tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85434909772268332062012-03-17T15:12:20.279+08:00Wanderer and Dream Chaserwanderlusting in reality and daydreamsYvonnenoreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-39605532607652310602011-10-16T23:59:00.000+08:002011-10-16T23:59:19.275+08:002011-10-16T23:59:19.275+08:00Travelogue Asia: Beach bumming in Bali!Long overdue post ahead... :D<br />
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I can't believe I forgot to write more about our Bali trip last year :D I've written about our <a href="http://yvonnealivio.blogspot.com/2010/11/travelogue-bali-indonesia-day-1.html">first day</a> but didn't bother to write about the rest of our trip. And it took me almost a year to remember to finally share our awesome experience in the island :D Pasensya tao lang! hihi<br />
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Bali is known for its long stretch of white sand beaches, surfing, scuba diving and recently became more famous because of the movie Eat, Pray, Love =) . This place has been one of my must-see places to visit and I was not disappointed during our entire trip last November 2010.<br />
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Since, we traveled during the off peak season, the usually crowded Kuta beach is fortunately quite.<br />
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Our major agenda on this trip was to just BEACH BUM and maybe try out surfing if we don't chicken out. Apparently, my friend Chris was already itching to try it and after watching her learn the tricks, I was convinced to try it out myself...even if I DO NOT know how to swim :)) Confidence and courage were my weapons :))) Luckily though, I survived and did a few stands while riding the waves. Awesome experience! Unfortunately, my actual surfing photos are not yet available for the viewing public, so enjoy the following for now :D<br />
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The following day we went on an adventure to search for <a href="http://somethingblue.us/2011/02/14/padang-padang-beach-bali/">Padang-padang beach</a> which we thought some scenes of the movie <a href="http://uktraveleditor.wordpress.com/2010/09/22/eat-pray-love-filming-locations/">Eat, Pray, Love</a> was shoot. I forgot where we got the information but we tried searching anyway. We hired a van for the whole day to bring us to the beach and to some other tourist locations after. The search for the beach was quite exhilarating because even the driver didn't know where the place was and we were also useless in giving him exact directions because we barely had any info about the place except that its beautiful and we should check it out by hook or by crook :))<br />
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We were a bunch who doesn't give up easily. So after getting lost and braving long winding roads, we finally found the beach! The place was somewhere hidden under a cave-ish deserted location where we had to go down scary steps between rocky walls.<br />
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When we finally reached the white sand beach, our tired feet did a happy dance. We found a paradise in Padang-padang beach! It was all worth it!<br />
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Can you see the long stretch of white sand beach down there? =)<br />
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We didn't waste time lazing around and immediately did what we plan to do :D<br />
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Can you tell how much we enjoyed beach bumming in Bali? The entire adventure was super fun and unforgettable. Inspite menstrual cramps, I managed to do a few jump shots and attempted shoulder stands :D I will definitely go back to Bali in a heart beat and learn more surfing and perhaps scuba diving too :)<br />
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<i>Photos taken by my Golden half and UWS + Solaris 400 film.</i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-3960553260765231060?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-62720800197017285072011-10-11T00:02:00.002+08:002011-10-11T19:56:58.549+08:002011-10-11T19:56:58.549+08:00Travelogue Asia: How we enjoyed Ho Chi Minh City!Last April, the husband and I backpacked to <a href="http://yvonnealivio.blogspot.com/2011/07/busy-beautiful-ho-chi-minh.html">Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam</a> for the first time. It was our first in the country and our first in a backpackers hostel.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">We arrived around 9:00pm local time at the Tan Son Nhat Airport (thanks to <a href="http://www.jetstar.com/sg/en/home">Jetstar's Friday Sale</a>) with so much anticipation of the place and the people. We booked our stay in a lovely and cheap <a href="http://nguyenkhanghotel.com/">Nguyen Kang Hostel</a> located in District 1. They're clean, simple, decent and in a good location. Before we confirmed our trip, I made tentative reservation through email and their staff were all kind enough to reserved a place for us without any downpayment. They charged us 20usd per night (with simple breakfast) for a room with windows. However, if you are comfortable to stay in a room without windows, they charge 18usd. Not bad! And if you arrive in the evening, I suggest you request for airport pick up from your hostel because getting a cab from the airport is a bit difficult. For one, most locals do not speak English and two, they could overcharge you. Haggling with these cab drivers is pointless because you won't understand each other =) The airport pick up saves you the hassle of explaining the direction to the driver which will of course eventually saves your time. Our hostel charged 8usd to 14usd, depending on how late you arrive.<br />
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If you book in the same hostel, this creepy-looking alley will be your main entrance. Be not afraid! because on our last day, they painted the walls, light blue :D Notice the half-done wall paint? :P<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">We love Vietnamese food and we've read many good reviews of cafes and restaurants around the city. So on our first night, we immediately searched for one resto in our list. Apparently, the resto's location is a bit far from our hostel and since we were soo famished, we rummaged the first nice looking cafe we saw - Sasa Cafe (along District 1). They have the yummiest lime juice I've tasted so far!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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Along this area, you will find many street food vendors, pubs and homeless old people sleeping in corners and shacks :(<br />
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The following days were spent getting-to-know-more-about-the-city, which was equivalent to bracing the summer heat and tired (but happy) feet =)<br />
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The post office where I dropped the postcards sent to our housemates <3<br />
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The Notredame Cathedral<br />
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The War Museum - where photos and stories broke my heart and made me feeling drained even after we left the place :( I did not bother to take photos because it was too painful to look at. But I salute the brave photographers who risked their lives just to capture the dreadful scenes. If not for them, tourists and locals alike will not have an inch of idea what Vietnam was during the war. Still a must visit!<br />
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Don't forget to try out their yummy iced coffee on the streets. I bet my life for you to try this one! :P<br />
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Okay, so this photo does not give justice on how interesting Ben Thanh Market was :) Ignore the facial expression and list the place on your itinerary. You will surely find a thing or two while strolling around the market. Try going there during the day and during the night, you will then know what I mean :)<br />
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This place is a must for dinner :D Quan An Ngon along Vo Van Tan Street. Delish and cheap Vietnamese food. Nice ambiance and friendly staffs =)<br />
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If you are on strict budget, the food stalls along the street is another option. Some of them looked unclean from the outside but in fairness, they do serve it clean. Still delicious and most importantly, cheap :D<br />
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And if you feel like splurging on your last lunch in the city, try out Lemongrass along District 1. It's a bit pricey but worth it, at least for us :)<br />
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Then check out artwork displays. Unfortunately, most of them were not real paintings.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHXOuuvJlpg/TpMK_77TU5I/AAAAAAAAAwg/7NgP7OEsCh8/s1600/P1013199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHXOuuvJlpg/TpMK_77TU5I/AAAAAAAAAwg/7NgP7OEsCh8/s640/P1013199.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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And oh, if you're feeling a bit spontaneous or tired, you can try their bike tour. They have the most unusual bikes I've seen so far and most overpriced at that :P Be careful when checking the price, the drivers will convince you with their "have-pity-on-me-i-am-old" look :D Nevertheless, we tried it for an hour and ended up paying for two hours because the grandpa was too slow. Oh well, the fun was worth it anyway! Look at our happy faces :D<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGcYTCLxMGI/TpMRRZvP2lI/AAAAAAAAAwo/AtIHpxH63Bo/s1600/P1013186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGcYTCLxMGI/TpMRRZvP2lI/AAAAAAAAAwo/AtIHpxH63Bo/s640/P1013186.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Can you guess how old the driver is? :)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">The city is quite small so you only need a day to check out all the interesting places and still have time for shopping :) We were there for three days and had so much free time lazing around and finding off the beaten tracks. Our second day was spent on the Mekong River tour. Up on the next post.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you find this post helpful =) My mind is now wandering around Southeast Asia and the many more countries I need to visit. Wander lusting mood for now!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-6272080019701728507?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-90056239442088663822011-10-01T01:58:00.000+08:002011-10-01T01:58:14.803+08:002011-10-01T01:58:14.803+08:00A Grateful Journey<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">"Many people are conflicted. They want to fulfill their dreams and yet are afraid to fulfill those same dreams. Why does that happen?</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Because wishes are unfamiliar territory. </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">And what is unfamiliar is scary."</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Everyone who knows me well, know that I am a <a href="http://jasonmraz.com/">Jason Mraz</a> fangirl. I'm actually not just a fangirl but deeply, completely in love with this guy :D He is talented, inspiring, humble, vegetarian and loves the world. Complete package.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He is currently on a <a href="http://jasonmraz.com/asia2011/">world tour</a> this year and will soon be visiting Asia particularly Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Bali. And I am happy to announce that I will again see him perform LIVE in Manila. <b>Oh my Gosh!!!</b> I have mixed emotions about the whole thing. The initial plan was to watch him in Thailand because the date falls on a long weekend in Singapore. However, I can't wait! It hit me last night that I have to see him very very soon :D Thank you to my friend who helped me in buying the ticket in Manila. I AM OVERJOYED! And did I mention that I bought a FRONT ROW TICKET???? Yes, I DID! That's number <a href="http://yvonnealivio.blogspot.com/p/dreams-and-goals.html">16 in my bucket list</a>. Woohhooo!!! I am excited for October 30 to come fast! And thank you to Cebu Pacific for the ticket promo on my travel date. More woohhhooo! Mr. Universe, high five!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Watch and be inspired with this first documentary trailer of his own Grateful Journey in Morocco. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0yyvIRgi9PY" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Be love!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-9005623944208866382?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-42149763318713011192011-09-28T22:28:00.002+08:002011-10-11T00:08:21.707+08:002011-10-11T00:08:21.707+08:00Being Open while on the Road.<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I met a lot of people in Europe. I even encountered myself. </i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>~ James Baldwin</i></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2jPIx-RBks/Tn1lURxsg7I/AAAAAAAAAuc/3I1W9Nmacyk/s1600/P9040057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2jPIx-RBks/Tn1lURxsg7I/AAAAAAAAAuc/3I1W9Nmacyk/s640/P9040057.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Louvre, Paris France</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I agree with you Mr. Baldwin!</i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #232323; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">After Spain, I was set to travel to Italy and France, without the husband. Unfortunately, he could not extend his trip due to limited vacation leaves. I have already psyched myself mentally and emotionally before our actual trip. I was thinking about what was to come and what I will become without him. Honestly, I have been wanting to travel alone in a new place as I was not able to actually do it before getting married. So this was the best opportunity for me to do what I’ve been dreaming of except that I will eventually be joined by my youngest sister in the trip.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #232323; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I was literally alone from Barcelona to Rome. I was suppose to meet my sister in the same Rome airport but she missed her flight so I had to go alone to the city and find our hostel. While I was finding my way to the bus terminal to take my ride to the city, it finally sank in that nobody was there to guide me where to go. I had to figure it out myself. Luckily, I have a good sense of direction. Not wanting to miss my stop, I instantly went down where most tourists alighted. At the back of my head I thought, <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“they could be going the same direction as I am and anyway they are also World Youth Day delegates so there is no harm joining them”</em>. And how lucky I was to befriend them! They helped me buy my ticket because unfortunately I bought the wrong train ticket at the airport <img alt=":D" class="wp-smiley" src="http://www.pinayonthemove.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> When we reached Roma Termini, I found out that they have not booked their accommodations so I asked them to check out the hostel where I was staying. Good karma was on our side and they got their room.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtVJsUsewcQ/ToMtp4DN1jI/AAAAAAAAAug/Qw0M5YZ0kgw/s1600/P8266603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtVJsUsewcQ/ToMtp4DN1jI/AAAAAAAAAug/Qw0M5YZ0kgw/s640/P8266603.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;">Colosseum, Rome Italy</div><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #232323; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #232323; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There were many other instances during our travel that allowed us to help and ask help from strangers. I realized that it’s normal to act paranoid but it’s also okay to ask help from anyone. Traveling with my sister was entirely different than traveling with my husband. I had to read the map and find our direction the easiest way. I was so used to just following where my husband would lead me because he usually carried the map and knew exactly where to go. But when my sister and I were finding our way to a spot, there were lots of times when we got lost and could not even find our way back. It was during those times that I had to act brave and enjoy the trail.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #232323; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">However, I soon realized that being lost isn’t always a bad idea. Not following your itinerary is as exciting as finally finding your hostel after hours of walking with a heavy backpack. I also realized that tourists are all the same. We slept in airport terminals just so we can save one night’s accommodation and that’s okay. We also try to endure the pain of walking miles so we could really enjoy the beauty of the place. We have the same fears whether you are Asian, British or American. We all fear being robbed, abused, and taken advantage of. I mean all these fears are normal when you’re in a new place and it all depends on how you act. Luck was on our side every time we asked help people had been helpful. Some even went out of their way and accompanied us to the metro station even if they were late for their appointment. Others cooked dinner for us and invited us to join them. Little things like being offered a seat in the bus or offering to take our photo or teaching us which bus to take. But I assure you that every time we were in those situations I had all sorts of scenarios in my head whether this man is sincere or the food is safe. I know it’s ridiculous to think bad things about people who are offering help but I can’t help it. Paranoia is in my system. </span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #232323; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The lessons I learned while on the road is incomparable. I thought that if you have a detailed plan and itinerary you will know everything and you will not need help. But I was wrong. Language barrier was one of the challenges and direction was another. My impatient self was always bothered every time I couldn’t find my way or when I was being served with the wrong food because the waiter didn’t understand and I was too hungry to even argue. So yes, I learned a lot of patience. </span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #232323; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUTk250qAdI/ToMt-M4TW3I/AAAAAAAAAuk/W0XFuaHK3YA/s1600/P8307724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUTk250qAdI/ToMt-M4TW3I/AAAAAAAAAuk/W0XFuaHK3YA/s640/P8307724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #232323; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman';">Piazza del Duomo, Milan Italy</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #232323; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Among the vastness of the crowd of tourists and locals alike, I felt like a small mustard seed totally invisible from everyone else. I learned humility. No matter how different your status was in your hometown – in a new place you are a stranger. You really don’t know everything. You are also expected to follow and respect culture or traditions whether you agree or not. </span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #232323; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I least expected myself to experience all these realizations but believe me I did! Normally, I am not that patient and open. I usually say what I think whether its nice or not. And I have lots of fears I am not willing to overcome. But traveling alone, even with my husband or with my sister, taught me a lot beyond my expectations. William Least Heat Moon said is his book Blue Highways, <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” </em>And this explains my experience while on the road in Europe.</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #232323; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">~</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #232323; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Thank you, Grace of <a href="http://www.pinayonthemove.com/2011/09/being-open-while-on-the-road.html">PinayontheMove</a> for featuring this post on your pretty travel blog.</span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-4214976331871301119?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-51465128956312428122011-09-19T23:28:00.001+08:002011-09-19T23:30:29.174+08:002011-09-19T23:30:29.174+08:00Backpacking Europe for the first time.<div style="text-align: justify;">Okay before you raise your eyebrows or ignore this post, allow me first to explain why I backpacked instead of traveling comfortably...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most first timers to Europe would rather book a travel package with everything included so they won't have to worry where to go, where to sleep, where to eat and how to explore the place. This is the easiest way for first time travelers. But I am not a fan of travel packages or tour groups (sorry no offense, its just me). I appreciate how convenient they are for those incapable of doing more research or for those who don't want the hassle of preparing the itinerary on their own - it's truly helpful if you are that type of traveler. I would prefer to use it if I am traveling with my family in a place where the English language is unknown.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't consider myself a hardcore backpacker compared to other travelers who really carry with them huge backpacks and travel for months. I've learned to backpack just because I've always wanted to travel cheap so I can save for shopping. Haha, how ironic! But at least I have the motivation :p So when we started planning for our Europe trip, backpacking came in handy. Booking a one (1) star was not even an option. <a href="http://www.hostelbookers.com/">Hostelbookers</a> was very helpful in planning our accommodation. Although some of our actual experiences were somehow different from the reviews, but that will be a separate blogpost. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, I literally backpacked with a 12kg bag for three weeks. I have to mention though that carrying it for hours wouldn't be possible without the help of the husband so I suggest before you follow my lead, make sure you are ready for the back and hip pain. I was ready for all types of pain but what I was not ready for was the heat of the sun in Spain. Imagine carrying a 12kg bag in a 40C temperature??? It was crazy and I seriously went hysterical! And it's okay to be hysterical if you have a husband like mine who's ready to carry your bag otherwise, keep calm and carry on :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I really find backpacking very convenient especially if you have shorter stays in various cities in Europe. We started in Spain and visited Valencia (2days), Toledo (2days), Madrid (6days for the WYD) and Barcelona (3days). Then I flew to Italy and met my sister. We visited Rome (3days), Florence (2days), Milan (1day) and Venice (1day). Our last stop was Paris, France. See, we were always on the go. Although the transportation in most Euro cities is very convenient such as <a href="http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html">renfe</a> in Spain and <a href="http://www.trenitalia.com/">trenitalia</a> in Italy, their metro station is the opposite. It's not very friendly for those with huge trolley luggages. So if you carry a backpack, you'll easily find your way among the crowd compared to those dragging their luggages in the staircase :D Central metro station is an exception though especially those with connecting train rides to major cities. They have escalators, accessible lifts and travelators. My sister used the trolley luggage and although it was smaller, she really had a hard time carrying it especially when we arrived in Milan and discovered that the nearest metro station to our hostel had the longest staircase ever! Luckily, we survived the climb!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So yeah, we enjoyed backpacking and sharing our room to other travelers. We booked private rooms in some cities but dorm type accommodations for most of our stay and enjoyed a few free upgrade from dorm to private in some :D It was fun meeting other travelers and exchanging travel stories. This kind of experience makes me enjoy backpacking a lot. I'm not fuzzy in sharing toilets/showers with other people as long as its clean and decent. I don't mind sleeping in a small bed with someone snoring on the other end. I don't care if other occupants make a mess in the same room as long as they don't steal my stuff. I mean, if the hostel is decent and the reviews are great, there's really no reason for anyone to worry. The only reason why you're there is to sleep after you've enjoyed the sights outside your hostel room. You have to make sure though that 90% of your time is spent outside, roaming rather than spending it inside, sleeping.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
The amount we saved for booking cheap accommodations was spent on food and shopping few clothes :D Obviously, the latter is a not so nice idea because it will add a kilo to your backpack. But what the heck! I'd rather sacrifice the back pain for new clothes than re-wearing the used ones :P I told you I'm not a hardcore backpacker. Haha! Hopefully this mindset will change soon when my long term travel plans will take place :)))<br />
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Til here for now. Will continue the adventure soonest. Goodnight, world!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-5146512895631242812?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-74961713903096617972011-09-18T22:27:00.002+08:002011-10-11T00:09:49.279+08:002011-10-11T00:09:49.279+08:00Recovering from the Travel Bug Bite......if there's such a word :)))<br />
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Hello blog, i missed you! Sorry for staring at that new post blank page for few weeks now. I just don't know what to write or how to start. My three weeks wander lusting was causing me too much memory overload that it almost made my brain explode. There were just too many beautiful sights and experiences to remember and my ordinary brain cannot handle the overlapping of snapshots. The thousand photos didn't even help, actually it made the situation even worst - instead of typing the words, I always end up staring and browsing for more photos.<br />
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But today is different because I've finally decided to compartmentalize and turned on my brain to come up with the most "jaw-dropping" come back post. Teehheee =)<br />
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I guess when you're bitten by the travel bug, you need to refresh yourself slowly but surely. When I came back, I didn't literally experienced jetlag because I was forced to overcome it due to work. But I noticed that after my first week, I became too lazy to do something productive and was just too comfortable slacking off. And it didn't do me any good, for one, I was not able to post anything here and two, I missed a lot of updates from friends because I was "almost-always" unreachable. Luckily, I have recovered and ready to plan for the next trip :D<br />
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Meantime, while I edit some photos, let me share to you some snapshot of the places I visited in Europa =)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVHIFZQor4Y/TnXyzeOjBTI/AAAAAAAAAt0/NM0eLkj3duM/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVHIFZQor4Y/TnXyzeOjBTI/AAAAAAAAAt0/NM0eLkj3duM/s640/20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">City of Arts and Museum, Valencia Spain</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDaDbQ4TaT0/TnXzFD7ydyI/AAAAAAAAAt4/6DQqfeVRQTQ/s1600/P8154872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDaDbQ4TaT0/TnXzFD7ydyI/AAAAAAAAAt4/6DQqfeVRQTQ/s640/P8154872.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Santo Tome, Toledo Spain</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WcV5lU2lg58/TnXz6Yx9sHI/AAAAAAAAAt8/PzvU0cwdWBQ/s1600/P8185029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WcV5lU2lg58/TnXz6Yx9sHI/AAAAAAAAAt8/PzvU0cwdWBQ/s640/P8185029.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Palacio Real, Madrid Spain </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbqJrfcaGm8/TnX0mYzDdkI/AAAAAAAAAuA/JAVcOPNlnWU/s1600/P8246105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbqJrfcaGm8/TnX0mYzDdkI/AAAAAAAAAuA/JAVcOPNlnWU/s640/P8246105.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Spain </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7iRHnCFnJLg/TnX1AciFnUI/AAAAAAAAAuE/dDuAqp-4ZEw/s1600/P8266565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7iRHnCFnJLg/TnX1AciFnUI/AAAAAAAAAuE/dDuAqp-4ZEw/s640/P8266565.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Colosseum, Rome Italy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90-pL6YEpSk/TnX1_dyKJ5I/AAAAAAAAAuI/6BdP-aMv9PA/s1600/P8277180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90-pL6YEpSk/TnX1_dyKJ5I/AAAAAAAAAuI/6BdP-aMv9PA/s640/P8277180.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">St. Peter's Basilica, Rome Italy</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUCXCDv6qoE/TnX4c0_o6GI/AAAAAAAAAuM/LXg_sW9oarM/s1600/P8297512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUCXCDv6qoE/TnX4c0_o6GI/AAAAAAAAAuM/LXg_sW9oarM/s640/P8297512.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Palazzo Vecchio, Florence Italy </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoXtM8nT3CE/TnX5OkmBeEI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/tVJKbl58ilc/s1600/P8307763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoXtM8nT3CE/TnX5OkmBeEI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/tVJKbl58ilc/s640/P8307763.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Emmanuel Vittorio Shopping Mall, Milan Italy</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--DlG4CjDaBE/TnX7ImPqo6I/AAAAAAAAAuU/FeOZEZoTfVw/s1600/P9018066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--DlG4CjDaBE/TnX7ImPqo6I/AAAAAAAAAuU/FeOZEZoTfVw/s640/P9018066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Gondola by the bridge, Venice Italy </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fm2QWwJ8WR8/TnX9P11vCTI/AAAAAAAAAuY/2J76yeBv_y0/s1600/P9028333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fm2QWwJ8WR8/TnX9P11vCTI/AAAAAAAAAuY/2J76yeBv_y0/s640/P9028333.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower, Paris France<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy and happy week ahead!</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-7496171390309661797?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-8528223561130494212011-08-10T17:11:00.000+08:002011-08-10T17:11:47.517+08:002011-08-10T17:11:47.517+08:00Long term travel and my Inspirations.<div style="text-align: justify;">After reading enormous travel blogs for my trip, I feel like I've been transported to places they've visited. I noticed that most travelers, backpackers or even travel bloggers have one constant dream...to travel long term around the world - may it be for months or 1 year. Obviously, after allowing myself to be transported, I am inspired to do a long term travel too :) But how? The first difficult question to answer :D (I will figure out the answer soon :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tomorrow will be the start of my European dream. It will be my first longest trip outside Philippines and Singapore. Three weeks is actually not enough to cover and visit the places I wanted to visit but needless to say, enough to see the famous areas...for now. I would have wanted to extend and backpack to other cities but like most employed travelers' excuse..work got in the way :D Anyhoo, I will have my time soon and I will surely cover as many places I want and immerse myself to the culture and talk to as many locals as possible :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So you wonder where I got all these crazy ideas??? Of course, from the equally-crazy-but-passionate-travelers... They're all Filipinos, by the way :) Yes, we are capable of long term travels too :D</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are some excerpts from a <a href="http://www.philstar.com/unblogged/blog-entry.aspx?articleId=706094&publicationSubCategoryId=516">PhilStar blogger</a> interview about long term traveling.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. <a href="http://flipnomad.com/">FlipNomad</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><b>What made you decide to travel long term?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Flipnomad</b><b>:</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">I have always wanted to travel the world (or some parts of it). I tried having vacations every year when I was still employed and realized that it’s an expensive way to do it. Flying back and forth to your home country cost a lot compared to having a continuous journey. Another reason is I want to travel continuously just like the travelers that I’ve met on the road. I was inspired by them to live this unconventional life of being a “nomad."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. <a href="http://www.wanderlass.com/blog">Lillian Cobiao </a> - I learned a lot from her. And got really helpful tips for my trip especially on how to pack light :) Before reading her, I have a 3 week worth of clothes and amazingly, I managed to pack good for 10days only. Imagine my husband's surprise and worries :)))</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><b>What advice can you give those who are considering traveling long term?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Lilliane:</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Do it! It's going to be life-changing I'm so sure. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Also travel slowly, live the local life, don't plan too much. Let the moment decide your destiny. Of course, always be careful and paranoid.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. <a href="http://www.wearesolesisters.com/">Lois and Chichi - the sole sisters</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><b>What's great about traveling long term?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Lois and Chichi:</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">You have so much time to immerse yourself in the culture, get to know the locals, experience more than what the guidebook suggests.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These people made it sound so easy to prepare and travel long term. Reading and following them made me realize how much I wanted to see the world but at the same time reminded me of my priorities. If long term travel is not at hand in the near future, I am happy to settle for short trips and adventures for the meantime.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>How about you? What are your latest adventures and crazy ideas?</i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-852822356113049421?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-80953771199618832142011-08-05T00:44:00.000+08:002011-08-05T00:44:23.363+08:002011-08-05T00:44:23.363+08:00MOVE! A Beautiful Short Film<iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/27246366?color=ffffff" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/27246366">MOVE</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/rickmereki">Rick Mereki</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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This video has been circulating widely and fast. Even myself cannot resist sharing it to the world. I've shared it in Facebook and <a href="http://mygratitudejournal.tumblr.com/post/8472106303/another-inspiring-video-reminds-me-how-vast-the">Tumblr</a>, now I'm posting it here :D It's pure creativity and brains.<br />
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This one is about movement through traveling. I don't know if that is the <a href="http://vimeo.com/rickmereki">filmmaker</a>'s goal but in my opinion, it is :D<br />
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Brilliant!<br />
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Also check out two other videos related to this. Click <a href="http://vimeo.com/27244727">here</a> and <a href="http://vimeo.com/27243869">here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-8095377119961883214?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-48581665035867246732011-08-02T12:48:00.000+08:002011-08-02T12:48:13.475+08:002011-08-02T12:48:13.475+08:00Plane passengers' "BILL of RIGHTS" - It's time we Know!Have you come across any bad behavior of your fellow plane passengers? Have you felt the discomfort of a noisy and irritating seatmate? How about passengers rushing to leave when its not yet time?<br />
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I hear you, guys!<br />
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This morning, I received a delightful email in my inbox. Something to ponder on...something really helpful! I am glad people from <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/">Lonely Planet</a> decided to create a survey and write this article. It's about time that we know our rights as passengers in any airplane and know the proper behavior we should exhibit to enjoy our flight, whether in 1 hour or 13 hours.<br />
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So, here's the list known as <a href="http://inside-digital.blog.lonelyplanet.com/2011/07/13/how-not-to-behave-on-an-airplane-a-passengers-bill-of-rights/"><b>The Passengers' Airplane Behavior Bill of Rights</b></a>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article I:</strong> <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The right to remove shoes</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Passengers shall be allowed to remove shoes from their feet, but only if the aforementioned feet don’t stink or present health risks to other passengers. The right of the passenger to go to the lavatory without shoes shall not be infringed, as it is really your own business should you want to stand in the urine of others.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article II: Freedom from unreasonable aromatic assault</strong><br />
No passenger shall, in the time of flight, be subjected to unreasonable aromas, be it from powerful perfume, foods redolent of onion, or other fragrance wholly unnecessary whilst on an airplane.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article III: The right to reasonable light</strong><br />
All passengers shall be allowed the right to use their own overhead light to read when the cabin lights are turned off, as that is its intended use. No passenger shall be unwillingly bothered by the thoughtless opening of window shades during this period; window seat passengers are not delegated the power to blind their fellow passengers.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article IV: The article of reclension</strong><br />
A well-justified act of reclining one’s seat shall not be prohibited at all times, apart from meal time and other times specified by the flight crew. All instances of reclension shall be preceded by a rearward glance so as not to unwittingly crush the patellas or portable electronic devices of the affected passenger.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article V: Freedom of no speech</strong><br />
There shall be no requirement for other passengers to listen to you drone on about your child, cat or other subject not directly germane to an immediate inflight emergency situation. The right of other passengers to give you the ‘book-off’ shall not be infringed, nor shall you assist with the answer to 14-across if unprompted.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article VI: The right to bear armrests</strong>In all cases where an armrest is shared by two adjacent passengers, both parties must respect the right of the other to keep the armrest down. Passengers relegated to a middle seat shall be afforded special status, and aisle and window passengers shall endeavour to accommodate.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article VII: Conditions of passenger quarters</strong>Passengers shall not be subject to the rubbish of others crammed thoughtlessly into seat-back pockets, or tossed onto the floor in a cavalier fashion. Chewing gum shall not be pressed to any surface affixed to an aircraft.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article VIII: The right to heed the call of nature</strong>A well-organised attempt to use the lavatory, being necessary for inflight calm and gastrointestinal health, shall not be impeded by aisle passengers sleeping or otherwise. The rights of others waiting to use a lavatory shall supersede the frankly ill-advised wishes of current lavatory users to waste time poking around said lavatory.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article IX: Provisions concerning use of electronic devices</strong><br />
The assurance of safety shall not be infringed by the desires of others to make one last phone call, update their social network status to brag about their impending holiday, or to plant cauliflower in their virtual farm. Whilst<a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythbusters/db/transportation/cell-phones-interfere-plane-instruments.html" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0077cc; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">MythBusters</a> and others have debunked most potential dangers of using common electronic devices on planes, safety and calm shall take precedence.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article X: Cruel and unnecessary aisle clogging</strong>No passenger shall, in the time of disembarking, hastily grab their bag and congest the exit route before actual movement is possible. Likewise, when it comes time to exit, no passenger shall unaccountably act surprised that it is their turn to leave.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article XI: Freedom from feral children</strong><br />
The right of passengers not to be kicked in the back, have their hair pulled, be presented with unasked-for mucous-moistened objects, or be otherwise assaulted by feral children shall not be infringed. Crying babies cannot be held accountable for their actions, and are therefore exempt.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article XII: The right of reasonable alcohol consumption</strong>No person, apart from those who are drunk and obnoxious or minors, shall be prohibited from imbibing an alcoholic beverage should they feel that it is a good idea, despite all indications to the contrary.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 21px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Article XIII: The right to private media</strong>Reading over others’ shoulders shall not be inflicted, unless achieved in a particularly stealthy fashion causing no annoyance to the book holder. The same shall be true for films and other non-private media.</div><br />
I hope we learn a thing or two from this article and try our best to apply it during our future travels. To know more about the result of the survey they conducted, please click <a href="http://inside-digital.blog.lonelyplanet.com/2011/07/13/how-not-to-behave-on-an-airplane-a-passengers-bill-of-rights/">here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-4858166503586724673?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-65233203550511491132011-07-22T14:06:00.002+08:002011-11-03T21:49:39.361+08:002011-11-03T21:49:39.361+08:00The Busy, Beautiful Ho Chi Minh!I don't have words for now :)<br />
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Let the pictures describe how we saw beauty amidst the bustling streets.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yj2mf1au3_g/TikSTnT7jNI/AAAAAAAAAtA/QAI8DnqJjYI/s1600/224382_1955952708457_1531906574_2088905_3012287_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yj2mf1au3_g/TikSTnT7jNI/AAAAAAAAAtA/QAI8DnqJjYI/s640/224382_1955952708457_1531906574_2088905_3012287_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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That's me checking out some of the local's artworks. Warning: Do check carefully before buying coz some of the items are not original. *wink*<br />
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All pictures are taken in the busy street of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, previously known as Saigon,Vietnam.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-6523320355051149113?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-90652409134811114752011-07-21T16:56:00.005+08:002011-07-21T17:18:42.631+08:002011-07-21T17:18:42.631+08:00Hooked on Travel Deals!<div style="text-align: justify;">Day by day, I've become almost impatient for another trip. But I have to remind myself to be still and wait for 3 more weeks. It's really such a loooooonnnggg wait! My itchy feet is craving for another train/ferry/plane ride =)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just recently, I've discovered a new way to tame my wanderlust. I've hooked myself like almost everyday (that's 8 hours in the office consumed) to checking travel deals online. I am not referring to travel deals from sites such as those from agoda.com or asiaroom.com but rather sites such as these...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://deals.com.sg/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Deals.com.sg</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://ilovedeals.sg/show/Up-To-38-off-1-Day-Batam-Tour-Return-Ferry-Return-Land-Transfers-City-Tour-Scrumptious-Seafood-lunch-933-Golden-Prawn-Seafood-Restaurant-Only-25-instead-of-40-Site02.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;">Today's Deal :</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;">88% Off 3D2N Stay in Hongkong @ 4-Star Rambler Garden Hotel + Airport Transfer + City Tour + 1 FREE Land Tour to Beijing OR Shanghai OR Macau & Zhuhai + Discount For Disneyland/Ocean Park/Macau Day Tour. Only $69 per pax instead of up to $588 (Min 2 pax)</span></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://wego.com.sg/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Wego.com.sg</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.wego.com.sg/fastdeals/deals/indra-bkk-3?ts_code=e26f0&utm_source=ilovedeals-sg&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=FastDeals"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Featured Deal:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px;"> 3D2N stay for 2 persons in a centrally located Bangkok Hotel at only S$90!</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://juztoday.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Juztoday.com</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #007c84; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.juztoday.com/deal.php?id=67"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">[Romantic Couple's Deal] 52% OFF, Only $499/Couple for 3D2N in Bali (Seminyak) 'Kamuela Villas' with Private Pool, Daily Breakfast, Daily Balinese High Tea, Welcome Massage, Airport Transfer & more...</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="http://outlet.com.sg/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Outlet.com.sg</span></a></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #460049; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://deal.outlet.com.sg/thedeal/view/index/id/457/2-tours-in-one-special-beijing-shanghai-60-instead-of-636.html">2 Tours in One Special (Beijing + Shanghai), $60 instead of $636, 91% off 5D4N Beijing Tour + 5D4N Shanghai Fantastic Tour + 4 Star Hotel + Meals</a></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #460049; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">And a lot more...You may check this <a href="http://ilovedeals.sg/deals.html">link</a> for list of all deals. They have a list of almost everything - from food, spa, travel, fashion, beauty, workshop and even a<a href="http://ilovedeals.sg/show/27-off-Mini-Hello-Kitty-Mahjong-Set-Fit-for-travel-Only-68-instead-of-88-Free-delivery-Site05.html"> hello kitty mahjong set</a> :) So hurry and book your next travel! These are really tempting deals not to be missed =)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">(Disclaimer: I am not paid to post this and convince you :P Just sharing my new found addiction :))</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-9065240913481111475?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-29270628982908940752011-07-16T01:50:00.003+08:002011-11-03T21:50:48.570+08:002011-11-03T21:50:48.570+08:00Travelogue Asia: The cable car experience in Hong Kong!<div style="text-align: justify;">Our last day in Hong Kong was spent in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ngong_Ping_360">Lantau Island</a> to see the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Po_Lin_Monastery">Po Lin Monastery</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tian_Tan_Buddha">Great Buddha</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There used to be only two ways to get to the island from Hong Kong mainland - a bus service and a one hour mountain trail. Good thing they decided to construct the use of the cable cars, it made the journey short and easy - just 25 minutes to reach the island.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy8FyAUAf8M/TiB4nOQawhI/AAAAAAAAAss/2cwEJEDuUPo/s1600/225608_1974027720321_1531906574_2112377_8258736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy8FyAUAf8M/TiB4nOQawhI/AAAAAAAAAss/2cwEJEDuUPo/s640/225608_1974027720321_1531906574_2112377_8258736_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">This is our second cable car ride as a family. <a href="http://yvonnealivio.blogspot.com/2011/02/travelogue-family-trip-to-kuala-lumpur.html">First was in Genting Highlands</a>. I thought, this time I will have an easier time coping up with my fear of heights because the whole family is with me but sadly, to no avail. Every cable car ride feels the same way to me...SCARY! The reminder to keep my smile didn't work for me :P 25 minutes felt like 1 hour! I should have taken the mountain trail, I think I will have a better photo than this :P</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDh11wW3AII/TiB3pXJq9CI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/MVGLYqrb4cs/s1600/227093_1974020600143_1531906574_2112314_5110878_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDh11wW3AII/TiB3pXJq9CI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/MVGLYqrb4cs/s640/227093_1974020600143_1531906574_2112314_5110878_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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And this by far is the highest and longest cable car ride in Southeast Asia. How did I survived?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1idswBor590/TiB3RIZuxZI/AAAAAAAAAsE/OUd_sGfTqio/s1600/221683_1974020440139_1531906574_2112312_7266376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1idswBor590/TiB3RIZuxZI/AAAAAAAAAsE/OUd_sGfTqio/s640/221683_1974020440139_1531906574_2112312_7266376_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22lKUvxnaEU/TiB3bq6FInI/AAAAAAAAAsI/n1H-rXeVHeE/s1600/227954_1974020760147_1531906574_2112315_7883760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22lKUvxnaEU/TiB3bq6FInI/AAAAAAAAAsI/n1H-rXeVHeE/s640/227954_1974020760147_1531906574_2112315_7883760_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yuRwxG36gPM/TiB3dawdcPI/AAAAAAAAAsM/E6VJoOgGtuI/s1600/222154_1974020840149_1531906574_2112316_1377500_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yuRwxG36gPM/TiB3dawdcPI/AAAAAAAAAsM/E6VJoOgGtuI/s640/222154_1974020840149_1531906574_2112316_1377500_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Well, these photos will tell you how =)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wawCkN9lFk/TiB39DrVW5I/AAAAAAAAAsY/hKetHEysiiI/s1600/226620_1974020160132_1531906574_2112309_2914386_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wawCkN9lFk/TiB39DrVW5I/AAAAAAAAAsY/hKetHEysiiI/s640/226620_1974020160132_1531906574_2112309_2914386_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4ZuRdMd4to/TiB3-qSSbPI/AAAAAAAAAsc/RDJ2TjE7_9s/s1600/226827_1974028320336_1531906574_2112384_3166223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4ZuRdMd4to/TiB3-qSSbPI/AAAAAAAAAsc/RDJ2TjE7_9s/s640/226827_1974028320336_1531906574_2112384_3166223_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Notice how lady-like my smile is? That's the i-want-to-get-outta-here smile :P</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGiAtV4EHHA/TiB37LgOXeI/AAAAAAAAAsU/acMmxh4hBoM/s1600/225602_1974019800123_1531906574_2112305_3569121_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGiAtV4EHHA/TiB37LgOXeI/AAAAAAAAAsU/acMmxh4hBoM/s640/225602_1974019800123_1531906574_2112305_3569121_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5us7VfA-aQ/TiB4AGSUReI/AAAAAAAAAsg/I0svma07i2I/s1600/227504_1974028760347_1531906574_2112387_6562472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5us7VfA-aQ/TiB4AGSUReI/AAAAAAAAAsg/I0svma07i2I/s640/227504_1974028760347_1531906574_2112387_6562472_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZDYvo2TlPM/TiB4BGtYRDI/AAAAAAAAAsk/2diFrEELGCA/s1600/228229_1974028880350_1531906574_2112388_1859997_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZDYvo2TlPM/TiB4BGtYRDI/AAAAAAAAAsk/2diFrEELGCA/s640/228229_1974028880350_1531906574_2112388_1859997_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZL7ZS_I4lWE/TiB4Cb06IVI/AAAAAAAAAso/WVz81AnUZk8/s1600/228440_1974021080155_1531906574_2112318_870286_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZL7ZS_I4lWE/TiB4Cb06IVI/AAAAAAAAAso/WVz81AnUZk8/s640/228440_1974021080155_1531906574_2112318_870286_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">They distracted me by taking photos and having fun inside the cable car :D However, we made sure that we don't move that much so not to cause some swinging movement of the car. Because while up high, we suddenly heard the strong sound of the wind through sides of the door. My father was sitting still and checking the durability of the glasses (as if! haha). He too looked scared but pretended calm :P</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It sure did help that I was with a bunch of equally crazy people. Even my little brother was teasing and laughing at me. But if you ask me if I want to do it again, why not!? Although I would prefer to do it again with these same people.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This ride is not for the faint-hearted. You've got to enjoy heights and slow rides to appreciate this experience. But I'd still recommend this as part of your family trip itinerary when you visit Hong Kong. The view up there is just amazing. Promise :)</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-2927062898290894075?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-47746579897067727782011-07-01T17:00:00.000+08:002011-07-01T17:00:39.268+08:002011-07-01T17:00:39.268+08:00Travel InspirationsPatiently waiting for my next trip...<br />
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Currently, wishing I can travel every weekend to places I haven't been.<br />
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So while I console myself, let me share to you some links that I've been drooling the past weeks.<br />
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<a href="http://blog.flight001.com/">Flight 001 - Window Seat</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRqpj7OjYMw/Tg2JiG02KxI/AAAAAAAAAq8/Y98IvnG5XL4/s1600/tumblr_ln22nfUE5l1qbui2xo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRqpj7OjYMw/Tg2JiG02KxI/AAAAAAAAAq8/Y98IvnG5XL4/s320/tumblr_ln22nfUE5l1qbui2xo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You can submit daily travel inspiration or travel photos to their website. Cool! Can be used if your planning for your next trip.<br />
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<a href="http://thiscitycalledearth.tumblr.com/">This City Called Earth</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ql-9b7XLWM/Tg2KAnDsOCI/AAAAAAAAArA/C9Ftoz00dfY/s1600/tumblr_lco54tCGwY1qc5kddo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ql-9b7XLWM/Tg2KAnDsOCI/AAAAAAAAArA/C9Ftoz00dfY/s320/tumblr_lco54tCGwY1qc5kddo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Simple but beautiful photos from all over the world.<br />
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<a href="http://inqrid.com/">Travel with my Camera</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m60uYz7Wb2k/Tg2KcOKZXVI/AAAAAAAAArE/2-Iyo4DuPfw/s1600/tumblr_lnl1iwjakC1qc7bhvo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m60uYz7Wb2k/Tg2KcOKZXVI/AAAAAAAAArE/2-Iyo4DuPfw/s320/tumblr_lnl1iwjakC1qc7bhvo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A photo blog by Ingrid Kjelling from Norway who is currently based in Perth, Australia. She has been travelling back and forth to Bali, Indonesia and capturing lovely photos of the place. Everytime I visit her blog, it makes me want to book a plane ticket to Bali instantly.<br />
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The photos above reminded me to share my travel photos too. I know, I have been really procrastinating and unluckily bitten by the lazy bug :D Please bear with me =)<br />
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Have a blessed weekend everyone! Discover something new :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-4774657989706772778?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-5986915799587575252011-06-17T12:05:00.001+08:002011-06-17T12:08:26.519+08:002011-06-17T12:08:26.519+08:00Helpful Links to Solve your Food and Beach crave.<div style="text-align: justify;">The husband and I were supposed to go to the beach this weekend for my first ever scuba dive but unfortunately, I am sick til now. I have yet to recover and recharge my body from all the exhaustion last weekend in Cebu. Anyhoo, I am hoping to feel well in the next couple of days and finally hop on the bus and ferry to an island next weekend =D</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I have been searching for islands/resorts near Singapore. I have been to <a href="http://moyoandyvonne.blogspot.com/2010/02/sweet-escape.html">Rawa Malaysia</a> and I must say, the beaches there are awesome. Since then, I have been craving for more of Malaysia's islands and beaches. We've been planning for a trip to Tioman and again Rawa for the longest time but it's always cancelled for reasons I forgot :P Here are the beaches and resorts that we plan to visit very very soon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. <a href="http://www.samudra-swiss-cottage.com/reservation.html">Swiss Cottage in Tekek, Tioman Island</a>. Of all the resorts in this island, this is the only place where I want to stay. I've read a lot of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g673269-d1832693-Reviews-Samudra_Swiss_Cottage-Tekek_Pulau_Tioman_Pahang.html">good reviews</a> about this little resort. They are cozy and peaceful with friendly staffs. The only downside is they don't really encourage an overnight booking but if you do so, you have to wait like 2-3 days before your planned trip for confirmation of room availability. If you don't like the hassle, better book for a least two nights accommodation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. <a href="http://www.alangsrawa.com/index.php">Alang's Rawa in Rawa Island</a>. Because we were too impressed of <a href="http://www.rawasfr.com/">Rawa Safari resort</a> (another resort in Rawa island), we want to visit the island again but stay in a cheaper resort. Yes, there are only two resorts in this beautiful island - one expensive and one affordable :D And since, their rates are easy on the pockets, you have to make your booking like 3-4 months in advance to reserve your rooms. The bigger the group, the cheaper the package. Very good for a trip with friends and family.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I celebrated my actual birthday last Saturday, no one bothered to buy me a cake :P I was fervently hoping I will blow some candles and devour on a chocolate cake but sadly there was none. So my craving for sweets and chocolatey cake went on.<br />
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While searching where to buy that chocolate cake, I found these links of food bloggers based in Singapore. How timely! They provided honest reviews of each patissiere.<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.ladyironchef.com/2010/06/best-dessert-places-singapore/">Lady Iron Chef</a>. Apparently, this blog is written by Brad Lau. Yes, he is male :)<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.sgdessert.com/2011/05/flor-patisserie-ii.html">Indulgence after Workout</a>. I love how motivating the blog title is ;)<br />
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And I can't wait to go to <a href="http://www.thechocolatefactoryonline.com/">Laurent Bernard's chocolate factory</a>. I prefer to visit their shop in Portsdown road.<br />
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When is your next food and beach trip? Where do you plan to go?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-598691579958757525?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-65398811614331294612011-06-09T00:29:00.001+08:002011-06-17T11:50:16.064+08:002011-06-17T11:50:16.064+08:00Who said traveling to Europe is expensive?<div style="text-align: justify;">I guess a lot of you will agree :) Yes? Yes!</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=lifeinra-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1741048559&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Air tickets, hotel, train tickets and of course shopping, will surely cause havoc in your entire savings. But who would want to miss shopping in Europe? Not me! :)) However, due to budget constraints, I guess I would have to think twice, thrice or a million times before even thinking of touching my wallet. It will cause me a lot of stress for sure. (Please pray for me that I will come out alive from every shops and boutiques that will catch my fancy.)</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">So we've been planning our upcoming trip. And how did I survived?</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">First, we booked our air tickets way way advance like 7 months before our scheduled trip. This is very helpful if you are planning to visit the place during the summer season. I tell you, price could really increase sky rocket high.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Second, we plot out our itinerary (if you are visiting other cities). This took me quite awhile to decide because I want to visit the whole place, as in the whole continent. Of course, I am aware that I can't do that in a 3 week trip. So the decision whether to visit this place or that place was really tough. Finally we decided on three major countries. Plotting your itinerary will help you find the right and cheapest transportation and number of days you are staying in a place. I know how convenient travelling by train in Europe but actually it also helps you to save money and time if you travel by plane. There are a lot of budget airlines in Spain, Italy and France. And they're all way cheaper than those train tickets :D</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Third, we booked our accommodation through the cheapest hostels we can find. <a href="http://www.hostelbookers.com/">Hostelbookers</a> was such a sigh of relief while searching for a place to stay. This website is very efficient and complete. In just a few clicks, they can show you different cheap hostels complete with reviews and maps. We booked a dorm type room shared with 4 people for only 17euros per head. Quite a deal, isn't it? I mean we are going on August and its a peak season because it is summer. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next on our list is booking the train tickets. I know its such a boohoo that we haven't booked this yet. You may ask my sister why :D I just hope we can still find a cheap deal because really the prices are unbelievable :( This is certainly on the books of stupid mistakes. Anyhoo, no choice for now but to wait.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't know if you find these information relevant but I hope in one way or another it does make sense to you. I've always considered myself a budget traveller. Any place I visit, I try to book the cheapest tickets and hostels. And I won't mind sleeping in the airport alone just so I can save a one night hotel accommodation :D I guess, I might be doing this in Barcelona. Wish me luck!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=lifeinra-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0399536108&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-6539881161433129461?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-23157835919722513762011-05-30T13:03:00.002+08:002011-06-17T11:52:15.510+08:002011-06-17T11:52:15.510+08:00Travel Jitters for a First Timer!<div style="text-align: justify;">I've been acting really weird recently and trying to shake my head nonstop. <i>Am I really going there for real? Did my boss seriously approved my 3 weeks leave?</i> I still can't believe it and I'm still trying to convince myself that, <b>Yes I am going to EUROPE! </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b></b>HELLO, UNIVERSE! THANK YOU! :D</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I remember writing this two years back - <b>JOIN THE WORLD YOUTH DAY IN MADRID, SPAIN</b>. And it was one of my conditions with the husband before we tied the knot :D Thankfully, he said Yes, even without a job yet in Singapore plus thousand bills to pay for our wedding. I don't know if he said that out of love or just to keep my mouth shut from blabbing :)) Whichever way, I am very much grateful that he took his promise by heart and made sure that we will join the event.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fast forward...its 78 days more to go before the World Event! Whoa, time indeed flies so fast! And what have I been doing lately? Hmmm...Nada! Just staring at various websites without an inch of idea what to do first. Ha! Sounds disappointing for an excited first timer :(</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So why am I sharing it to the world just now? (as if, someone is itching to know my whereabouts haha :P) Well, plainly because initially I am not comfortable to share it to anyone :P But I battled against my dear self and asked her, why not??? And she gave me really panic-inducing answers such as...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Uhhmmm, because I'm scared? </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>because, I don't want other people to know that I'm scared to ride the plane in a 13hrs or more flight.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>because, for most part of my trip, I will be travelling alone - yes, without my husband!</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>because, I don't know Europe's history and I have a hard time reading maps :(</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>because, I only know few words in Spanish like "por pabor", "mi amor"... doesn't even make sense.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>because, I haven't booked my domestic transportation tickets and accommodation.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>because, I haven't applied for my VISA. </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, I am having my worst wanderlust experience...travel jitters! This is even worst than our <a href="http://yvonnealivio.blogspot.com/2011/05/surviving-ride-to-caramoan-island.html">Caramoan Island travel adventure</a>. :D I don't know how else to describe this feeling. I've felt it for the first time in my entire travelling career :D And I don't know how to even overcome it. I've started plotting out my itinerary, which I always do before each trip. I even started tweeting my online friends in Spain to help me out. Worst, I've started entertaining thoughts of cancelling my plans of travelling to Italy and France. Oh myyyy! Somebody, please slap me. I need to get things started right. Help!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Has anyone of you experienced the same thing for their first long flight to a new place? I would love to hear from you guys. Share your experience and help me! :)))</b></i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-2315783591972251376?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-57890696898991961312011-05-20T21:20:00.002+08:002011-07-22T13:58:06.128+08:002011-07-22T13:58:06.128+08:00Travelogue Philippines: Surviving the Ride to Caramoan Island!Caramoan island has been one of my dream beach destination. After it became famous because of <a href="http://www.nowpublic.com/environment/french-survivor-uses-caramoan-island-camarines-sur">French Survivor reality show</a>, its popularity from locals and foreigners alike increased. <a href="http://caramoanislands.com/">It is isolated from the rest of Camarines Sur, reason for keeping its natural beauty unexploited.</a><br />
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Last February, we planned our much awaited trip to the island. Together with my husband, my little sister who was also on vacation and my two beach-lover friends, we packed our bags with very high expectations and imagination of tan lines, white sand beach, crystal clear water and delicious local food. However, I would like to think that our trip was more than that. It was an adventure from day one. First, during our departure from Cebu, a low pressure was announced to hit Bicol (region where Caramoan island is located) and flights might be cancelled. To make the situation more exciting, we are travelling on different flights and first to take off is my little sister, alone! Imagine us praying really hard before each flight and at the same time trying to calm our parents :))<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWO9hhlXAWQ/TdZhkou-MVI/AAAAAAAAApc/ZQMLfGHgB_k/s1600/P1012318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWO9hhlXAWQ/TdZhkou-MVI/AAAAAAAAApc/ZQMLfGHgB_k/s320/P1012318.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My sister reached Naga, Camarines Sur safely while for us, it was a different experience. Because we were too stubborn to believe that our flight will be smooth and safe inspite of the low pressure, we literally experienced a near-death experience while the plane was about to land in Naga. God must have heard the cry in my head that I was not ready to die at that instant, he guided the pilot and we landed safely with applause from all passengers. Whew!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51SJi0xduws/TdZhyURDo1I/AAAAAAAAApg/2WnPU3VAKws/s1600/P1012326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51SJi0xduws/TdZhyURDo1I/AAAAAAAAApg/2WnPU3VAKws/s320/P1012326.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eauPb9T0hT8/TdZh-WqRRTI/AAAAAAAAApk/2Ed6pgYqyuo/s1600/P1012337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eauPb9T0hT8/TdZh-WqRRTI/AAAAAAAAApk/2Ed6pgYqyuo/s320/P1012337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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We stayed one night in Naga City at <a href="http://www.nagacityhotels.com/sampaguita_tourist_inn_hotel.html">Sampaguita Tourist Inn.</a> We booked our room at the very last minute (special thanks to my friend's brother who lives nearby). The room is pretty decent and very affordable. Their location is also very accessible to the mall and bus/van terminal. Very much recommended for those who will be travelling to Caramoan early morning the following day.<br />
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From Naga city to Sabang port (starting point for your boat ride to the island), it will take around 1.5 hours travel. It is advisable to take the first trip in the morning so you can catch the second boat trip to Caramoan and reach the island around lunch time. Keep yourself awake during this roadtrip as there are beautiful sceneries along the way. Once you reach the port, few guides will be assisting you on which boat to take. If its low tide, they will take you on a small boat/bangka to where the bigger boat is docked otherwise, the bigger boat will be waiting at the port.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">The smaller boat/bangka - our ride to the bigger boat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<i>photo swiped from my sister's facebook album :)</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeZyYnBz2Gg/TdZjkm-YpsI/AAAAAAAAApo/IPTo8f1Gzuo/s1600/183673_498533762142_618382142_6669170_7002206_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeZyYnBz2Gg/TdZjkm-YpsI/AAAAAAAAApo/IPTo8f1Gzuo/s320/183673_498533762142_618382142_6669170_7002206_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, after a 30 minute bangka ride, we reached the "real" boat that will take us to the island.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHm4jtHo_b0/TdZkBfhXH5I/AAAAAAAAAps/SKRbNBObDAM/s1600/P1012349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHm4jtHo_b0/TdZkBfhXH5I/AAAAAAAAAps/SKRbNBObDAM/s320/P1012349.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aN4yvQs54ZI/TdZkmPoaJbI/AAAAAAAAApw/H2DwyFAjIjs/s1600/P1012353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aN4yvQs54ZI/TdZkmPoaJbI/AAAAAAAAApw/H2DwyFAjIjs/s320/P1012353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">This boat or ferry (as what the locals call it) is not really that big. There's not so much leg room for you to move/stretch. And you have to really sit still when the boat is kinda loaded with passengers, vegetables and even chickens :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWkcthbeaW4/TdZkpDFkb7I/AAAAAAAAAp0/2pE4YuoNxb4/s1600/P1012355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWkcthbeaW4/TdZkpDFkb7I/AAAAAAAAAp0/2pE4YuoNxb4/s320/P1012355.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocHUVSnzj2Y/TdZksVbWloI/AAAAAAAAAp4/ewvpfUOpPxE/s1600/P1012356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocHUVSnzj2Y/TdZksVbWloI/AAAAAAAAAp4/ewvpfUOpPxE/s320/P1012356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hii8dP_9Uo/TdZkuvAo7RI/AAAAAAAAAp8/efgVQpsb1zQ/s1600/P1012358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hii8dP_9Uo/TdZkuvAo7RI/AAAAAAAAAp8/efgVQpsb1zQ/s320/P1012358.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
Since the weather during our trip was not that nice, the boat ride was a bit bumpy too. Plus the occasional downpour of rain made us really uncomfortable.<br />
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After two hours of sitting still and praying for a safe trip, we reached Guijalo port (main port of Caramoan island) in one piece. Until now, I still felt sad that it was high tide when the boat docked. Otherwise, we would have experienced this... :)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>photo swiped from google.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lgVNGdqIgSk/TdZoDbWeujI/AAAAAAAAAqA/ZqZMdtCtubg/s1600/149375_1696789109529_1531906574_1649847_1245528_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lgVNGdqIgSk/TdZoDbWeujI/AAAAAAAAAqA/ZqZMdtCtubg/s320/149375_1696789109529_1531906574_1649847_1245528_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In spite of the whole travel experience, we were all thankful that we reached our destination safely. The beauty of the island is very much worth it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next post: Island hopping!<br />
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P.S. All photos are owned by yours truly unless specified :D Please ask permission if you want to copy or at least give proper credits. Thank you!</div><span id="goog_1937094667"></span><span id="goog_1937094668"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-5789069689899196131?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-56732121084512491592011-05-18T15:40:00.000+08:002011-05-18T15:40:47.102+08:002011-05-18T15:40:47.102+08:00Travel Blogging...For real!Okay, I failed again in the "updating" department and missed a whole month of blogging :P Forgive me people because I've been extremely busy daydreaming and imagining my future travel adventures :))) Anyhoo, I'm back - alive and kicking some arse!<br />
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It got me to thinking that since I love being out and about discovering new places, why not make some serious business updating this humble blog?! Okay, I can hear you all say "yeah, right! or we'll see, for how long" :P Fine! But seriously, I want to keep you posted and share my little adventures. It may take awhile to really get a grip of this whole updating thing but I will definitely try and try :) Wish me luck!<br />
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So while I plan for our next trip, here's a photo of our recent beach weekend in Bintan Lagoon Resort. The whole story will be another post :D<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3b83eYIFv8/TdN3lxesnoI/AAAAAAAAApU/I47DPdaK3v4/s1600/D1010003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3b83eYIFv8/TdN3lxesnoI/AAAAAAAAApU/I47DPdaK3v4/s320/D1010003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-5673212108451249159?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-77548634767091715192011-03-08T12:07:00.000+08:002011-03-08T12:07:11.431+08:002011-03-08T12:07:11.431+08:00Travelogue Philippines: We LOVE Bohol Bee Farm.My friends are right! This place is such a happy place - Full of pretty rustic things. Food is healthy and organic. Decors were handcrafted and some were made from old/reusable materials.<br />
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Everything inside <a href="http://www.boholbeefarm.com/">Bohol Bee Farm </a>is screaming lovely. I want to visit this place again and stay at least a night or forever :D<br />
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My favorite table set-ups in their resto - vintage sewing machine converted to dining table, pretty table tops, rustic wooden tables. Love!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Their homemade Malunggay and Spicy Ginger ice cream is a must try!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some of their handcrafted decors - inspiring and full of bold colors. These were labor of love from talented women who work in the farm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S1ICYRsz21Q/TXWj8Qpqf_I/AAAAAAAAAoY/erwbouuW5vY/s1600/199695_1848880831727_1531906574_1922977_6333624_n.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S1ICYRsz21Q/TXWj8Qpqf_I/AAAAAAAAAoY/erwbouuW5vY/s320/199695_1848880831727_1531906574_1922977_6333624_n.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And of course, food and drinks are healthy because they promote organic farming. Everything served in their restaurant were harvested from their farm. If you want to know how they do it, you better join one of their guided farm tours when you visit the place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, we can eat the flowers according to the tour guide (although we were very hesitant to do so :D). These flowers are edible because of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollination">pollination</a>. </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By their name itself, yes, they have beehives in the farm :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UU2VNsB5nzM/TXWj5m-oEsI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/T0A5Cd4Uras/s1600/198274_1848886831877_1531906574_1923008_6760278_n.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UU2VNsB5nzM/TXWj5m-oEsI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/T0A5Cd4Uras/s320/198274_1848886831877_1531906574_1923008_6760278_n.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-7754863476709171519?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-5758449418348089822011-03-06T16:50:00.001+08:002011-03-08T12:21:28.777+08:002011-03-08T12:21:28.777+08:00Travelogue Asia: Family Trip to HongKong (Part 1)I am back! :P<br />
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Sorry for the hibernation guys, I was in a "homesick" state after my three weeks vacation in Cebu. It took me quite a while to shoo away the sadness of missing my family and friends back home. But anyway, I am back and almost done editing all our vacation photos. Whew! I learned photoshop instantly because I want all our photos to look lovely :D<br />
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So firstly, I want to share our first family trip abroad with the complete cast. I can't even describe exactly how happy we were to finally realized this trip. Yes, it was expensive to travel in a big group but travelling with your loved ones makes you forget all the moolah you spent :) Life is short!<br />
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We stayed in this little <a href="http://goldencrownhk.com/reservations/en">guesthouse </a>located in Nathan Road. It's not that fancy but it's decent and affordable. Good and comfortable enough for families and friends. Location wise is perfect for first timers because its nearby Tsim Sha Tsui MTR/Interchange and bus stop where you can take buses to the airport. Although food is not that accessible if you're looking to try on some local delicacies. I mean if you are travelling with your family, its quite cumbersome to look around the place for the perfect resto for everyone. But there's always Mcdonalds and Pizzahut nearby to save your day ;)<br />
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We started our first day with a photowalk around Nathan Road and HK Central.<br />
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I love their city bus :)<br />
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Fishing at the Causeway. (not really sure :P)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The MTR near our guesthouse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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And of course, I paid a visit to where all my lomo inspiration came from :) To my husband's surprise, I didn't buy anything :D It's a new branch in Tsim Sha Tsui.<br />
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HongKong's streets are so pretty and full of interesting stuffs. I was really amused at how messy, busy, at the same time pretty each and every corner is. Sadly, I failed to take lots of pictures because my camera went battery dead. Epic fail. Gosh!<br />
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'Til here. Will post second day soon. Promise :D<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-575844941834808982?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-74148384199211478632011-02-10T13:47:00.001+08:002011-03-08T12:21:49.592+08:002011-03-08T12:21:49.592+08:00Travelogue Asia : Family Trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Forgive me for this super overdue post. I almost forgot I made a draft for this post thinking I could finish writing in one go. It's better late than never =D<br />
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</div><div>I wrote an intro post <a href="http://yvonnealivio.blogspot.com/2010/04/familys-trip-to-three-asian-cities.html">here</a> about my family's trip last April 2010. It was a blast! Although we were not complete as a family, we still enjoyed the whole adventure.</div><div><br />
</div><div>In KL, we stayed in this cozy <a href="http://www.anjungkl.com/">guest house</a> recommended for overnight stay, family and backpackers alike. I find them affordable for the kind of accommodation they offer. The place is decent, clean and very homey.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>After we settled in the guesthouse, we immediately proceeded to the bus terminal going to Genting Highlands since my cousin booked our tickets in advance. Unfortunately, we missed our trip and took a cab all the way. The drive for one hour was exhausting and stressful with no AC, traffic and broken engine. Nonetheless, we reached the place still excited. We took the cable car to and fro and with trembling knees, we forced ourselves to enjoy the foggy scenery outside our cart.</div><div><br />
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<div>There's nothing much to do in Genting unless you enjoy casinos and outdoor rides. Due to lack of time, we were not able to try on the rides. Although the cable car ride alone compensated for whole experience =D</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Back in the city, I brought them to see the Petronas Towers. It was my first time too and I was mesmerized. The building looked really pretty in the evening but kinda boring during the day :) Sadly, we don't have a good shot of the tower because of our lousy digicam :( After many attempts, we settled for these...</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvWPH2q9QxQ/TVN5oBmcnjI/AAAAAAAAAnE/73q2l5jw4G4/s1600/28831_1412700727497_1531906574_1007723_317178_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvWPH2q9QxQ/TVN5oBmcnjI/AAAAAAAAAnE/73q2l5jw4G4/s320/28831_1412700727497_1531906574_1007723_317178_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>The following day was our last day. We decided to roam around to nearby malls, shopping bazaar and streets.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cilT8szkf8/TVN55mb9OJI/AAAAAAAAAnI/WaGKxNB5IL4/s1600/28831_1412701047505_1531906574_1007728_4166765_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cilT8szkf8/TVN55mb9OJI/AAAAAAAAAnI/WaGKxNB5IL4/s320/28831_1412701047505_1531906574_1007728_4166765_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt2ujX88Ir0/TVN57hGv6cI/AAAAAAAAAnM/bgk7RxdFXsU/s1600/28831_1412701127507_1531906574_1007730_2286031_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt2ujX88Ir0/TVN57hGv6cI/AAAAAAAAAnM/bgk7RxdFXsU/s320/28831_1412701127507_1531906574_1007730_2286031_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSbWZK1YJTg/TVN59Kn-FcI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/u-DV0z7E3jw/s1600/28831_1412701287511_1531906574_1007734_3073274_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSbWZK1YJTg/TVN59Kn-FcI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/u-DV0z7E3jw/s320/28831_1412701287511_1531906574_1007734_3073274_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Overall our KL trip was fun but really hectic. I was solely relying on my cousin's instructions. I didn't prepare for any back up plans or did thorough research. Although I enjoyed the liberating thought of just going with the flow, I reckoned it would have been better if I did plan properly. But who cares? Family trip is always fun whether planned or unplanned :D</div><div><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-7414838419921147863?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-86309318550597928212011-01-03T13:42:00.000+08:002011-01-03T13:42:17.633+08:002011-01-03T13:42:17.633+08:00Because Positivity is Contagious!<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;">posted in my <a href="http://vonskie.tumblr.com/">tumblr account</a> last 1-1-11</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TSFhH_2n3-I/AAAAAAAAAmM/PjpOSXlkAgk/s1600/tumblr_lecgknWmeV1qaf35ko1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TSFhH_2n3-I/AAAAAAAAAmM/PjpOSXlkAgk/s320/tumblr_lecgknWmeV1qaf35ko1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;">Thank you sooo much 2010! You’ve been really good to me that’s why you are one of my favorites. Though i’m sad that you ended yesterday, i can’t help but be excited with 2011.</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;">This year, i have a lot of things in mind. I resolve to be magical. I resolve to be a good listener. I resolve to take care of mother nature more. I resolve not to think a lot. I resolve to be fresh and be love. I resolve to inspire.</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;">So i pray 2011 will be another favorite year. Still 364 more days to come and i know the ride will be amazing!</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;"><i>P.S. this post is inspired by Mr. Mraz :)</i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-8630931855059792821?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-17155021404066244542010-12-27T11:35:00.001+08:002010-12-27T15:46:54.548+08:002010-12-27T15:46:54.548+08:00Our little Christmas celebration away from "home".No words can express how grateful I am to celebrate Christmas with my husband and dearest friends in Singapore. Although, away from our families, love and friendship still made our hearts full - made me forget how much I wanted to go home for Christmas =)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TRgIT8dbZOI/AAAAAAAAAl4/s0QNOt0PWRU/s1600/164017_477155278214_542978214_5820927_6232385_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TRgIT8dbZOI/AAAAAAAAAl4/s0QNOt0PWRU/s320/164017_477155278214_542978214_5820927_6232385_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TRgIVfoFdEI/AAAAAAAAAl8/QIjjuLirIDk/s1600/63524_477147528214_542978214_5820745_8174512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TRgIVfoFdEI/AAAAAAAAAl8/QIjjuLirIDk/s320/63524_477147528214_542978214_5820745_8174512_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TRgIWlIcvJI/AAAAAAAAAmA/vF0sU1I5Qtg/s1600/163024_477138468214_542978214_5820420_5451251_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TRgIWlIcvJI/AAAAAAAAAmA/vF0sU1I5Qtg/s320/163024_477138468214_542978214_5820420_5451251_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TRgI3IqEYdI/AAAAAAAAAmE/-hJlUkTs-L8/s1600/163456_477141308214_542978214_5820532_3217049_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TRgI3IqEYdI/AAAAAAAAAmE/-hJlUkTs-L8/s320/163456_477141308214_542978214_5820532_3217049_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TRgI417j93I/AAAAAAAAAmI/oftFU3sVZrA/s1600/164749_477172133214_542978214_5821457_5376172_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TRgI417j93I/AAAAAAAAAmI/oftFU3sVZrA/s320/164749_477172133214_542978214_5821457_5376172_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
More photos <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=477137443214&id=542978214&aid=256913">here</a>.<br />
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Hope you all had a wonderful and meaningful Christmas! Let's all look forward to an amazing 2011 <3<br />
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Photo credits: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/JosephineSicadPhotography">Josephine Sicad-Minerva</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-1715502140406624454?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-91240247276855833272010-12-14T14:48:00.000+08:002010-12-14T14:48:12.058+08:002010-12-14T14:48:12.058+08:00Christmas Gifts Ideas from the Web.For those of you who wants to avoid the shopping rush in the malls, here's a list of some gift ideas you might want to consider buying for your family, friends and not-so friends. It's Christmas after all!<br />
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1. Book Rest Lamp<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TQcOjE6mClI/AAAAAAAAAlg/SQO-6qTZDtM/s1600/christmas_2010_gift08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TQcOjE6mClI/AAAAAAAAAlg/SQO-6qTZDtM/s320/christmas_2010_gift08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/d405/">Buy here</a> and check out more geeky gifts.<br />
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2. Threadless Shirts for guys, girlies and kids<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TQcPET8awFI/AAAAAAAAAlk/OibjCS_ZEpA/s1600/636x460shirt_guys_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TQcPET8awFI/AAAAAAAAAlk/OibjCS_ZEpA/s320/636x460shirt_guys_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.threadless.com/catalog/type,guys/page,1">Buy here</a><br />
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3. Cool Doormat for home and offices.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TQcQHfzIq9I/AAAAAAAAAlo/sqgkTBREKs0/s1600/b27d_enough_social_interaction_door_mat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TQcQHfzIq9I/AAAAAAAAAlo/sqgkTBREKs0/s1600/b27d_enough_social_interaction_door_mat.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/b27d/">Buy here</a><br />
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4. Eco-friendly shirts that are changing the World.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TQcQmPY8TWI/AAAAAAAAAls/wvt8UJz4g1g/s1600/ilovelove_scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TQcQmPY8TWI/AAAAAAAAAls/wvt8UJz4g1g/s320/ilovelove_scan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://blendapparel.com/">Buy here coz they are on sale.</a><br />
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5. Eco-recycled felt cushions<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TQcRYCUKlrI/AAAAAAAAAlw/4pEVnG9zjAc/s1600/christmas_2010_gift17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H1XDa8Yr9q0/TQcRYCUKlrI/AAAAAAAAAlw/4pEVnG9zjAc/s320/christmas_2010_gift17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Don't you just love giving gifts at the same time support environmental awareness? I do! You can <a href="http://www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk/bespoke-eco-recycled-felt-cushions---cream-2936-p.asp">buy these lovely cushions here.</a><br />
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Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!<br />
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Link source: <a href="http://www.littleboxofideas.com/">http://www.littleboxofideas.com</a> and <a href="http://logoswithlove.blogspot.com/2010/12/what-can-you-do-with-your-monogram.html">LogoswithLove</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-9124024727685583327?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543490977226833206.post-89914295896216139122010-12-09T10:35:00.000+08:002010-12-09T10:35:37.169+08:002010-12-09T10:35:37.169+08:00Think Peace. Act Peace. Spread Peace.It was <a href="http://www.johnlennon.com/biography">John Lennon</a>'s death anniversary yesterday. And like how the world celebrated with him during his 70th birthday, we are again reminded to celebrate <a href="http://imaginepeace.com/">his ongoing promotion of peace</a>, even when he's not anymore around.<br />
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I was not even born yet when he was shot dead. But listening to his songs and reading articles about him, made me think how righteous a peacenik he is. He has inspired most of us with his words and actions. He challenged us to challenge ourselves even more. He showed endless love and promotion of Peace as both a concept and a product. Sell peace like soaps.<br />
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Thank you John Lennon for your sharing your talent and beliefs. Thank you for encouraging the world to imagine peace. You've inspired the world and myself to help spread your message. And I'm gonna do my share to make it happen.<br />
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How about you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8543490977226833206-8991429589621613912?l=yvonnealivio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Yvonnenoreply@blogger.com0