Tales from the Road

The Hong Kong I Did Not Know Part 1: Tai O Fishing Village

loriejoy — Mon, 5 Nov 2012 02:40:00 GMT

I came to know about the Tai O fishing village in the Lantau Island while researching less travelled destinations in Hong Kong. I read that it's a refreshing shift from the busy city. Well in deed it is. It's not different from what we already have in the Philippines - the wet market, the stilt houses by the water, the fisher folks. There's something so foreign yet so relatable and maybe that's the reason why this place excites me.

It rained a little when we were there. Though some tourists might find that annoying, I got even more excited (secretly). There's nothing like a few drops of rain that can show how pretty a place is. When it started to rain, we found ourselves inside an art gallery featuring photos depicting life in Tai O. We also came across a small cafe selling postcards depicting the same. Being a fan of art, I bought 2 postcards I plan to scan and show sometime. Interesting that this small village turns out to be home to artists dating back to prehistoric times. You can read more here.

I hope to return in the future and stay for a night or two in one of the locals' homes.

Tai O is fast becoming a tourist attraction. It's one of the destinations of Lantau Island tours. It can be reached via bus number 11 from the Tung Chung town center or bus number 21 from the Ngong Ping village.

Photos: Tai O Fishing Village, Hong Kong

loriejoy — Mon, 5 Nov 2012 02:34:00 GMT

Tai O Fishing Village in Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Photos: Dreaming of New York 2005

loriejoy — Mon, 5 Sep 2011 01:07:00 GMT

Photos from my 2005 work assignment in the United States

Travelogue: Beautiful When It Rains

loriejoy — Thu, 1 Sep 2011 01:44:00 GMT

I sit by the dining table as I write this account. From time to time I stand up to check on the fish I am cooking for breakfast. By now, the room should have smelt of fish and oil combined, the odor sticking to my hair and pajamas. But the scent of pine blown by the strong wind into the tiny cracks of the window still prevailed.

It is beautiful in Baguio when it rains. I have written about it several times in my blogs and I am writing about it again. Before I wrote that it is lonely but beautiful. However, I am doing my best to put up with some “pick me up” lines and “positivity and happy thoughts” stuff so this time I am writing – It is beautiful and fascinating.

Fascinating in deed as it makes everything fascinating, including this poorly constructed house we call home for our 3-day rainy day adventure. Though poorly constructed, its concrete walls are sturdy enough to protect us from the heavy rains and strong winds. This house was not occupied since 2 years ago when my parents bought it. We are the first lucky ones to spend a night (or two) here.

During the day the room is lit by light from the outside through glass windows with pretty railings reminiscent of a country home. Since it is raining today I can see rain drops hitting the windows drawing lines on the glass. From the inside I can see the outside magnified by the wet glass. If you look closely the world outside looks like a jagged pattern of greens, browns and white. The wonderful weather in the mountains has allowed plants and pine trees to freely grow outside the house which on a rainy day makes everything fascinating. With the thick and low fog outside, the neighbors are not visible. It looks like it’s just our home and the forest around us, far from everything else. I don’t mind staring outside the window for hours today.

The pouring rain sounds like an army marching in a rhythmic pattern at it hits the roof with the strong winds even pushing it harder against the galvanized iron. The plywood ceiling is not helping lessen the sound. But the sound is not at all bad as I listen right now. It’s calming and relaxing. I prefer this than the sound of traffic or a busy street. And knowing that I am protected within this small structure, I even feel more relaxed.

Entering the premise one will not really notice a house right away. I think that’s one of the charms of this place – it’s hidden, it’s a hidden garden.

A few years or maybe months from now a bigger structure will be built to replace this house. And maybe a few trees will have to be sacrificed. I hope to enjoy this place again while it’s still here. It’s the perfect home during a rainy day in beautiful Baguio.

Photos: Surreal Singapore

loriejoy — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 02:29:00 GMT

Ayutthaya - the Ancient Capital

loriejoy — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:23:00 GMT

After 2 days in the busy city of Bangkok, my friend and I were ready to make the escape. We appreciate Bangkok for all it has to offer - temples and other attractions, shopping malls and markets, a lot of good street food prepared the authentic way, very kind and helpful locals, and of course fellow travelers - but it would be good to experience another aspect of Thailand.

Ayutthaya, the Ancient Capital, is around an hour's ride north of Bangkok. It became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. It was later destroyed during the second Burmese invasion in the 18th Century. Now it has become one of Thailand's contributions to the UNESCO World Heritage and a must see Thailand attraction.

We took the railway train from the Hualampong Station for 20 Baht. The 3rd class trains leave almost every hour from the station. The ride is not as scenic as I was hoping but I enjoyed the clickety sound of the diesel-powered train as it traveled north. This was my first ever railway train ride.

A few minutes from the railway station is the Ayutthaya island. It is an island in the sense that it is surrounded by a small body of water. Khlong (canal) as they would refer to in Thailand.

It is easy to find accommodation in the small island but we opted to make a reservation in the Hi-Ayutthaya Youth Hostel - a quaint and very homey bed and breakfast near the main high way. (I hope to write about this inn too). For 500 Baht a night for two people, it is pretty cheap (note though that this is off peak price).

Exploring the kingdom is not a challenge as there are markers everywhere pointing to ancient structures (now ruins). Blue boards mean historical structures, other colors mean new temples, structures, etc. Most people would usually spend a day in the place but that will only limit them to seeing the main attractions - the Ancient Palace, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana and others just near the same area.

Different from a strolling experience in Bangkok, Ayutthaya is more relaxed. There are other tourists but it's not a whole lot of crowd. And the crowd that goes here are the more tame (or so I have observed). Photographers should stay longer in this place to see ruins hit by morning, noon and late afternoon light. It's quite a site.

Before night falls, you can ride a long tail boat with other tourists to visit some more temples and ruins around the island. The ride costs about 200 Baht per head, not bad for the 2-hour ride. But every attraction, most especially the ruins require you to pay a fee of 50 Baht.

Food is the same as in Bangkok, you eat beside the street. Here however, the locals have more time to attend to you because they don't have as much customers. It's a great opportunity to interact with them, learn about their food, culture and make friends. I made friends with other tourists as well - a Korean and Italian, both traveling solo.

Will I go back to Ayutthaya? I very much think so. I can imagine myself spending a week there, visiting the ruins, sitting by the park, reading a book, having conversations with other tourists and the locals, learning how to cook Thai cuisines. Hopefully next year.

Some photos here.

Photos: Ayutthaya the Ancient Capital

loriejoy — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:12:00 GMT

Photos: Exploring Bangkok: Khao San Road - backpackers haven

loriejoy — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 02:19:00 GMT

Traveling to Bangkok? Try staying in Khao San

Photos: Exploring Bangkok: Jim Thompson House

loriejoy — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 01:44:00 GMT

The famous Jim Thompson House

Photos: Exploring Bangkok: Canal Tour

loriejoy — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 01:43:00 GMT

Photos from exploring Bangkok via long tail boat

Photos: Exploring Bangkok: Walking Tour

loriejoy — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 01:38:00 GMT

Photos from exploring Bangkok by Foot

Exploring Bangkok

loriejoy — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 01:31:00 GMT

Excited and with a lot of energy to burn, Cathy and I set out to "where again?". We came to the city with a plan but ended up on an ad hoc more exciting stroll. Earlier the vendor gladly took her time in preparing my surprisingly sweet and strong iced coffee. I did not really care where we were going as long as we kept on moving (to drain all of the caffeine and burn all the sugar). That's exactly what happened that day in Bangkok.

We set out with 2 versions of Bangkok maps and an old edition of Lonely Planet. We planned on doing the floating market tour but skipped out on that. We agreed on visiting the grand palace first but signs are saying it's best we visit the palace after lunch. We rented a long tail boat instead, as suggested by one of the locals, that went through one of the Khlongs (canal). The ride was not too scenic but it provides you a window to how locals live their lives. BTW, Thais revere fishes so don't be surprised to see a lot of big fat fishes in the Khlong.

The tour ended in a market where we later had our lunch (prepared the authentic way). We had time to explore one of the art galleries and visit the post office to drop some postcards/cards before we had lunch. After which we entered the Grand Palace. I was overwhelmed by the structure - not just the size but the details. There were a lot of details. It was really "wow" grand. It looked like the palace was carefully planned and all details were carefully crafted - patterns and colors and touches of gold here and there, towers 10 times taller than me, big land area. The area also houses the temple where the emerald Buddha is found. A few meters outside the palace we found the temple of the sleeping Buddha, also one of the most visited attractions. After which we had enough temples for the day so we retired back to our hostel along Khao San. But Khao San was just starting to come to life when we got back, so the heck, we spent a few more hours walking around the area.

I have uploaded some photos here.

Some travel tips:

1) If you are the more adventurous type and would like to mingle with other travelers, stay in a hostel along Khao San or Rambuttri Road. Accommodation for backpackers is very cheap here.

2) Enjoy Thai food prepared the authentic way. In most of the streets and markets, make shift "eateries" are set up.

3) Locals are really friendly but carefully pick a someone to ask questions to.

4) Transportation is very cheap. If your tuktuk driver asks for more than 100 Bhat there's a big possibility that he's asking too much.

5) Shopping should be done during the latter part of your trip. You might get too caught up and end up spending all of your pocket money. Not good.

Giant Guangzhou

loriejoy — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 16:53:00 GMT

Travel Date: June 12 to 17, 2011 (Business)

Departing NAIA

The flight attendant is counting the passengers manually, those seated, those standing and oopps, some are lying. She had to count again. I feel sorry for her and her team. They have to do the counting manually to chekc if there are passengers missing. Talk about manual.

I am a bit paranoid with this trip because of the recent execution of Filipinos due to drug smuggling. I am looking so closely after my belongings because someone might drop something illegal. Urgh. Paranoia sets in. What can I say? Strange things happen to ordinary people.

Touching Down in Baiyun Airport

The ride was rough and the landing shaky. I get chosen by customs for another round of baggage check. I got through it. That's the only time I let go of the paranoia.

We leave the airport in our MB service but in less than 10 minutes, we get into a car accident. I was not wearing seatbelt so I almost flew to the front seat. Looks like drivers here do not know the rule on right of way. We had to get a cab to get in to our hotel.

Walking around Guangzhou

I read somewhere that Guangzhou hurried it's way to industrialization which made the city too industrialized for its own good. Looking around, you see several sky crapers and uniquely architectured buildings. The city also uses a lot of its electricity on night lights. The city is lit up very nicely during the night. I guess this is the reason why there are still a lot of people out at night, on a sunday night that is.

We were looking for somewhere to eat. It turns out we are at the high end of the city (ritz-carlton). We walk several blocks, more than an hour, but no fastfood or 7/11 in sight. We ended up buying groceries and eating noodles in our rooms.

The walk around Tianhe district proved that we stayed in the wrong side of the city. But that's fine. We did not mind the travel.

FB and Blogger Blocked in China

I can't connect to my friends. I am already missing home. Being alone in a luxurious hotel is nice but having somebody to share the room with is the best. Just checked China Daily today. Non-stop, strong downpours are causing landslides that have already killed people in Beijing. In other news.. Guinness names the smallest man alive.. a Filipino.

Photos of Guangzhou here.

Negros - Around Dumaguate

loriejoy — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 14:39:00 GMT

The seas were rough and it was not safe to travel by boat to Panay Island. We opted to travel by land instead to Dumaguete. It was my second time to explore the place. 3 years is long enough for change. Either way the lakes and the falls still had their charm.

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

loriejoy — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 01:17:00 GMT

The very dark space was lit only by our headlights and the light from distant houses. Our cab driver said that both sides of the road is already the lake. It was dark so it was not evident. It felt like we were just floating in dark space. We headed to the resort at the tip of the island "Punta Isla". Our room was overlooking the lake. At night, all you can see is the light from homes floating on the lake. The stillness of the water makes the reflection of light like extensions of the homes. I was very excited to see the lake during day break.

We landed in Davao the day before then traveled 4 hours to General Santos, did a few sight seeing then talked a cab into driving us 2 hours up to Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

We had a boat ride set up at 6am. I was up before that and witnessed sunrise by the lake. It was a glorious sight. They called Lake Sebu the Fog Lake as well but I did not witness the fog until the day after.

Our boat gave us a 45-minute tour around the lake. People were busy as early as 630 am. Riding boats carved from tree trunks, they navigated around their floating homes and fish farms. The lake is home to several T'bolis - locals from South Cotabato. Lake Sebu is 354 hectares. Just imagine what one can find exploring the rest of its surface.

Lake Sebu is a municipality within South Cotabato. It was named after Lake Sebu, just one of the 3 lakes in the area. The municipality also boasts of seven waterfalls and several springs. To get around, one should be brave enough to ride a "habal-habal", a motor bike with an extended back seat to accommodate up to 4 other passengers.

We were able to see two of the seven waterfalls. The others are not accessible yet. The two falls had their own unique charm. The first one is wider but not as high as the second. It can be viewed from a viewing deck that was built a few meters from the falls but one has to get closer and get wet from the mist to be able to experience the strength of the falls. The second falls has a narrow opening but hits the base with a stronger force being a higher water falls.

Lake Sebu has a mystery in it that makes one explore more of the place. Strolling the local communities makes one want to stay longer and spend more time with the locals - the T'bolis. Though civilization has reached them, the natives are still able to keep their identity in tact.

Houses line up by the Sebu Lake side

Paddling towards home: Fisher folks make their way back to their home in the middle of the lake

A T'boli woman

The second of the two waterfalls

A famous transport mode in Lake Sebu

Lake Seloton - The Sunrise Lake

View photos HERE.

Gallery: Singapore Walk Around

loriejoy — Tue, 7 Jul 2009 01:17:00 GMT

Tales from Singapore: Remarkable Auntie Maybel

loriejoy — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:50:00 GMT

We spent most of the day walking around the "city/country" exploring as much corner as we can until we were ready to go home. It was going to be a long ride from Harbour Front to Orchard Road with a couple of train transfers in between. I planned to take that time to just sit and reflect on what have transpired during the day.

I was about to pop in my earphones when I felt something lightly brush my knee. I saw that it was a delicate hand of somebody who seemed old. I looked at the owner of the hand, a Singaporean woman well above her age. The strap of my bag caught her knee so she brushed it away. I looked at her and smiled as I said "Sorry".

She smiled back.

She was interested to know where I am from. She became interested when I told her I am from the Philippines. She thought I was a student so I had to explain to her what I do. She said she's been to the Philippines and even to Baguio City where I grew up. She loved it there. I can tell by the way she described the place - it was cold, the temperature was perfect, it's so green, the people are nice - she'd go back there if she could. But she said that was about 30 years ago, back when she was still on her 40's. I told her she's lucky to have gone there during the best years of the city. She should have very good memories of the place. She smiled.

The man sitting to my left turned down the volume of his mp3 player and took off his head phones. He seemed to have shown interest in our conversation.

The woman asked where I have gone so far, so I recounted the events from the day I arrived in their city up until before we boarded the train. She named some of the famous attractions and I was proud to have identified those places. Thanks to my excessive use of maps during the past couple of days.

So what was a 75-year old woman doing alone in the train, traveling even farther than we were at past 8 in the evening? She said everyday she would walk around the city, traveling as much as she can, visiting friends and relatives.

"Why everyday?" I asked. But inside I thought whatever her reason was, I will still not understand her.

"What else will an old woman do?" she answered with a defiant smile. I just nodded - not sure if that was in agreement with her or with what I had in mind.

She sighed and told me she was worried the train won't take her where she's bound to be. The train route was interrupted somewhere that she may have to get off even before she reached her destination. I assured her she will be fine convincing her that they have a very good transportation scheme in their country. Really.

We were silent for a while. I glanced at my friend who was sitting across us. She was looking at me, probably measuring my patience in trying to understand the woman's every word. We struggled a bit in conversing with the locals because of their english and the way they pronounced the words. I am one with the longest patience in people I guess. So I did not mind having small talks with the locals.

"I am a song writer," she interrupted the silence with an interesting statement. "I wrote a song that children are singing in church." In the back of my head, I thought Wow, she's not just a healthy old woman with a knack for adventure. She won back my interest. I explained I am a Catholic and that yes, I am a believer. She tried to explain what she wants to happen to the world through her song. Her song is about hope and trust in the Lord no matter what happens.

"Can you sing it?" It seemed that she is living a very good spiritual life. I was wondering if she could share part of that to a stranger on the train. I was surprised. With no hesitations, she sang me her song. I felt people around us also tried to listen as she was singing. For that 30 seconds, I felt like she was praying for me. The lyrics were well thought out, with her own interpretation of how we all need hope and trust in the Lord. I smiled and I felt my eyes light up after her song - for some profound reason, I felt good.

The train stopped a couple of seconds after her last note. We had to get off. I thanked her and gave her my name. She extended her right arm. "Maybel, Auntie Maybel." I smiled and reached out to her.

Who would have thought something interesting will still happen just when I thought my day was done?

Exploring the Balingasay River - Bolinao, Pangasinan

loriejoy — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:11:00 GMT

We hopped on a pump boat one warm summer morning. I read that the river is one of the cleanest in the Philippines. I wanted to see that for myself. I have just visited a few rivers on the other regions of the country so I had enough to compare it to.

Our pumpboat started to cruise the river, with its loud sound fading into the silence of what was around. It was a warm day but the cool water balanced it out, making the temperature just right. The river was calm, no rapids. The water was clean, blue, deep, just like the ocean. Bamboos and hemp plants lined along the sides of the river, some stood straight, while some were bent, almost kissing the water. Rock formations created beautiful reflections on the water. It was a wonderful sight.

Our boat sailed smoothly following the river's curve. Locals soon appeared floating on bamboo rafts, pulling strings with ends submerged in the water. They were fishing using a simple technique of just a string, hook and a bait. They smiled and waved back at us as we passed them. Another lady was paddling her bamboo raft using a stilt. She stopped to wave at us.

Every slight curve of the river was becoming more exciting.

Further down the river, the plants were thicker, some grew in the middle of the river, the water became too shallow for the pumpboat to keep sailing. The boatman said further down was a good spot for swimming, if only the water was high.

We had to turn around and sail back to where the river meets the ocean. My excitement subsided as we sailed back. I had a certain feeling of peace within. I just watched around quietly as we approached the ocean. It was one of my best river cruises.

Gallery: Trekking and Camping in Daraitan

loriejoy — Wed, 1 Apr 2009 03:30:00 GMT

Trekking in Mt. Daraitan

loriejoy — Wed, 1 Apr 2009 03:17:00 GMT

Daranak Falls

Gracey invited me to join her and her outdoor club to trek Mt. Daraitan. After saying no to her invitations so many times, I finally said yes.

We took the 3-hour trip to the location by hopping on one of the Tanay, Rizal-bound jeepneys in Shaw Boulevard. We stopped to see the Daranak Falls at the foot of the Tanay mountains before proceeding. It's nice to see that the falls is still intact and it looked like it became one of the swimming destinations in the area - there are picnic huts, lifesavers, lifeguards and a lot of people.

Daranak Falls

Trekking

The trek took around almost 2 hours with the several stops for rest and photo shoots. We started around almost 2pm after we had lunch at the jump off point. We were supposed to cross a river so we were advised to wear short pants. When we got there though, there was an option to cross through the bridge but you have to pay PhP 2. I'd rather pay than get wet at the start of the trek.

Trekking and enjoying the view as well

Gracey tests the water

We took a trail along the river. Based on my researches though, there are other trails that lead to caves and peaks. I am glad the group took the river trail. It's a no-sweat trek for a novice like me. The trail is mostly ground level and some parts are already cemented. There were a few rocky trails and some even muddy but we managed. I slip and trip a lot but never once during this trip.

The path is rocky that horses seemed to have become the main transport

The route is so scenic that one really would not mind the minutes of walk. We would look back several times to admire how the elements are nicely composed: the trees, the mountains, the river, the light, rock formations. And not to mention, it was the best day for the trek (at least that's what I think).

A view of the river

View some more photos HERE.

Camping

We arrived at the rocky campsite a little past 4pm. It was beside the Tinipac River and surrounded by mountains. Until now, I stitll think the place is amazing.

The group pitched the camps while I went around to take photos. My hosts were very hospitable. They took care of everything I almost did not do anything. The group seem to have been doing this for a long time and they have complete equipment as well. Thanks guys!

When the sun was down, fireflies started showing up. Seeing fireflies is one of my favorite things. And to see them lighting up insync was an amazing experience.

Sleeping was a bit difficult because the ground was rocky, but that becomes the least of your concerns when you're tired. View camping photos HERE.

Tinipac River

Our campsite

The happy campers cooking dinner

Lorie with Andrew, one of the campers

View my world nomad Daraitan Album HERE.