Travel blogger Ivan Henares has journeyed to all 79 provinces of the Philippines. Most of us would be glad to clock up even half of that. Admittedly, I seem to be travelling more abroad than locally these days. I really see nothing wrong with this since it opens me up to other cultures and gives me fresh perspectives on how things are going in other parts of the world. For example, did you know that the Philippine public transport system looks like it was stuck in the 1960s when placed side by side with the mass transport in China's big cities? Harsh reality, ... Continue Reading...
One fine day in Osaka Castle
Have you noticed when you travel that there's always the rush to see so many places in such a short time, so that the total effect for the tourist is to grow weary and tired? When we visited the famous landmark Osaka Castle, we decided that there's going to be none of the "race to have the most number of photos" thing and just enjoy our day at the park, before taking the next train to Kyoto that is! First of all, I am enchanted with the idea of a castle and how there was so much to love about that park. Being a cool (not cold) day in March, I easily warmed to the ... Continue Reading...
After the big quake, business as usual in Osaka, Japan
We arrived in Osaka Sunday night. This was a trip I was hesitant to take because of the wrong timing: we planed in two days after the devastating earthquake slash tsunami that rocked Japan. And the cherry blossoms won't show up till end of March yet. A few factors that made me decide to push through with the trip: my expiring Japan visa and a non-refundable, non-rebookable ticket. So much for promo fares that don't protect you otherwise from acts of God and natural calamities. My only consolation is that we booked for Osaka which is far from the chaos and power ... Continue Reading...
China visa requirements
As always, the hassle with travelling is getting a visitor visa, especially for countries which require them. It seems I've been applying for lots of visas recently starting with Taipei last year, to China and our forthcoming trip to Japan. I always have to make a checklist because completing visa requirements isn't easy, and if you don't organize your list well, the task looks daunting. The requirements for China visa look the same as the one listed by the other embassies, except for one. If you're a first time visitor, you have to get an NBI Clearance for Travel ... Continue Reading...
Best budget tour to the Great Wall of China: DIY (do it yourself)
Touring the Great Wall is the high point of any tourist's trip to Beijing. Prior to this, I made a lot of reading on the internet on how this can be done. First thing, I realized that there is not just one Great Wall, it's so vast that you can go through as many six entrances - each with varying degrees of distance, restoration and photogenic factor. It was tempting to just consider one of those Great Wall hiking companies with an online presence. Unfortunately, most of them quote a price depending on the group size. Since February is still winter in China and was ... Continue Reading...
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