Thoughts: 2012, the Travel Year that was

2012 is one for the books, from the nearby Southeast Asian neighbors to the far reaches of beautiful Europe. Despite the odds of project schedules and work load issues, I was still blessed to satisfy the wanderlust for this year. For the cubicle dwellers, there will always be means and ways to fulfill our dream destinations. My personal letters to the 2012 places. April 2012 - Siem Reap, Cambodia Dear Siem Reap,  
That was a literal "Temple...

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Barcelona: Giddy for Gaudi

Unconventional and interestingly peculiar Barcelona is about 4 hours (fast) train ride from Madrid. As you explore the streets of the Catalan capital you will be treated to a visual feast of architectural marvels.From buildings with wave like facades giving an illusion of having no straight lines, adornments of wrought iron in different shapes and sizes, mosaics carefully assembled to create a colorful image and a church with intricate details that...

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Segovia: Half an Hour

In half an hour... ...you can burn 90 calories by walking ...Rachael Ray can make a meal ...the glass of water you drank is processed through the kidneys ...you can temporarily leave the bustle of Madrid and experience the old world charm of Segovia In half an hour the high speed train can travel 58 miles from Madrid to reach the small town of Segovia. Leave behind the modernity of Madrid and experience a day getting lost in the maze of cobblestone...

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Vacation Guide: Madrid, Spain

Madrid may lack famous landmarks but it does make up with its richness in history, beautiful arts and delicious food.Surprisingly among the European capitals, a visit to this city is actually friendly on the pocket. Plaza Mayor, Madrid From the airport to the city centre Cheapest way is to use the metro which is connected to the airport but this means that there is a high possibility of transferring lines and lugging your luggages...

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Madrid:Will the real Madrid please stand up

Madrid, the 'almost' forgotten Spanish capital when most people equate Spain with Barcelona. The capital with no claim to fame of a well known landmark that is why it is usually shoved down the list of places to visit. So why choose Madrid? basically because of this "plainess" where you don't have any well known monuments or landmarks to split your attention with the city. Know Madrid for who she is and not to tick off all those must see sights...

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Thoughts: Sche..what? a simple guide to applying for a Schengen Visa

It probably started with a dream of visiting medieval fortresses, admiring the grandeur of castles, looking at frescoes in old churches and walking on cobblestone streets. You act on the dream by saving up and cutting down on all those movie nightouts with friends and you tirelessly pored on guidebooks and online articles on what to see and do and must eats. Then you realized.....your passport is from a so-called "developing" country that requires...

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Halong Bay: So you want to visit Halong Bay

Being tagged as a UNESCO Heritage site and a claim to fame by Vietnam by being included in the new 7 wonders of nature, don't be surprised that it is being flocked by tourist from every corner of the world. Most tavelers find their way to Hanoi just to be able to cruise in the emerald waters aboard a traditional boat commonly called 'junk'. When I started to research on Halong Bay and Hanoi, I was under the impression that Halong Bay is...

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Thoughts: Halong Bay, a Reality Check

Blogger's note: Thoughts blogpost will bare my personal reflection on the place. It is my own opinion and not in anyway providing a fact or generalization of the subject matter. I can distinctly remember a photograph of a small wooden fishing boat being rowed by a man in a conical straw hat floating in emerald green water flanked by huge limestone karsts.You may call it as love at first sight but that photo instilled something in me that one...

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San Francisco:The (long) weekend I left my heart in San Francisco

Clear blue skies, bright sunshine, non-freezing temperature and a burger and fries combo from In-N-Out greeted me in San Francisco - It was love at first sight! Just like any tourist, there is no time to spare once the suitcase hits the floor. It was a rush to make sure to catch the last ferry out of Pier 39 to Alcatraz. The Alcatraz Night tour is dubbed as the complete/comprehensive tour being offered for Alcatraz but priced slightly higher than...

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My 7 Super Shots - Tagged!

Let me removed the cobwebs that have been collecting in my little space in the cyberworld, I have been caught up with work related items (work is dangerous to your other persona), personal projects and weekend birthday parties, despedida, and we just want to hang out and sing our hearts out in the free videoke get togethers I'm reviving this little blog by taking part in HostelBookers 7 Super Shots that has been making its rounds in the travel blogging...

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Siem Reap: Temple Run...Game on!

With a puzzled look my friend asked "What are you going to do and see in Siem Reap?" minutes after I booked my flight. And with a cheeky grin, I replied "Angkor Wat" I never had a firm grasp on what to expect in Siem Reap, all I know when I hit the Purchase button on the screen is that I wanted to see Angkor Wat. Visiting Siem Reap is a literal Temple Run which is a far cry from the famous iPhone game. Days will be spent exploring the...

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Siem Reap: Beyond Angkor Wat

When this year started, I was intent to strikeout one by one my travel bucket items faster than I can add up to it. With the blessing of a seat sale from Air Asia,I was able to book a flight for a little over 8,000 Php to the city of ancient temples. I really don't have high expectations for this trip, it was mostly to see and photograph Angkor Wat and the temple in Tomb Raider (Ta Prohm). We booked an All-In package from a family run guesthouse...

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Photowalk: Central Park, New York

Photowalk series aims to tell a travel story with the use of photos. Following the old adage 'A picture paints a thousand words' - the photos aim to bring a part of the place to you to serve as an inspiration to get out there and see the world. To start my Photowalk series, I would like to take you on a short but sweet walk in the park.......

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New York : Going uptown,downtown,east or west - Mastering the concrete jungle of NYC

The key when trying to DIY a big city is to check how well connected is the city through its Metro/LRT/MRT or City train. One of the secret for a budget take in touring the Big Apple is to know the Subway system - no need for expensive tour services because you can craft your own itinerary and reach any point within the 5 boroughs for just $2+ Now let's get to the nitty gritty of using one of the famous icon of New York - the Subway ...

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New York: Another bite of the Big Apple

You are probably visiting the city a second time or perhaps you've checked all the items in your list of "Must see and do in NYC" and looking for alternative things to experience that are easy on the pocket. Here are my personal recommendations for another bite of the Big Apple: 1. Go beyond Manhattan and visit Queens  You might have heard of the famous "7" train which goes from Times Sq. to the borough of Queens. New York is not just...

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New York: Eat your way in NYC on a budget

'It is sweeter the second time around' - it may sound like a cliche but it is indeed really sweeter the second time around.  I'm back in the concrete jungle and I made a promise during my first time here when I was contained in eating chinese food - foodtrip ala NYC . The Big Apple has a lot to offer when it comes to gustatory choices from Zagat rated restaurants to hole in the wall. The choices are limitless but funds are limited....

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