tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28859426362153362372024-03-13T22:12:09.183-07:00The Chronicles of Ardeeardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.comBlogger386125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-24367738912178075622012-08-22T20:25:00.001-07:002012-08-22T20:25:13.402-07:00Photo Map Your Instagram Last night, I just updated my Instagram to 3.0. Whew, it was really cool!!!
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Way before, I would checkin my location so that my friends would know my whereabouts or even discovering their whereabouts by using location-based social networking, <i>Foursquare</i>. Then came <i>Twitter</i> locating my tweets and <i>Facebook</i> giving locations on my statuses.
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This is <b>Geotagging</b> - attaching your location at a specific date and time. <b>Instagram</b> is catching up with the bandwagon by giving us <b>Instagram 3.0</b> and its new feature called <b>Photo Map</b>.
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<b>Photo Map</b> puts all your photos to the map where it was geotagged or the locations where you took your snaps. And also browse photos of fellow <i>Instagrammers</i> according to geographic location. Only thing is, I cannot add the previous photos I have without any location on it to my Photo Map. <i>That's why you can only see one picture above. And yeah, to those photos with locations but you don't want to share (like your home or office) you can also opt out from your <b>Photo Map</b>.</i>
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So on your upcoming Instagram experience, just make sure your <b>Photo Map</b> is ON or you can also name the exact location before you make the blast to anyone in your social network.
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The 3.0 update with “<b>Photo Map</b>” is available on both Apple and Android devices. Another jumpstagram for Instagram. Enjoy your instagramming.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-30519376100699132492012-08-17T01:14:00.000-07:002012-08-17T01:21:33.013-07:00Top Tourist Attractions of AyutthayaBefore <i>Bangkok</i>, <b>Ayutthaya</b> became the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Before the royalty of <i>Bangkok</i>, there was the glory of <b>Ayutthaya</b>. Long time ago, this Kingdom was one of the biggest and wealthiest cities in the East as described by foreign traders. It is also sometimes called the <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.sg/2012/07/ayutthaya-venice-of-east.html">Venice of the East</a>. Now all is left is ruins, and this site is known today as the <b>Ayutthaya Historical Park</b>.
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Our sweat were dripping hot as we troop around this Ancient City named as one of the <i>UNESCO World Heritage Site</i> in 1991. There are several buddhist temples and point of interests that covers this old city. To begin with is <b>Wat Mahathat</b>.
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<i>Wat Mahathat</i></center>
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<b>Wat Mahathat</b> was built in 14th century by King Rachatirat to house a relic of the Buddha. Similar to as any of the temples, stupas and chedis are scattered around. You can see a lot of Buddha images but perhaps the most recognizable image from Thailand is the Buddha entwined within the roots of this fig tree.
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<i>The Buddha Head on the tree in Wat Mahathat</i></center>
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This iconic symbol can be found in <b>Wat Mahathat</b>, Ayutthaya. One thing to remember is, it is a sacred place so politeness must be observed. The presence of a guard and a chain is surrounded on the site so visitors cannot come too close to the much-revered statue and as for the photo ops, it should be taken from a kneeling position.
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<i>Wat Ratchaburana</i></center>
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Just opposite of <i>Wat Mahathat</i> is <b>Wat Ratchaburana</b>. This Wat was built to house the remains of the two elder brothers of King Borom Ratchathirat II, who died in a power struggle following after their father, King Intharatcha I. As soon as you enter this ruins, you will see the tall tower in <i>Khmer-style prang</i> and brick walls on the side. You can climb the prang for nice views of the area. And also, inside is a little exhibit and paintings still visible on the walls.
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<i>Reclining Buddha in Wat Yai Chai Mongkol</i></center>
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You have probably seen a lineup of sitted Buddha statues dressed in safron robes from postcards or random images, well, if you see that picture, that is <b>Wat Yai Chai Mongkol</b> in Ayutthaya. Or maybe, if you wanna see another huge reclining buddha with a length of 15 metres, this is the place to be. It was the great victory of King Naresuan in the battle over the Burmese, that this temple was restored and got its name as <i>"Chai Mongkol"</i> or <i>"Auspicious Victory"</i>.
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<i>Reclining buddha in Wat Lokayasutha</i></center>
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Another temple most famous for the large reclining Buddha is <b>Wat Lokayasutha</b> or <i>"The Temple of the Earth"</i>. The white washed Buddha measures 37 meters in length.
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<i>Phra Mongkhon Bophit</i></center>
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<b>Phra Mongkhon Bophit</b> houses a seated Buddha image, one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand measuring approximately 9.5 meters across the lap and a height of 12.5 meters without the pedestal.
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<b>Ayutthaya</b> is surely worth a visit of its rich history. Must include in your itineraries!!!
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-4501478831855433632012-08-02T03:18:00.002-07:002014-02-08T22:26:07.431-08:00Top Tourist Attractions in BangkokDefinitely, you should never miss out the Royal Adventure on your first <b>travel to Bangkok</b>. Well, for sure, you will be allured once you step down on the kingdom.
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Here are more pictures from our <i>Bangkok, Thailand</i> trip.
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<b>The Grand Palace</b>
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The <i>Grand Palace</i> is a 218,400 square meters rectangular complex consisting of beautiful temples, museums, pavilions and other buildings that is only fit for a King. It is full of artistic and stunning architectures and treasures, leaving you an experience with a feel of royalty.
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<i>Wat Phra Kaew
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<i>Phra Sri Rattana Chedi </i></center>
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<i>Phra Mondop</i></center>
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The style and detail is not only shown in the pavilions or carvings on the walls but also to the exterior which are really beautifully crafted. You really can see how the people behind it give so much effort on what they do.
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You can go around this dazzling and spectacular <b>Grand Palace</b> daily from eight thirty in the morning to three thirty in the afternoon with an admission fee of 250 baht.
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<b>Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha</b>
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Just beside the <i>Grand Palace</i>, is another major tourist attraction - <b>Wat Pho</b>. This houses the famous <i>Golden Reclining Buddha</i> which is why it is also known as the <b>Temple of the Reclining Buddha</b>.
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<br /> Some people drop coins to a 108 bronze bowls along the corridors of the temple which they believed to bring good fortune. Aside from this 15 m high and 43 m long reclining buddha, <b>Wat Pho</b> is also home to more than a thousand buddha images. <br /><br />
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Between eight in the morning to five in the afternoon, you can experience this place with an admission fee of 100 baht. Tourists are recommended to be in polite dress, no shorts, although trousers are permitted.
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<b>Wat Arun</b>
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Another well-known landmark is not afar from the two sites mentioned above, <i>Grand Palace</i> and <i>Wat Pho</i>. The <b>Temple of the Dawn</b> or more commonly known as the <i>Wat Arun</i> is a temple named after <b>Aruna</b>, the Indian God of Dawn.
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You can climb up the stairs to see the view but not a comfortable angle going up for those acrophobic as it close like 90 degrees. It's fun up there though. You will be charged 50 baht for entrance fee to this site.
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Thailand is rich in historical, natural and cultural sights. Besides the several World Heritage sites and beautiful cultural display they also have beaches and islands to offer. People are just so lovely, sweet and friendly. You got the feeling like everyone is a friend or maybe more like a brother and sister. That is why I think they are most visited in the Asia Pacific, being ranked top or favorite by different tourism bodies and yes, it's really an <b>Amazing Thailand</b>.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-18502415097478159702012-07-28T03:10:00.000-07:002012-07-30T01:58:50.360-07:00Olympics London 2012 Lighting of TorchToday, the first thing I wanted to do is to watch the lighting of the torch for <b>London 2012</b>. Yes, the Olympics has officially began yesterday which was held in <i>Olympic Park</i> in Stratford, London. Previously, I have heard a lot of news about it for lack of security, unpreparedness and just about it.
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So while I was browsing for the opening ceremony online and checking on YouTube for the video, I have crossed upon this instead, <b>The Olympic Torch Cauldron Lighting History</b>.
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<a name='more'></a><span class="fullpost">Man, I was a bit emotional. Not that I cried. <i>Haha</i>
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It's just that when the host countries finally open the Olympic games participated by the whole world, it felt like, we are all united once again through sports. So sweet, Earth. :P
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In London 2012, the Olympic Flame was lighted up by the young athletes. Finally, the moment has begun.
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Fantastic. Awesome. Bliss.<br /><br />
Let the games begin!!!
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-23766513493184112882012-07-26T00:15:00.000-07:002012-07-26T00:16:21.329-07:00The Floating Village of Siem Reap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<center><i>What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger...</i> - Friedrich Neitzche</center>
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<a name='more'></a><span class="fullpost">So after our amazement at the temples of Angkor, our next stop is the <i>Floating Village</i>.
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It was a long <i>tuktuk</i> ride out of town going to this village where the <i>tuktuk</i> driver wanted us to see. After paying a 20USD per pax, our boat driver is already queued for our roundtrip tour of this village.
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I was surprised that there was a community this big, and living afloat in <i>Siem Reap</i>. As we sailed near the houses, the boat driver started to tell us about the place, the people living there and just about how life is from day to day. Well, it seems like every need of the community was there from local shops, mechanic shops, school, gas station and churches. They have ferry taxis and police boat too.
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<center><embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F104140992579432310021%2Falbumid%2F5766774719240346817%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCIfTmfTZiJaWKA%26hl%3Den_US" height="350" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="550"></embed></center>
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A whole community who can't afford to buy land but surviving amidst poverty. One story the boat driver told us is about some instances of parents drowned while at work, fishing, and their children would be left crying in their homes. The neighbors or police would just check out these children and get them to orphanage.
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I saw a lot of tourists visiting the place for their own personal reasons but surely to lend a helping hand. By sharing goods and just anything that would ease the lives of the community even for awhile. We left them a box of noodles as the day comes to night, hoping we left a smile in their hearts as well as they did to ours.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-4598192372959451182012-07-24T19:40:00.000-07:002012-07-24T19:47:41.341-07:00Eat Bulaga Indonesia Opening ThemeI just gotta blog this.
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Well, as you might have heard of - <b>Eat Bulaga</b>, the longest running noontime variety show in the Philippines had been franchised by Indonesia's SCTV Network and started airing the show's first international version last July 16. This year makes <i>Eat Bulaga</i>, <b>33 years</b> old and it's really nice to hear that it has been there to share the laughter and joy not only for the <i>Philippines</i>, but now together with our friendly neighbor, <b>Indonesia</b>.
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I was just doing my daily round ups when I stumbled on this video. The opening theme song of Eat Bulaga! Indonesia! <i>(I just know a bit of Indonesian words and learning the language, I think this is gonna be my first Indonesian song...)</i>
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Here is the opening theme of <b>Eat Bulaga</b> from the Philippines.
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Hoping for more years of show business with solid fun and entertainment.. Enjoy!!! :P
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-65161441122247523232012-07-16T01:17:00.000-07:002012-07-16T01:17:30.644-07:00Top Tourist Attractions in Phnom PenhEven when I was still in the boundary of <i>Vietnam</i>, I already can see how interesting and beautiful <b>Cambodia</b> is. I just couldn't wait to walk around, explore the place and enjoy every moment. We have decided to stay first in the capital city at least for a day and a night.
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<b>Phnom Penh </b>is known to be the <i>Charming City</i> and <i>Pearl of Asia</i> for its beautiful and historical attractions. The <b>Khmer architecture</b> really shows a vibrant and unique style of the people of Cambodia.
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There are a lot of structures to see in this place but here are some I have picked as the top tourist attractions in Phnom Penh that will surely give its charm.
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1. <b>The Royal Palace</b>
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<center><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZauNsEJJLA/T9Bs1XkWfSI/AAAAAAAAD6c/1B2pFl067xY/s1600/rdsean%2Bphnom%2Bpenh%2B%2Broyal%2Bpalace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZauNsEJJLA/T9Bs1XkWfSI/AAAAAAAAD6c/1B2pFl067xY/s550/rdsean%2Bphnom%2Bpenh%2B%2Broyal%2Bpalace.jpg" /></a>
<br /><i>The Royal Palace</i></center>
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<a name='more'></a>The <b>Khmer architecture</b> could be seen excellently from the <i>Throne Hall</i>, <i>Moonlight Pavilion</i>, <i>Silver Pagoda</i>, <i>Khemarin Palace</i> and the charming structures and gardens inside the <b>Royal Palace</b>. It is open everyday from 730 to 1130 in the morning and 230 to 500 in the afternoon except on holiday.
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2. <b>Council of the Ministers</b>
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<br /><i>Council of the Ministers in Phnom Penh</i></center><br />
You might be mistaken of this golden building as a shrine or temple which I did, but it is actually the <b>Council of the Ministers</b>. It is just near the Royal Palace that is worth to look at. The view was taken at <i>Wat Botum Park</i>.
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3. <b>The statue of Lady Penh</b>
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<br /><i>Lady Penh</i></center><br />
<b>Daun Penh</b> was a wealthy lady who build a temple on the hill named <i>Wat Phnom Daun Penh</i>, and presently known as <b>Wat Phnom</b>. This is where <b>Phnom Penh</b> took its name. The statue of <b>Lady Penh</b> is just on the opposite side of <i>Wat Phnom</i>.
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4. <b>National Museum</b>
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<br /><i>National Museum</i></center><br />
The National Museum is full of rich artifacts and cultural history of Cambodia. This museum is the largest in Cambodia and one of the world's largest collections of <b>Khmer Art</b>.<br /><br />
Make sure to visit these sites and know more about then. It's really satisfying!!!
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-86510998327161097472012-07-09T02:40:00.001-07:002012-07-09T02:40:22.638-07:00Ayutthaya: The Venice of the East<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<center><i>Wat Mahathat</i></center>
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It was nine thirty when we had our breakfast. This is our second day in <b>Thailand</b> and our itinerary for the whole day is <b>Ayutthaya</b>. I've listed this as a must-visit place when in Bangkok so I was really excited. My friends <i>Ohm</i> and <i>Boy</i> is our tourist guide around the place. We rode a taxi from the guest house to <b>Victory Monument</b>, and arrived there at around ten thirty. This is where the terminal of the minivan going to Ayutthaya is. We did not wait for a long time in the queue while the minivan needs to fill up 12 seats. I am not sure if this is a regular day or we were just lucky. Anyway, the travel time was around one hour to one and a half.
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<center><i>Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol</i></center>
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Soon as we arrived at one thirty in Ayutthaya, we hired a <i>tuktuk</i> to get us around. The <i>tuktuk</i> is <b>600 baht per hour</b>. That time was <b>really really HOT</b>. Armed with mineral water and sun protection, we started touring around the historical town.
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<center><i>Buddha inside Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol</i></center>
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Besides the charge of the <i>tuktuk</i>, there were also entrance fees on some of the sites like <i>Wat Mahathat</i> for <b>50 baht</b>, <i>Wat Ratchaburana</i> for <b>50 baht</b> and <i>Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol</i> (The Great Temple of Auspicious Victory) for <b>20 baht</b>.
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<center><i>Buddhas from Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol</i></center>
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I couldn't help but think about the feeling I had when I first saw <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.sg/2012/06/siem-reap-great-gate-to-angkor.html">Angkor Wat Temple of Cambodia</a>. It was just the same. You can feel the greatness of these two cultures even in different times.
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<center><i>Another Park in Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol</i></center>
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Other attractions are the <b>Elephant Village</b> and <b>Floating Market</b>. It was lovely to see the elephants walking around the place, but I have already tried riding an elephant back in <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.sg/2012/05/im-sexy-and-i-phuket.html">Phuket</a>. We then went to the floating market to have refreshments and buy some souvenirs.
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We finished our tour at exactly three hours and it was really worth it. The ruins shows a rich history and kingdom of <b>Ayutthaya</b> was, that is why it is listed as <b>UNESCO World Heritage Site</b>. It's architecture and artworks really has an enduring beauty that it was called the <i>Venice of the East</i>. So be sure to visit the place when in Bangkok.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-45516494412723632352012-07-04T02:36:00.001-07:002012-07-05T00:47:07.964-07:00Bangkok: The City of AngelsThis is the last leg of our Asian Adventure and officially our fourth day from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. We are finally in <b>Bangkok, Thailand.</b>
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We did not have any tour packages, just a few online researches and we just went on our own. <b>Bangkok</b> or <i>Krung Thep</i> in Thai literally means "<i>City of Angels</i>". The place is easy and the locals are just warm and friendly, I guess it adds up to that name they are called.
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<span class="fullpost">We had are morning breakfast at our guest house and that Thai food was really awesome. I was just excited looking at our itinerary for the day. Of course, the very first place to see when in <i>Bangkok</i>, is the <b>Grand Palace</b>.
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<i>Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat</i> and <i>Phra Thinang Aphorn Phimok Prasat</i></center>
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The <b>Grand Palace</b> is a complex of royal buildings and where the picture above is located. Feast your eyes with gold around the area from the buildings to the buddhas, to the relics and to just anywhere in the palace. There's just a lot of treasure to see on this place.
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<center><i>Buddhas in Wat Pho</i></center>
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Another tourist attraction is <b>Wat Pho</b>. If you are coming from the entrance of the <i>Grand Palace</i>, just behind the complex is <i>Wat Pho</i>, or also known as the <b>Temple of the Reclining Buddha</b>. There are a lot of buddhas inside Wat Pho but obviously the largest and the main attraction here is, the Reclining Buddha which is <i>160 feet</i>.
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<center><i>A view of Wat Arun</i></center>
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Our last stop is another Buddhist temple named <b>Wat Arun</b>. This temple has been around long before even when <b>Ayutthaya</b> was still the capital of Thailand. We rode a <i>tuktuk</i> from <i>Wat Pho</i> to <i>Wat Arun</i> for 200 baht and crossed a bridge going there. But you can also explore the place by ferry along Chao Phraya River..
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The historic <b>Grand Palace</b>, <b>Wat Pho</b> and <b>Wat Arun</b> is the most visited place that makes <b>Bangkok</b>, not only the tourist gateway of Thailand but one of the world's tourist hotspots. This is a must-visit so make sure to add this up in your itinerary or when you travel in <b>Bangkok</b>.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-52020234128772898672012-07-03T00:37:00.000-07:002012-07-05T00:41:02.880-07:00The Amazing Spider-man That SurprisesJust a short review about the <b>Marc Webb<b></b></b>'s reboot movie of Sam Raimi's Spider-man film series. <br />
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Yes, my friend <i>Paul</i> and I have finally seen the <b>Amazing Spider-Man</b> last weekend. I have read a fair share of good and bad reviews, but here is what I have to say.
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<span class="fullpost">At first, I did not feel like <b>Andrew Garfield</b> can be <i>Peter Parker</i> or <i>Spider-man</i> because I think he was so skinny. Like he can be easily defeated by his villains. But then when he was learning his spider-like abilities, he was kinda cool and his humor made sense. I mean, it was good. The audience were appreciative of that and the casts have the electricity of the characters they are portraying. There was a good laugh, they were teary-eyed and it was all fun. The cast indeed delivered. I am not a comic follower of <b>Spiderman</b> so I am not aware if there should be noted in the story but for me its a whole new story and it was all clear how it got to the new villain. In the end, I was just surprised that <b>Spiderman</b> still amazes me, seriously.
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The <b>Amazing Spider-man</b> was released June 29, 2012 and still showing in theaters now. Have you watched the movie? What can you say about it?
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-43619691282323279462012-06-27T00:23:00.000-07:002012-07-03T22:42:38.871-07:00For The Love of the Kingdom of SiamWrapping up our travel to the Land of Khmers, <b>Phnom Penh</b> and <b>Siem Reap</b> is really a timeless beauty. I am just so overwhelmed with the experience I got and I will definitely go back and have more time in that place.
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We have already arranged a minivan going to our next destination at 1100 in the morning. We did not know there was a <i>tuktuk</i> waiting for us in our hotel. The <i>tuktuk</i> driver was outrage of the delay, while we were being transferred to another hostel. <i>lol</i> The minivan is stationed about 10 minutes away from our hotel. We were on the road at 1130 in the morning and the ride was really cool while we were listening to the local Khmer sound.
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<center><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scxzfWfYDh8/T-p8m3zKf_I/AAAAAAAAEB4/xBpSBAgcATA/s1600/rdsean%2Bbangkok%2Bthailand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scxzfWfYDh8/T-p8m3zKf_I/AAAAAAAAEB4/xBpSBAgcATA/s550/rdsean%2Bbangkok%2Bthailand.jpg" /></a><i>A view of Phra Sumen Fort from our Guesthouse</i></center>
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Now, we are really off to the place I have been wanting to see for quite a long time already - the Kingdom of Siam, or now known as <b>Thailand</b>.
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After three hours, we arrived at the <b>Cambodia - Thailand border</b> in <b>Poipet</b>. Actually, I was not feeling comfortable in the place since I've heard from a Filipino and Japanese couple back in Siem Reap that there's a lot of things going on there and also, to what I have read about the place. Luckily, we found a goodhearted Thai guy who assisted us in the border. We went down the minivan and approached the immigration of Cambodia, which was in an open area that looks like a marketplace. I was so attentive still. We got our passport stamped and then we have to cross on that free soil they call by walking. About 5 to 10 minutes we reached the Thai immigration. Our group were finished after 30 minutes. We transferred to a different minivan for Thailand but before we went on full road trip, we took our lunch first. Along the way, I could not sleep so I just chatted with our new friends. It was a lovely sunset as we approached Bangkok, it's as if I'm gonna fall in love at first sight.
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About dinner time when we arrived at <b>Khaosan Road</b>. A place where lots of tourist go for backpacking and where our minivan had his final stop. We did not book for accommodation this time, we thought it would be easy to just get a room around the place.
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We passed by the streets with full of life. The decorations on the sidewalk was just so beautiful. There were a lot of foreigners and tourist passing by, others having good times while we check for an internet shop. Finally, found the shop but all accommodation seemed fully booked. I tried phoning a few until we got one, the place is about two streets away from <i>Khaosan Road</i>. So there we hop on a <i>tuktuk</i> and went straight to the address I just gave to the driver. The place was just what we needed. We checked in and when we were settled we went back to hunt for dinner and chill out before calling it a day.
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<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89pqkr-Auo8/T-p8mbltPoI/AAAAAAAAEBs/c69awDc_i8I/s1600/rdsean%2Bbangkok%2Bthailand%2Bthe%2Bgod%2Bblue%2Bskies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89pqkr-Auo8/T-p8mbltPoI/AAAAAAAAEBs/c69awDc_i8I/s550/rdsean%2Bbangkok%2Bthailand%2Bthe%2Bgod%2Bblue%2Bskies.jpg" /></a></center>
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The next day is about how we conquered the favorite attractions of the area as listed in our itinerary is <b>The Grand Palace</b>, <b>Wat Phra Kaew</b>, <b>Wat Arun</b> and <b>Victory Monument</b>.
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<i>More to come...</i>
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-31607259191341634392012-06-25T08:00:00.000-07:002012-06-25T08:01:32.422-07:00Siem Reap: The Great Gate to AngkorFrom <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.sg/2012/06/ho-chi-minh-paris-of-orient.html">Paris of the Orient</a> to the capital of <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.sg/2012/06/cambodia-land-of-khmer.html">the Land of Khmers</a>, our Asian Adventure continues towards the Great Gate of Angkor, <b>Siem Reap</b>.
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We have departed at Phnom Penh before midnight via bus. After 5 hours of travel, we saw our hotel guide waiting for us on the bus stop bearing our name. It was seven in the morning when we were greeted with warmth at the hotel.
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After early check-in, we took our breakfast and got ourselves excited riding the <i>tuktuk</i> going to the gates of Angkor. It was a precious moment for me because this is one of the places I wanted to go before I die, my big dream to see the stunning beauty of the <b>Angkor Wat</b> and I was like overwhelmed with this excitement.
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<center><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMAQj9L6xU0/T-QdABjmEfI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/pWu5iKBiIdQ/s1600/rdsean%2Bangkor%2Bwat%2Bsiem%2Breap%2Bcambodia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMAQj9L6xU0/T-QdABjmEfI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/pWu5iKBiIdQ/s550/rdsean%2Bangkor%2Bwat%2Bsiem%2Breap%2Bcambodia.jpg" /></a></center>
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<a name='more'></a><span class="fullpost">Since I step on the temple grounds, I can't stop but awe with these magnificent Hindu temples listed as <b>UNESCO World Heritage Site</b>.
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<br />I felt I was trapped between time during the 12th century when it was built. I was like in a scene of a Roman Greek inspired movies where the royals are arriving in their kingdom and the people showering them with flowers.
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<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SK-PQ7MrdxM/T-hmjY5774I/AAAAAAAAEAc/QrSYUwnamHQ/s1600/IMG_9978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SK-PQ7MrdxM/T-hmjY5774I/AAAAAAAAEAc/QrSYUwnamHQ/s550/IMG_9978.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />As I drew nearer and nearer to every details of the temples, I pictured how rich and glorious Khmer civilization was. That's what keep them unique and worth a visit from the world.
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<center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSv6M6JkVTU/T-hmjzPe-GI/AAAAAAAAEAo/jkFnTGZFEZ8/s1600/IMG_9979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSv6M6JkVTU/T-hmjzPe-GI/AAAAAAAAEAo/jkFnTGZFEZ8/s550/IMG_9979.jpg" /></a></center>
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We had our breakfast and lunch around that area. There were a lot of locals especially kids who were approaching us and wanted us to buy their goodies. They really can speak good English but I also hear a lot of these words '<i>Same same but different</i>'. Well, we enjoyed them there. If only we could buy all their goods.
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After one whole day of visiting Angkor Wat, we went back to our hotel and relaxed for awhile. We ended our day with a nice dinner and Khmer massage.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-63275505166354731512012-06-21T20:16:00.000-07:002012-06-21T20:16:06.025-07:00Shia LaBeouf Naked TransformationThe <i>Transformers</i> actor <b>Shia Labeouf</b> had transformed like you've never seen before. A heartbreaking (and naked) interpretive dance of <b>Shia</b> <i>LaBuff</i> and actress Denna Thomsen is shown on <b>Sigur Rós</b>' new video for “<i>Fjögur Píanó</i>”.
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<a name='more'></a><span class="fullpost">The award-winning <b>Sigur Rós</b> is known for classical and minimalist aesthetic elements into their ethereal sound.
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What can you say about their video?
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-4720994761544033652012-06-20T18:02:00.000-07:002012-06-20T18:05:21.274-07:00From Taiwan: Piliin Mo Ang PilipinasBefore I continue my posts on the Asian Invasion that my <i>kumare</i> and I had, I just want to share once again this song by <i>Angeline Quinto</i>, "Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas". My friend <i>Tsai</i>, from Taiwan is totally loving this tourism video promotion that was launched for <b>Choose Philippines</b> Campaign of <b>ABSCBN</b>.
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<span class="fullpost">He has been in some few places in Philippines, like in Legazpi and Boracay. He told me he loves the Philippines because the Filipino people are very friendly. In fact, if he had the money, he wants to buy an island in Philippines. But for now, he loves traveling back to the Philippines, his next stop is <b>Palawan</b>. Though he is not decided yet on where to go first, either in <i>Coron</i> or <i>El Nido</i>. I'm thinking to join them but that time will be my birthdate, and I'm also not decided yet because at the same time I have already scheduled travel on this month too. We will see.
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And since I feel like I am a travel ambassador of the Philippines, I also shared this video of '<b>Pilipinas, Tara Na!</b>' to him. Anyway, <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.sg/2011/09/i-choose-philippines-too.html">I Choose Philippines Too</a> and have always been, even this viral campaign have started.
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I'm missing the Philippines already. I've been open on my tweets about (a) the food (I've been thinking a lot of <i>longganisa</i>, <i>bagnet</i> and <i>pinakbet</i> lately), (b) the places that I want to go and yet to see around the country and of course, (c) my family and friends.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-68926142814974124162012-06-17T23:05:00.000-07:002012-06-19T19:31:02.707-07:00Top Tourist Attractions in Ho Chi MinhIt was a little bit weird when we got to <b>Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam</b>. I have always known that as a tourist or a foreigner, I should never give away my passport to anyone in any foreign land. But the case is not always the same like in Ho Chi Minh. As you checked in to the hotel, your passport are being held in the reception until you checkout. Even in the travel buses, the conductor gets to keep them while you are on board. It was a bit uneasy like we were held as captives. But it did not stop us to enjoy the Parisian like city of Ho Chi Minh.
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Here are my top tourist attractions in <b><a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.sg/2012/06/ho-chi-minh-paris-of-orient.html">Ho Chi Minh</a></b><a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.sg/2012/06/ho-chi-minh-paris-of-orient.html">, the Paris of the Orient</a>.
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1. <b>Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica</b>
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<b>Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception</b> is the official name of Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. This beautiful cathedral located in the downtown of Ho Chi Minh City was established during the French colonization.
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2. <b>Bến Thành Market</b>
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Along the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City is a large marketplace called as <b>Bến Thành Market</b>. You can see plenty of shops here for souvenirs and local goods to explore.
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3. <b>Reunification Palace</b>
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<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FM-XqJ79PiY/T9mavdgiWsI/AAAAAAAAD9U/33jv-8exu1M/s1600/rdsean%2Btop%2Btourist%2Bdestination%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2Breunification%2Bpalace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FM-XqJ79PiY/T9mavdgiWsI/AAAAAAAAD9U/33jv-8exu1M/s550/rdsean%2Btop%2Btourist%2Bdestination%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2Breunification%2Bpalace.jpg" /></a></center>
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During the Vietnam War, the Reunification Palace was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam. It was also the site of the North Vietnamese tank that bulldozed the main gate and marking the end of the <i>Vietnam War</i>. The event is known as the <b>Fall of Saigon</b>.
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4. <b>City Hall</b>
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<center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiR9jSalIPI/T9maLetD3yI/AAAAAAAAD88/x2gLSFsFmeU/s1600/rdsean%2Btop%2Btourist%2Bdestination%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2BCity%2BHall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiR9jSalIPI/T9maLetD3yI/AAAAAAAAD88/x2gLSFsFmeU/s550/rdsean%2Btop%2Btourist%2Bdestination%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2BCity%2BHall.jpg" /></a></center>
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The <b>Ho Chi Minh City Hall</b> is not open for tourists but even its facade only, is just captivating as shown in the picture above. It was also build in the French colonial era for the then city of <i>Saigon</i>.
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5. <b>Uncle Ho Statue </b>
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<center><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhOPo77sCeg/T9mau5oauCI/AAAAAAAAD9I/-TDxKZZ0nv4/s1600/rdsean%2Btop%2Btourist%2Bdestination%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2BUncle%2BHo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhOPo77sCeg/T9mau5oauCI/AAAAAAAAD9I/-TDxKZZ0nv4/s550/rdsean%2Btop%2Btourist%2Bdestination%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2BUncle%2BHo.jpg" /></a></center>
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Just infront of the City Hall, is a park that lies a statue of <b>Uncle Ho</b>. It was in his honor that the city of <i>Saigon</i> had changed its name to <b>Ho Chi Minh City</b>.
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So there you have it. These are just some of the tourist attractions that you must visit and enjoy when in <b>Ho Chi Minh City</b>. There's a lot more to see and please do tell me about it. :)
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-51232305625080586912012-06-14T00:47:00.001-07:002012-06-19T19:00:08.908-07:00Cambodia: The Land of Khmer<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgEXMoZUa5Q/T9AJFqXKr6I/AAAAAAAAD5k/oYHQ8OVT8_k/s1600/rdsean%2Bphnom%2Bpenh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgEXMoZUa5Q/T9AJFqXKr6I/AAAAAAAAD5k/oYHQ8OVT8_k/s550/rdsean%2Bphnom%2Bpenh.jpg" /></a>
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I barely knew <b>Cambodia</b> about its history, culture and its people. But I still got a memory of this beautiful place that captured me and got on my travel bucket list. I've seen it from the books and to the big screen Lara Croft: Tomb Raider starring <i>Angelina Jolie</i>. It is a treasure that have been known to the world, the grandeur of <b>Angkor Wat</b>.
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<span class="fullpost">So after five hours by Kumho Samco bus from Ho Chi Minh, we have finally stepped down to the <i>Land of Khmers</i> - <b>Cambodia</b>. Actually, our destination is Siem Reap, but since we are going to pass by Phnom Penh, might as well stay here for a night and check the place which is actually the center of political, industrial and cultural heritage of Cambodia.
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As soon as we arrived, we checked in at our hotel and secured our transport to Siem Reap for the next day. The hotel was able to get us our bus schedule and also a recommended hotel in Siem Reap. When we settled. We went out to look for food and check the night out. While having dinner, we met some friendly locals offering us for a day tour package. They were really good that is why we closed the deal with them.
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4ixMvy_ymA/T9b4XBI0koI/AAAAAAAAD74/4wXWYsEGM2M/s1600/rdsean%2Bphnom%2Bpenh%2Broyal%2Bpalace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4ixMvy_ymA/T9b4XBI0koI/AAAAAAAAD74/4wXWYsEGM2M/s550/rdsean%2Bphnom%2Bpenh%2Broyal%2Bpalace.jpg" /></a>
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Our tour started at 11 in the morning next day. We were able to fire out our anger at <i>Phnom Penh Shooting Range</i>. <i>LOL</i>. Just kidding. Where would that come from. We just had a quick firing session. And after that, next stop is the <i>Killing Fields</i> which turned our emotions down. I will tell you more about it on my upcoming posts.
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We took our lunch near the area when we finished the tour. We headed back to the hotel since our departure time is 3PM. I saw a lot of amazing structures that I wanted to check in to, but we did not have enough time. Unfortunately, we missed out our bus so we rebooked it to 12 midnight but fortunately we were able to get back to the other places we missed out.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-73835467423878351942012-06-06T02:28:00.000-07:002012-06-07T23:57:32.202-07:00Ho Chi Minh: The Paris of the Orient<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TxTLL32tVD4/T878nJZGcBI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/VHzjT3qFDUU/s1600/rdsean%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TxTLL32tVD4/T878nJZGcBI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/VHzjT3qFDUU/s550/rdsean%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam.jpg" /></a></center>
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Just what my fellow travel blogger, Chyng, said: "<i><a href="http://www.chyngreyes.com/2012/06/random-nothings-of-glorified-tambay.html" target="_blank">Summer is forever</a></i>". And indeed it is. So here's for another Asian Travel, probably a continuation of my <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.sg/2011/11/amazing-race-to-kuala-lumpur.html" target="_blank">Amazing Race from Singapore to Malaysia</a> after two years. Like what I said in this <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.sg/2011/11/sidetrip-to-malaysia.html" target="_blank">post</a>, I will continue my Asian travel. This time to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Actually from Singapore, you can travel to Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam with either a train, bus or coach and minivan as they are interconnected by Land.
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I have a dream to travel in Paris and other parts of Europe. Somehow, I came close to that dream when I went to <b>Ho Chi Minh City</b> or what they call, the <i>Paris of the Orient</i>. (<i>Parisian style of some of their grand buildings and monuments.</i>)
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<center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7TLc2CUhMdI/T88EPSqJxFI/AAAAAAAAD4k/sI545MLVyt4/s1600/rdsean%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2Bshops%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7TLc2CUhMdI/T88EPSqJxFI/AAAAAAAAD4k/sI545MLVyt4/s550/rdsean%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2Bshops%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a>
<br /><i>Hotel Continental Saigon</i></center>
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April 26 - After work, I hurriedly went to the airport by cab. I was a bit running late for my flight schedule since it was rush hour that time. I did not have buffers with that but my fingers are crossed that I still can catch my flight. I went straight ahead to budget terminal only to find out, it was not my terminal. I took Jetstar airlines bound to Ho Chi Minh and the plane takes off at Terminal 1. I got there and it was already 20 minutes before my boarding time. So, I ran back to a taxi and as I arrived to Terminal 1, the counter was already closed. I asked them what happens to my ticket, and replied me back that ticket is no longer valid. I immediately proceeded to information and asked the next available flight for tonight. Luckily, they got me a flight but I need to run all the way to the shuttle train for Terminal 3 to buy a new ticket. It was like a race and I was hoping to still get on to the next ride. However, when I got there, the ticket was so expensive. I definitely did not go with that. I just opted to stay overnight and get the much cheaper flight early morning. I went to Terminal 2 to get to the budget terminal. And got my ticket from there.
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo5j8MKxttc/T88EP3uqYrI/AAAAAAAAD4w/ECdiLHGniXo/s1600/rdsean%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2Bshops%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo5j8MKxttc/T88EP3uqYrI/AAAAAAAAD4w/ECdiLHGniXo/s550/rdsean%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2Bshops%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a>
<br /><i>Chanel at Rex Hotel</i></center>
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Following this events, our itinerary was still not messed up. Only that my <i>kumareng</i> Weng, had her overnight in Ho Chi Minh while I had it in the airport. I arrived at the Saigon airport at nine the next morning. I met my <i>kumare</i> in one of the hotels in <b>Pham Ngu Lao Street</b> and had our breakfast. After that we went out looking for <b>Mekong Express</b> tickets which was near the place. We book our bus trip for Phnom Penh, Cambodia on the same day. Our call time was three in the afternoon and it is about five to six hours travel.
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<center><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn-afDar0q8/T88EO_Iw3tI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/FtScP3VLyRY/s1600/rdsean%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2Bshops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn-afDar0q8/T88EO_Iw3tI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/FtScP3VLyRY/s550/rdsean%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2Bshops.jpg" /></a>
<br /><i>Louis Vuitton at Opera View</i></center>
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After that we rented a taxi to get us around the place for USD20. There were a lot of signature shops there. The locals are still using the symbolic conical hat. There were also a lot of motorbikes. Like the majority of locals used motorbikes.
<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmPyKz78nBI/T88EOUMXhZI/AAAAAAAAD4M/Wm1ak8WWIFg/s1600/rdsean%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2Bshops%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmPyKz78nBI/T88EOUMXhZI/AAAAAAAAD4M/Wm1ak8WWIFg/s550/rdsean%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2Bshops%2B%25283%2529.jpg" /></a>
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When our stomach was growling, we asked the cab driver to drop us to a food chain or something. I was surprised to find out the unbeatable happy bee, our very own, <b>Jollibee</b>. For so you know, I have been craving for a delightful spaghetti the past few weeks. And so, this is my moment!! :P
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOU4jNplvPM/T87--WNkQCI/AAAAAAAAD3c/A6IXOZUEH58/s1600/rdsean%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2Bjollibee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOU4jNplvPM/T87--WNkQCI/AAAAAAAAD3c/A6IXOZUEH58/s550/rdsean%2Bho%2Bchi%2Bminh%2Bvietnam%2Bjollibee.jpg" /></a>
</center>
<br />
After that unforgettable event, it's time for us to go back to the bus station. We were on time, but our bus forgot us, that's what the bus lady told us. Good thing there was a next bus coming in about fifteen minutes. It was <b>Kumho Samco</b>, a Korean bus worth for USD12.
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The race continues...
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-42781075724177232902012-05-31T19:11:00.001-07:002012-05-31T19:14:54.710-07:00MinsanIt's first of June. And yes, it's the month of Philippines' Independence. While I was running through my daily roundabouts, I bump through a nice piece to my Facebook wall and I've learned this is from <b><i>Jonard Medina</i></b>. I thought it is something worth to share with you guys, so here.
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<i><blockquote><b>Minsan may Isang Puta</b>
<br />
<i>Jonard Medina</i>
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Tingin ng mga bobong kapitbahay ko, puta daw ako. Nagpapagamit, binabayaran. Sabi nila, ako daw ang pinakamaganda at pinakasikat sa aming lugar noon. Di ko nga alam kung sumpa ito, dahil dito naletse ang kinabukasan ko.
Tara, makinig ka muna sa kwento ko, yosi muna tayo.
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Alam mo, maraming lumapit sa akin. Nagkagusto at naakit. Ang hirap pag lahat sa iyo, virgin eh. Tinanggap ko naman silang tao, bakit kaya nila ako ginago? Hindi ko maintindihan ang mga nangyari sa akin. Bukas palad ko naman silang pinakitunguhan, ni hindi ko nga itinuring na iba. Iniisip ko na nga lang na kasi di sila taga rito kaya siguro talagang ganoon.
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Tatlong malilibog na foreigners ang nagpyesta sa katawan ko. Sabi nila na-rape daw ako.
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Sa tatlong beses akong nagahasa, ang pinakahuli ang di ko makakalimutan.
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Parang maski di ko ginusto ang mga nangyari, hinahanap-hanap ko siya. Kasi, ibang-iba ang hagod niya. Umiikot ang mundo ko sa tuwing ginagamit niya ako. May mga pagkakaton na nasusuka na ko sa mga nangyayari sa aming dalawa. Parang ‘pag humahalinghing siya, nararamdaman ko na nalalason ako.. Gusto ko mang umayaw, hindi ko makuhang humindi. Hindi ko din alam kung bakit. Ibang klase din kasi siya mag-sorry eh, lalo pa at inalagaan niya ako at ang mga naging anak ko.
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Alam mo, parating ang dami naming regalo – may chocolates, yosi at ano ka! May datung pa! Nakakabaliw siya! Alam kong ginagamit niya lang ako pero pagamit naman ako nang pagamit. Sa kanya namin natutunan mag-inggles, di lang magsulat ha! Magbasa pa!
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Nung kinasama ko siya, guminhawa buhay namin. Sosyal na sosyal kami! Ewan ko nga ba, akala ko napapamahal na ako sa kanya. Akala ko tuloy-tuloy na kaligayahan namin, yun pala unti-unti niya akong pinapatay.
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Punyetang buhay! Sa dami ng lason na sinaksak niya sa katawan ko, muntik na akong malaspag. Ang daming nagsabi na ang tanga tanga ko. Palayasin ko na daw. Taon ang binilang bago ako natauhang makining sa payo. Iniisip ko kasi na parang di ko kakayanin na mawala siya sa akin… Sa amin! .
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Sa tulong ng ilan sa mga anak ko, napalayas ko ang demonyo pero ang hirap magsimula. Hindi nga ako sigurado kung nabunutan ako ng tinik o nadagdagan pa. Masyado na kasi kaming nasanay sa sarap ng buhay na naranasan namin sa kanya, kaya eto nabaon kami sa utang. Lubog na lubog kami sa pagkakautang, kulang yata pati kaluluwa namin para ibayad sa mga inutang namin.
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Nakakahiya man aminin pero hanggang ngayon, sa tuwing mabigat ang problema ko, siya ang tinatakbuhan ko. ‘Yun nga lang, kapit sa patalim sabi nga nila. Para akong isang aso na nangagat ng amo, na bumabahag ang buntot at umaamo kapag nangangailangan.
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Usap-usapan ako ng mga kapitbahay ko. May nanghihinayang, namumuhi at naaawa. Puta na kasi ang isang magandang katulad ko. Ang dating hinahangaan at humahalina ay nabibili sa murang halaga. Alam mo maski ganun ang mga nangyari sa akin, nilakasan ko pa rin ang loob ko. Kailangan makita ng mga anak ko, na masasandalan nila ako maski ano pang mangyari.
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Maski ano pa ang sabihin ng iba, sinisikap namin na maging maganda ang buhay namin. Nag-aambisyon kami at nangangarap. Ayun, may mga anak ako na nasa Japan, Hong Kong, Saudi. Yung iba nag-US, Canada, Europe. ‘Yung iba ayaw umalis sa akin. Halos lahat, wala naman silbi. Masaya daw sa piling ko, maski amoy pusali ako.
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Sa dami ng mga anak ko na nagsisikap na tulungan ang kalagayan namin, siya din ang dami ng mga anak ko na nanamantala sa kabuhayan at kayaman na itinatabi ko para sa punyetang kinabukasan naming lahat. Eto na nga ang panahon na halos di na kami makaahon sa hirap ng buhay. Napakahirap dahil nasanay na kami sa ginhawa at sarap.
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Alam mo, gusto ko na sanang tumigil sa pagpuputa kaso ang laki talaga ng letseng utang ko eh. Palaki pa ng palaki! Paano na lang ang mga anak kong naiwan sa aking puder? At paano na lang ang mga anak kong nasa abroad? Baka di na nila ako balikan o bisitahin man lang? Hindi na importante kung laspagin man ang ganda ko, madama lang ng mga anak ko ang pagmamahal ko. Malaman nila na ibibigay ko ang lahat para sa kanila.
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Sa tuwing titingin ako sa salamin, alam ko maganda pa rin ako. Meron pa din ang bilib sa akin. Napapag-usapan pa din. Sa tuwing nakikita ko ang mukha ko sa salamin, nakikita ko ang mga anak ko. Tutulo na lang ang mga luha ko ng di ko namamalayan. Ang gagaling nga ng mga anak ko eh, namamayagpag kahit saan sila pumunta. Mahusay sa kahit anong gawain. Tama man o mali.
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Sa dami ng mga anak ko, iilan lang ang may malasakit sa akin. May malasakit man, nahihilaw pa.
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Mabigat dalahin para sa akin, ang katotohanan na ni minsan ay di kami naging isang pamilya. Halos lahat ng mga anak ko, galit sa isa’t isa. IIlan ang gusto magtulungan, naghihilahan pa. Madalas kong itinatanong sa sarili ko kung naging masama ba akong nanay para magturingan ng ganito ang mga anak ko?
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Kanino bang similya ng demonyo nanggaling ang mga anak kong maituturing mong may mga pinag-aralan pero nakakadama ng saya at sarap sa paghihirap ng kapatid nila? Di ko lubos maisip kung saan impiyerno nanggaling ang kasikiman ng ilan sa mga anak kong ito. Sila pa naman ang inaasahan kong magbabangon sa amin. Nakakabaliw isipin na natitiis nila ang kalagayan ng kanilang mga kapatid na halos mamatay sa hirap ng buhay. Parang di sila magkakapatid sa tindi ng pagkaganid at walang pagmamalasakit.
<br /><br />
Ang di ko akalain ay mismong mga anak ko, ang tuluyang sisira sa akin. Kinapital ang laspag na ganda ko. Masaya sila sa mga nabibili nila mula sa pinagputahan ko. Buong angas nilang pinagyayabang ang mga pansamantalang yaman at ang kanilang hilaw na pagkatao sa mga makakakita at makikinig. Talaga bang nakakalula ang materyal na kayamanan at mga titulong ikinakabit sa pangalan? Hindi ko maintindihan.
<br /><br />
Minsan sa pagtingin ko sa salamin, ni hindi ko na nga kilala sarili ko.
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Dadating na naman ang pasko, sana maalala naman ako ng mga anak ko. Ilang linggo pa, magbabagong taon na. Natatakot ako sa taong darating. Ngayon pa lang usap-usapan na ang susunod na pangbubugaw sa akin. Gagamitin pa nila ang kahinaan ng mga kapatid nilang alipin sa kalam ng tiyan. Sa tagal ng panahong ganito ang sitwasyon namin parang eto lang ang sulok na gagalawan ko. Sana may magtanggol naman sa akin. Ipaglaban naman nila ako. Gusto kong isigaw: “Ina ninyo ako! Pagmamahal nyo lang ang kailangan ko!”
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Sensya na, ang haba na ng drama ko. Masisira na ang make up ko nito eh. Salamat ha, pinakinggan mo ako. Malaking bagay sa akin na nakausap kita. Ang tagal nating nag-usap, di man lang ako nagpapakilala.
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Ay sorry, di ko nasabi pangalan ko.
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Pilipinas nga pala </i>
</blockquote>
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</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-81511313892254986942012-05-31T02:28:00.000-07:002012-05-31T02:31:23.738-07:00The Summer That WasAin't the end of summer yet, right?!?
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<br />
But I guess in the Philippines, life is back to normal again. Yes, students from elementary and highschool are gonna be back to school this June. And I guess, somewhere out there in the corporate world, some have already finished their summer escapades.
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<br />
But I still have a few posts for you for the summer. Just a recap of the posts I promised you.
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<br />
January - Batam, Indonesia
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<a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.com/2012/04/eat-shop-and-relax-at-batam.html">Eat, Shop and Relax at Batam</a>
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February - Phuket, Thailand
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<a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.com/2012/05/im-sexy-and-i-phuket.html">I'm Sexy and I Phuket</a>
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<br />
March - Batam, Indonesia
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<a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.com/2012/05/batam-returns.html">Batam Returns</a>
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April - Penang, Malaysia
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<a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.com/2012/05/penang-for-weekend.html">Penang for Weekend</a>
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And here are my upcoming posts:
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- Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
<br />- Phnom Penh, Cambodia
<br />- Siem Reap, Cambodia
<br />- Bangkok, Thailand
<br />- Ayutthaya, Thailand
<br /><br />Finally, I was able to manage the Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand trip. It was sure fun and I am just so overwhelmed with this trip. Lemme just share you on my next posts. And so the adventure begins.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-24864852493328870452012-05-28T23:14:00.002-07:002012-05-30T23:43:41.404-07:002N3D Phuket Thailand ItineraryHere is my friend's drafted itinerary of our <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.com/2012/05/im-sexy-and-i-phuket.html">I'm Sexy and I Phuket</a>, Thailand trip.
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<u><b>23 Feb 2012 Thursday</b></u><br />
10:30 AM - ETA(estimated time of arrival) at Phuket<br />
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - From Airport to R MAR Resort and SPA<br />
12:00 PM - Check-in<br />
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - LUNCH<br />
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM - Siesta (<i>tulog, ayos ng gamit,explore the hotel</i>)<br />
2:45 PM - 5:00 PM - explore PATONG beach/picture taking/HENNA TATTOO<br />
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM - back to Hotel - Rest and Dress up!<br />
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Dinner(<i>We can go to Aling Nena's Resto- tanong tanong sa kanila affordable packages</i>)<br />
8:00 PM - 10:30 PM - explore BANGLA ROAD/GIMIK TIME/STREET HOPPING<br />
10:30 PM - REST (pahinga tau for activities the next day)<br />
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<u><b>24(2nd Day) Friday</b></u><br />
Wake up time - 6AM<br />
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM - MORNING DEVOTION by the SHORE (<i>Let's thank GOD for this trip and for everything...</i>)<br />
7:45 AM - 8:30 AM - BREAKFAST<br />
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM - Dress up! for ISLAND HOPPING/ACTIVITY<br />
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM - ISLANG HOPPING (Phi Phi and other Islands)<br />
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM - LUNCH<br />
1:30 PM - 6PM - ATV RIDE/ELEPHANT RIDE/PARA SAILING (<i>sched may change depende sa makuha natin na package</i>)<br />
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Back to Hotel<br />
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - DINNER<br />
8:30 PM onwards (<i>suggestions??? pahinga/labas ulit sa BANGLA ROAD and STREET HOPPING</i>)<br />
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<u><b>25(3rd Day) Saturday</b></u><br />
Wake up time(7:30AM)<br />
7:45 AM - 8:45 AM - BREAKFAST<br />
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM - SPA SPA SPA<br />
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Pool Swimming<br />
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Preparation for check-out and CHECK OUT<br />
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - LUNCH<br />
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - BUY PASALUBONG/MALL HOPPING<br />
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM - PATONG to AIRPORT<br />
5:00 PM - TIGER AIRWAYS Check in<br />
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As I have told you on my previous post, their flight schedule were ahead of me. I arrived at Phuket International Airport on the night of Thursday and my departure would be Sunday evening.
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The only thing that was changed on the itinerary was the second day activities. That is because the island hopping package is for one whole day, so we were not able to do ATV ride or parasailing. Though I did the elephant ride on my last day.
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<u><b>26(My official 3rd Day)</b></u><br />
I went to another part of Phuket. So Phuket has 3 districts, Patong is in <b>Kathu</b> district. The other district in the North is <b>Thalang</b>. I went to the capital district which is <b>Mueang Phuket</b>. I went to the Viewpoints and to the Big Buddha. On my way, there was an elephant village so I decided to drop off first to ride an elephant. I continued the rest of the tour hanging around the area.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-4712845669945285512012-05-28T19:04:00.001-07:002012-05-28T19:04:54.508-07:00Pinoy Wins 21K Sundown Event 2012I was already at the venue by nine thirty in the evening of Sunday when I saw a big crowd building up at Nicoll Highway. Everyone seems to be ready to light of the citeeh.. Yeah, I am talking about the run event at Sundown 2012.
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There were 28,000 runners and 75 countries. I joined the 10km marathon.
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So again, I did not have any jogging or exercise prior to this event. Flags off at ten thirty. I was doing okay for the first five kilometers. I ran nonstop and I did not need water. However, for the succeeding kilometers, I was. I had to slow down and stop at the hydration station once in awhile to take a sip of water. I was so tired really.
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Anyways, as I approached towards the finish, I felt relieved. I've done it once again. My statistics went better with a gun time of 1 hour and 7 minutes and chip time of 1 hour and 6 minutes. Stats from my previous <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.com/2012/05/run-350-for-earth.html">Run 350 for Earth</a> was 1 hour and 17 minutes.
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While, I am rejoicing about this, there are two fellow Pinoys who must be more proud. For the 21km category, Filipinos reigned victorious. Mary Joy Tabal, 22, from the Philippines finished the 21km marathon at 1 hour and 25 minutes which made her the winner of this category. Also Mary's coach, John Philip Dueñas, 25, won the 21km Male category at 1 hour and 14 minutes.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-56432456976034507102012-05-27T20:19:00.000-07:002012-09-11T19:45:20.153-07:00Penang for the WeekendWhen that <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.com/2012/02/fun-filled-weekend-travel-to-penang.html">fun filled weekend travel to Penang Island in Malaysia</a> happened, I told myself this is not just gonna be a one-time experience. I mean, i felt like it was my second home already. So, when my <i>kumare</i> visited our friend Karen who is permanently residing there, I followed her for a long weekend this April. I took my backpack and in just a few while, I found myself on this <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.com/2012/03/travel-from-singapore-to-penang-by-bus.html">bus from Singapore going to Penang Island</a>.
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How about a cup of coffee and a plate of cinnamon rolls on the side??
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<center><i>Penang State Mosque (Masjid Negeri Pulau Pinang)</i></center>
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Well, before we got to relax on the nice view on the first picture. We arranged out a taxi first to get us to <b>Air Itam</b>, where the famous <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.com/2012/02/guan-yin-statue-and-kek-lok-si-temple.html">Kek Lok Si</a> and <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.com/2012/02/view-from-penang-hill.html">Penang Hill</a> are located. Nothing much have changed there since my first visit.
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<center><i>Temples at Penang Hill</i></center>
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The streets were just as comfortable that I didn't care to walk on barefoot. Tourists were very friendly. We also met some who offered us a ride. It took us about three hours of strolling around the place.
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<center><i>The picture I got from my friend as I was enjoying the walk.. I wasn't aware she took this.. LOL #BoxOfficeKing ang peg #nagIinarte.. </i></center>
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After our whole day tour, we went to chill out on that side of the island and we were having conversations about how the countries we visited make beautiful ideas that could allure the tourists.
What could be more beautiful to end the day of having a sumptuous dinner with a great night view of Penang Bridge.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-72613965467154819462012-05-22T02:42:00.002-07:002012-05-22T02:45:01.760-07:00Batam ReturnsI returned for another weekend to Batam last March to accompany some of my friends. Since my two companions were new to the place, I let them try to <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.com/2012/04/eat-shop-and-relax-at-batam.html">eat, shop and relax at Batam</a> the same way we did last Chinese New Year.
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<br />We went to eat at <i>Golden Prawn</i> (<i>picture above</i>) and as usual, never failed to serve us an unforgettable dinner. It was indeed an endless night of great food, unlimited laughs and good times.
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We tripped over at the lovely Barelang Bridge before getting our dinner. But instead of having it at <i>Golden Fish</i>, another good seafood restaurant near the area, we opted for the <i>Golden Prawn</i>.
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<center><i>At the Golden Fish' view of Barelang Bridge.</i></center>
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On our last day, we went to discover another place that is surely not to be missed. That is the serene and relaxed resorts of Nongsa.
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<center><embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F104140992579432310021%2Falbumid%2F5742760537162436513%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCMyi74LfkY_QmAE%26hl%3Den_US" height="350" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="550"></embed>
<i>Nongsa in Batam</i></center>
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-37964382248397111902012-05-17T19:13:00.000-07:002012-05-17T19:13:27.354-07:00I'm Sexy and I PhuketGoodBuy Summer na ba talaga ?!? <i>(referring to Cebupac's Promo for summer ender)</i>.
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And before it really ends, here's a post just when we started our summer vacay. It was the month of hearts when my friends and I have booked for <b>Phuket, Thailand</b>. At first, I did not know much about Phuket but the <i>Phi Phi Islands</i>. I can still see a picture of a beautiful beach scenery of the famous <i>DiCaprio film</i>, <b>The Beach</b>, which was shot in this lovely place.
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Not to forget, the place where the sad and tragic <b>Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004</b> occurred or what they call as <i>Boxing Day</i>.
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<span class="fullpost">Okay, let's get to the more exciting and fun summer we did. So it starts as I arrived in Phuket alone because my friends' flight schedule were ahead than mine. It sounds fun, right.. <i>(hahaha)</i> I did not have much day off to spend that's why the schedule. Anyway, back to the airport, I took a shared minivan for 150 baht going to our hotel in Patong. It was about an hour and a half from the airport and my friends were waiting for me just in time for our first dinner. We took our dinner just near the hotel. Finally, I got to meet the other five new friends I had conversed with from our earlier facebook message thread, aside from the three I already knew. So after the introductions, off we went to the road I never imagined to be the <i>Bangla Road</i>. It was party party along the street. Lights. Dance. Booze. Crowd. Wild. It was crazy. The first night was just so warm and hot. We could have a shot until we drop. But Nahh.. Not for tonight. Our next day activity is getting us more excited so we needed to calm down.
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How about going to the beaches now... wanna ride?!?<br />
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<br />My official first day in <b>Phuket</b> was Island Hopping Tour. My friends had already booked for this package that includes our hotel transfer to ferry port and free lunch for 1200 baht/pax. At eight in the morning, we were ready to meet the sexy beaches and the hot touristers. <i>lol</i>. Well, we have all our time for this one whole day activity. And I can't spill so much on this post as I will have a separate entry for this. <i>I hope so</i>. We finished the tour about six in the afternoon. We had dinner at eight and just chilled out for awhile at Bangla Road. After that, we went back to the hotel and drunk all night for our bonding session.
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My second day was walking and shopping around <b>Patong Beach</b>. We had our breakfast at ten in the morning. Then we went out to buy some souvenirs and took a few last pictures of the place because my friends will fly out that night. As for me, I stayed for another day because it was still weekend. When we went back to the hotel, I went swimming to the hotel's pool while they prepped up for checkout. We ended the day with Thai Massage at two in the afternoon.
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<center><i>View Point overlooking Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach</i></center>
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On my third day, is another Alone Day. <i>Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.</i> I wake up to another hotel this morning, well not because there was some crazy thing happened last night. But I have already transferred to a new place since my friends' checked out. Anyway, I took my breakfast and had a walk around again. I was trying to get a transport going around <b>Phuket</b> and to see some other tourist spots in the place. You can rent a motorbike from 300-500 baht but I opted to go by taxi for 1500 baht.
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So I was able to visit the Big Buddha that I did not know of, thanks to my tour guide for opting to go here. Along the way, I also tried elephant trekking for 800 baht in 30 minutes. We drove around the downtown and saw some important monuments, we dropped off to the viewpoints where we can have a nicer view of the islands and beaches. It was all fun. As I ended the day flying back to my work, of course, there's a thought of coming back again.
</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885942636215336237.post-85111168548318182642012-05-16T21:19:00.001-07:002012-05-16T21:23:50.889-07:00Revisiting Mount CaniaoFinally, I am home. I am so glad to be back in my hometown. As promised, I would be going home at least twice a year. One for the mid year and another during Christmas and New Year season. Our relatives from Manila and Laguna were also in town as it was the big day of my younger brother. Aside from this event, I have also been looking forward for our outdoor activities as part of our bonding.
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Remember when my siblings and I climbed <a href="http://ardeeboi.blogspot.com/2011/01/mount-caniaw-view-of-ilocos.html">Mount Caniao</a> and how I managed to get down, now, WE'RE BACK!!
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There was a bit of bad vibes on our way up though. First, my younger brother got lost his balance and went down on the ground while he was carrying our <i>baon</i> for breakfast. Unfortunately, it was spilled. The trail that time was a bit slippery because of the previous rains. But Thank God, nothing bad happened to him. And as for the food, we still have extra so it was not a big problem.
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There were also a group of guys in motorbike who passed us by with water tanks going up and down. We did not bother them however one of them looked arrogant and asked where we came from. My two companion who were ahead of me did not replied to the query. I was able to answer him but it was too late as he already blurted out his words, <i>'When you are being asked, you should answer - especially you're not from this place'</i>. We continued walking normally while our other companions continued to talk to them.<br />
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<center><span class="fullpost"><i>Di ko rin alam kung bakit nauna na si Vice. Ahaha. Paconfirm kung siya nga.</i> </span></center><span class="fullpost">
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Finally, we reached the peak at around ten and starving for the beauty of the surroundings. <i>Chos!</i> It was like three hours of hiking. And our stomach's are yelling already, so we set up our place and readied our breakfast.
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<br />About one in the afternoon, when we reached back to the mountain foot. The climb was not so hard for me. I was more prepared this time as I was able to go down with my legs okay. The only thing that's keeping us, was pushing our cousins so hard reaching for the top. It was their first time so it's really nice to share some good new memories with them.</span>ardee seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01942590569913121575noreply@blogger.com8