destinations Traveling As A Passion

[tomward]

upping this thread for being nice and informative.

 

I like what one person said here about how travel widens your perspective. What I saw in my travels opened my eyes to what the Philippines could be if only we could get our act together.

[nohankypanky]

I've always planned to travel by myself but I've had hesitations that's why I never tried it yet. Hopefully in the near future, I'd gear up and explore the Philippines, all by myself and start having the adventure I've always been looking forward to!

[tomward]

ever heard of couch surfing?

 

Marami nagawa nito. they make friends online with people who'll let them stay with them for 2 days or so and let them stay or sleep sa couch nila. There are websites dedicated for these, People who allow their houses for couch surfers, pero syempre in return you'll also allow people to stay in yours. If you really want to see what a country is like its much better to do it outside a hotel room. Hardcore travelers really enjoy couch surfing kasi its lest them have better perspective of how people live and the personal interaction with a native is priceless... they could give you tips on how to navigate the city better or point you to a discovery not in the books

[johnrelova]

My whole life I have probably lived in hundreds of different places. I've always loved travelling - and there was a time in my life when I visited several continents and tens of different cities in just a period of 10 months. I've done several backpacking trips and even tried to do some vagabonding just to be able to say that I've done it. MY most cherished and the most wonderful and colorful moments of my life were the years I spent in Baja California, Mexico. This mexican state has the best pristine beaches in the world....from Playas de Tijuana (where I lived) to Rosarito, Ensenada, San Felipe (which is best visited during holy-week), Camalu, Guerrero Negro (the breeding area for Humpback whales in the pacific), Santa Rosalia, Loretto, Puerto San Carlos, La Paz (just an amazing wonder of Baja) and all the way to Cabo San Jose. These are the places that made me believe that LIFE is good and it really is what you make of it. I will always be a person who loves sunsets because of what i have experienced in these very beautiful places. I cant wait for the day that I will come back to visit these beaches one more time, perhaps take my future kids here to go fishing and camping...when I already have a family.

 

Paradise is here on earth, my friends!!!!

[tomward]

that's great john. do tell how you managed to visit mexico. medyo takot kasi ako dun with all the violence and besides hindi ba mahirap mag tourist dun?

[johnrelova]

that's great john. do tell how you managed to visit mexico. medyo takot kasi ako dun with all the violence and besides hindi ba mahirap mag tourist dun?

 

Hi boss tomward, what a coincidence... i just spent some 30 minutes reading your page. i was gonna write a note to you a couple of hours ago but my gf (wife) wanted to watch a movie with me... so i thought i would do it tomorrow at the office. I wanted to tell u how sorry i am to hear about what happened to u during typhoon Ondoy. I didn t finish the entire story... u seem to have a good way with writing in crispy details the things that happen to u.

 

anyway, about mexico, i lived in san diego county, CA for several yrs. i went to college there. And since i was only a teenager when i started to live there, my friends and i would go to tijuana (avenida revolucion) to drink and have fun and pick up some dancers in the clubs there. I didnt need a visa actually, they dont even check your passport at the gate. they simply wave at you. If u have a philippine passport, i was told by immigration that u only need to apply and give the standard reqiurements and the tourist visa is almost automatic - you'll get it in 14 days. And about the violence part, yup its really very dangerous there if u go to the wrong places... which is exactly what i like doing!!!

 

Of course, the reasons why i decided to live in mexico for several yrs would be a whole book in itself...

[tomward]

Hi John. Things are probably different post 9-11. My sister went to mexico from Cali and they required a visa. Lalo na cguro ngayon with the drug wars and all. YOU should probably write your own section that's all about mexico. I'm sure a lot of US based people would love that

 

Here my contribution to this thread. I'm reposting what I posted on tips and tricks for Europe tour on a budget. Aside from couch surfing, the basic problem backpackers have is getting from point A to point B. If you are crazy enough you could ride the trains for free ticket inspections aren't so thorough I got caught once thought when I decided to ride a train that wasn't so full... I paid a 50 euro fine which is double the amount the ticket

 

I hope I could help.

 

I discourage extensive use of eurail pass. Its cheaper to fly on budjet airlines. (german wings is the cheapest I think) The difficulty with eurail pass is that there are only 2-3 cabins per car alloted to eurail users. More often than not you'd find yourself standing when traveling by rail. If in case you need to use rail opt for the "regionale" trains. there are 3 classes of trains: Euro, Regional and Intercity. If there is an available cross country "regional" train use it. To save on hotels travel at night and use the train as your bed.

 

Read ahead. There a lot of hostels there in Europe for Filipinos that are not advertised... they don't have signs and can only be booked in the Phils (to avoid paying taxes). They look like apartments pero hostel pala sila. Rates are Philippine rates for the stay and the staff are Filipino. It just makes everything easier. If you don't know how to find these places ask your priests... sila ang may mga connections sa ganitong places. Either that or join couch surfing communities.

 

If you want that european experience with a Philippine sized budget I suggest Czech Republic. Be careful though, capital ng pick pocketing itong lugar na ito. Dont put all your eggs in one basket. Everything here is priced like it is sa Pinas and the beer is super sarap.

[johnrelova]

Excellent suggestions, boss tomward. but i must tell u. I spend more money in the philippines than i did when i went to europe. its more expensive to stay in the philippines. just about the only cheap thing in the philippines is food. Even the hookers in europe are cheaper. hotel rooms can also be cheaper in europe if u know where to go and find them. I've never taken the trains though. i was alone on business trips when i went to vienna and germany. i got friends in the Czech Republic. I think i will follow ur advice when i take my gf to go backpacking.

 

Please tell us about "couch surfing". i only couch surfed in the states - but only with my relatives... hehehehe....

[tomward]

wag mo ako tawagin boss hahaha I think I am way younger than you are in both age and travel experiences. try to google "couch surfing" and you'll discover a different kind of traveler. You'll find the ones who go off the beaten path. It is for the adventurous and not for the faint of heart For more reference click here or just go to the biggest website dedicated for couch surfers here

[johnrelova]

thanks tomward... that website is interesting... hmmmmm, more than 18,000 members in Brazil huh???? looks like i'm going to the 2016 olympics in rrriiiiiiioooooooo de janeeeeeeiiiiirrroooo!!!! i'm not so sure about ur age comment though.... u definitely look older than me.... peace!

[tomward]

For everyone's benefit I created a questionnaire, answer as candidly as you can. Let's share our stories... Let's get this thread moving.

 

1. what would you consider your favorite city? why?

2. Where did you have the best shopping experience?

3. Which place was the most culturally fulfilling for you?

4. Which place reminded you of your hometown?

5. Where are the most beautiful girls?

6. Where are the wildest parties? (details pls)

7. What is the cleanest?

8. What is the most eye opening experience you had?

9. What Lessons did you learn in your travels?

10. WHo has the nicest people?

11. What is your worst travel experience?

12. What was your worst cultural mistake?

13. Which item did you bring was the most helpful

14. Which city was the most dangerous?

15. Of the places you've visited, if given a chance and money isn't a concern, where would you want to live and why?

[johnrelova]

For everyone's benefit I created a questionnaire, answer as candidly as you can. Let's share our stories... Let's get this thread moving.

 

1. what would you consider your favorite city? why?

2. Where did you have the best shopping experience?

3. Which place was the most culturally fulfilling for you?

4. Which place reminded you of your hometown?

5. Where are the most beautiful girls?

6. Where are the wildest parties? (details pls)

7. What is the cleanest?

8. What is the most eye opening experience you had?

9. What Lessons did you learn in your travels?

10. WHo has the nicest people?

11. What is your worst travel experience?

12. What was your worst cultural mistake?

13. Which item did you bring was the most helpful

14. Which city was the most dangerous?

15. Of the places you've visited, if given a chance and money isn't a concern, where would you want to live and why?

 

Interesting questions.. thanks to u tomward… u really made me think and dig deep into my head on these questions…..let’s see……

 

what would you consider your favorite city? why?

I can only talk about myself and the places I’ve visited so far (and I do have a long way more to go), My most favorite city of all is the precious jewel city of San Francisco, CA – for personal and for sentimental reasons. People say that the best city in the world is perhaps New York. I’ve never been to New York. But I couldn’t imagine a place that can be better than the city that gives you the sight and beauty of the Golden Gate bridge from afar. The sight of the skyline of this city from the right side of your car as you get into the longest bridge you have ever seen, the Bay Bridge, gives you a unique feeling of magnificence and grandeur. And when you get to the city, you can easily lose yourself for weeks trying to visit all the nice & beautiful places this city has to offer.

 

Where did you have the best shopping experience?

Well, it was long time ago on my first trip to Hongkong. This is the place that has it all, my friends! No question about it. The other cities would have been comparable to Hongkong, if they weren’t all too expensive!!! The choices of everything in this place and the low prices makes this place paradise for the shopaholics (like my gf)!

 

Which place was the most culturally fulfilling for you?

Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico – no doubt. This city is one of the most visited cities in the world – and the main reason for this is the cultural experience, which is immediately obvious as soon as u cross the border – you enter a completely different world full beautiful Mexican cultural dancers, unique dresses, romantic music of mariachi bands serenading you as you eat your lunch, and the sound of manianitas music when u wake up in the morning. This city knows how to treat their tourists….. makes u wanna come back again & again.

 

Which place reminded you of your hometown?

Well, I came from a small town which is only minutes away from Olongapo City. In Olongapo, there was a street full of bars and clubs – hundreds of them, when I was a child. When I went to Thailand, I went to this city called Pattaya. There is this one street by the beach, I cant remember the name, but this street and the people around and the shores nearby and even the dirty neighborhood all around it and all the women in the clubs, reminded me so much of my hometown. The fact that Thais look so much like Filipinos kindda helped make u feel like you’re just back home.

 

Where are the most beautiful girls?

This is a really hard one – simply because to me “they are all beautiful”! But if I have to choose one among all these places? It would have to be the streets of PERTH, Australia – the friendly women in the clubs and discos there are just amazing. I think it’s because I only went to the clubs there. And all of them seem to be having so much fun and their friendly faces made them look so much prettier than they really were. And of course, the next one on my list is definitely “THE WOMEN IN MEXICO”!

 

Where are the wildest parties? (details pls)

Etoh, para sakin ang pinakamahirap sagutin pareng tomward!!! Ang hirap ng ginagawa mo sakin dito bro.. you really made look back to my dirty past… hehehehe. Okay… try to imagine na lang ha. Imagine u r in a place… and this place is packed with women of various nationalities like Mexicans, Americans, Venezuelans, Peruvians & Guatemalans – all dancin and laughin and havin fun…. Right???? They are all over u and ur friends… and the only reason that they’re there is to make sure that you n ur friends have the time of ur life. All around u, u see a buffet of everything… all kinds of food, all kinds of drinks, tequila, presidente brandy, jack daniels… all kinds of women and all kinds of drugs to fuel you all night and the girls to serve them to u and the best sounds playin all night long! The nights are never long enough…. bcoz come 6 or 7 o’clock in the morning and u’ve only screwed 2 or 3 of the women in the house… and loud music and dancing hasn’t stopped… people passed out all around u and naked women sleeping on the couch… some r still smoking weed and others are snorting ‘coke’ up their nose with 100dollar bills rolled-up like straws…. This kind of thing goes on until 4pm and u retire to a room to get 3 hrs of sleep and the whole thing starts all over again. And this goes on for days and days on end without rest… This place is a “city within a city”.. and it’s right there in Mexico – the home of spudz mckenzie and all the other party animals after him! And I bet u a million dollars that u will never ever guess where this place is!!!

 

What is the cleanest?

The cleanest is definitely Vienna – especially the city center. I guess its because the two times that I had the opportunity to go there, both dates fell during their winter season.. and the whole city is covered with snow. If there was dirt… I certainly didn’t see it underneath all the snow!

- - - - - - - - -

 

Well… etoh na lang muna my friends… gotta do something… next time na lang yung iba…..I hope we get a lot of answers on these questions coz I think that if u love to travel, u gotta answer these questions sooner or later in ur life!!! Let’s get this thread moving… ikaw tomward…. Di mo pa binibigay yung mga sagot mo ha….. dapat pala nauna ka na muna anoh???? Cheeeeeerrrsss……..

[kanski]

nice discussion you two have going here. pls allow me to join on in the fun.

 

i'll try to answer some of the guidelines you've offered little by little, tom. two things caught my attention.

 

worst cultural mistake was when i asked if a dish on display was made out pork in kuala lumpur. i won't forget the glare the food attendant showed me.

 

worst travel experience hands down, would be having my wife's purse stolen on our last day of a hong kong holiday by a group of mainland chinese men. the worst part of the experience was my wife's passport was inside her purse. good thing the people at the hk consulate immediately helped us given our predicament (didn't want to stay another day. too much logistical problems, financial, too).

 

will try to anwer others some other time. but i must say, anwering #1 is going to be tough.

 

cheers.

[tomward]

YOU don't have to answer it all in one go my friends... you could choose to ignore some if you don't want... what's important here are the stories

 

I'll try and answer the first 3:

 

1. what would you consider your favorite city? why?

 

Vienna, is my favorite city. I wouldn't get lost here. I've been here 4 times and every time it was amazing. I never run out of things to do. I really like it because it is clean, orderly and people speak english. It is a treat for the eyes, and almost all the tourist sites are in one place makes it a tourist haven. (take the O tram - every stop there is a tourist site) I Really love its history and tradition and for a classical musician, this is mecca. Where else can you find street singers singing opera that rivals the best singers we have here. If you are looking for a "european" experience, Vienna is a great way to start.

 

2. Where did you have the best shopping experience?

 

Honestly, I would have to say Hong Kong. Although stuff is cheaper in Shenzen the bargains for branded products are better in Hong Kong. Its not only the shopping but the vibe of the city that makes you want to buy buy and buy. This is a street foodies heaven. I'd sneak out of my hotel at midnight just to eat street food.

 

3. Which place was the most culturally fulfilling for you

 

Rome is the most culturally fulfilling for me. I'm not catholic but the churches impressed me so much. I was awed by the vatican. I actually got to attend 2 masses by 2 different popes (Pope John Paul and the new one). My favorite spots there were the fontana di trevi, (and yes I threw coins... it came true nakabalik ako sa rome thrice), Pantheon, Colloseo, Foro Romano, ST JOhn The lateran church, Sta Maria Maggiore Church, Spanish Steps and so many...

 

I was actually privileged to see a room under one of the Filipino churches in Rome. This isn't open for tourists and only the church has access here. Because we performed for the church they allowed us to see the room where St. Paul stayed when he was in rome. It was a significant moment for me.

 

One funny story about rome was that we were hosted by a Filipino Cook, who cooks for the prince of Venice. He told us since the Villa is so big, we could stay there without the prince noticing it. Since we were only gonna stay there a few days and we just needed a place to leave our bags we agreed to the hosting situation. He told us leave early and come late. WE arrived about midnight and was hungry ( the cook usually leaves food for us at the table for servants). we were happily eating when a door opened and the prince saw us... we were shocked and so was he. he asked us, "what are you doing in my house? " We told him who we were and he said, "why didn't you tell the cook you are his guests, I could have put you up in our guest rooms." He was such a nice old man. He threw us a party before we left. That was some of the best italian food and wines I ever tasted.

[johnrelova]

wow... i enjoyed reading your last post, tomward. i'd really love to know more about ur experiences in rome. it's a dream for me to be able to visit that city at least once in my lifetime. please tell us more about ur experiences there.

 

anyway, i will answer another question:

 

8. What is the most eye opening experience you had?

 

It didn’t take me a lot of thinking to dig-up the answer to this question. The most eye opening experience I had during my travels was actually the trip which I thought was going to be one of the most exciting adventure of my life: My trip to the Philippines, the eye-opener happened in 2001.

 

As a young network engineer, I took a job for one of my friends who happened to have a friend working for the Office of the President. The mission of the National Crime Information System project of then president Joseph Estrada was to create a national central database of criminal records and unite all agencies of the department of justice under a single umbrella to provide instant access to this database. Anyway, to make a long story short, after billions and billions of pesos was spent on this project, JE was unfortunately ousted and the new president, GMA somehow stopped all the funding for the project, without any consideration to the amount already spent by the outgoing administration. Hundreds of computers that were supposed to be rolled out nationally perhaps ended up in someone’s personal ‘warehouse’ and billions worth of manpower and services inadvertently turned into just a wasted effort. Never heard anything after that, not from the media, not from anywhere! It’s an EYE-OPENER for me. It made me realize that I’m probably never going to see in my lifetime a fully developed Philippines, run by a good government that is completely accountable to the people. After a little over a year, I left the country with a lot of mixed emotions, wondering if i would ever decide to come back to spend more than just a couple of months in my own country!!!