Beaches are all sand and sky, but each with secrets that surprise. – 05.17-19.14
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After weeks of sharing of online reads on secluded beaches to go to, our gut pointed us to this campsite beach in Sorsogon. A place of (good and not-so-good) surprises, that beach was.
Continue reading [Subic Beach, Sorsogon] ~ Not Your Place for Typical Versions of Sand and Sky
Time is a measure, so are steps. – 01.31-02.01.14
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I knew I could not forgive myself if I let the first long weekend of 2014 without going anywhere. Potipot was an impulsive decision but it was the perfect kick-off to a year of wander.
Continue reading [Zambales] ~ 1,647 Steps around Potipot Island
Last days are always heartbreaking. Goodbye to a short-lived love affair, Bangkok. – 10.21.13
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Spent my second and last day with an early morning walk around some non-touristy nowhere followed by ‘tour’ around the maze that is Chatuchak Market. What followed was more encounter with temples, Buddhas and history in Bangkok National Museum then spent a lazy afternoon people-watching and listening to music at the pier with Wat Arun on view. A few hours before saying goodbye to a happy weekend, loaded myself with last two bottles of Chang Beer and chill reggae music at Rambuttri.
For there are uneventful days, but this day – no matter how simple – is not one of those. – 03.24.13
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My third day in Seoul was strange as it one of most memorable though unstructured – essentially a “bahala na” (whatever will be, will be) – day. On that day, I had limited time in the morning as I was supposed to meet a friend in the afternoon though details on how, where and when were not set.
I have seen Hongdae in its quiet but I wanted to see it in its busiest as well – at night. ‘Sightseeing’ aside, I wanted to cross out a to-do in my – drink alone in a foreign land. I have always wanted to do that because I guess that would pretty much test my ability to take care of myself, not only in places I am familiar with but anywhere. So that night, after few hours of walking in the cold, I was so restless when I arrived at the guesthouse and I knew that I just could not forgive myself if I do not go out and at least give it a try.
So without having an idea where to go exactly and though it is already an hour before midnight, I decided to go to Hongdae to see whether there are gigs I can watch or go someplace where I can drink. My big camera has been almost a necklace for I was wearing it all the time since day 1 but for a change, I decided to leave that at home and just bring my phablet.
The stalls selling food and accessories were an addition during night time.
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I was wondering where the noise was coming from and turned out there were some youngsters playing in here. This is similar to what we Filipinos know as “perya”
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While famous tourist places and activities are great, nothing beats being able to experience the everyday. – 03.23.13
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My next destination is Seoul Station as I meant to check out the old Seoul Station. In stark contrast with Hangangjin Station’s quiet is Seoul Station‘s busy-ness.
Hangangjin versus Seoul Station. Sure, stations are usually crowded but in Seoul Station, it was my first to ride an escalator that was that full.
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One thing I realized from this trip is how what is most interesting about places is not what you see but the unique feeling that the place gives you because of what you see, hear and/or even smell. In this station, I felt like I was at the center of a typical everyday among the locals. It is quite difficult to explain but maybe because it doesn’t try to be clean, cultural or fun for the tourists – it just simply is. That is, crowded, there are side stalls which I didn’t see in the other stations (this kind of reminded me of Manila). There are also homeless guys – a lot of them actually especially in the plaza across the old station.
Sunbathing.
For there is beauty in making plans.. and breaking them. – 03.23.13
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That day was originally meant for an out-of-Seoul trip to Gapyeong where I can see Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm and Petite France. But my ‘always getting lost’ fate on my first day made me a bit scared. Also, there was a change in my scheduled dinner with family that I thought going someplace far would not be the best itinerary for the day.
I am sure being with other people has its unique joy but travelling alone has this perk of flexibility – you can easily change plans without pissing off anyone. So early that morning, with my sore muscles and while having my breakfast of Peppero stick and Coke Zero, I made my ‘what to do today’ list.
At times like then, a subway map, my travel notebook and Evernote were helpful.
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Being my usual self – making such a mess with my bed
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After a few minutes of ‘planning’, I decided to go the Leeum Samsung Art of Museum that morning. I just saw online how it has some interesting gigantic art pieces so I said to self – let’s give it a try. Later on, I learned that this houses the most valued collection of Lee Kun-hee, the president of Samsung. What is more interesting is that unlike other museums that are either traditional or modern, this place combines both the traditional and contemporary.
Continue reading [Seoul] ~ Mix of Modern and Traditional in Leeum Samsung Art Museum
Keep a map ready but find happiness in getting lost. Some places you find, some places you don’t. You’ll be surprised how amidst it all, you had a great day. – 03.22.13
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A few stations away from Anguk (where Bukchon Village is near) is Myeongdong – known as a mecca for shoppers. As for me, I planned to go there to buy a KPop item for a friend as well as watch this show Cookin’ NANTA which I was originally supposed to watch in Hongdae but due to some unforeseen circumstance had to be moved here.
I honestly could not remember whether I was there a few years back when I first went to Seoul but what I immediately noticed was the lively and busy feel of the place. It was simply a place where many of your senses are going to work – let your eyes feast on the many items being sold in many stores and stalls, listen to ‘sets you in a happy mood’ music from the stores themselves and let your nose enjoy the smell of various street food.
Myeongdong on a Friday afternoon. (On my next post, I shall post a busier Myeongdong on a weekend).
Keep a map ready but find happiness in getting lost. Some places you find, some places you don’t. You’ll be surprised how amidst it all, you had a great day. – 03.22.13
Continue reading [Seoul] ~ A feel of old in Bukchon and Samcheongdong
Keep a map ready but find happiness in getting lost. Some places you find, some places you don’t. You’ll be surprised how amidst it all, you had a great day. – 03.22.13
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I am no travel planner. 