Sunday, July 06, 2008
Rediscovering Southeast Asia
I am continuing on my previous posts of my adventures to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Philippines. It had to be a mix of new places to discover and my revisiting cities I've been to before.
Bangkok and beyond
I got to see the city of Bangkok again after 4 years, wIth the same ambiance and heat while going through different temples.
This time I had additional trips to the Tiger Temple and Elephant Safari. We only had 2 days to make sure we cover the most important sites.
The view of the temples were amazing and had a different feeling when walking around the temples in Bangkok. It really looked more ancient and I just forgot about the heat while walking around since most of the time there were trees around the temple and kids offering you a drink in all the stops.
At night time we went to this Bar street where there are international cuisines and bars with mostly foreigners filling the area. Alcohol was cheap, beers for $1 and cocktails for $3. However, as the days were spent walking around the temples we would normally be like Cinderella, going home by 12 really exhausted and getting that sleep.
Flying from Cambodia to Vietnam
After Cambodia we took a flight to Hanoi, Vietnam and we arrived at 11pm. My friends Agnes and Monna were already there, so we had a trip booked to go for the boat cruise to Halong bay the following day. You can see the details at my previous post.
More flights... Hanoi-Manila-Boracay
We had enough of the road trip and flying after 10 days. The final leg of the adventure was a long trip getting connecting flights and all. We started waiting for our flight at 11pm at the Hanoi Airport. Our flight was supposed to leave at 1am but we had an hour delay so we had t wait even more. We then reached Manila at 630am and I asked my brother to pick us up so we can leave some of our stuff and then head off to the Domestic Terminal. We passed by at KFC for breakfast and then was rushing to get our 930am flight. To our dismay, even the local flight was delayed for 30 minutes and the domestic terminal was not really comfortable for long hours of waiting. Finally, we left Manila and arrived Caticlan airport at 11am. It was still not Boracay, we had to take few more minutes for riding a tricycle-boat-tricycle.
Heaven....
Enjoying the sunset
We had bread crumbs to feed the fishes so all of a sudden bunch of fishes went around us to grab some food.
It was a good 55 minute dive and I didn't feel scared at all. I enjoyed it so much that we went for another dive the day after.
Holidays are over yet the memories are still fresh. Something I needed in the middle of the year, for me to be able to stretch myself and reach my targets for the rest of 2008. It was tough having to go back to work after such a wonderful vacation, but it's always a good reason to strive hard once again so I can have this kind of vacation at least every six months. :) :) :)
Bangkok and beyond
I got to see the city of Bangkok again after 4 years, wIth the same ambiance and heat while going through different temples.
It was also a good time to catch up with my friend and lovely host, Weaw. She showed us a grand view of Bangkok at night while having one of the most expensive drinks in the city. But the atmosphere was priceless!
The road trip to Cambodia
I had mixed reviews of whether the route from Bangkok to Siem Reap was safe. People just mentioned of bus scams and that the roads are not developed, thus it won't be that comfortable for a whole day. I just had to see it for myself and take the adventure.
The road from Bangkok to the border was a smooth ride. We were cautious on where it can possibly go wrong, so when we stopped at a restaurant just before the border I started to doubt the reason for the stopover. The driver suggested we have lunch, and then a tourist guide approached our group and asked those who don't have a visa. No problem with us since I don't need one and my friend already secured one in Manila. The tourist guide looked at my passport and said I needed to pay for stamp fee. I refused and said that I don't think I need one as I don't even need a visa to go to Cambodia. After an hour, they finally brought us to the border and I didn't need to pay extra fee for that stamp.
While we were at the border, we had to wait for our bus. There were already 8 of us waiting, but they said we had to wait for more people to arrive until the bus gets full. Waiting and waiting... heat and boredom was killing me. After 2 hours that almost felt forever, we finally hit the road and took this airconditioned bus.
I was ready for some discomfort and just look at the view from outside. It was all rough roads, so the ride was bumpy and at 3pm the aircondition didn't seem to make a difference in cooling the bus. The driver was taking it slow and at first I thought it was just because of the road. Then I saw cars and trucks overtaking us that it almost felt that if I was running with the bus I won't be left behind. Patience... patience... I tried to sleep over it and I was able to take a nap for about an hour until I woke up hitting my head on the seat in front of me.
I had mixed reviews of whether the route from Bangkok to Siem Reap was safe. People just mentioned of bus scams and that the roads are not developed, thus it won't be that comfortable for a whole day. I just had to see it for myself and take the adventure.
The road from Bangkok to the border was a smooth ride. We were cautious on where it can possibly go wrong, so when we stopped at a restaurant just before the border I started to doubt the reason for the stopover. The driver suggested we have lunch, and then a tourist guide approached our group and asked those who don't have a visa. No problem with us since I don't need one and my friend already secured one in Manila. The tourist guide looked at my passport and said I needed to pay for stamp fee. I refused and said that I don't think I need one as I don't even need a visa to go to Cambodia. After an hour, they finally brought us to the border and I didn't need to pay extra fee for that stamp.
While we were at the border, we had to wait for our bus. There were already 8 of us waiting, but they said we had to wait for more people to arrive until the bus gets full. Waiting and waiting... heat and boredom was killing me. After 2 hours that almost felt forever, we finally hit the road and took this airconditioned bus.
I was ready for some discomfort and just look at the view from outside. It was all rough roads, so the ride was bumpy and at 3pm the aircondition didn't seem to make a difference in cooling the bus. The driver was taking it slow and at first I thought it was just because of the road. Then I saw cars and trucks overtaking us that it almost felt that if I was running with the bus I won't be left behind. Patience... patience... I tried to sleep over it and I was able to take a nap for about an hour until I woke up hitting my head on the seat in front of me.
Road from Popiet to Siem Reap
It didn't help that there was an old Australian guy seated at my back with a Chinese girl. He was teaching her how to speak in English and pronounce some words correctly. At first it was amusing, as he was making her read a book and later on ask questions related to it. It was really annoying when this was already for the whole ride and I jut wanted to rest. The Chinese girl
was not even responding, so I wasn't sure if she was even getting it or he was just being too pushy on it.
After about 9 hours of a bumpy ride and a long stopover in a restaurant, we reached Siem Reap at 11pm. As what Lonely Planet said they will bring you to their recommended hotel and they bus company will get commission for that. For the sake of not going with the group, we took a tuktuk to another hotel recommended by Lonely Planet.
We reached this hotel that was recommended by Lonely Planet but it looked a bit old and empty. Well, what did I expect for $5/room/night anyway? I wasn't sure I wanted to stay but I was too tired to scout for another hotel so we stayed there. Besides, the owner was not pushy and he just let us decide for ourselves. That made us decide later on to stay in that place as we were only going to stay there at night time then be out for most of the day.
Temples of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
The following day, we went around the temples of Angkor Wat by walking and taking the motorcycle. We thought we can just walk from one temple to another, except that it was really a big area so we had to rent a motorcycle for the day. The owner of the hotel said we can rent one motorbike for $9/day which also includes the driver/tourist guide. It was a good deal plus it was faster to take the motorcycle compared to a tuktuk, though it took some time getting used to it.
was not even responding, so I wasn't sure if she was even getting it or he was just being too pushy on it.
After about 9 hours of a bumpy ride and a long stopover in a restaurant, we reached Siem Reap at 11pm. As what Lonely Planet said they will bring you to their recommended hotel and they bus company will get commission for that. For the sake of not going with the group, we took a tuktuk to another hotel recommended by Lonely Planet.
We reached this hotel that was recommended by Lonely Planet but it looked a bit old and empty. Well, what did I expect for $5/room/night anyway? I wasn't sure I wanted to stay but I was too tired to scout for another hotel so we stayed there. Besides, the owner was not pushy and he just let us decide for ourselves. That made us decide later on to stay in that place as we were only going to stay there at night time then be out for most of the day.
Temples of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
The following day, we went around the temples of Angkor Wat by walking and taking the motorcycle. We thought we can just walk from one temple to another, except that it was really a big area so we had to rent a motorcycle for the day. The owner of the hotel said we can rent one motorbike for $9/day which also includes the driver/tourist guide. It was a good deal plus it was faster to take the motorcycle compared to a tuktuk, though it took some time getting used to it.
The view of the temples were amazing and had a different feeling when walking around the temples in Bangkok. It really looked more ancient and I just forgot about the heat while walking around since most of the time there were trees around the temple and kids offering you a drink in all the stops.
Amazing view of Angkor Wat- day and night
At night time we went to this Bar street where there are international cuisines and bars with mostly foreigners filling the area. Alcohol was cheap, beers for $1 and cocktails for $3. However, as the days were spent walking around the temples we would normally be like Cinderella, going home by 12 really exhausted and getting that sleep.
Flying from Cambodia to Vietnam
After Cambodia we took a flight to Hanoi, Vietnam and we arrived at 11pm. My friends Agnes and Monna were already there, so we had a trip booked to go for the boat cruise to Halong bay the following day. You can see the details at my previous post.
More flights... Hanoi-Manila-Boracay
We had enough of the road trip and flying after 10 days. The final leg of the adventure was a long trip getting connecting flights and all. We started waiting for our flight at 11pm at the Hanoi Airport. Our flight was supposed to leave at 1am but we had an hour delay so we had t wait even more. We then reached Manila at 630am and I asked my brother to pick us up so we can leave some of our stuff and then head off to the Domestic Terminal. We passed by at KFC for breakfast and then was rushing to get our 930am flight. To our dismay, even the local flight was delayed for 30 minutes and the domestic terminal was not really comfortable for long hours of waiting. Finally, we left Manila and arrived Caticlan airport at 11am. It was still not Boracay, we had to take few more minutes for riding a tricycle-boat-tricycle.
Heaven....
It was worth all the wait the moment we saw the crystal blue water and powder white sand. We immediately went for a quick swim then I had a relaxing massage by the beach. We spent the whole afternoon just lazing around and catching up some sleep. That's what beach life is all about anyway right?
We were in Boracay for 5 days and 4 nights, just enough time to appreciate the island life and chill. No other agenda but to enjoy the sound of waves, feel the breeze of fresh air and enjoy eating seafood. That was only my second time in Boracay, and I wondered why I was not there more often. Well, I had to leave the country to check out other beaches to be able to appreciate what I had back home all along. :)
At night we would have seafood galore with the first two nights being happy with hundred grams of squid/fish/shells. The last two nights we discovered the market place where you can just buy at the market and have it cooked for a very minimal fee. What we would pay in restaurants for 100g we would get at the market for 1kg. After a full dinner, we would go out for some drinks by the beach while listening to a live band.
At night we would have seafood galore with the first two nights being happy with hundred grams of squid/fish/shells. The last two nights we discovered the market place where you can just buy at the market and have it cooked for a very minimal fee. What we would pay in restaurants for 100g we would get at the market for 1kg. After a full dinner, we would go out for some drinks by the beach while listening to a live band.
Hey crabby! Seafood dinner like there's no tomorrow
Enjoying the sunset
We always missed the sunset in Vietnam and Cambodia, but in Boracay we had 4 days of clear sunset view. The first day was just relaxing and seeing the view from the beach. The succeeding days we tried to get it from a different view and went sailing and island hopping with a regular boat. Sailing was quite an adventure, as you would think it was a smooth ride when you see the boats sailing across the sea. While we were there, there were two other guys with us, one setting the direction and the other one taking care of the sails and balancing the boat when our side becomes too light. The waves were splashing through our faces and I was scared for a bit, until I just became more comfortable with the ride. It was worth the ride once we saw the sunset from the boat and then headed back to the beach for a smoother ride.
Discovery Dive
I live in the islands of the Philippines who's very well known for nice diving spots, and yet I don't have the license. Just like a driver's license, I have a lot of excuses why I don't have one but really I just don't have a compelling reason why I need one. Besides, it's really an expensive hobby that I didn't want to get into.
So we were inquiring at this dive shop so Martijn can go for his dive while I will just enjoy sipping my fruit shake and take a nap. Then we inquired on how much more it would cost to rent an underwater camera so he can show some proof that he really went for a dive and saw nemo and co. It was a good deal that the lady was offering renting the camera for two dives for the price of one. She then started telling that I could join the second dive and be part of the picture. So there goes my compelling reason to dive.. she got me by the word picture, then I had images of me and some fishes in the underwater world. Then I hesitated again as I was always scared of not being able to reach the ground and being in deep water. She gave me a better deal and said I can just go and try it in shallow water by the beach, using all the equipment and will go for the discovery diving where there was a dive master always guiding me. She said if I don't feel comfortable going deeper, then I don't have to pay. I had the whole night to think about it since the dive was still the following morning.
Conquer your fear
I really thought about it and how nice it will look like on the photo. Yet, there were a lot of hesitation on how I would be able to breath underwater and what I'll do if I get tired of swimming or fighting the current. Then again, I just thought of giving it a shot since I had nothing to lose. There was no point in being scared of something I haven't even tried. So the decision was made before going to sleep, I just had to conquer my fear of the underwater world.
I was ready with my gear and just went on the shallow water. The dive master was patient in making me comfortable and teaching me how to use the diving equipments. I was a bit scared so he let me take my time. He also encouraged me whenever I was able to do the practical training. I was scared of having to do the exercise of removing my mouth piece and being able to put it back without having to take in any water. Surprisingly, I passed that exercise and I was really excited to go for my first dive.
I live in the islands of the Philippines who's very well known for nice diving spots, and yet I don't have the license. Just like a driver's license, I have a lot of excuses why I don't have one but really I just don't have a compelling reason why I need one. Besides, it's really an expensive hobby that I didn't want to get into.
So we were inquiring at this dive shop so Martijn can go for his dive while I will just enjoy sipping my fruit shake and take a nap. Then we inquired on how much more it would cost to rent an underwater camera so he can show some proof that he really went for a dive and saw nemo and co. It was a good deal that the lady was offering renting the camera for two dives for the price of one. She then started telling that I could join the second dive and be part of the picture. So there goes my compelling reason to dive.. she got me by the word picture, then I had images of me and some fishes in the underwater world. Then I hesitated again as I was always scared of not being able to reach the ground and being in deep water. She gave me a better deal and said I can just go and try it in shallow water by the beach, using all the equipment and will go for the discovery diving where there was a dive master always guiding me. She said if I don't feel comfortable going deeper, then I don't have to pay. I had the whole night to think about it since the dive was still the following morning.
Conquer your fear
I really thought about it and how nice it will look like on the photo. Yet, there were a lot of hesitation on how I would be able to breath underwater and what I'll do if I get tired of swimming or fighting the current. Then again, I just thought of giving it a shot since I had nothing to lose. There was no point in being scared of something I haven't even tried. So the decision was made before going to sleep, I just had to conquer my fear of the underwater world.
I was ready with my gear and just went on the shallow water. The dive master was patient in making me comfortable and teaching me how to use the diving equipments. I was a bit scared so he let me take my time. He also encouraged me whenever I was able to do the practical training. I was scared of having to do the exercise of removing my mouth piece and being able to put it back without having to take in any water. Surprisingly, I passed that exercise and I was really excited to go for my first dive.
Ready for the real dive
I really felt comfortable underwater and loved the view of the corals and school of fishes. It was great seeing it in reality when I was always just hearing it from friends or just looking at the underwater world in Sentosa.
How do you smile underwater??? :)
We had bread crumbs to feed the fishes so all of a sudden bunch of fishes went around us to grab some food.
It was a good 55 minute dive and I didn't feel scared at all. I enjoyed it so much that we went for another dive the day after.
Holidays are over yet the memories are still fresh. Something I needed in the middle of the year, for me to be able to stretch myself and reach my targets for the rest of 2008. It was tough having to go back to work after such a wonderful vacation, but it's always a good reason to strive hard once again so I can have this kind of vacation at least every six months. :) :) :)
Good Morning Vietnam!
EARLY RISERS IN HANOI
I am on my last day of my Asian adventure, and the best morning so far. I am now in Hanoi, Vietnam. We decided to wake up early and walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. The streets are busy as early as 5am where you see food vendors on the sidewalk, people jogging around the lake followed by some yoga sessions or playing other sports (eg. badminton, sipa, etc.).
Exercises around Hoan Kiem Lake
I had one full day in Hanoi and it was more than enough when you the day already started at 5am. Most shops are closed by 10pm, so it was just in time for our 1am flight to Manila. Hanoi is a mix of Chinese and French influence. You can see a lot of people selling in the streets, riding bicycles and motorbikes. I survived one hell of a ride in that motorbike with an expert driver I must say, yet my heart was beating really fast wondering how I will survive another minute. :)
Photos below reminded me so much of Paris.
The one on the left is the opera house and the one on the right is an HSBC branch. :)
CRUISING THROUGH HALONG BAY and CAT BA ISLAND
Halong Bay was highly recommended by my friends. We went for the boat cruise for 3 days and 2 nights and got a good deal for $95 which included the 3 hour drive from Hanoi, food, accommodation and all the cycling/kayaking rentals.
The first day was just sailing through thousands of limestone rocks, kayaking by the bay, going inside a big cave and enjoying seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We spent the night in the boat. As the weather was a bit misty, there were no stars in the sky, yet the lights from other boats were very visible enough to enjoy the soft mist of the night.
The second day was a more active day with some trekking, swimming, and cycling. It was refreshing to do some cycling again and tiring when we have to climb up a hill. There were stopovers in between and nature was right next to you that made me relax and enjoy the ride.
The third day was drizzling a bit but just in time for the way back to Hanoi. A final cruise around the bay to remind us that the view is extraordinary though it may seem ordinary now for the past days. The tour ends with great food, great company of travelers and a satisfied tourist with all the adventures so far.
Exercises around Hoan Kiem Lake
I had one full day in Hanoi and it was more than enough when you the day already started at 5am. Most shops are closed by 10pm, so it was just in time for our 1am flight to Manila. Hanoi is a mix of Chinese and French influence. You can see a lot of people selling in the streets, riding bicycles and motorbikes. I survived one hell of a ride in that motorbike with an expert driver I must say, yet my heart was beating really fast wondering how I will survive another minute. :)
Photos below reminded me so much of Paris.
The one on the left is the opera house and the one on the right is an HSBC branch. :)
CRUISING THROUGH HALONG BAY and CAT BA ISLAND
Halong Bay was highly recommended by my friends. We went for the boat cruise for 3 days and 2 nights and got a good deal for $95 which included the 3 hour drive from Hanoi, food, accommodation and all the cycling/kayaking rentals.
The Dream Voyage Tour Group
The first day was just sailing through thousands of limestone rocks, kayaking by the bay, going inside a big cave and enjoying seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We spent the night in the boat. As the weather was a bit misty, there were no stars in the sky, yet the lights from other boats were very visible enough to enjoy the soft mist of the night.
An attempt to catch some squids at 1am.
The second day was a more active day with some trekking, swimming, and cycling. It was refreshing to do some cycling again and tiring when we have to climb up a hill. There were stopovers in between and nature was right next to you that made me relax and enjoy the ride.
Smoking the vietnamese way... just for photo purposes as I don't smoke.
The day ended quite early at 4pm where we checked in the hotel with some bay view, then met more tourists from other countries for some drinks until the night was finished at 1am. The lights were slowly being turned off as if a sign to start packing up.
The third day was drizzling a bit but just in time for the way back to Hanoi. A final cruise around the bay to remind us that the view is extraordinary though it may seem ordinary now for the past days. The tour ends with great food, great company of travelers and a satisfied tourist with all the adventures so far.
One Dollaaahhh.......
"One dollar... One dollar..."
I went to Siem Reap in Cambodia and spent three days in the city. Wherever you go, there were kids asking for one dollar in exchange of postcards, drinks, fruits and even for just taking a photo of them. They were even selling Lonely Planet books for just 5 dollars! When we were passing through the floating village and there were small boats with moms carrying their kids (with a snake around them) and asking for one dollar. I didn't understand it clearly at the start only to realize they were having the same phrase as if singing a song.
After awhile you just get tired and try to avoid them, since they are in every temple you go to in Siem Reap. Then at one instance I just told the kid I'll come back for it, then she said "Lady, make sure you come back or else you make me cry." I couldn't help but laugh but be impressed on such unique statement, she will definitely go far among her friends. She's probably only 6-7 years old, studying in the morning then helping her parents in the afternoon. I guess the charisma of the kids make it easier for them to sell the items since your initial instinct will be to just buy whatever they have, it's just one dollar anyway. Then you start to think why at such a very young age they have to work instead of just enjoying their childhood and playing in the streets. Then again, at least they are still given the opportunity to study in the morning when their parents may actually demand them to just work all day.
That's just a bit of Cambodia that I experienced. Apart from the ancient temples and floating villages, the country has something more that you have to experience while interacting with the people and knowing more about their personal experiences.
I went to Siem Reap in Cambodia and spent three days in the city. Wherever you go, there were kids asking for one dollar in exchange of postcards, drinks, fruits and even for just taking a photo of them. They were even selling Lonely Planet books for just 5 dollars! When we were passing through the floating village and there were small boats with moms carrying their kids (with a snake around them) and asking for one dollar. I didn't understand it clearly at the start only to realize they were having the same phrase as if singing a song.
After awhile you just get tired and try to avoid them, since they are in every temple you go to in Siem Reap. Then at one instance I just told the kid I'll come back for it, then she said "Lady, make sure you come back or else you make me cry." I couldn't help but laugh but be impressed on such unique statement, she will definitely go far among her friends. She's probably only 6-7 years old, studying in the morning then helping her parents in the afternoon. I guess the charisma of the kids make it easier for them to sell the items since your initial instinct will be to just buy whatever they have, it's just one dollar anyway. Then you start to think why at such a very young age they have to work instead of just enjoying their childhood and playing in the streets. Then again, at least they are still given the opportunity to study in the morning when their parents may actually demand them to just work all day.
That's just a bit of Cambodia that I experienced. Apart from the ancient temples and floating villages, the country has something more that you have to experience while interacting with the people and knowing more about their personal experiences.
