Joyeuse Saint-Valentin, mon amour!

The husband and I don't normally celebrate Valentines in a grand way. We just make sure we get to spend the day together, whether at home cleaning, watching movies or dine out. If we decide to eat out,  usually not anything fancy. He doesn't even give me a bouquet or chocolates or any gift. The day is just one of our usual days :)

However, I've always wanted to travel somewhere on valentines day since this day is considered as the most romantic day of the year, where everyone is extra cheesy and sweet. I've always wondered how it is celebrated in other places and how people treat each other. In my hometown and in Singapore,  everything in town is painted red and flowers are everywhere, not to mention restaurants take advantage of the occasion and bring out their special valentines menu that comes with a pricey tag.

Today, we are celebrating the day miles apart...for the first time in our married life :( Though it doesn't really bother us, but my pregnancy hormones are making me emotional. Shooo! 

To console myself, I pictured us in Paris, France with the Eiffel tower as our background. The first time I was there was without the husband. We have made plans of visiting the city last year but the universe made another plan for us. So while we wait for that day to happen, let me dream away with this photo I took during my trip last August 2011.

I still wish it was us in that frame :) Someday...

So what's your plan for your loved ones today? 

Chiangmai Thailand on a tour package

It was our first time to join a tour package. I can't recall why I booked it in the first place when in fact we have been to Thailand quite a few times already :) I initially thought that the deal was a steal only to find out there were lots of hidden charges and flight schedules were limited. What a bummer! We didn't have a choice but to push through with the trip with additional expenses on weekend flights and tour guide fee, which by the way was not mentioned in the tour operator's T&C. Oh well!

I have never been a fan of tour packages however, they are sometimes helpful when you are traveling with family or with the big group. But if you travel with your partner or traveling alone, please avoid booking one. It's more fun exploring the place without any specific schedule.

Anyway, enough of my rants. Here's what was included in our 3 day itinerary, which only included 2 days touring. 

First stop was a Chinese restaurant. Photo above is a bird's nest soup. I figured that these tour operators partner with shops, restaurants and other small businesses to rip off money from tourists. Glad we only tried the soup which tasted okay.

They also brought us to other small shops like those selling honey and other herbal teas. We only tasted what was offered for free and never bought a thing :D

Then off to a temple on a mountain top. I am never a fan of temples so I got bored :) It was opposite for the husband.

The umbrella factory was quite a sight. They showed us how it was crafted and how locals benefit from such business. I love the colors!

Dinner was an authentic Chiangmai food. They brought us to a huge restaurant with local performers and other tourists on a tour package as well. We had sticky rice (which I love), pandan chicken and veggies. Its eat all you can with food served by the locals.

Second day was another tour day. First stop was the elephant show. Ironically, it was the first time I watched an elephant show in Thailand even if I've been to the country quite a lot :) They do have amazing tricks but I am always half hearted towards these gentle giants. Sorry.

Also visited an orchid sanctuary.

Lastly, we visited the famous long necked village. I've read sad stories about them thats why I hesitated taking lots of photos. Some say they're housed in that village by a rich government official and forced to wear traditional costumes to attract tourists. I am not really sure if its true but whether there's truth in it or none, they're still worth visiting.

Before heading back to our hotel, we requested the tour guide to bring us to the market to try their exotic foods - the insects :) They don't actually taste as bad as they look. They're quite tasty especially when dipped in vinegar.

The hub and I spent the last day walking around the nearby alleys and streets to discover off the beaten track attractions. Luckily, we managed to find a few.

Flashback Europe...traveling light!

Wow, its been 7 months since my last post! What a lazy a** I am. But before anyone condemn me for not updating (if anyone cared to read this blog), I have been busy taking care of my belly bump for the past 6 months and writing a post requires a lot of effort :) But since I am now nesting, I've got the time to finally post something. Hope someone do care to check my updates :)

Speaking of nesting, I've been spending my time going through my travel photos. I finally managed to arranged it by folder and segregate by places. Imagine it took me two years to check all photos from our Europe trip in 2011! It was quite massive that I always dread opening one folder. I'm just glad I had the courage and time to do it :) So expect more travel photos/updates to come while I wait for the arrival of our little bun.

The photo above reminded me of how amazing my travel to Europe was. I was there for 23 days with a 40L backpack. I can't remember how I was able to managed traveling light in such a beautiful place. Normally, I would bring clothes for everyday change and one clothing should not be worn again. But it was the opposite while in Europe. Though I did not really wear the same clothes everyday, I experimented on whatever clothing I brought and made sure I brought the basics. That made the difference. Plus it was summer, so it was easier to bring light clothing.

If I'll have the chance to do it again, I would do it without batting an eyelash. I've experienced the pros of traveling with a backpack rather than lugging a huge suitcase. Maybe it will be quite difficult if you travel during winter but during the summer season, it's very doable. I wish i took a photo of what was inside my pack but for reasons I cannot remember, I forgot :) Got too excited I guess.

Rome: Hottest City I've visited in Europe

When we were planning for our trip to Europe last year, we were completely aware that its the summer season. For a sun chaser like me, this added to my excitement. Yey! I thought that it will be kinda similar to the summer I used to have in the Philippines. I packed my summer clothes - colorful and light, lots of sun block and my favorite sunnies. What we were not prepared of was the kind of heat we were about to experience.

It was excruciatingly HOT in Rome! While in Spain (our first Europe destination), we were not bothered so much of the heat because the experience of being finally in Europe was still sinking in. But when we traveled to Italy and set foot in Rome, I almost died in dehydration and heat stroke. Seriously!

Sunset Watching in Boracay Island

No words to explain this magnificent beauty!

The most beautiful sunset I've seen was in Boracay Island, Philippines, where we had our honeymoon last January 2010. Since we were there to just chill out and relax, the activity we did most of the times was just lying in the beach, drinking the island's famous fruit shake, people watching and enjoying this beautiful scenery.

How we enjoyed the busy Ho Chi Minh City!

Last April, the husband and I backpacked to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for the first time. It was our first in the country and our first in a backpackers hostel.

We arrived around 9:00pm local time at the Tan Son Nhat Airport (thanks to Jetstar's Friday Sale) with so much anticipation of the place and the people. We booked our stay in a lovely and cheap Nguyen Kang Hostel 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.

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

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!

Along this area, you will find many street food vendors, pubs and homeless old people sleeping in corners and shacks :(

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 =)

The post office where I dropped the postcards sent to our housemates <3

The Notredame Cathedral

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!

Don't forget to try out their yummy iced coffee on the streets. I bet my life for you to try this one! :P

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 :)

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 =)

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

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 :)

Then check out artwork displays. Unfortunately, most of them were not real paintings.

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

Can you guess how old the driver is? :)

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.

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!

A Grateful Journey

"Many people are conflicted. They want to fulfill their dreams and yet are afraid to fulfill those same dreams. Why does that happen?  Because wishes are unfamiliar territory. 

And what is unfamiliar is scary."

Everyone who knows me well,  know that I am a Jason Mraz 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.

He is currently on a world tour 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. Oh my Gosh!!! 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 16 in my bucket list. 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!

Watch and be inspired with this first documentary trailer of his own Grateful Journey in Morocco. 

Be love!

Being Open while on the Road.

I met a lot of people in Europe. I even encountered myself. 

~ James Baldwin

Louvre, Paris France

I agree with you Mr. Baldwin!

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.

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, “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”. 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  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.

Colosseum, Rome Italy

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.

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. 

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.  

Piazza del Duomo, Milan Italy

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. 

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, “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.” And this explains my experience while on the road in Europe.

~

Thank you, Grace of PinayontheMove for featuring this post on your pretty travel blog.