZEtg8B6rlOXb-ed9kB8kucfk4Y-RgfO71vSJLffiBLJXDPiOmmIUbBKjv8wwhrG4hiuyg1qPOQtaNvf-VUI8JXKrtDI8l9dR4xm9Csabss/s1600/1385069_10200401533714421_1345202543_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't judge the place by its front door. :)</td></tr>
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<i>Ranked #2 of 600 Ho Chi Minh City B&B and Inns, check out her tripadvisor reviews <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotel_Review-g293925-d1634522-Reviews-Vy_Khanh_Guesthouse-Ho_Chi_Minh_City.html">here</a></i><br />
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<b>6. Tour the city by yourself - </b>It's more fun than spending on a group tour where you stay inside the bus and go where the crowd is. Exploring the city gives you confidence and a more authentic experience by being one with the locals. Just don't forget to research beforehand on the sites that you're visiting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRlytluxy2uZrS25Owk0w1k2cwqKI9X9AvhMFdSKjcg9th8KAvmi_q-flsUlOU9rr65P6Po6rCUNiLV6dRt3WCwAqqlYxA84_hvyW06XfNYrxN8EUcHwDVwvMnEn8YK6SUIHsSvNg-rU/s1600/1391648_10200401527674270_722480482_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRlytluxy2uZrS25Owk0w1k2cwqKI9X9AvhMFdSKjcg9th8KAvmi_q-flsUlOU9rr65P6Po6rCUNiLV6dRt3WCwAqqlYxA84_hvyW06XfNYrxN8EUcHwDVwvMnEn8YK6SUIHsSvNg-rU/s1600/1391648_10200401527674270_722480482_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helpful notes thanks to Lonely Planet's 'Southeast Asia on a Shoestring'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjMzWVyi3Gt-zNwJRyiA73G8nM0sebOL00u2bTreWu-sf42hfJGyqLL-Kqqd6rY6cRaK1-35VBlJeW4wyOUa8beIPoebh4SuKMEqsaahLHBcww902jOoZAjKoX8O54zUoZ_zH2C6NwCw/s1600/1383994_10200404418226532_555924265_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjMzWVyi3Gt-zNwJRyiA73G8nM0sebOL00u2bTreWu-sf42hfJGyqLL-Kqqd6rY6cRaK1-35VBlJeW4wyOUa8beIPoebh4SuKMEqsaahLHBcww902jOoZAjKoX8O54zUoZ_zH2C6NwCw/s1600/1383994_10200404418226532_555924265_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chasing pigeons beside the Notre Dame Cathedral</td></tr>
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<b>7. SHOP. BARGAIN. HAGGLE. </b>- I bought 3 bags of Blue Mountain Coffee and the stall owner gave me a kilo for free. Ben Tanh is the best training ground for your haggling skills. It gets really cheap the moment the owner starts pressing digits on the calculator. (I swear!) But of course, being friendly is a huge plus! The owners know each other pretty well. So if you're good to them, they can recommend you to their friends and give you more friendly prices! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhFKMnlWL_aDbumBFljp_-mxjDXyloCVyM83CYPKu37ynHjXG8-POHdbHLrNBMZBw800Z2CpMxvgNuMgUMiUcwhJPK7rexUpRjo8PEfHViRHeSD8w2_KBCy-KnJQiXlbUGl9FzkBvo_Q/s1600/582485_10200401528394288_27423814_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhFKMnlWL_aDbumBFljp_-mxjDXyloCVyM83CYPKu37ynHjXG8-POHdbHLrNBMZBw800Z2CpMxvgNuMgUMiUcwhJPK7rexUpRjo8PEfHViRHeSD8w2_KBCy-KnJQiXlbUGl9FzkBvo_Q/s1600/582485_10200401528394288_27423814_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rush hour at Ben Tanh Market</td></tr>
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<b>8. Buying 'The North Face' products? </b>Yes, they do sell overruns. Just make sure you research on spotting the fake ones before you purchase. Here's a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-fZIk9ETao">youtube vid</a> we used as reference before perusing the shops of Bui Vien.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHU_ye5GgiiXoktuFwGYey_yq-D-AjCMSgpOM_Icw4s1-pKD5f9DI7FZwmvqGks_hHnh2KA7WkQJx2tnP530d4b9jIFI0sv21jCG9Gz4BR_d1ajZEUqpTrd26BeWxWKI8i5te7XVq25g/s1600/1382132_10200401531114356_1313926591_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHU_ye5GgiiXoktuFwGYey_yq-D-AjCMSgpOM_Icw4s1-pKD5f9DI7FZwmvqGks_hHnh2KA7WkQJx2tnP530d4b9jIFI0sv21jCG9Gz4BR_d1ajZEUqpTrd26BeWxWKI8i5te7XVq25g/s1600/1382132_10200401531114356_1313926591_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought this bag for Patricia</td></tr>
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<b>9. Curious about that food stall? Go ahead. </b>If there is one thing that I love about Saigon, it's their cuisine. Get a Banh Mi sandwich for only 50 pesos (Unfortunately, i'm always full whenever I see a stall). Save a small stool and monobloc tables on the side street and try their grilled kebabs for only VnD10,000 (Php20), and match it with their local <b>Saigon</b> <b>Bia Hoi</b> (beer) for VnD 20,000 (Php40). The Backpacker's District is a haven for the budget traveler. Make sure you ready your first aid kit though. No one wants a bad stomach. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ32imIRQy42LCaBoL1m26p6zDc4hFrG4xkztaRoXGcf3U1V54WJonI66sv9Qi4skzx2aG2wWGGLwiFlu7RYl578g6ZViX_Pd-cUzb7DmBfIGszHVIh7I6KhJx0EZGzG2e8cDW3AvcEHY/s1600/1380655_10200401532354387_618674695_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ32imIRQy42LCaBoL1m26p6zDc4hFrG4xkztaRoXGcf3U1V54WJonI66sv9Qi4skzx2aG2wWGGLwiFlu7RYl578g6ZViX_Pd-cUzb7DmBfIGszHVIh7I6KhJx0EZGzG2e8cDW3AvcEHY/s1600/1380655_10200401532354387_618674695_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cheapest and most delicious meal at Saigon</td></tr>
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<b>10. Explore every nook and cranny. </b>I could never forget the look on our faces when we hit a dead end inside the backpacker's alley. We felt like we were in a maze, trapped, and might have the possibility of being taken. I'm glad it didn't happen that way. Just be alert and don't let the hangover get you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AfGORTVpDlHVlTH2Mv-w0XeRqJ1UKiQ8ki-X7oyA1lY03qBkNvgT1DsvDzi80Qv5G7KImdqusZQcWuCQ9ImLbHTXH5v1lF07NuV2xvITmLIm_LIOYuUqBjx9UwLrx8zOCPH7tLQa-uk/s1600/1391602_10200404422666643_1571907970_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AfGORTVpDlHVlTH2Mv-w0XeRqJ1UKiQ8ki-X7oyA1lY03qBkNvgT1DsvDzi80Qv5G7KImdqusZQcWuCQ9ImLbHTXH5v1lF07NuV2xvITmLIm_LIOYuUqBjx9UwLrx8zOCPH7tLQa-uk/s1600/1391602_10200404422666643_1571907970_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bui Vien St. is the main Backpacker's street,<br />
where every brand new Nikes, Crumplers, TNFs, are sold in factory price.</td></tr>
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Since we came here with no plan, and everything was DIY... here is a rough summary of our budget and itinerary:<br />
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Hope this simple guide helped you. I'll post more of my Saigon tales on my next entry! :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLSPvUaKTAy6TpVMVC5QoklreMtmhGIH8wXnXAwBIrRW5beTGKe8oGX_NJhKOGj49eD6uCBxaZYrWZAGQxRR9tXNOIKpmRGIyCgmaeX17YtkqngS7UG-K2p35vIRpePD4bS1VdPRXFmA/s1600/1382078_10200401729319311_1667038189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLSPvUaKTAy6TpVMVC5QoklreMtmhGIH8wXnXAwBIrRW5beTGKe8oGX_NJhKOGj49eD6uCBxaZYrWZAGQxRR9tXNOIKpmRGIyCgmaeX17YtkqngS7UG-K2p35vIRpePD4bS1VdPRXFmA/s1600/1382078_10200401729319311_1667038189_n.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's to more places we'll go! :)</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com2Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam10.8230989 106.62966389.8248079 105.33877030000001 11.8213899 107.9205573tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-40874628848908089312014-05-02T10:00:00.000+08:002014-05-09T16:31:38.804+08:00Siem Reap, Cambodia: 6 Must-Visit Temples<meta name="description=" content="6 Must Visit Temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cambodia isn't Cambodia without it's temples. To give you a brief, 'Angkor' means city, Wat means temples. Siem Reap is known for its temples, built by Ancient kings, located in the heart of the city.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a night of partying at the popular <a href="http://www.theredbackpacker.com/2014/04/siem-reap-cambodia-angkor-what.html">Angkor What? Bar</a>, we were forced to wake up at 5am to see the majestic sunrise at the Angkor Wat. My friends and I had breakfast at the side cafe and had their 'tapsilog' (or the Angus beef) version called 'Loklak' until our bellies were full. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Angkor Wat</span></b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">As I run to the halls of Angkor Wat, I am guided by its history, carved in details on these bas reliefs. Our guide, <a href="http://www.theredbackpacker.com/2014/04/siem-reap-cambodia-same-same-but.html">Vanh</a>, told us that this temple was built by the late king Suyavarman II in the late 12th century.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vishnu at Heaven's Gate</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This used to be the capital of the Khmer empire and what made it my favorite was that this temple was dedicated to my favorite Hindu God, Vishnu the Protector. After the king's death, this temple was sacked until it was restored by another great King, Jayavarman VII, and established other temples dedicated to the important people in his life. The Angkor Wat became the symbol of Cambodia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can see the facade in their flag, notes, buildings, beers, and other products you can think of. During the siege of the Khmer Rouge, this temple, along with others, became their headquarters and had planted mines to fend off their enemies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That is why most of the relics have either been destroyed, sacked, or have been missing for thousands of years. But even in the face of destruction, these walls have withstood and continues to shine, symbolizing hope for the kingdom, and the people. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This temple is popular because of this famous face. Built by Jayavarman VII, he dedicated this temple to his </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serious talks with Vanh</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiss me</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Ta Prohm</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This temple is popularly known as the "Tomb Raider temple". But in history, this was built for Jayavarman VII's </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">mother. When we went here, i've noticed that most parts were blocked. I found out later on that the World Monument Fund has started its conservation along with the Preah Khan temple.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Personally, this was the bottom of my favorite temples because there were a lot of stanchions and platforms placed on where the Tomb Raider scenes were shot. There was a big disconnect from commercialism against the authenticity of its rich history. Which is why I want to show you...</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Banteay Kdei</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">According to Wikipedia, this means "The Citadel of Chambers". Again this was built by the same king (he's starting to be my favorite) in which the architectural style was based from Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, only smaller. When I requested the tour guide to include this in the itinerary (instead of Banteay Srei, where another scene from Tomb Raider was shot), he dissuaded me by convincing me to choose the latter. So what's in this temple that caught my attention? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For me, this was the underdog. The least visited and the least rehabilitated. Vanh told us that there was nothing else to fix because most parts were irreparable. I beg to disagree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The poor quality of sandstone used in these buildings smelled like fresh air seeping away from the cold stone. The grey colors blended with the terra-cotta hue of the soil, and the different shades of green from the unexploited trees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But if you look closely, you can still see the fine carvings of Apsaras on the pillars. There were few tourists which meant that we had the place to ourselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The whole area is so small and less complex that you can easily navigate through the rooms. In short, the flaws from this temple showed what one must see through the looking glass: inner beauty.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Bakong Temple</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also known as the temple mountain. Huge elephant statues welcomed us as we climbed the footsteps of this temple. It was built by King Indravarman I and dedicated it to the deity, Shiva.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">During the reign of Jayavarman VII, he installed towers from different sides in symmetrical form, built with bas reliefs and stuccos dedicated to his family. Once you climb to the top, a central tower protects this sacred statue called the "lingam", a symbol of energy or an image of an idol in traditional Indian society. (source: Wikipedia)</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Preah Khan</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The last temple we explored before leaving Siem Reap was dedicated to King Jayavarman VII's father. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's name was derived from the word "Holy Sword" and was used as the king's headquarters during the ancient wars. I consider this my second favorite because it was left largely unrestored. Though conservators have attempted to restore this temple, as much as possible, they did not want to falsify history and preferred to respect the ruined nature of the temple. (Source: Wikipedia)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I reach the end of my whole temple run, I savored this moment by living out my childhood dream. When I was a kid, I looked up to Indiana Jones. Walking to this empty room filled with uneven steps reminded me of my favorite scene from "The Last Crusade" where Indy had to pass this obstacle by solving the clues behind the old name of God. I hopscotched and channeled my inner geek until we reached the exit. I told Vanh about this and gave him the idea to see this film that somehow (aside from Tomb Raider) resembled to the ruins of Angkor. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we said our goodbyes to Kriss (our cool driver) and Vanh, I felt a pang of sadness for concluding this amazing trip. I will always remember my adventure at Siem Reap: The youthful nights at <a href="http://www.theredbackpacker.com/2014/04/siem-reap-cambodia-angkor-what.html">Pub Street</a>, the friendly people we met, and the breathtaking temples that will always remain fresh in my mind. If you're looking a trip, worthy enough to tell your kids/grandkids, book that ticket and see Cambodia. You won't regret it. :)</span></i></b></div>
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To know more about Siem Reap, check out my other posts <a href="http://www.theredbackpacker.com/2014/04/siem-reap-cambodia-same-same-but.html">here</a>.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com2Siem Reap, Cambodia13.6915377 104.1001326000000511.715441199999999 101.51834560000005 15.6676342 106.68191960000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-80684209611410493822014-04-25T11:21:00.001+08:002014-04-26T11:30:14.560+08:00Siem Reap, Cambodia - Angkor What?<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a local bar in Siem Reap that promotes irresponsible drinking. It may often be mistaken as the iconic temple, but the <b>Angkor What? Bar</b> claims to be the coolest party place in Pub Street. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect watering hole</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Upon arrival at our hostel at Check-Inn, Kyla, Patricia, and I decided to just leave our stuff and explore Siem Reap's famous Pub Street. We passed by this graffiti-heavy place where locals and foreigners hang out. At first, these people were just drinking and laughing, but as the night went deeper, the crowd became happier. Alcohol in Siem Reap is cheap. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Round 1</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgYRbqqAWDAByKJWL8KYe4qN3QPHistqa-koXXV39-z_DkqQfw_zXJa7PxVZW26ZdBFE4wuMIIi-kM3f9MlwL2Z4LH3a8ZZLVMeUrTjCsXI5yRtPFF2WQSs7loL9A4V5uBZzm2MAurUQ/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgYRbqqAWDAByKJWL8KYe4qN3QPHistqa-koXXV39-z_DkqQfw_zXJa7PxVZW26ZdBFE4wuMIIi-kM3f9MlwL2Z4LH3a8ZZLVMeUrTjCsXI5yRtPFF2WQSs7loL9A4V5uBZzm2MAurUQ/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Angkor Beer reminds me of PH's San Miguel Pale, only smoother. :)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On our first night, we had a total of four rounds of drinks. We tried the local 'Angkor' beer for a dollar c/o Kyla.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Patricia paid for the $3/shot Jager Bomb.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsD3MpSRhBvIgTU4_HWYsXiLAxvIbNK3hbw2Ss2QbY12KEQmahzwNGzus8m-zmf-wtQfIwgW01iO8Gw4-mK0TRAanx5aXql4S230vQlG0wb_ZBkwKUI1kRWAI0jUD6FB8QDl0ThoKv5A/s1600/IMG_0435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsD3MpSRhBvIgTU4_HWYsXiLAxvIbNK3hbw2Ss2QbY12KEQmahzwNGzus8m-zmf-wtQfIwgW01iO8Gw4-mK0TRAanx5aXql4S230vQlG0wb_ZBkwKUI1kRWAI0jUD6FB8QDl0ThoKv5A/s1600/IMG_0435.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Then I took care of our $2.50/shot B52s.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When midnight struck, we found ourselves dancing to cheesy pop music, along with everyone else, to the point that Kyla fell on the floor but still continued partying as if nothing happened. (She had a bad sprain for a month after this night)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoiwQUtRG5GmQTzrNl8oslT4tdpudUnZDU1FP19IbvAHBI7lFoqqII5HPIWP3k0exSqW9LE1QxGANVlBLjw1haKl-6bJSbIOkWFE-nU2Qf9yBjRW1_Mu05c6zJQyY_KgSiddcwiYkUtM/s1600/IMG_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoiwQUtRG5GmQTzrNl8oslT4tdpudUnZDU1FP19IbvAHBI7lFoqqII5HPIWP3k0exSqW9LE1QxGANVlBLjw1haKl-6bJSbIOkWFE-nU2Qf9yBjRW1_Mu05c6zJQyY_KgSiddcwiYkUtM/s1600/IMG_0439.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our last round was an 8-dollar Jack Coke in a piss bucket. I'm telling you, they're very generous with their alcohol! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We promised ourselves it would be the last drink of the night.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0zsTY1gqCm7_hBax6D1yjEVXPseIQTQ9YGGehX6JVZx8xhaMtOxgw6bAMJp57LhRVuLUSECAmlcaK0XUW56DM1irff9lw8rwLbr1TUZleh7M4J5QkZkC_gYfQfY423wtMYs-42b-poE/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0zsTY1gqCm7_hBax6D1yjEVXPseIQTQ9YGGehX6JVZx8xhaMtOxgw6bAMJp57LhRVuLUSECAmlcaK0XUW56DM1irff9lw8rwLbr1TUZleh7M4J5QkZkC_gYfQfY423wtMYs-42b-poE/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" height="494" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies from USA. I hate these blurred lines.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing on top of the chair's ledge is normal. Just don't fall off.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We met ladies and gents from New Zealand and USA as we danced, talked, and ended up half-assed drunk until we left the bar. We had a hard time finding a tuktuk on our way back to the hostel. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kyla swore her foot was starting to sore, and would probably end her drinking spree. Of course it was a lie. We got home safely and returned to the same bar the next night. :)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Round 2</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkZRq5Qc_QusqZCbeYMuGwsrBAE6GVT1PPWENIZrBHiEOU1R0y3UNi3HPcXWjpKtJ1WB6eS7OL2vqqcpTV9kvoye1xgF0grm82SPluZ4h0ApLIOn_xp6BO4laIBvFBJY08HQilidJjlA/s1600/IMG_0586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkZRq5Qc_QusqZCbeYMuGwsrBAE6GVT1PPWENIZrBHiEOU1R0y3UNi3HPcXWjpKtJ1WB6eS7OL2vqqcpTV9kvoye1xgF0grm82SPluZ4h0ApLIOn_xp6BO4laIBvFBJY08HQilidJjlA/s1600/IMG_0586.JPG" height="566" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Pub Street</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Right after shopping at the Night Market, we went straight to Pub Street and decided to have a drink at the same bar. The crowd was less crazy than the night before. We ordered the same set of drinks, only this time, we added new ones on the list: Absinthe and Magic Melon. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magic Melon. A concoction of vodka and melon liqueur. Gone. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every table was occupied. So as soon as the group of American girls vacated the table nearest to the exit, I found myself rushing towards it. During the night, another group shared the table with us and this lovely lady asked if she could buy a cigarette stick for a dollar. We declined her money and just gave it for free because a pack of their local cig costs only $1! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As the night grew deeper, the in-house dj started to play our favorite cheesy club music. My sprained friend, Kyla, just sat, careful of her swollen foot, while Patricia and I, danced like there's no tomorrow. And because of my high energy, I bumped into another lady who shared with our table (and would later become my friend). The crowd was getting rowdy and the locals who partied too much started to make a scene. They were sent out of the bar. And as the crazy locals passed in our direction, I looked at the lady and thought of the same thing (What the hell just happened?) I introduced myself, she did the same, and in an instant, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I made a new friend.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Kiernan from California, USA. Check out her entertaining Southeast Asia Adventures at <a href="http://exploringtheotherhalf.tumblr.com/">exploringtheotherhalf.tumblr.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She's on a 2-month backpacking vacation in SE Asia and was on her first week of traveling when we met. I also met her groovy relatives, Aunt Janet & Uncle Scott. (Cool folks, btw!) We talked until we finished our 2nd round of Magic Melons (C/o her aunt and uncle). It was 2:30AM and our call time for the Angkor temples was at 5. I got her tumblr and facebook details to keep in touch, then we said our goodbyes.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Two nights at Angkor What? Bar was enough for us. We spent our last night in Cambodia, sleeping early and getting a Khmer massage. Even though that bar left us with bad hangovers and injuries, we lived up to it's motto: promote irresponsible drinking. We will always remember those nights where we drank and partied hard like we just turned 18. If you're in Siem Reap and up for the perfect nightlife, Angkor what? bar is for you. :)</span></i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com2Siem Reap, Cambodia13.6915377 104.1001326000000511.715441199999999 101.51834560000005 15.6676342 106.68191960000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-66414202025472659742014-04-21T12:10:00.003+08:002014-04-25T11:33:52.700+08:00Siem Reap, Cambodia - Beng Mealea and the Floating Village<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So you've been to Siem Reap, ran to every temple in Angkor, and thought you've seen them all? If you want to maximize your stay, take a tour to the east and head to <b>Beng Mealea Temple and the Floating Village at Tonle Sap Lake, Mechrey</b>. These are two of the offshore excursions that Kyla, Patricia and I took before hitting the Temples of Angkor at Siem Reap, Cambodia.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GE9TmTZTeOK4bi-ZpPB3OEYDwHqMGsS0DAkW9mX0vNN2TuYy8qtWqN1wfp3tK4UCjlpNAUacR429mAPRHsrGfu0sM-x3NdxAoYGd-fuyIsrTEoqP7SaL4X8XOc2pTKS24w7mlSNyao0/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GE9TmTZTeOK4bi-ZpPB3OEYDwHqMGsS0DAkW9mX0vNN2TuYy8qtWqN1wfp3tK4UCjlpNAUacR429mAPRHsrGfu0sM-x3NdxAoYGd-fuyIsrTEoqP7SaL4X8XOc2pTKS24w7mlSNyao0/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" height="431" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the temple games begin!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E06q-eGMfzkqxKkilEm4M-u3NVveFRugVan9R9GJPYTtmFnpgAHyPw-2HkXzDUaIpcTrUJcI4Fv2VWiGNkf_x_3ArZ8OwTBsBPfi2yCHHQb-GBI4SWjr1s0jedT90UAUeabyNwU5WQ8/s1600/DSC_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E06q-eGMfzkqxKkilEm4M-u3NVveFRugVan9R9GJPYTtmFnpgAHyPw-2HkXzDUaIpcTrUJcI4Fv2VWiGNkf_x_3ArZ8OwTBsBPfi2yCHHQb-GBI4SWjr1s0jedT90UAUeabyNwU5WQ8/s1600/DSC_0113.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead tired.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Beng Mealea</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were picked up at 8am by our driver, Kriss, and introduced </span>Vanh as<span style="font-family: inherit;"> our tour guide for the whole trip, . Our day 1 activity did not involve any temple inside the old city at Siem Reap. He drove us for an hour and a half to our first temple called, Beng Mealea, which means 'Lotus Pond' in Khmer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Vanh told us that this temple was built by the late King Suyavarman II, same creator of the Angkor Wat. Located on the eastern side of Angkor, this temple welcomed us on the entrance with a huge pile of stone slabs left unrestored but in a well composed way.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGODJajVeDh5FgeQrOt-0bGyXjrNKbSfOw2sopTMHHznRMF4CXW18WR9iWP_mLuu3M3I3mCZI78vdiKENCVM69VOtjyGz6rduOJpkjKi2pyup7jdR7nSwnBCPoW956tiGdeHZr8fo5y4/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGODJajVeDh5FgeQrOt-0bGyXjrNKbSfOw2sopTMHHznRMF4CXW18WR9iWP_mLuu3M3I3mCZI78vdiKENCVM69VOtjyGz6rduOJpkjKi2pyup7jdR7nSwnBCPoW956tiGdeHZr8fo5y4/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" height="470" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_vPDe2dw2-b-IAkjIPJhBAUBHSbsXxW98sEHHLgASOUNA1XKgd_fHpo_gM6wN3Ufmkuvk9uWSW7sCYURH8e1GF3tOTsEyNdGRw2A-aHs0xDX8wiRomdJEv3UVXJuHAtYN5FgrJX4HbE/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_vPDe2dw2-b-IAkjIPJhBAUBHSbsXxW98sEHHLgASOUNA1XKgd_fHpo_gM6wN3Ufmkuvk9uWSW7sCYURH8e1GF3tOTsEyNdGRw2A-aHs0xDX8wiRomdJEv3UVXJuHAtYN5FgrJX4HbE/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The archeological beauty was full of moss, moat, loose bridges, slippery steps, and was filled with ponds so deep that you wouldn't want to accidentally fall from the ledge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can also see fine details from the carvings on the pediments, Nagas (or the seven-headed serpents), and even Garudas (the reborn figure of Vishnu). Beng Mealea is considered to be one of the largest temples in Siem Reap, it took us half of the day to uncover every room, corridor, bridge and stairs of this temple. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2fTokz9CBBEnaXItko7PRaUhhrL0W1NUBeIcjBoAg6jgQWpvqGTVX-JtvADLi8QYUNPIY5u7y5nZuRwjOP0sV0Yfz1Qho9KaBCB5_YJzBRGsS4UAROGhO2mHTH7DmyPY39dINe-07BU/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2fTokz9CBBEnaXItko7PRaUhhrL0W1NUBeIcjBoAg6jgQWpvqGTVX-JtvADLi8QYUNPIY5u7y5nZuRwjOP0sV0Yfz1Qho9KaBCB5_YJzBRGsS4UAROGhO2mHTH7DmyPY39dINe-07BU/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vishnu in turtle mode.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For me, the highlight of this tour was the myth Vanh told us about the 'Churning of the Sea of Milk', where Vishnu, the protector, was reborn in the form of a turtle to save mankind from the seven-headed serpent. I've always been a big fan of this god. Ever since I bought his relic from my Thailand trip, I feel like I always have this extra protection, and not to mention luck, with every thing that I do.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnPlDPg4cCsF5b_EUdf1PdRmyhy4_eWdNwd21Ykl17tzLTxY_y-mzVAdl5REjbpELVT13YHgfV2RngsFMrkVtj-AzqTBZVQUGA7dPlydRTSO_74Y1FVY-wO-ztjvi6InVN5lVY9X6yMk/s1600/DSC_3361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnPlDPg4cCsF5b_EUdf1PdRmyhy4_eWdNwd21Ykl17tzLTxY_y-mzVAdl5REjbpELVT13YHgfV2RngsFMrkVtj-AzqTBZVQUGA7dPlydRTSO_74Y1FVY-wO-ztjvi6InVN5lVY9X6yMk/s1600/DSC_3361.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">This temple is the perfect backdrop if you're in for a visual but adventurous feast.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The tour left everyone hungry and drained so Vanh took us to what Kyla calls a "tourist trap" type of restaurant. I could say that Cambodia has fine quality rice, but the viands were just okay. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-ZmcNFgA8mnZW4Wq73O6047G_Y9BXniHyVWegoqFcB_JmDVixNIYmuON77CICBqiW95F6FNiQKy_DuG7ws5Mt7CznUptif4pGMwgy1nzg0hlxJNIpnp1_2hH6jpcL3VJ1BUrQhejlFY/s1600/IMG_0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-ZmcNFgA8mnZW4Wq73O6047G_Y9BXniHyVWegoqFcB_JmDVixNIYmuON77CICBqiW95F6FNiQKy_DuG7ws5Mt7CznUptif4pGMwgy1nzg0hlxJNIpnp1_2hH6jpcL3VJ1BUrQhejlFY/s1600/IMG_0524.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We tried the "Loklak", which means "stir-fried cubed beef". We've also noticed in every restaurant that we went to were full of hammocks. Kriss told us that Khmer people value Siesta. :)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tonle Sap Lake and the Floating Village</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzWzUndPWnauNF6mHWSVzj1GUdIp4Bps-qRYWbIa5u8sMUrByM5k-4HpMvpP4Majm55kYxf8_Es08uFR6WzdyDq7RV8oKzzHcYC_muYU7EZ_rzuHq5bGxzsxKMgAwdTjfS9UnaM3Hq1s/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzWzUndPWnauNF6mHWSVzj1GUdIp4Bps-qRYWbIa5u8sMUrByM5k-4HpMvpP4Majm55kYxf8_Es08uFR6WzdyDq7RV8oKzzHcYC_muYU7EZ_rzuHq5bGxzsxKMgAwdTjfS9UnaM3Hq1s/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was 2pm in the afternoon when Kriss and Vanh took us to the entrance of Tonle Sap. Entrance costs $15. Did you know that this lake is the largest in Southeast Asia? It is a combined river and lake system that is connected to every province in Cambodia. It took us another hour and a half to get to the floating village. One local from the city even "hitchhiked" with us on her way home.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our driver</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvH6TtWLyaVg2Ft5VT8Ls13ooOCWVS6CCSlpzX4tMdtyBFrrWchHJ2NUv1Q0lb-LMWC71csKb4KMERSW5GfV3N6d3tLrzNcZLHGAk7o8oFL36tm2T9-huhqfqfa4vHvZwTf9XpRKDQkg/s1600/IMG_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvH6TtWLyaVg2Ft5VT8Ls13ooOCWVS6CCSlpzX4tMdtyBFrrWchHJ2NUv1Q0lb-LMWC71csKb4KMERSW5GfV3N6d3tLrzNcZLHGAk7o8oFL36tm2T9-huhqfqfa4vHvZwTf9XpRKDQkg/s1600/IMG_0544.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Due to my short attention span, I went out of the boat and just hung outside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7-zYIarmvvWeDvIYmP1-jdP8qVyI5ERgl6h4dBXFn4oVwgqybYWied0XeCB9a2aZjf9oMl-t-neiAt_GxcP84YWs3XHcIUIrZEruv7JITTAJRHNhayQ4yl4s7DmGppBNT-7PFe8A7jE/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7-zYIarmvvWeDvIYmP1-jdP8qVyI5ERgl6h4dBXFn4oVwgqybYWied0XeCB9a2aZjf9oMl-t-neiAt_GxcP84YWs3XHcIUIrZEruv7JITTAJRHNhayQ4yl4s7DmGppBNT-7PFe8A7jE/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their community hall</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Seeing the locals live in floating houses reminded me of the Badjao tribes in Mindanao. The ethnic communities make a living by fishing on the local waters. If rowing is what it takes to eradicate traffic jams, smoke pollution, and short-tempered drivers... i'm definitely gonna get my own boat and settle here.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4x7UjOG2CkEciNP-dSPQVVEhVHNHogvDrPeBlA5G4O-u4F5TruSoalKBW32n4nf94kXrlyB0qbLHR2MbH-uSNhzO_c__9fbFoD7Uv8qDtpsngYtlhDkjQuO1U07PGP5_ye1u9DywYDIc/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4x7UjOG2CkEciNP-dSPQVVEhVHNHogvDrPeBlA5G4O-u4F5TruSoalKBW32n4nf94kXrlyB0qbLHR2MbH-uSNhzO_c__9fbFoD7Uv8qDtpsngYtlhDkjQuO1U07PGP5_ye1u9DywYDIc/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">When I saw this old lady, rowing, I was at awe on how she she can still do strenuous activities at her age.</span></td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">It took us another hour and a half to get back to the city and </span>I've<span style="font-family: inherit;"> realized two important things about this trip: </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. History is inspiration to continue living the legacy on what the past has done for us. </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">And 2. Culture is preserving the common thread that we have which defines us on who we are, and what keeps us united. </span></i></b><br />
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<b>Make sure you include Beng Mealea and the Floating Village in your itinerary when you visit Siem Reap! :)</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com2Siem Reap, Cambodia13.6915377 104.1001326000000511.715441199999999 101.51834560000005 15.6676342 106.68191960000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-45873178679696117092014-04-07T18:51:00.000+08:002014-04-28T12:04:30.659+08:00Siem Reap, Cambodia: Same Same But Different Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last October of 2013, my friends and I scored a promo flight via <a href="http://www.cebupacificair.com/">Cebu Pacific</a>, and decided to fill our inner Indiana Jones/Tomb Raider at the beautiful kingdom of Cambodia.<br />
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Siem Reap is known for it's ancient ruins, rich with history, and is perfect for those who want to tick off a box from their bucket list. There are so many temples you can visit, bars that do not sleep, kids who would never get tired on offering you to buy their $1-postcards, and other activities that could literally take your breath away.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">When was the last time you had an adventure?</span></td></tr>
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So before I post our memorable experience, let me share to you some tips on how to prepare or what to expect in Siem Reap:<br />
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<a name='more'></a>1. <b>Dollars are better than Riels</b>. Have your money exchanged at your local foreign exchange before going there to get the best rates. And as soon as you arrive Siem Reap, take a moment to appreciate the clean, simple, and beautiful <b>Angkor International Airport. :)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawcHJVPhUHNghmUT3Notna0f7zS1BVNiqGq7DdeAubsPoRS39HPEffaPdtXZgHEMEdSPXh6f-G8woDrnP-T8DgVXyEIexIp_pjO1M9u5OmiA0dbwnRsNRy8cl19TMKnuKqKDsQhoyHo0/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawcHJVPhUHNghmUT3Notna0f7zS1BVNiqGq7DdeAubsPoRS39HPEffaPdtXZgHEMEdSPXh6f-G8woDrnP-T8DgVXyEIexIp_pjO1M9u5OmiA0dbwnRsNRy8cl19TMKnuKqKDsQhoyHo0/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" height="390" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. <b>A Tuktuk costs a dollar per head</b>. You can ask your hotel/hostel receptionist to call their recommended driver for you. <b>You could also rent a bike to roam around the city</b>. Just be careful of the pot holes, and the drivers. I know someone who got a big bruise on her leg for falling off.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Aftermath of Angkor What? Bar caused this blurry photo.</td></tr>
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3. If you're traveling on 'Ber' months, <b>prepare for bipolar weather conditions</b>. The roads in Siem Reap get easily flooded, so if you're taking a tuktuk from the airport or other major roads, pray that a car/van you won't get soaked. Or get a driver.<br />
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<b>My recommendation: Kriss from <a href="http://www.aangkorwattour.com/">aangkorwattour</a>! He speaks good English, provides you free wifi in the van, unlimited bottles of water, and recommends well-trained tour guides (like Mr. Vann Lonh) to give you the ultimate Khmer experience. </b></div>
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4. <b>There will be a lot of kids who will offer you <i>same same, but different </i>items</b>. In every temple, you will also encounter hordes of sellers who will offer you products that you probably won't need. Unfortunately, they don't cost a dollar.<br />
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5. <b>Sunrise or Sunset?</b> Head to the Angkor Wat temple at <b>5am</b> and see the beautiful <b>Sunrise </b>above the majestic temple. The colors are amazing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was just taken from my iPhone4s. Imagine the colors in real life. </td></tr>
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6. <b>Bring lots of water if you're doing the temple hop, and an umbrella too</b>. You're going to need this to fight off the scorching heat and unpredictable drizzles. I bought a disposable coat at Angkor Wat, it wasn't comfortable and I was sweating the whole time. Don't forget to wear sun block. <b>The higher the SPF, the better</b>. Oh! And please <b>wear your most comfortable pair of clothes and foot wear</b>. I saw this lady, all dolled up and wearing heels, thinking how she'll surpass those uneven steps in Beng Mealea. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Fashion Police!</td></tr>
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7. <b>Monkeys are every where</b>! And don't get shocked if they um.. randomly mate in front of you. They have the highest level of PDA. :p</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PDA and Voyeurism.</td></tr>
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8. <b>If you're thinking of trying their famous Happy Pizza, make sure not to go here</b>. The place was poorly ventilated and was swarming with moths. I almost ate one when it went to my food. Plus, the pizza wasn't that 'happy' at all. Go to <b>Pub Street </b>instead, and enjoy their super cheap drinks.<br />
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9. <b>Haggle. </b>Haggle as much as you can at the night market. If you don't like what you see on their calculator, just walk away. If they chase you, give it another shot. But if they don't, there are many other fish in the sea. :p<br />
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10. <b>Have fun in every photo op</b>. Channel your inner Indiana Jones/Lara Croft/The Power Rangers/Johnny Quest/whatever character you like. Siem Reap is the perfect backdrop to unleash your inner kid. :)<br />
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<b>Here is a copy of our budget and itinerary prepared by my good friend, Kyla. :)</b><br />
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And lastly, don't forget to check out the boards before you enter each temple. You get to see how the world helps in restoring, conserving, and rebuilding these ancient wonders.<br />
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So what are you waiting for? With frequent seat sales by Cebu Pacific, fly to Siem Reap and invest on an adventure worth remembering.<br />
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<i><b>More temples and other tales on my next post! :)</b></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com1Siem Reap, Cambodia13.6915377 104.1001326000000511.715441199999999 101.51834560000005 15.6676342 106.68191960000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-65207297990297212212014-03-25T11:45:00.000+08:002014-04-25T11:50:08.476+08:00Caramoan, Bicol: Island Hopping with Clingy Castaways (Part II)<span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 2 at <b>Caramoan</b> started with a minor hangover. We woke up light-headed because of what our friend, Ryan, prepared for us the night before. The effect was actually perfect for our next island adventure.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d5vjKs10ZOBeGueYJlxXiXczQqZUZmNQtpsnPUH774DNb0pgqGAxErZzAv-MxkvZN5pMVCQ04mVLBwmNwOT35SZwQ3GRDuxJBYO3HAGhkgUV0vPM6IFnMga53SN58RkcVdP6DAqBC2Y/s1600/IMG_9556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d5vjKs10ZOBeGueYJlxXiXczQqZUZmNQtpsnPUH774DNb0pgqGAxErZzAv-MxkvZN5pMVCQ04mVLBwmNwOT35SZwQ3GRDuxJBYO3HAGhkgUV0vPM6IFnMga53SN58RkcVdP6DAqBC2Y/s1600/IMG_9556.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Mikhail, Anton, and Divine :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since we left town a little late, we arrived and had lunch at <b>Cotivas Island</b>, the last islet of Caramoan's peninsula. Kuya Ismael (Our guide) told us that beyond this island lies the open sea. Fishermen who went past this island never returned.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t2ptOIieuOhY54HppXN-d4HsnMUM-RHxtdxs_mQLdxvtUs57jvojgJVye9fDjfMStU6SGvPq6yryIcobmsXIZCPvlrxWMUllBDX86u61v1j6NXt2PXxChSQZLyyx7GMnl5X-lfijL4w/s1600/IMG_9557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t2ptOIieuOhY54HppXN-d4HsnMUM-RHxtdxs_mQLdxvtUs57jvojgJVye9fDjfMStU6SGvPq6yryIcobmsXIZCPvlrxWMUllBDX86u61v1j6NXt2PXxChSQZLyyx7GMnl5X-lfijL4w/s1600/IMG_9557.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Probably the biggest seashell i've seen in my life</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfDopd0fmJLClE8x_G9QDKWMdCwhmMXQsSvCRGHjhnRkzZPHHcj_JsUABH81JSTYnL5wwwgL7S4p6CBz4lS0NS6xgK9HIINzGFXQFVEgCfZUYKYes8xRbw0AlnK3D1EkoqR-WwwBCk1Q/s1600/IMG_9559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfDopd0fmJLClE8x_G9QDKWMdCwhmMXQsSvCRGHjhnRkzZPHHcj_JsUABH81JSTYnL5wwwgL7S4p6CBz4lS0NS6xgK9HIINzGFXQFVEgCfZUYKYes8xRbw0AlnK3D1EkoqR-WwwBCk1Q/s1600/IMG_9559.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Lunch included in the package</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hs2IDcGyMwFa0bqJtUaCr356W_JZAGCKjf5Ww2xLcyWcohV6RygIJbWuzKkufXWM0mU3TBrOUn3HqF54HoHlCMThChCJRazBFrmvldQZrKKk9oh1mkrlP0OeJ4LJYIvfW0d-0UQedXo/s1600/IMG_9561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hs2IDcGyMwFa0bqJtUaCr356W_JZAGCKjf5Ww2xLcyWcohV6RygIJbWuzKkufXWM0mU3TBrOUn3HqF54HoHlCMThChCJRazBFrmvldQZrKKk9oh1mkrlP0OeJ4LJYIvfW0d-0UQedXo/s1600/IMG_9561.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Aina prepared her own since she was on Cohen diet.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoedGgYunS4-F6If0gEgJpLaGl363njH98RT1iPfDqvI4d8JS6sn8gM86sGs85noIjFjXGPyIOtvk5YuKs9gR-y7tmER_qxoQx86Ig2UfhZxe1dpAipqTeA3ZgzsIeCoscp2uK6ZhDxmk/s1600/IMG_9562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoedGgYunS4-F6If0gEgJpLaGl363njH98RT1iPfDqvI4d8JS6sn8gM86sGs85noIjFjXGPyIOtvk5YuKs9gR-y7tmER_qxoQx86Ig2UfhZxe1dpAipqTeA3ZgzsIeCoscp2uK6ZhDxmk/s1600/IMG_9562.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">AD10</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The heat was getting uncomfortable so we transferred to<b> Manlawi Island</b> to take a dip at the sand bar that looked like a huge pool in a beach.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnucLJhi2Z_eVXO-yp6tKbQlwLjagwgC5dEXjVeBl3hMwb-gWXjretZcJ1V6IsMvC8wYZPW5kWAGM8dbD68owPBpEGr4RzQOxdXm1YQeb2yop4PAzBvK5fvmhPIx1wDOR6rhA7ykv6CQ/s1600/1176163_10200209806081350_1302333607_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnucLJhi2Z_eVXO-yp6tKbQlwLjagwgC5dEXjVeBl3hMwb-gWXjretZcJ1V6IsMvC8wYZPW5kWAGM8dbD68owPBpEGr4RzQOxdXm1YQeb2yop4PAzBvK5fvmhPIx1wDOR6rhA7ykv6CQ/s1600/1176163_10200209806081350_1302333607_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Photobombing the couple</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixV8qVUPQjmSpJxPagRp2a2J0t980_Mims8EBKEgLADTaFfAOtNfhwFeTMqngTMFThaUWdO_J_oZuevnlufC2CSPK94MjJCgSLQbuBSAdxinQHjTRuGxBpWHt8Be2UFgNTJrWm2WXGTi8/s1600/1280869_10200209807641389_2011649376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixV8qVUPQjmSpJxPagRp2a2J0t980_Mims8EBKEgLADTaFfAOtNfhwFeTMqngTMFThaUWdO_J_oZuevnlufC2CSPK94MjJCgSLQbuBSAdxinQHjTRuGxBpWHt8Be2UFgNTJrWm2WXGTi8/s1600/1280869_10200209807641389_2011649376_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This part was the highlight of our Day 2. We swam, laughed and acted out like dolphins and mermaids, doing silly things, and making the most out of our last day in the islands. Our next island was used as a venue for the reward challenges in Survivor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The moment we landed at <b>Bageing</b>, 3 of my daredevil friends headed on to the rock formations and climbed to the top.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_BDFie59O3vQf4g6sU2EcRvAD0h-qpFtW2chhy1kOVJeiQh-QL83ep711gxAsYy0hgHNXpchKeWOgKCAqqROoPJ063rlcxfyS9C5UIpfg3_Fz6417rninMWEiXY8Too-GmJszj52oxY/s1600/IMG_9513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_BDFie59O3vQf4g6sU2EcRvAD0h-qpFtW2chhy1kOVJeiQh-QL83ep711gxAsYy0hgHNXpchKeWOgKCAqqROoPJ063rlcxfyS9C5UIpfg3_Fz6417rninMWEiXY8Too-GmJszj52oxY/s1600/IMG_9513.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Glaiza, Aina, and Ging at Bageing</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a few photoshoots, we checked out one of the caves.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8Iay3RHzJM1dFCNmpXSAgoYPOq06cq1_MBh7E7ePfNl7qTETGlk9jXmHfFykth0xkBmMWee7gqaC00o4fjyfVK0ep_BXdAwksdyOmAZE0cIrCo8KILh1O_qZrwSId-ayHOkMcMzwDIU/s1600/1233605_10200209814041549_709408015_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8Iay3RHzJM1dFCNmpXSAgoYPOq06cq1_MBh7E7ePfNl7qTETGlk9jXmHfFykth0xkBmMWee7gqaC00o4fjyfVK0ep_BXdAwksdyOmAZE0cIrCo8KILh1O_qZrwSId-ayHOkMcMzwDIU/s1600/1233605_10200209814041549_709408015_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Whoops! Nothing to see here. :p</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our guide said Survivor used these caves to interview the castaways individually.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBKiz98AE5XuLjZncui4NSq76FlSlsPuyrudsGAwZg4Yd9e1bLKtMM0tz-3rhU9kH5OnoY8kH0aQpw_uixo0cjV_Le387h-BUKaWbiIh3StLMTa_fnDUWbntqoTF0E24546vN5XNa8qU/s1600/IMG_9520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBKiz98AE5XuLjZncui4NSq76FlSlsPuyrudsGAwZg4Yd9e1bLKtMM0tz-3rhU9kH5OnoY8kH0aQpw_uixo0cjV_Le387h-BUKaWbiIh3StLMTa_fnDUWbntqoTF0E24546vN5XNa8qU/s1600/IMG_9520.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">But since we're clingy, no need to separate. :p</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We explored the other side of the island called <b>Sabitang Laya, </b>where the ousted castaway gets the final interview.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8LXms1Ono9buma-Lo-f5xqQLqSwbcRCjQyKpgAj0EcOsvrBwEqReI0iajYr5wSFm8aylI_xeky2kmfAoOREuyolNle74j0K3V_a_SDOEFe2izCn_RjtkcEiYYqhV2Lqhaykhuf1qmh0/s1600/1237738_10200209807841394_339679794_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8LXms1Ono9buma-Lo-f5xqQLqSwbcRCjQyKpgAj0EcOsvrBwEqReI0iajYr5wSFm8aylI_xeky2kmfAoOREuyolNle74j0K3V_a_SDOEFe2izCn_RjtkcEiYYqhV2Lqhaykhuf1qmh0/s1600/1237738_10200209807841394_339679794_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Drying up at Sabitang Laya</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And that's a wrap. For some reason, with all the islands that we visited, we still had spare time. Kuya Ismael brought us to this beautiful cave called <b>Bulang-Bugang, </b>where the shallow spring gets deeper when you head inside.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsMbNwsojH05hFq3Le6qST4YcJ5tnZs3E2mF67IryKTIMkYc97h4unanq7Kadjm_vBTJhS0ZMygbVS9nYWnA3jzigtZBlbgmB4xGIdj7LTQ8acrAO8e1DvFsaE_dbCidMJbbJnWeY9kM/s1600/IMG_9521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsMbNwsojH05hFq3Le6qST4YcJ5tnZs3E2mF67IryKTIMkYc97h4unanq7Kadjm_vBTJhS0ZMygbVS9nYWnA3jzigtZBlbgmB4xGIdj7LTQ8acrAO8e1DvFsaE_dbCidMJbbJnWeY9kM/s1600/IMG_9521.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The mystical Bulang-Bugang</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We killed time at this enchanting place. Others were diving from the top while Ryan, Divine, Monique, Mikhail, and I had a few rounds of local beer at the hut. Everything was just perfect. We arrived at the rest house at around 6pm and prepared for supper.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIylsYTmVk5RfDxAFaAwgJTJwNUjIrBuiL7WcZJwsRBW2rL2shfGgogIehROl0M_YYQ8zlClkqmicM-QnuXY4IPSVOmDVypU_5sfDorih18A77UxTGo7JdI4QVKydCQkcfkGMRSfFRyw/s1600/IMG_9571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIylsYTmVk5RfDxAFaAwgJTJwNUjIrBuiL7WcZJwsRBW2rL2shfGgogIehROl0M_YYQ8zlClkqmicM-QnuXY4IPSVOmDVypU_5sfDorih18A77UxTGo7JdI4QVKydCQkcfkGMRSfFRyw/s1600/IMG_9571.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We may be good at art but you can't rely us on Math</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1obumfyERQPBZp7iAjrEuENEem65II_0jRWzBhzs01IY3umHU33blDdGeLgYNQhaDOZoWOaa0e8_Gq8kzV-ZyzUYSl3p_kJY8Hp9LB1x-yKHFOAiiQsLbPsDIlQdfNJe8cgjHbh5bZg/s1600/IMG_9570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1obumfyERQPBZp7iAjrEuENEem65II_0jRWzBhzs01IY3umHU33blDdGeLgYNQhaDOZoWOaa0e8_Gq8kzV-ZyzUYSl3p_kJY8Hp9LB1x-yKHFOAiiQsLbPsDIlQdfNJe8cgjHbh5bZg/s1600/IMG_9570.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">So what do you get out of the 800-peso package for 6 meals? For this one, we had Sinigang, grilled squid, authentic Bicol Express, unlimited rice, and bananas. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had another round of hardcore rum, but this time we ditched the playing cards. Our last night was all about reminiscing fun times during and after college, our plans for the future and the present craziness such as creating impromptu jingles about the whole trip. We left the Island at 11am, stayed in Naga until 5pm, departed via Peñafrancia bus, and arrived in Manila at around 4am. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a nutshell, This trip was another noteworthy one for the books. We came, we saw, and we survived the whole Caramoan trip with all smiles and good vibes :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S. While waiting for your bus ride at Naga, dine at Biggs (Inside SM Naga Mall). It's a must! :)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-30337002362882876272014-03-24T02:51:00.001+08:002015-01-22T16:41:00.505+08:00Caramoan, Bicol: Island Hopping with Clingy Castaways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Backpacking? There are many reasons why I love the Philippines. We are blessed with beautiful beaches, hidden coves, alluring landscapes, delectable dishes, and wonderful people. Last September of 2013, my college friends and I decided to become cast aways at the secluded islands of <b>Caramoan</b>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_heuIihoFo5KnaJtguUY7EMdta2KV0jcO_Wnn34Pe80AlB0pT0vWqLiADP_CZqyhy1jvA9DX4Bm-fEku-t9m33DQNOOirov8FlGgUZn-uCwVT5j9GDvZPHXq3ZNl1u4oHfj10WLHij-c/s1600/IMG_9486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_heuIihoFo5KnaJtguUY7EMdta2KV0jcO_Wnn34Pe80AlB0pT0vWqLiADP_CZqyhy1jvA9DX4Bm-fEku-t9m33DQNOOirov8FlGgUZn-uCwVT5j9GDvZPHXq3ZNl1u4oHfj10WLHij-c/s1600/IMG_9486.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were eleven. My friend, Glaiza, whom we haven't seen since we graduated from college, decided to visit us and asked me to choose a place where we can get away from our busy lives. From Coron, to Anawangin, I chose where the popular reality series, 'Survivor', played. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We survived the 12-hour trip. (For more details on how to get to the island, click <a href="http://www.theredbackpacker.com/2014/03/caramoan-bicol-how-to-get-to-island.html">here</a>) As soon as our guide showed our rest house, my friends and I were all smiling, knowing that this vacation is going to be fun.After having our first amazing lunch, our guide, Kuya Ismael, told us to get ready for our island adventure. We rode the boat and took us an hour to get to our first destination: <b>Lahos island.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOKp7rxX88IYcFt3ENrMmm_BpiZvIxg_cJEe6sbG4qRJq4g-nApJPf5VsAmjK00CRH9AbiPuwp9G4u3-6g819aTELMOR9Cg6jewJc0v1L3zWsWXRg_Q1TOPCIh6_ZDv6Go0c4PEap5Zs/s1600/IMG_9495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOKp7rxX88IYcFt3ENrMmm_BpiZvIxg_cJEe6sbG4qRJq4g-nApJPf5VsAmjK00CRH9AbiPuwp9G4u3-6g819aTELMOR9Cg6jewJc0v1L3zWsWXRg_Q1TOPCIh6_ZDv6Go0c4PEap5Zs/s1600/IMG_9495.JPG" height="410" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Lahos Island</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxQKYe5-aOHPbBFP7Px7M1fNxT7InWRcsLVY0ZOs4jMEXBLhburzgsrjnUzumUz-JVSknM3DB8RJghSnhttsa30xDTWsGMGBoR0LV8kMlESU27PUV23iiB-dBDk7QJ58H6ODX8C1o2L0/s1600/IMG_9482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxQKYe5-aOHPbBFP7Px7M1fNxT7InWRcsLVY0ZOs4jMEXBLhburzgsrjnUzumUz-JVSknM3DB8RJghSnhttsa30xDTWsGMGBoR0LV8kMlESU27PUV23iiB-dBDk7QJ58H6ODX8C1o2L0/s1600/IMG_9482.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Some things never change :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This beach reminded me of Malcapuya Island's fine sand. We ran, swam, and laugh that brought us back to how we were during our college years. Time was up, and we went back to the boat. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMw8V89VKNVjiP_RwER6AkJ0JQyOfZrgay52g2FAPlrex2ewltUfcvydpIW5UnO4Msc6YFvjm05tf34aiXv1EQlFnKIT_IL8XcL5MSjvI0MSw7HZUI893xDbN9OX-ruDKIDefglVHrE9w/s1600/IMG_9487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMw8V89VKNVjiP_RwER6AkJ0JQyOfZrgay52g2FAPlrex2ewltUfcvydpIW5UnO4Msc6YFvjm05tf34aiXv1EQlFnKIT_IL8XcL5MSjvI0MSw7HZUI893xDbN9OX-ruDKIDefglVHrE9w/s1600/IMG_9487.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Matukad Island</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our next stop was at this beach called <b>Matukad Island</b>. We stayed here longer than Lahos so we can chill more and enjoy each other's company. Aina, Glaiza, Ging, Reybert, Monique, Mikhail, Bjan, and Ryan decided to take a little hike to see the huge Catfish, swimming in the small lake on top of the hill. I stayed, no thanks to my fear of heights. My friends, Anton and his girlfriend, Divine, stayed with me. I borrowed their gears and went snorkeling. In all honesty, I may not have seen the big fish, but these colorful schools made my stay worth it. Our time was up so we head on to our last island for the day, <b>Minalahos</b>, an islet not too far from Lahos. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPmeQl4ywf3_JErFNdsK5x0Ct48MrDryOoE68COot_kpkn-72tGEm_oZAPqTOC5TLQAmIRRi8-FjTa5B2xDxbLk0bIdW9hsFExxlTmSuUiYiD44QcUYyRC7IAanjbqpuAXPbtmmnS9yg/s1600/1234233_10200209748279905_47664294_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPmeQl4ywf3_JErFNdsK5x0Ct48MrDryOoE68COot_kpkn-72tGEm_oZAPqTOC5TLQAmIRRi8-FjTa5B2xDxbLk0bIdW9hsFExxlTmSuUiYiD44QcUYyRC7IAanjbqpuAXPbtmmnS9yg/s1600/1234233_10200209748279905_47664294_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Minalahos Island</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were welcomed by this huge rock formation so my daredevil friends went for the climb. After some series of photographs, we headed home.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlG40qGLIH4T7WjiiqGqLoXMEgSATBxTqrPS8sUPRZs7rzwMKAKeV4yYp_j_FETcLhGLyhXQS_F3HCmvQIvHQaXQ3VqcUFfxpmFW-fjzcWaTNeJD9UNgRGmpuvWGVrNaEvHfxNfQe_wI/s1600/IMG_9509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlG40qGLIH4T7WjiiqGqLoXMEgSATBxTqrPS8sUPRZs7rzwMKAKeV4yYp_j_FETcLhGLyhXQS_F3HCmvQIvHQaXQ3VqcUFfxpmFW-fjzcWaTNeJD9UNgRGmpuvWGVrNaEvHfxNfQe_wI/s1600/IMG_9509.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Shortcut through the mangroves</span></td></tr>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a 2-hour ride and I fell asleep on the boat in the middle of the ocean. My body suddenly twitched and I was able to view Caramoan's beautiful sunset, smiling down on us with the mangroves on silhouette.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSikGxZFu-_joFt8Pxb_I_FEYcFQ8hn-VmUOfle0k6BZxtMyvHDsyIth53x1pC-p7_eY3JvG3v6qo5jLObAQzFVzWa6WL95y7p9AlnbRkH6wRXmdeVasJtupTipMbmcI-zxxd9i80mN48/s1600/1208690_10200209749239929_1292561661_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSikGxZFu-_joFt8Pxb_I_FEYcFQ8hn-VmUOfle0k6BZxtMyvHDsyIth53x1pC-p7_eY3JvG3v6qo5jLObAQzFVzWa6WL95y7p9AlnbRkH6wRXmdeVasJtupTipMbmcI-zxxd9i80mN48/s1600/1208690_10200209749239929_1292561661_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Caramoan's sunset. No filters needed. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">As soon as we got back to our lovely house, we bathed, washed the sands off our bodies, and prepared for our delicious supper. (I swear to God that their meal packages are super worth it!) After feasting like royals, we went to our room's balcony, brought out the playing cards, and drank local, hardcore rum. The rest is history.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com2Caramoan, Philippines13.8076519 123.8500045000000713.560972399999999 123.52728100000007 14.0543314 124.17272800000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-55952829852514877762014-03-05T15:51:00.002+08:002014-04-16T09:53:41.535+08:00Caramoan, Bicol: How to Get to the Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWWPUifsh6Wih5nYYZx3d9I1lBfV7M70Do82AzzurPxpOE6g71fvcjyJu94IjxkBR1IfHh6XMR52cdRcZ-4mwdAFdwAKVl0C7EGEaQDAtKTd8nF_b4HALL40ivFNab86LiN1z9u0HL08/s1600/cover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWWPUifsh6Wih5nYYZx3d9I1lBfV7M70Do82AzzurPxpOE6g71fvcjyJu94IjxkBR1IfHh6XMR52cdRcZ-4mwdAFdwAKVl0C7EGEaQDAtKTd8nF_b4HALL40ivFNab86LiN1z9u0HL08/s1600/cover1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last September 2013, my college friends and I embarked on a 4 day journey to the Island of Caramoan. Yes, this is also one of the chosen islands of the famous reality show 'Survivor'. But before I share our awesome experiences, let me share to you first some tips on <b><span style="font-family: inherit;">how to get to Bicol.</span></b><br />
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<b>1. <i>What bus should we take? </i></b><br />
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We chose to travel in comfort with<b> Isarog Lines. </b>To endure the 9-hour road trip to Naga (Bicol) Terminal, get the Jr. Extreme Lazy Boy seater that for P1,100 at the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Cubao. Weekends are packed so get your tickets a few days or a day before the trip. If you're lucky, they can give you at least 10% off so don't hesitate to ask.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8fShx38HEeh2FFF7FLwMWWBb3YyE8F8dGXNGqTPEH0BJpD0Y0NmZdZNYYTNwgn98A6iD6K6PlPZvwq6eIgw0cVWI_PqlV-kPRdZXhpMsOKt5FqMpbHDj-E5DlMr7J8KRuRkPrZ8hyPY/s1600/1240148_10200209746199853_1402060560_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8fShx38HEeh2FFF7FLwMWWBb3YyE8F8dGXNGqTPEH0BJpD0Y0NmZdZNYYTNwgn98A6iD6K6PlPZvwq6eIgw0cVWI_PqlV-kPRdZXhpMsOKt5FqMpbHDj-E5DlMr7J8KRuRkPrZ8hyPY/s1600/1240148_10200209746199853_1402060560_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traveling in comfort with Isarog's Jr. Extreme Lazy Boy Seater</td></tr>
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For inquiries, you can contact them at <a href="tel:(02)913-3551" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">(02)913-3551</a>/(02)<a href="tel:482-1600" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">482-1600</a> or visit <a href="http://cubaobusterminal.blogspot.com/2012/05/isarog-bus-line-schedules-and-fares.html">this site</a> for their schedules.<br />
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<b>2. <i>How do you get to Caramoan from Naga City? </i></b><br />
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We left at 9pm and arrived at 6am at the <b>Naga Bus Terminal. </b>In our case, we took a package from Caramoan Discovery Tours so we have everything taken care of. But to those who prefer to DIY, go to the eastern side of SM Naga and take an aircon van (Filcab) to Sabang Port for P100/pax. It takes almost 2 hrs to get there. Make sure to arrive on or before 9am so you won't miss the small ferry to Guijalo Port.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcqVYl-PFjoGtWXN5gFacAycL3HKENO-CYh-15E4qCNfWdT218QpyHl-54uEqGy8B8XJPL4UJ0AY4dlhN7d7W12a7Tit8e8uOLE1Bvd9MD1VY2UqzB9Hd_HVIAm-Ey0aFi3ZY5Z7XsAQ/s1600/970805_10200209756760117_2134399137_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcqVYl-PFjoGtWXN5gFacAycL3HKENO-CYh-15E4qCNfWdT218QpyHl-54uEqGy8B8XJPL4UJ0AY4dlhN7d7W12a7Tit8e8uOLE1Bvd9MD1VY2UqzB9Hd_HVIAm-Ey0aFi3ZY5Z7XsAQ/s1600/970805_10200209756760117_2134399137_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabang Port</td></tr>
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<b>3. <i>From Sabang Port, how long does it take to get to Guijalo Port?</i></b><br />
<b><i>4. How much do we have to pay for the fares and environmental fees?</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-uFQivuqpd_kKhLMqP_mr5bAqrcir1GvsmSiIduqP__BLLsUUerfDTx-v0UhoCFQ3Hb4DBC1I_iNmrXQR_TGi8ap-okVxi33dwakls2cOZaTEpba1KT9n9D2VkNAt2kgoJibLsF_prc/s1600/1238710_10200209746679865_1001508055_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-uFQivuqpd_kKhLMqP_mr5bAqrcir1GvsmSiIduqP__BLLsUUerfDTx-v0UhoCFQ3Hb4DBC1I_iNmrXQR_TGi8ap-okVxi33dwakls2cOZaTEpba1KT9n9D2VkNAt2kgoJibLsF_prc/s1600/1238710_10200209746679865_1001508055_n.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></div>
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From Sabang Port, we had to wait for 30 minutes until the 'roro' (small ferry) arrived. Fare costs P170. The boat was full and took us another 2 hours to get to Guijalo Port.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb29yvgWJUVQujRMkwW5w8U74utVe6nRqdvcSpVSIS8wi6AZSdMsucXyyCebSUMIxrkl-eWDzImNCDmNT8HS261Ecq-43n1jAkuZB50f0aTKbIrt10LbTVrM49aIWxEdHsbR3m8UFTL8w/s1600/IMG_9576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb29yvgWJUVQujRMkwW5w8U74utVe6nRqdvcSpVSIS8wi6AZSdMsucXyyCebSUMIxrkl-eWDzImNCDmNT8HS261Ecq-43n1jAkuZB50f0aTKbIrt10LbTVrM49aIWxEdHsbR3m8UFTL8w/s1600/IMG_9576.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't she a cutie?</td></tr>
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Our multicab waited there and paid another P30 for the environmental fee. For DIY travelers, there are lots of multicabs and tricycles waiting at the port that can take you to town.</div>
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<b><i>5. How long is the travel time from Guijalo Port to the town proper?</i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-h_Urdg2zxaIQqzeOz1VCHFcqfAFhfeo-ahIH2YzS5Hh_LT2LAIagSZULiZVdgDP_8D_Lp1wB8JeMCGs97AJ-cpnnVKZWxM4zb6qBKUEuwf1pue-9s66zhm939zn95BHVqzG9c2Yrx0/s1600/IMG_9577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-h_Urdg2zxaIQqzeOz1VCHFcqfAFhfeo-ahIH2YzS5Hh_LT2LAIagSZULiZVdgDP_8D_Lp1wB8JeMCGs97AJ-cpnnVKZWxM4zb6qBKUEuwf1pue-9s66zhm939zn95BHVqzG9c2Yrx0/s1600/IMG_9577.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guijalo Port</td></tr>
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Since we stayed at the Central Caramoan Discovery Hotel, it took us 15-20mins and realized that we scored a sweet deal on our package starting with this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x053v05_XypHBiMJNQuP5uVmF-BlmcabEP8a9BHMZwI-j2QvMx9YCewndXshl2WQOVxsdXkofBzp2M-6X2VV5N-G5WmrI4cQCjV38T-SYReoIhkc4zGq7EtYan_U3ZLEM0BI5KvvRXU/s1600/1239751_10200209850042449_2015025373_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x053v05_XypHBiMJNQuP5uVmF-BlmcabEP8a9BHMZwI-j2QvMx9YCewndXshl2WQOVxsdXkofBzp2M-6X2VV5N-G5WmrI4cQCjV38T-SYReoIhkc4zGq7EtYan_U3ZLEM0BI5KvvRXU/s1600/1239751_10200209850042449_2015025373_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where we are staying</td></tr>
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In total, it takes almost 13 hours to get to the town of Caramoan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhCK5PHNb21LxkOcoND4z26atquGjSOagn666_F7THe9BEvndy-Nnpyuz_8IgOgrnAMbqbsj_Hh6rblsrU3NLXfaAxe_2xXOZB7W6D_GLyB8z_-k1zfGm3zSW1x01pB5FEdAv4fFD1NQ/s1600/1184956_10200209747999898_189369405_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhCK5PHNb21LxkOcoND4z26atquGjSOagn666_F7THe9BEvndy-Nnpyuz_8IgOgrnAMbqbsj_Hh6rblsrU3NLXfaAxe_2xXOZB7W6D_GLyB8z_-k1zfGm3zSW1x01pB5FEdAv4fFD1NQ/s1600/1184956_10200209747999898_189369405_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home sweet home</td></tr>
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You can always book a flight to Naga through <a href="http://cebupacificair.com/">Cebu Pac</a> to save 7 hrs but if you'd rather save the extra peso, take this route. Plus, you get a glimpse of the famous Mayon Volcano.<br />
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In case you're already interested on what package we got, here's a summary of our itinerary:<br />
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For more inquiries and discounts, you can check out Caramoan Discovery Travel's rates and packages <a href="http://caramoandiscovery.com/">here</a>.<br />
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<b>I'll be posting more of Caramoan on my next entry. Hope this post helped you. :)</b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com2Caramoan, Philippines13.8076519 123.8500045000000713.560972399999999 123.52728100000007 14.0543314 124.17272800000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-69144261601108052552014-02-25T17:49:00.000+08:002014-04-25T14:16:22.607+08:00San Juan, La Union: Where the wind blowsIt was August 15 of 2013 when we bought our tickets at the Partas bus station en route to <b>San Juan, La Union</b>. We left at 12:30am in Cubao and arrived at 5:30am in Urbiztondo.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">If there is one thing about August that I enjoy, it's the month filled with holidays (and typhoons, too). </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet the Kaladkarin (<i>easy to drag</i>) Kids</td></tr>
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One random day, my officemate, Ada, approached me in my cubicle and told me that she wanted to go on a trip. She initially suggested Boracay since she missed the place and asked me if I can go with her on the upcoming long weekend. I was hesitant at first, knowing that I should be saving up for my Cambodia-Vietnam trip (held last October). When she insisted that she'll pay for the expenses until I can save up for it, I said yes. Unfortunately, this was also the time when strong typhoon, Maring, hit the PH.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada and Cor</td></tr>
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Due to limited funds, we chose to stay at the <b>Circle Hostel</b> in San Juan, La Union. <span style="font-family: inherit;">The bamboo-gated hostel welcomes you with awesome graffitis, hammocks and huts. The super chill vibe blows away like a breeze to your face that it makes you leave whatever stress you're going thru at the doorstep.<b> For P450, you get to sleep in a bunk</b>. My friend, Ada chose to sleep in a <b>350/night hammock</b>. The hostel has its own common area where you can plug your ipod and lie on the oversized-pillows. There are also magazines, books, and musical instruments at disposal for your entertainment.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWWO5Pf5XgacxK5McJZZJbGx796t6IgehMXWPJO9JxFzZZ5n1L-1IZb-s0L2G1kAKXlPi4xLPG_Vsfn6wYf3L0TCtd8ZYKmKnYCGUWDO0kp5EHieReQVRSOTVmrKNl4VpqBv-Eg29o7w/s1600/IMG_9246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWWO5Pf5XgacxK5McJZZJbGx796t6IgehMXWPJO9JxFzZZ5n1L-1IZb-s0L2G1kAKXlPi4xLPG_Vsfn6wYf3L0TCtd8ZYKmKnYCGUWDO0kp5EHieReQVRSOTVmrKNl4VpqBv-Eg29o7w/s1600/IMG_9246.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9JdVY9MBA1a6x3iYMdQTMMw4hxNLnSerD9QXEznyNxPWTHZ2eRz1I5l2Q9YJSmgD-lOqITaD4iW4LJoBII-Gl16WrdgsNtgYJkVhyjUfqAPctfDOwAc_UFWHu8nhJ88pD0K74nBN4Co/s1600/IMG_9127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9JdVY9MBA1a6x3iYMdQTMMw4hxNLnSerD9QXEznyNxPWTHZ2eRz1I5l2Q9YJSmgD-lOqITaD4iW4LJoBII-Gl16WrdgsNtgYJkVhyjUfqAPctfDOwAc_UFWHu8nhJ88pD0K74nBN4Co/s1600/IMG_9127.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We curled up in our beds to recharge and woke up at 10am. We stayed at their super chill lounge and met new friends.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbJz8Y9edwwBaz6BEFHUBZftEpYqBjB8YW_pM3j_s9W0PH6mjYoM7ThYaPM-UzcBLy9KXtFwUdDKk0PNbuCQ1spRRb62K26w-dANz17Mq9VuyzW8qEfS8kVvPK90-kkOxQe_b03f_8hI/s1600/IMG_9247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbJz8Y9edwwBaz6BEFHUBZftEpYqBjB8YW_pM3j_s9W0PH6mjYoM7ThYaPM-UzcBLy9KXtFwUdDKk0PNbuCQ1spRRb62K26w-dANz17Mq9VuyzW8qEfS8kVvPK90-kkOxQe_b03f_8hI/s1600/IMG_9247.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Andres, our new friend from Colombia who jammed the Spongebob theme song with me</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We jammed using the hostel's </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">guitar and bongos until we decided to head out for lunch and try the small cafeteria around the corner called, the Urbiztondo grill.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZcUakn9aOno4T0LxcKOjaLCUfbhBOVjJvrD5bwZiCd3nMopkFDMkQLISJhPHee0HTwrS0Y3D5tAGs3n7mU2-SxpdrRQji5GVzTS63MsXB_6k5WeUZ3nCShSmifToLnWFWyFloSLwGGc/s1600/IMG_9093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZcUakn9aOno4T0LxcKOjaLCUfbhBOVjJvrD5bwZiCd3nMopkFDMkQLISJhPHee0HTwrS0Y3D5tAGs3n7mU2-SxpdrRQji5GVzTS63MsXB_6k5WeUZ3nCShSmifToLnWFWyFloSLwGGc/s1600/IMG_9093.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Their food is a little pricey when compared to its quantity. Rain was pouring hard so we stayed a bit to get to know more about our </span>new found<span style="font-family: inherit;"> friends.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpQFjqI5TpziUScq7xPkQqpYoFt4l-CGubn17mX0ukchyphenhyphenwX3Xw7L_i6MdpqnSMyLZg0bF3YqUl6xjwKo2I11kpfcqw0Ui7TUnxfOUYy0yoyLi_Ts0e9i6nxxP2jXbI8_JGkGQMBEYpc4/s1600/IMG_9096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpQFjqI5TpziUScq7xPkQqpYoFt4l-CGubn17mX0ukchyphenhyphenwX3Xw7L_i6MdpqnSMyLZg0bF3YqUl6xjwKo2I11kpfcqw0Ui7TUnxfOUYy0yoyLi_Ts0e9i6nxxP2jXbI8_JGkGQMBEYpc4/s1600/IMG_9096.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The rain stopped so we immediately ran to the beach to hit the waves.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2U1E6FMnSuiu3ZRzUAj8oT6obhAJujHc6k6lPvxgRShgy0auOm_0ttwcfn1lbjjMCxt4gtQqCgAZqp5lbQdwmniDRE7tr6pSKOpBWycmHkJ2tBjf-NCmlU-JAQ17TGk3Z1PTDhFvrzM/s1600/IMG_9098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2U1E6FMnSuiu3ZRzUAj8oT6obhAJujHc6k6lPvxgRShgy0auOm_0ttwcfn1lbjjMCxt4gtQqCgAZqp5lbQdwmniDRE7tr6pSKOpBWycmHkJ2tBjf-NCmlU-JAQ17TGk3Z1PTDhFvrzM/s1600/IMG_9098.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HlFvxU5MRnyWpXHl9Vw4ovD2i0ZVc1u5C4dpMIMjF2buRkkDwEq-xbbH5jLgkBtSLqfkT_h_svhNmMEGVBiA33l6qYrT5EwcZTOxrHYDzQ-n0Irjv5MLdyYIH0-EdH-e3Zq-yj2u3Vo/s1600/IMG_9238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HlFvxU5MRnyWpXHl9Vw4ovD2i0ZVc1u5C4dpMIMjF2buRkkDwEq-xbbH5jLgkBtSLqfkT_h_svhNmMEGVBiA33l6qYrT5EwcZTOxrHYDzQ-n0Irjv5MLdyYIH0-EdH-e3Zq-yj2u3Vo/s1600/IMG_9238.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2RGn5yUd7mxziD8yBUotstbjTur-rlYEB36e7jFp58ais-l2CchHQJXx9K7w43x5atP8QzzYPCnt2dSQsTlw5qWqckkOi4ILo9QniK04XLnv6Ja-9nzU7Y1-RMaCrVeFtmp3C0BEgJQ/s1600/IMG_9181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2RGn5yUd7mxziD8yBUotstbjTur-rlYEB36e7jFp58ais-l2CchHQJXx9K7w43x5atP8QzzYPCnt2dSQsTlw5qWqckkOi4ILo9QniK04XLnv6Ja-9nzU7Y1-RMaCrVeFtmp3C0BEgJQ/s1600/IMG_9181.JPG" height="326" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If it's your first time to surf, look for this guy named 'Chris' because aside from teaching you the basics, he can also share tips and techniques that other instructors won't.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b>Board rental costs at 200, instructor = 250. Total cost/hr =450.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like other beginners, I fell several times until my patient teacher finally applauded for gliding my first wave. I was able to do it for 5 times until our time was up. I've never felt so much stoke in my life. I had that feeling of scratching off a tough challenge on my bucket list. It was almost night time when everyone decided to have a drink at Sebay. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXMziI8UEKpGxkt8Bb8C36jSPH1Nx3eKAoIGbead5zB4remleaqj_szdjjsJWhtIlm8SkiYWGtTIOfe5FKgqj4kdNTh4XKh_Ys7_1r-mtREbwzUQaAW4Q5hOhWezLWmlqdVE2gkgrxGo/s1600/IMG_9242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXMziI8UEKpGxkt8Bb8C36jSPH1Nx3eKAoIGbead5zB4remleaqj_szdjjsJWhtIlm8SkiYWGtTIOfe5FKgqj4kdNTh4XKh_Ys7_1r-mtREbwzUQaAW4Q5hOhWezLWmlqdVE2gkgrxGo/s1600/IMG_9242.JPG" height="640" width="639" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The food was great, conversations with our large group was amazing, plus, an acoustic band performed alongside the loud shrills of the rain. Night fell and the band let us sing on stage. Ada and I did our karaoke version of Sunday Morning while our newfound friends: Rebecca and Dex sang OPM songs.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7NQahb1MMOjIZ1toEh_8_QmzojUDC4isa6_7vWknq_uJqSRYkNug6xGlqIR5lA7_bclHwaDV_Xip5mDwU_VRwABFxsJ7sgFZ206HmCM3WuwkkN0NbC20Z0Zu2GHACXVAl2Zp2Nb01xA/s1600/IMG_9236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7NQahb1MMOjIZ1toEh_8_QmzojUDC4isa6_7vWknq_uJqSRYkNug6xGlqIR5lA7_bclHwaDV_Xip5mDwU_VRwABFxsJ7sgFZ206HmCM3WuwkkN0NbC20Z0Zu2GHACXVAl2Zp2Nb01xA/s1600/IMG_9236.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dex and I listening to the strong waves</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It rained harder (not because of our voices!) so we ran (I kind of danced since i'm </span>super soaked<span style="font-family: inherit;">!) back to the hostel and took a quick shower. The night was young so everyone stayed at the common area. We drank and played Kings Cup until the morning till we hit the hammocks.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIezFy3NcsfexFDyjD1KcjkSvMY-csc91ZwrO4zVFR4ChyphenhypheniNaZ4f5exMmM9Tzdd3YpDEEUfAQ0r-l0aiztUVquw4TWG75yn_szHGUMQGoBEiqKk2JdUpqDqWnyn6JMUVCIT5FqXt3a2I/s1600/IMG_9248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIezFy3NcsfexFDyjD1KcjkSvMY-csc91ZwrO4zVFR4ChyphenhypheniNaZ4f5exMmM9Tzdd3YpDEEUfAQ0r-l0aiztUVquw4TWG75yn_szHGUMQGoBEiqKk2JdUpqDqWnyn6JMUVCIT5FqXt3a2I/s1600/IMG_9248.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The common area</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next morning, we said our goodbyes to our new friends. </span>We had light breakfast first thanks to the Circle's complimentary (and unlimited) <i>pandesal </i>(buns) with peanut butter. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Then we decided to do a mini </span>photo-shoot<span style="font-family: inherit;"> on the hostel since the lighting was perfect, and we had the whole place to ourselves. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziwtUstbs-Q-mkSbCnhUSMAUM3zKO7pvbb-uDrx6WdxTcoc-V5I22w2D6VMB5hkgQ4yl90NR3n_X4oUfMw0bEiISNIDrpgKlzR5d7UtbuqwGoaWiemgr9Ja3q6A-LpgQWB_TkJTW5ii0/s1600/IMG_9240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziwtUstbs-Q-mkSbCnhUSMAUM3zKO7pvbb-uDrx6WdxTcoc-V5I22w2D6VMB5hkgQ4yl90NR3n_X4oUfMw0bEiISNIDrpgKlzR5d7UtbuqwGoaWiemgr9Ja3q6A-LpgQWB_TkJTW5ii0/s1600/IMG_9240.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPh40Pry8XZzRJTjamF1Xr_-SVeVbF_mR1qoJSGFQU9fXv13hDSL-KpXYuSquyljmUlJwoOVTXHLn3UUvPWMyNvLI3XxhLxKcPeW8Fuy7b4dLzQePr2L771YgoFtbaW1N9fURayfnJRQ/s1600/IMG_9229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPh40Pry8XZzRJTjamF1Xr_-SVeVbF_mR1qoJSGFQU9fXv13hDSL-KpXYuSquyljmUlJwoOVTXHLn3UUvPWMyNvLI3XxhLxKcPeW8Fuy7b4dLzQePr2L771YgoFtbaW1N9fURayfnJRQ/s1600/IMG_9229.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was our last day and it was still raining. But that didn't stop us from surfing. Ada, Cor, and I shared on our surfboard and paid for the half day rent: 500php. Again, heavy rain fell so the winds were angrier and hit us off our deck. We stayed at this small cafe and had 2 cups of coffee and 2 cups of hot chocolate until we saw our instructor from yesterday, Kuya Chris. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIgcy0GjAJViyecP0MtsCG6b1tKcdwXxzyi9sQTYpuKVqcWJgXK18EiCDrojq91UmE-Ac6YOD87NXdbPBOQWoO0y83YPZIFHz4RBcioCgFqE5XKs7SK9qywCqvTEAPSKUoA59bxJnfsw/s1600/IMG_9243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIgcy0GjAJViyecP0MtsCG6b1tKcdwXxzyi9sQTYpuKVqcWJgXK18EiCDrojq91UmE-Ac6YOD87NXdbPBOQWoO0y83YPZIFHz4RBcioCgFqE5XKs7SK9qywCqvTEAPSKUoA59bxJnfsw/s1600/IMG_9243.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada chilling while waiting for her turn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6iNnp4PrD9Ws0SitMz4noirLTJOQNLcRNRUo026HD0mp1y_ZWFWu0LLmjK-3UzopjIohhCHhrQHBbn_CHOmDWr4d3kBibeR0L7iZ_DtkgB8QVrtbpOqlG0djZGQL5Xx-fXqpYDCtK0E/s1600/IMG_9241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6iNnp4PrD9Ws0SitMz4noirLTJOQNLcRNRUo026HD0mp1y_ZWFWu0LLmjK-3UzopjIohhCHhrQHBbn_CHOmDWr4d3kBibeR0L7iZ_DtkgB8QVrtbpOqlG0djZGQL5Xx-fXqpYDCtK0E/s1600/IMG_9241.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People watching</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He taught us more techniques on surfing while watching Cor try her luck on the waves. It ended at 5pm so we tried out famous surfer, Luke Landrigan's, restaurant. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3INLiQx8jGP1INiexij9NME_esWEc_IJ9evt8SGWDL3HFsbtYcC4eNu59WIFilA_EsvUW5wox8KDqtdXBBNvosSuwmLLNOdUfiehhsnvX1tBqaqVh3aCE2BjKKNpb60agBNMX2vV72JY/s1600/IMG_9253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3INLiQx8jGP1INiexij9NME_esWEc_IJ9evt8SGWDL3HFsbtYcC4eNu59WIFilA_EsvUW5wox8KDqtdXBBNvosSuwmLLNOdUfiehhsnvX1tBqaqVh3aCE2BjKKNpb60agBNMX2vV72JY/s1600/IMG_9253.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Price was okay and they have group meals for 3/pax. We headed back to the hostel and began to pack our bags. Ada made new friends so we stayed for a while until 9pm. We bid farewell and hailed a bus to Cubao and slept for 5 1/2 hrs until we hit Manila. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This impromptu trip was fun and memorable because of 3 things:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1. It was random and we didn't have enough money. But thanks to good research, we were able to try out cheap restaurants and the awesome Circle Hostel.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv324lQ0hi0WoxCdB-BdWpOsW7iXi8n5n_70Ltz8rdrm-2-0FHWYU5K7xG06Mz1Hrjlp0I5GG3Rhz9gUDqqfLYZIbV6RYv5t8Tu5eKvB-ZcMJxT-qjPpplEAbiYk7yz3ynT0NY6NOjfA/s1600/IMG_9220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv324lQ0hi0WoxCdB-BdWpOsW7iXi8n5n_70Ltz8rdrm-2-0FHWYU5K7xG06Mz1Hrjlp0I5GG3Rhz9gUDqqfLYZIbV6RYv5t8Tu5eKvB-ZcMJxT-qjPpplEAbiYk7yz3ynT0NY6NOjfA/s1600/IMG_9220.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2. We learned how to surf. In spite of the storm, we were able to ride the waves. The stoke was priceless. (For beginners, I suggest you try learning the basics here in La Union first before Baler.)</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcbagtta_d62ov-D-u1X-Lbwje-mIkigxI7pGkY1RMuuVj6ueZODHQ258JUwGw3V7J0iH_2j30-WlqloIevATvME-OnqEZuDsj9LJ7O7IycIQJafc60IOkTj4LCwPMzW_na8Ess_CNMQ/s1600/IMG_9219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcbagtta_d62ov-D-u1X-Lbwje-mIkigxI7pGkY1RMuuVj6ueZODHQ258JUwGw3V7J0iH_2j30-WlqloIevATvME-OnqEZuDsj9LJ7O7IycIQJafc60IOkTj4LCwPMzW_na8Ess_CNMQ/s1600/IMG_9219.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>and 3. We found new friends. Friends that we'd hang out with and share the same love we have for travel.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fD8-nDrx7o0lnLUtMnx1jW3hUQeIw5_wVGQnsX-s7YftGKZ8AgwlSUKRkKnf5S4xYFAX6f7ZTI9XVGfaOjaeH2uBJL1VAlSFmkRcRk1iALosP8-vSXlHY7TsZgvYxc_pGyGOttMTt-Y/s1600/IMG_9249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fD8-nDrx7o0lnLUtMnx1jW3hUQeIw5_wVGQnsX-s7YftGKZ8AgwlSUKRkKnf5S4xYFAX6f7ZTI9XVGfaOjaeH2uBJL1VAlSFmkRcRk1iALosP8-vSXlHY7TsZgvYxc_pGyGOttMTt-Y/s1600/IMG_9249.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjZNrYktStwnfS2cyltBK6NWSLe6eVsmOp-FhcLRaovmaDNI3_ftsllUO0Ab93jM7-TucGsHwtcYU9TI4YYxch_UAggylxRWWp_R26GTvvFz7JdwxGKXCmsNRE6zRiti0ucq9KUApnH0/s1600/IMG_9252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjZNrYktStwnfS2cyltBK6NWSLe6eVsmOp-FhcLRaovmaDNI3_ftsllUO0Ab93jM7-TucGsHwtcYU9TI4YYxch_UAggylxRWWp_R26GTvvFz7JdwxGKXCmsNRE6zRiti0ucq9KUApnH0/s1600/IMG_9252.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The next time I go back to La Union, i'll try their famous halo halo from San Fernando. I heard it's a must! :)</b></span></div>
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<br />
<b>Summary of Expenses:</b><br />
<b>Bus </b>(Partas) - 650 (one way) / 1300 (round trip)<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(For inquiries, you can contact them at <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"><a href="tel:+63%20(74)%202420464" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">+63 (74) 2420464</a> & </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"><a href="tel:+63%20(74)%C2%A0%202420923" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">+63 (74) 2420923</a>)</span></i></span><br />
<b>Food </b>- P150.00 at Urbiztondo + P300.00 at Sebay + P210.00 for 3 bottles of San Mig Pale + P150.00 contribution for the drinking game + Tapsi for lunch at local carinderia + P200.00 at San Juan Surf Resort<br />
<b>Accommodation - </b>P450.00 for the overnight bunk rental at the Circle</div>
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<b>Surfing - </b>450.00 for board and instructor/hour + 200.00 board rental for day 2<br />
<b>Souvenir </b> - Every traveler has a preferred memento,</div>
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I got myself a keychain and a sticker of the hostel. :) - 100.00 at the San Juan Surf Resort and 50.00 at the Circle Hostel<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Total = P3,700</b><b>.00</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com2San Juan, Philippines16.6719671 120.3627578000000516.5502761 120.20139630000006 16.7936581 120.52411930000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256450296576935865.post-14190603462626378022014-02-18T12:39:00.000+08:002014-04-25T14:48:38.126+08:00Candelaria, Zambales: Bumming at Potipot Island<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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I have great friends, a job that allows me to take short vacations, and a country filled with beautiful beaches. I'm a clingy, impulsive, and tropical person so expect to see more beach posts in this blog. :p Since 2003, I've been wandering aimlessly with my high school friends, taking short trips on weekends. Nothing has changed, except that our soles have become itchier, and souls more clingy to each other. Last May of 2013, we decided to take a 6-hour trip to the farther side of Zambales, where the island of Potipot awaits.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR_g5bK-uFZtAR-H_S8uV3DQX1B69z71DTGruHHxgFYHGVDCpAoRn4mpVkWa2uvhO4Cr69jL5hfujGHAb700W4_LgWYNgMG55s5xbP_dT_HCTfx4dGycnjUHNro6AoYZNYNO393d3A7U/s1600/IMG_8547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR_g5bK-uFZtAR-H_S8uV3DQX1B69z71DTGruHHxgFYHGVDCpAoRn4mpVkWa2uvhO4Cr69jL5hfujGHAb700W4_LgWYNgMG55s5xbP_dT_HCTfx4dGycnjUHNro6AoYZNYNO393d3A7U/s1600/IMG_8547.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">There are many things that I am thankful for.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAwiwqIYyNAm_L-VIyGqgvNCOyxPY1LpkvGiaUWyMJuqIOMKiqa65NgzqdaUrY81EpJSpT6tvOxv4uXIDQ6f93pEzFG9ejdLlYtU_ZSUw9PnLkTzU7y37IKWLaXW1TzfLMv978l2rV7I/s1600/IMG_8477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAwiwqIYyNAm_L-VIyGqgvNCOyxPY1LpkvGiaUWyMJuqIOMKiqa65NgzqdaUrY81EpJSpT6tvOxv4uXIDQ6f93pEzFG9ejdLlYtU_ZSUw9PnLkTzU7y37IKWLaXW1TzfLMv978l2rV7I/s1600/IMG_8477.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a selfie during our stop over at Subic</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We rented a Courtyard Exclusive Beach Front House for 8 at the <b>Isla Vista Beach Resort & Restaurant</b>. It has <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Wifi, 4 AC bedrooms w/ ensuite toilet & bath (one 1 bath with hot shower),
32” flat screen wall mounted cable tv in the living room, dining, 2 door non
frost 8’ refrigerator, burner, kitchen w/ basic utensils, outdoor kitchen
& garden, grill, and parking, all for P 8,000.00 only. You can check out their room rates <a href="http://www.islavistabeachresort.com/Isla_Vista_Beach_Resort/Rates.html">here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHt1K5dnoIFeJJ_kIZfGa5FpNDegmUoL4cMXhcao_AGl2TNs080BaU08kli9traED5eQDP6lGAOmovZMsPFr8-wG5roO9NqgW9YJ8ssSZSCVqr-VP1GsqXsNGJW-d_x0kQNVU5Vj4YyU/s1600/IMG_8538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHt1K5dnoIFeJJ_kIZfGa5FpNDegmUoL4cMXhcao_AGl2TNs080BaU08kli9traED5eQDP6lGAOmovZMsPFr8-wG5roO9NqgW9YJ8ssSZSCVqr-VP1GsqXsNGJW-d_x0kQNVU5Vj4YyU/s1600/IMG_8538.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touchdown!!! :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYciOlwGAokp5fl77RXHHjxoO7jJxS384ExKSDkCDjdbzeZp3tsN1heqw9Pkql4xSKhN5FLzPkGo5JBkRFWLrnemX21932EF8173HjYEBZ4VzipDWp7cGH1d_2SZ-R8HxRSzHeiIFQik/s1600/960206_466930656717564_126102608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYciOlwGAokp5fl77RXHHjxoO7jJxS384ExKSDkCDjdbzeZp3tsN1heqw9Pkql4xSKhN5FLzPkGo5JBkRFWLrnemX21932EF8173HjYEBZ4VzipDWp7cGH1d_2SZ-R8HxRSzHeiIFQik/s1600/960206_466930656717564_126102608_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Kitchen (We just let Irco, Pat, and Portia, do their thing since Kyla, Erika, Cyan, and I don't cook. :p)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaUD8gF6fFlXaqEKu_RBpXy-ddlABNVFYbS0s0kkvSI2HNyENrlMSxHv5hQv9VUt0eQ25tpi3IQISVLe8OR9WCxM4tMxoCIqIIEo2s2XjX6L0_cE7xO2BnnlQAat0UqsugVnqB2n8IPg/s1600/IMG_8478.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaUD8gF6fFlXaqEKu_RBpXy-ddlABNVFYbS0s0kkvSI2HNyENrlMSxHv5hQv9VUt0eQ25tpi3IQISVLe8OR9WCxM4tMxoCIqIIEo2s2XjX6L0_cE7xO2BnnlQAat0UqsugVnqB2n8IPg/s1600/IMG_8478.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5j03cuWBYBWqKAncQgfcjnfnXBFsogFjXAj0ULunGyEyStQlQPjSz6Ks3SIxJ1uOMVJ_g7Rt2c8tRH-3eUxuVBVojGboz7ngfMO8KMVORlljELm_cL2Am16wHQ-cZHYGFZHVS-6zWlI/s1600/IMG_8479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5j03cuWBYBWqKAncQgfcjnfnXBFsogFjXAj0ULunGyEyStQlQPjSz6Ks3SIxJ1uOMVJ_g7Rt2c8tRH-3eUxuVBVojGboz7ngfMO8KMVORlljELm_cL2Am16wHQ-cZHYGFZHVS-6zWlI/s1600/IMG_8479.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our plus ones. :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4II64KLqmBctNd4-GQe-ssPxO0vgI2iCQKWq8WTcNgBB9TCy_4KInRLHbigyra7lfzuzR2EU2iljcV5D6Xgc-vGEZdK6AWGq6UuKi7CWEOFxHHuq8N8LjSg-WL_zeneeJMMVnLapygQ/s1600/IMG_8480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4II64KLqmBctNd4-GQe-ssPxO0vgI2iCQKWq8WTcNgBB9TCy_4KInRLHbigyra7lfzuzR2EU2iljcV5D6Xgc-vGEZdK6AWGq6UuKi7CWEOFxHHuq8N8LjSg-WL_zeneeJMMVnLapygQ/s1600/IMG_8480.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the 4 AC rooms. (Very spacious!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm95ZTU0HiZJQVDkSrLWLlB4SeIdqAHc7qCb9cFko3Sy5dp64c2KyziYuSxfytiGOl2UiEXmV-2qm6gl-z0edSWr8qTYlhPt4FWFut6WbnKv1WNPLJtyVb_KYcM9cJyJEq1yWfPL2Q2s/s1600/IMG_8481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm95ZTU0HiZJQVDkSrLWLlB4SeIdqAHc7qCb9cFko3Sy5dp64c2KyziYuSxfytiGOl2UiEXmV-2qm6gl-z0edSWr8qTYlhPt4FWFut6WbnKv1WNPLJtyVb_KYcM9cJyJEq1yWfPL2Q2s/s1600/IMG_8481.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plus, we have our own bathrooms :)</td></tr>
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As soon as we settled down, we prepared ourselves for Potipot. To get to the island, you can ask the receptionist to reserve a boat transfer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVaH8V4uZ83WN8fIQHymzA0vRTzT3ytLQxNCvV4ckg0_tCjuiNoo5cv-bH6SfngdFHYSFaxY0ZOjD5aMsXdHtY8o6D5QfCKbxOZohES8_Gx0f7yJfnue1ULnLx08vqlgMdQ3BJR7YuIg/s1600/IMG_8533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVaH8V4uZ83WN8fIQHymzA0vRTzT3ytLQxNCvV4ckg0_tCjuiNoo5cv-bH6SfngdFHYSFaxY0ZOjD5aMsXdHtY8o6D5QfCKbxOZohES8_Gx0f7yJfnue1ULnLx08vqlgMdQ3BJR7YuIg/s1600/IMG_8533.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potipot Island on our beach front</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR17PxDiAfTxMHhCY9aL1WBGmsxA7WQH2T_MDgNGdiQBw42EWhmK3oIg3ilNfYYbVai0DG_6Ky9JFF0kIxnAxGIOK0Fe3C3Csy6gBm1NuN2GfLYQOgTiRqcoeY2hXba74jHYX0GbEHUmE/s1600/397394_466931136717516_1596818919_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR17PxDiAfTxMHhCY9aL1WBGmsxA7WQH2T_MDgNGdiQBw42EWhmK3oIg3ilNfYYbVai0DG_6Ky9JFF0kIxnAxGIOK0Fe3C3Csy6gBm1NuN2GfLYQOgTiRqcoeY2hXba74jHYX0GbEHUmE/s1600/397394_466931136717516_1596818919_n.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofing around while waiting for the boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfEpO4nfS6dC_-thljBPn6nZ4PsEeBrsZf1SgKHt-ArSVvlDhpbCkIjp4vPXzbnmeq-1EzetOFLV3kjjUxpd191sL2jaTvsmvo3lKjCWKA8mEDuv8koqKormxmfHUXVbd-B46p-zEmUA/s1600/969139_466930823384214_1204702093_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfEpO4nfS6dC_-thljBPn6nZ4PsEeBrsZf1SgKHt-ArSVvlDhpbCkIjp4vPXzbnmeq-1EzetOFLV3kjjUxpd191sL2jaTvsmvo3lKjCWKA8mEDuv8koqKormxmfHUXVbd-B46p-zEmUA/s1600/969139_466930823384214_1204702093_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T.22 live in Potipot, Candelaria, Zambales! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtW5Za1TJTEcit0WgCRZnIhRDAA3VM1GOPlLhgNzrOY3t55zWs-hmLWSPxZgVXbyoUafIgAZfrYVyzJKAJ9M20_VmAy8DHHOoLNN3rfjJUHTE0YVYLwcTd7opQ73m9q1nE3eFBL3GOA8/s1600/941931_466931266717503_1830180744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtW5Za1TJTEcit0WgCRZnIhRDAA3VM1GOPlLhgNzrOY3t55zWs-hmLWSPxZgVXbyoUafIgAZfrYVyzJKAJ9M20_VmAy8DHHOoLNN3rfjJUHTE0YVYLwcTd7opQ73m9q1nE3eFBL3GOA8/s1600/941931_466931266717503_1830180744_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All aboard!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZw8SX0hMGa3z5NQUVBxFtlpFf3DuzZnA__VnfWwZEHGTZUwEJnHSdg5zK4E3sp0GQdgdHXwaOdhVvn80ROK3SmVDS5onYq4C-xSE3_TpkLNHaxK8IIfvi0I8qFlBHpajrQwgMH-v5P8/s1600/970537_466931240050839_1141758974_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZw8SX0hMGa3z5NQUVBxFtlpFf3DuzZnA__VnfWwZEHGTZUwEJnHSdg5zK4E3sp0GQdgdHXwaOdhVvn80ROK3SmVDS5onYq4C-xSE3_TpkLNHaxK8IIfvi0I8qFlBHpajrQwgMH-v5P8/s1600/970537_466931240050839_1141758974_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The round trip boat transfer that comes with life vest costs P400 for 1-6 pax, P800 for 7-12 pax, and P1200 for 13-18 pax. If you feel like embracing the whole beach bumming vibe, you can also bring your own tent and stay in the island.<br />
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Since we went on a weekend, the island was pretty packed. Most of the good spots were taken so we had to go to the back of the island to secure our own. We brought our own cooler as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs8t2NlqC5YuIPXyvFA0V8SlgNi-hn_N-fPfwteizo-PmXNqm_zFCHEfHcV34S0LStGnRUYTV_BiJ89t0XT0LAKMFpQdv0RSR36d1CbUtmibj1cdkp0vvzQWpXPaG-IGJbKNyMlFz7QY/s1600/IMG_8496.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs8t2NlqC5YuIPXyvFA0V8SlgNi-hn_N-fPfwteizo-PmXNqm_zFCHEfHcV34S0LStGnRUYTV_BiJ89t0XT0LAKMFpQdv0RSR36d1CbUtmibj1cdkp0vvzQWpXPaG-IGJbKNyMlFz7QY/s1600/IMG_8496.JPG" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaPkFTeTqdSPpDws8N9BbevfTZxnW3M_xm_G4UtCIjbLfnZ8W2aGDHHd_Ht1qBBaPb84zojBNy9YNJwXKV8iZVlHa0zl1kSXGL5pGm1IYbiqD51odrKlluYz1ZsAWctMV8Fg4MJUtDr4/s1600/988677_466932426717387_863553921_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaPkFTeTqdSPpDws8N9BbevfTZxnW3M_xm_G4UtCIjbLfnZ8W2aGDHHd_Ht1qBBaPb84zojBNy9YNJwXKV8iZVlHa0zl1kSXGL5pGm1IYbiqD51odrKlluYz1ZsAWctMV8Fg4MJUtDr4/s1600/988677_466932426717387_863553921_n.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Erika! (We call her Ishi, sometimes Hodor)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiLaM_cEWRgv5B3MDEdF-G6wld1IWyxd_I_OWAFE6_KFtCs8qTLJOBIOOVIf-WOM2WhoEgGsPk_uvu0Q9jS_4DSbrn_q2zBmBIcw_EcxyElmRI0Y2erb09BkEd-IbzhqVG35E49oIfPM/s1600/971210_466931343384162_981971994_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiLaM_cEWRgv5B3MDEdF-G6wld1IWyxd_I_OWAFE6_KFtCs8qTLJOBIOOVIf-WOM2WhoEgGsPk_uvu0Q9jS_4DSbrn_q2zBmBIcw_EcxyElmRI0Y2erb09BkEd-IbzhqVG35E49oIfPM/s1600/971210_466931343384162_981971994_n.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Coron travel buddy, Kyla, (The other Hodor)!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEisppI0Mcj8esJrufak8dFrhcMiYVuYNUuX6vI58c38gFADqnnqWgIdN0gNcwOeV4G8fVWXd-qg2QlPfEue6OPQyoWvkl8YspDrMkiZ4dXNLNCGSmTP0DzH2ipTJDPJmxmsiloEAojEE/s1600/IMG_8510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEisppI0Mcj8esJrufak8dFrhcMiYVuYNUuX6vI58c38gFADqnnqWgIdN0gNcwOeV4G8fVWXd-qg2QlPfEue6OPQyoWvkl8YspDrMkiZ4dXNLNCGSmTP0DzH2ipTJDPJmxmsiloEAojEE/s1600/IMG_8510.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The Februarians of the group, Cyan and Portia, with Patricia and Irco as photobombers :p</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8eBg_GRqpZ3Ebvx_OSwpec1tmwRkghK-vT4DeFtZO8ooZTXlxiJmUUdplsOS_G59-Qc_gAiKp2ICxHttfRQ66xI_ssW4Ql0q4fJv3NMBCAhG_rE-4By4x90BBfrNeBaC4JKtGA4tbbE/s1600/IMG_8549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8eBg_GRqpZ3Ebvx_OSwpec1tmwRkghK-vT4DeFtZO8ooZTXlxiJmUUdplsOS_G59-Qc_gAiKp2ICxHttfRQ66xI_ssW4Ql0q4fJv3NMBCAhG_rE-4By4x90BBfrNeBaC4JKtGA4tbbE/s1600/IMG_8549.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy Kids :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydqbHP1iJGEvEraI2ioVkZFzQP0WfBMnvmOsTY9TI_AhaHy2FkIl1EOQ_e63kxavVonIvPIwpll5QJzaMEtE4QJkq40jSGPmWQj52NBtIFO1RWu2UL3IahLzMptvHpD6BmKSZ-HOHz4g/s1600/IMG_8490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydqbHP1iJGEvEraI2ioVkZFzQP0WfBMnvmOsTY9TI_AhaHy2FkIl1EOQ_e63kxavVonIvPIwpll5QJzaMEtE4QJkq40jSGPmWQj52NBtIFO1RWu2UL3IahLzMptvHpD6BmKSZ-HOHz4g/s1600/IMG_8490.JPG" height="230" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view of the island :)</td></tr>
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<div>
We stayed until sunset, same with everyone else. So when we headed back to the departure area, we had to wait for an hour to board our boat. But with a sunset this beautiful, who are we to complain?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YvD-eobFbTHQLuDD_V1-_rPnEYOOGDusgK5Iikui0p-Uu2aGuOV4O6Kiast2u2qXpYFr9S7OJGpT4VAEQ5r7a5ARlPEDupz1X1DaW5ug5-J_SHF6qN_GQV5ZjhdrA5wsFP8n_G8QEQg/s1600/988270_466933713383925_1837839265_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YvD-eobFbTHQLuDD_V1-_rPnEYOOGDusgK5Iikui0p-Uu2aGuOV4O6Kiast2u2qXpYFr9S7OJGpT4VAEQ5r7a5ARlPEDupz1X1DaW5ug5-J_SHF6qN_GQV5ZjhdrA5wsFP8n_G8QEQg/s1600/988270_466933713383925_1837839265_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We always do potluck when bringing food & drinks so we just dined in. After dinner, we went straight to the happier part of the night. :p</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exposing our messy side</td></tr>
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We sang our hearts out to 90's hits featuring Backstreet Boys, N Sync, Britney, Aqua, and our favorite, the Spice Girls. (Don't judge!) I was one of the first to hit the sheets.</div>
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If you find Potipot crowded, there are other islands in Zambales with creamy-white sand and crystal clear water that you might want to try. To name a few: Anawangin, Capones, and Nagsasa. To get here you can try this route from <a href="http://shoestringtravelers.com/?q=node/61">shoestringtravelers.com</a>:</div>
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<b>Getting To Uacon, Candelaria</b></h3>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #1a3337; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">By private vehicle</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a3337; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">: To get to Uacon, Candelaria by car take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) all the way to the Dau/Mabalacat exit then continue on to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). The route through San Fenando – Lubao in Pampanga is shorter but passes through a narrower road and congested town centers so we decided on using the SCTEX instead for speed and ease of travel. Travel the length of SCTEX to the Tipo Exit, pass through the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and on to Subic Town. Take the national road all the way to Candelaria. You will pass by the towns of Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Narciso, San Felipe, Cabangan, Botolan, Iba, Palauig and Masinloc before Candelaria in that order. It’s about a five hour drive from Metro Manila. There are two things to remember so your trip doesn’t take longer than necessary:</span></div>
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1. After Castilejos you will reach a junction with a sign on the road going to the left pointing to San Antonio. Do not enter that road but continue straight on to San Marcelino and San Narciso to avoid passing by San Antonio which is the longer route (the road to San Antonio goes to <a href="http://shoestringtravelers.com/?q=node/12" style="color: #19799a; text-decoration: none;">Pundaquit</a> and the destinations of <a href="http://shoestringtravelers.com/?q=node/13" style="color: #19799a; text-decoration: none;">Anawangin</a> and <a href="http://shoestringtravelers.com/?q=node/15" style="color: #19799a; text-decoration: none;">Nagsasa Coves</a>).</div>
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2. There is another junction after Iba and before Palauig. The road to the left goes to Palauig town proper. Do not take that but take the road inland (to the right) that bypasses Palauig town and goes straight to Masinloc and on to Candelaria.</div>
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<b>By public vehicle</b>: Ride a bus bound for St. Cruz, Zambales. Victory has buses that regularly ply this route. Get off at Barangay Uacon in Candelaria (Candelaria is the town just before Sta. Cruz). You can take a trike or even walk to the nearest resort or the beach where you can get a boat to Potipot Island. </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Be it Tagaytay, Batangas, or Zambales, summer will always remind me of happy memories. We may have different and hectic working schedules, but we make sure we don't let this annual road trip pass. 2014 is our 11th year, (Yes, we treat each other as girlfriends!) and we are going grand. But i'm saving that for another post. I hope you enjoyed a little tour of Potipot through these photos! :)</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b><i>Thanks Irco for letting me share your cool photos! :)</i></b></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02773229823325299637noreply@blogger.com0Potipot Island, Candelaria, Philippines15.6780026 119.9216498000000715.6741806 119.91660730000007 15.681824599999999 119.92669230000007