At Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai City. Highest point in Thailand.
Places I Remember: Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai City
Monday, March 12, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Philippine Travel Tips
Planning your trip to the Philippines:
• Travel light - limit the things you carry with you when you travel. If at all possible, carry just one 9" x 22" x 14" bag with a maximum weight of 20 pounds. If you can manage to limit your bag to this size, you don't have to check-in your luggage at the airport. Upon arrival to your destination, you can go directly to customs while everybody is waiting for their luggage at the carousel. Pack light and pack smart. When choosing what to bring, think in terms of what you can do without rather than what might be handy for the trip.
• When you travel to the Philippines, bring light clothing specially if you're visiting in summer. Cotton Tees, shirts, pants and walking shorts are your best bet. For ladies, a hat with brim will help protect against the heat of the sun. A pair of sunglasses with UV protection is recommended. And if you plan to travel to the countryside or walk a lot, don't forget to bring your comfy sneakers or sandals.
• Note that the Philippines uses 220V of electricity. Most 5-star hotels provide 100V outlets but generally, they are not available, specially in the rural areas. So if you're planning to bring some electronic gadgets, make sure you bring a converter with you.
• Travel tip for smokers: long haul flights can be difficult for smokers. Bring with you a couple of nicotine patches and put one on about an hour before your flight. It is amazing how this small patch can make your craving for a smoke disappear.
Travel Tip on Valuables:
• Avoid bringing valuables. A decent watch and faux accessories (optional) are all you need. But in case you did bring some expensive jewellery, deposit them and your other valuables in the hotel safe (most major hotels provide them for free).
• Make sure you make a photocopies of your passport and tickets just in case you loose them. Keep the copies in a separate locations - place them in the deep pockets of your luggage.
• It is a good idea to use a belt bag to put your money, passport and other valuables when on the road rather than a bag. And position it in front of your body and under your shirt if possible. Better yet, use a money belt and hide it under your clothing.
• Never leave your bag and other valuables on the beach or at the poolside when swimming. It is a lot safer to leave them in your hotel room.
Tipping:
• It is customary to leave a tip when rendered a service. On restaurants, a 10% tip based on the total bill is recommended. However, if there is already a service charge on the bill, a tip then becomes optional.
• Taxis drivers, bellboys, chambermaids, all expect to be tipped. For a short taxi ride, a P20 tip will suffice. But for hotel bellboys and chambermaids, a P100 tip is more appropriate. Adjust the tip according to your length of stay and service rendered.
Shopping Tips:
• If you are about to do some shopping and are scheduled to visit the Philippines, don't. Do your shopping in the Philippines. Even designer clothes are sold cheaper in the Philippines than the countries they are made in. Many Filipinos living overseas come home to see their families and shop at the same time. The savings oftentimes pays for their vacation.
• Aside from the goods, you can save substantially by having your medical, dental and cosmetic needs done in the Philippines. Ask for referrals from friends (or the hotel concierge for minor services) and choose the best ones.
Philippine Travel Seasons:
• June to August is the typhoon season. Although the temperature is moderate and hotel rates are lower, it is not the best time to travel specially if you intend to see the countryside or cross the islands by sea.
• From March to May is summer time and is a good time to see the islands with clear skies and calm waters. You are also assured that no flights or ferry boat trips will be cancelled due to typhoons. Although expect the temperatures to occasionally reach 38 degrees centigrade.
• The best time to see the country is from November to February when the weather is cooler. It is also a good time to see the longest Christmas season in the world. Were Filipinos start to decorate for Christmas as early as October.
General Philippine Travel Tips:
• Filipinos (as with most Asians) are mostly conservative. Act, speak and dress modestly, more so when going to the countryside. In most places, wearing shorts, tees, sleeveless shirts, sandals or sneakers are fine - specially in summer.
• Avoid talking about religion and politics specially to people you have just met. Especially when drinking (alcoholic beverages) this sometimes lead to heated arguments or worse.
• If you are going to Mindanao (southern Philippines) where some areas are predominantly Muslims, dress conservatively - specially the women. And don't call Muslims Moros. It's considered rude.
• When travelling overseas, its always a good practice to get a travel health insurance. Travel health insurance offers peace of mind when abroad. Also, check with local health authorities for any concerns when going to remote villages. And drink only bottled water or canned beverages when unsure of the local water supply.
• Filipinos are a very friendly and welcoming people. The Philippines has a lot to offer its visitors. Discover the country, get to know the people and their culture. Enjoy your visit to the Philippines and Mabuhay!
• Travel light - limit the things you carry with you when you travel. If at all possible, carry just one 9" x 22" x 14" bag with a maximum weight of 20 pounds. If you can manage to limit your bag to this size, you don't have to check-in your luggage at the airport. Upon arrival to your destination, you can go directly to customs while everybody is waiting for their luggage at the carousel. Pack light and pack smart. When choosing what to bring, think in terms of what you can do without rather than what might be handy for the trip.
• When you travel to the Philippines, bring light clothing specially if you're visiting in summer. Cotton Tees, shirts, pants and walking shorts are your best bet. For ladies, a hat with brim will help protect against the heat of the sun. A pair of sunglasses with UV protection is recommended. And if you plan to travel to the countryside or walk a lot, don't forget to bring your comfy sneakers or sandals.
• Note that the Philippines uses 220V of electricity. Most 5-star hotels provide 100V outlets but generally, they are not available, specially in the rural areas. So if you're planning to bring some electronic gadgets, make sure you bring a converter with you.
• Travel tip for smokers: long haul flights can be difficult for smokers. Bring with you a couple of nicotine patches and put one on about an hour before your flight. It is amazing how this small patch can make your craving for a smoke disappear.
Travel Tip on Valuables:
• Avoid bringing valuables. A decent watch and faux accessories (optional) are all you need. But in case you did bring some expensive jewellery, deposit them and your other valuables in the hotel safe (most major hotels provide them for free).
• Make sure you make a photocopies of your passport and tickets just in case you loose them. Keep the copies in a separate locations - place them in the deep pockets of your luggage.
• It is a good idea to use a belt bag to put your money, passport and other valuables when on the road rather than a bag. And position it in front of your body and under your shirt if possible. Better yet, use a money belt and hide it under your clothing.
• Never leave your bag and other valuables on the beach or at the poolside when swimming. It is a lot safer to leave them in your hotel room.
Tipping:
• It is customary to leave a tip when rendered a service. On restaurants, a 10% tip based on the total bill is recommended. However, if there is already a service charge on the bill, a tip then becomes optional.
• Taxis drivers, bellboys, chambermaids, all expect to be tipped. For a short taxi ride, a P20 tip will suffice. But for hotel bellboys and chambermaids, a P100 tip is more appropriate. Adjust the tip according to your length of stay and service rendered.
Shopping Tips:
• If you are about to do some shopping and are scheduled to visit the Philippines, don't. Do your shopping in the Philippines. Even designer clothes are sold cheaper in the Philippines than the countries they are made in. Many Filipinos living overseas come home to see their families and shop at the same time. The savings oftentimes pays for their vacation.
• Aside from the goods, you can save substantially by having your medical, dental and cosmetic needs done in the Philippines. Ask for referrals from friends (or the hotel concierge for minor services) and choose the best ones.
Philippine Travel Seasons:
• June to August is the typhoon season. Although the temperature is moderate and hotel rates are lower, it is not the best time to travel specially if you intend to see the countryside or cross the islands by sea.
• From March to May is summer time and is a good time to see the islands with clear skies and calm waters. You are also assured that no flights or ferry boat trips will be cancelled due to typhoons. Although expect the temperatures to occasionally reach 38 degrees centigrade.
• The best time to see the country is from November to February when the weather is cooler. It is also a good time to see the longest Christmas season in the world. Were Filipinos start to decorate for Christmas as early as October.
General Philippine Travel Tips:
• Filipinos (as with most Asians) are mostly conservative. Act, speak and dress modestly, more so when going to the countryside. In most places, wearing shorts, tees, sleeveless shirts, sandals or sneakers are fine - specially in summer.
• Avoid talking about religion and politics specially to people you have just met. Especially when drinking (alcoholic beverages) this sometimes lead to heated arguments or worse.
• If you are going to Mindanao (southern Philippines) where some areas are predominantly Muslims, dress conservatively - specially the women. And don't call Muslims Moros. It's considered rude.
• When travelling overseas, its always a good practice to get a travel health insurance. Travel health insurance offers peace of mind when abroad. Also, check with local health authorities for any concerns when going to remote villages. And drink only bottled water or canned beverages when unsure of the local water supply.
• Filipinos are a very friendly and welcoming people. The Philippines has a lot to offer its visitors. Discover the country, get to know the people and their culture. Enjoy your visit to the Philippines and Mabuhay!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
16 Thai Provinces in 10 Months
 |
| At the Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok Province, Thailand. |
1. Chiang Mai
2. Phitsanulok
3. Sukhothai
4. Prachuap Khiri Khan
5. Ayutthaya
6. Samut Prakan
7. Chonburi
8. Bangkok
9. Nakhon Pathom
10. Kanchanaburi
11. Petchaburi
12. Nonthaburi
13. Suphanburi
14. Lopburi
15. Chachoengsao
16. Ang Thong
16 Thai provinces in 10 months for year 2011. Thank you Larry Love for colorfully marking our Thailand map and bringing home happy and precious memories from each place. We love you forever. God bless you more.14. Lopburi
15. Chachoengsao
16. Ang Thong
Thank you dear Lord Jesus for the gift of travel and for always keeping us safe and healthy.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Fun Travelling With Kids
My daughter was only eight months old when we had our first international trip together. She can’t walk yet then, so basically I carried her most of the time. I carried her in one arm while my other arm carried her bag full of extra clothing, food, diapers, toys, milk and other stuff. Was the experience a nightmare? Oh, it wasn’t at all. If we are prepared, regardless when we travel with kids, by land, by air or by water, the journey wouldn’t be a disaster. However, there will be endless occasions when kids can get on our nerves when we travel. Here are few tips that may help you soften the travel woes.
Instead of dragging kids into a travel agency, where they will certainly get bored, book online and book everything ahead of time.
Organize your travel documents. Make sure you prepare a checklist of everything you will need. Keep all these documents and papers in one bag, so you can have them available at any time when needed. These include your passports, boarding passes and certifications especially when you travel with a child. In some immigration offices, they check for the child’s birth certificate and other documents indicating your relationship with the child.
Prepare a travel survival kit packed with first aid materials, medicines, small toys, games, feeding bottles, milk formula, diapers, and picture books. Portable DVD players, video games and other electronic things can keep kids trouble-free and occupied for hours. Bring CD’s (iPod or walkman) along and play music.
Pack snacks even if the airlines give these out. Keep your kids’ sugar content low, so they won’t be hyperactive during the travel. Snacks you can bring may include crackers, carrot sticks, pretzels or fruit.
Be sure that kids use the bathroom at every opportunity – before leaving your home, in the airport or station before getting on the plane, train, ship or bus.
Kids could be cranky at times when they are tired. So, before you travel, make sure that they had enough rest.
Hang on to your kids especially in a crowded airport or station. It could give you a heart attack if you lose your child even for only a few seconds. It is best to avoid that situation.
Whenever I travel with my daughter, I always put her in a stroller, big enough to carry her and my other ‘hand carry’ stuff. I also bring her favorite teddy and an extra soft blanket to make her comfortable. Since I travel with a child, I get prioritized in the queuing lines and we always get the front seats inside the airplane, where there is more space to move around. I always travel at night. That is just the perfect time when my daughter sleeps and when she awakes, she is in a different country already.
Travelling with kids could be a lot of fun. It wouldn’t be difficult or a nightmare as long as you plan carefully. Keep things enjoyable and safe and everything else will go a lot smoother for you and your family.
Bon Voyage!
For more reads, enjoy watching the slideshow below.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
My First Fish Merit Experience in Thailand
A few Sundays ago, we visited our favorite Buddhist temple – The Wat Yannawa. Yannawa means “boat”. So as its name implies, the temple is shaped like a boat. My husband loves to take pictures there and my daughter loves to feed the birds, turtles and the fishes along the Chao Phraya River. The river is right behind the Wat Yannawa temple.
While my husband takes pictures, my daughter feeds the fishes and I enjoy the views, three Thai students are performing a Fish Merit ceremony. They had a pail and in it were three fishes. After a ten-minute prayer, they released the fishes in the river. I wonder what’s behind this ceremony. Why do they do it? What happens when they practice it?
Below is the story on where and how did this merit-making start.
*In the time of the Lord Buddha, there was a temple named Chetawan Wihan which was under the charge of Saributr. One summer day, a young novice went to pay respect to Saributr. The abbot noticed an abnormal sign on the novice’s face and knew immediately that the novice would die seven days later. Out of pity, he told the poor novice about this and tried to console him. The novice then asked for leave to go home to bid farewell to his parents and relatives. He promised that he would come back to Chetawan temple within seven days in order to die there.
Two events happened on his way home. First, when he passed a water-hole and tried to get some water to drink, he saw fishes struggling in the mud. He felt pity on them, so he took off his robe, caught all the fishes and put them in his robe. He walked to a nearby pond and freed the fishes there.
Later, when the novice reached an old farm he saw three birds stuck in snares. He wanted to free them, but he couldn’t because that would mean violating the second precept of the Buddhist moral code (i.e. to abstain from stealing). So the novice just stood still looking at the birds and prayed for their safety. He prayed for a long time until there was a gust blowing in the direction where the birds were stuck. The snares shook until the wires broke and the birds flew away.
When the novice reached his home, he told his relatives about his imminent death, they were so sad that they decided to make merit for him. They weighed the novice and prepared a quantity of rice equaling the weight of the novice. They boiled the rice and presented it to the monks. They took good care of him day and night. Surprisingly, seven days passed and the novice was still alive and healthy, so he went back to Chetawan Temple.
When Saributr saw the novice, he was very surprised as his predictions had never failed before. So he asked the novice to tell to him what he had done in the past seven days. After hearing the story, Saributr realized that the novice’s escape from death was due to his meritorious acts done from his compassionate heart – freeing fishes, helping birds to flee and presenting boiled rice to the monks. All the merits done when added together were strong enough to prolong his life. This is believed to be the origin of the Buddhist tradition of freeing fishes and birds that has been observed by Thais as well as other Buddhists since the ancient times.
*Source: “Thaiways” Vol. 18, No. 15, 2001
From long ago until today, Thai Buddhists believe that they will make good merit if they release fishes, birds, and turtles at a temple. The idea is that you are doing good by giving a creature its freedom.
Of all the wonderful treasures in this world, there will be nothing more precious to someone than giving them a piece of your heart. Every time you share the goodness of your heart, you always end up winning, because LIFE IS AN ECHO. It bounces back to you what you have given.
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