tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25414352087766450602012-01-25T06:45:05.454+04:00A Backpacker's Travelogue.haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.comBlogger281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-35838447171620900312011-04-04T16:43:00.001+04:002011-04-05T09:15:35.156+04:00

Le Meridien Al Aqah.  From Deira, Dubai (or from the airport) was a scenic 2 hour drive.  We left the house at 11:35 and followed the signs to Fujairah via Sharjah.  It was my first time to go to Fujairah so i was really amazed seeing the magnificent hajar mountains, for me it was like seeing yet another side of the world.   It's barely a month after our wedding day so this trip still feels like

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-54392259827067031782011-04-04T14:04:00.000+04:002011-04-04T14:04:36.356+04:00

We were off the road to Fujairah from Deira, Dubai at 11:30 am. From the busy city with skycrappers and buildings of different shapes and sizes to the vast desert of sharjah and a few lined palm trees lead us to the  the hajar mountains of Fujairah after two hours of driving.  The scenery was indeed different experience, it was breathtaking! FUJAIRAH is the youngest of the 7 Emirates that

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-44475878441491434522010-08-23T13:50:00.001+04:002010-08-23T14:40:24.016+04:00

Atlantis, The palm is a billion-dollar waterpark hotel in Dubai which opened in September 2008, amidst the global financial crises. It was the first resort to open at The Palm Jumeirah, the revolutionary man-made island in UAE. Atlantis is composed of: a luxurious hotel, boutiques, dining facilities, a huge aquarium and  a waterpark. If you are statying at ATLANTIS, you are given free access to

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-26945566369962294012010-08-23T11:02:00.012+04:002010-08-23T11:40:53.116+04:00

Seated by the window overlooking Dubai Marina MY boyfriend and I had our dinner anniversary here. Its was my first time to dine here although I have heard so much about this restaurant before. It offers a superb view of Dubai Jumeirah at 52nd floor! Romantic indeed, be sure to be seated by the window to enjoy the view. The waiters were friendly and restaurant supervisor as well as the chef came

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-68365572240199125272010-08-13T12:03:00.000+04:002010-08-13T12:03:50.580+04:00

It was 7:30 pm and yet the sun was still up.  We drove to watch a movie in the nearby Deira City Center and after lots of rounds looking  for a parking space, we gave up and decided to just eat out somewhere which is not inside a mall.  Friday, being a weekend in UAE means lots of people are out specially in the malls and since summer here can get up to 55+ degrees high, most people go out only

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-51314726032815546922010-03-13T00:00:00.003+04:002010-06-04T18:41:13.527+04:00

Day 1 in Dubai: For our first morning in Dubai, we prepared our own breakfast and enjoyed the beautiful and very relaxing view of the sea from the 27th floor. We wanted to set up our breakfast in the balcony but it was a very cold February morning. At 11am, we took the complimentary shuttle service to visit the Mall of the Emirates and headed back to the hotel to catch our City tour pick up at 2:

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-24213719564253399072010-03-12T20:58:00.004+04:002010-05-06T22:54:42.858+04:00

The Dubai Marriot Harbour Hotel and Suites is situated in Al Sufouh Rd Dubai Marina, Jumeirah. Lined along the tall buildings in the marina area, standing with 52 floors, we arrived here at about midnight via an airport taxi that cost us 82.50 dirhams (including the airport surcharge of 20 dhs) after 30 minutes of travel from Emirates Terminal 3. Check in at Dubai Marriot Harbour Hotel and

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-39140618638185936022010-03-05T00:59:00.006+04:002010-08-27T01:12:14.590+04:00

After 9 hours of flight from Manila on board Emirates flight, we reached Dubai International Airport, terminal 3 as scheduled at 11pm. For tourists, eye scan is required before proceeding to immigration. The whole process was very smooth. Taxis were abundant right outside the arrival hall and since we’re a family of four, we were directed to a pink “family taxi” with a lady driver wearing pink

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-56630613956900353312009-11-17T00:40:00.004+04:002009-12-22T01:19:01.652+04:00

My fascination with Korea started when Korean drama series dubbed in Filipino started airing on Philippine television. When I left Manila in 2004, I brought along with me dvd copies of these series subtitled in English, somehow my ears got accustomed with the Korean language and accent. No, I didn't learn Korean language but now I can easily distinguish Korean people from Chinese when I hear them

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-48667353213658639522009-10-21T13:17:00.009+04:002009-11-17T00:17:15.041+04:00

I convinced my sister to experience staying in budget accommodation like I always do on my travels. The main requirement was that we want a private room with own private bathroom. I initially thought of Golden pond hostel as recommended by a friend but there was no triple room with private bath available. In the same area, I found Backpackers Mr. Sea. Located in Myeongyun 2ga Jongrugu, Seoul, I

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-19845988583820318682009-10-21T08:21:00.008+04:002009-10-28T01:14:03.154+04:00

Filipinos who wish to visit South Korea should first acquire a visa, gratis or free of charge for Filipino citizens. You may visit their office in Makati or Cebu (whichever is near) or have it applied through a travel agency. My sister chose to apply through an agent. The processing usually takes 3 days to 1 week or longer depending on the documents supplied. My sister got her visa without an

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-58756489798748759412009-08-26T14:23:00.006+04:002009-12-18T18:13:03.448+04:00

20th of November 2008. One day before my trip to Europe..I woke up with a heavy fever...I refused to believe it was happening to me. Not this time when its only one day before my MUCH AWAITED trip to Europe! I can't be sick. I prepared myself as needed for work at 2pm, but this time I took taxi to work as I felt that my body was so weak. I ignored whatever I was feeling. At work, I started

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-34648274059128229202009-08-12T20:04:00.011+04:002009-12-14T11:08:18.061+04:00

Overview Japan日本, Nihon or Nippon?, officially 日本国 Nippon-koku or Nihon-koku) is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People's Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. The characters which make up Japan's name mean "

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-47725479069473862842009-07-22T09:17:00.008+04:002009-08-10T17:45:33.710+04:00

We stayed in Vaboir Lodge Royal Suite while in Bangkok booked through booking.com at a cheap price of THB1800 for 3 nights without breakfast. If you wish to avail breakfast, its available at THB50, which you'll have to pay at the reception. The breakfast which we tried only on our last day consisted of two sunny side up egg, a piece of sausage, a slice of ham and a 1 slice of bread. You have to

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-21241659847198850282009-07-18T03:48:00.014+04:002009-08-10T17:49:07.668+04:00

I recently stayed at the Harbour Hotel and Residence in the Dubai Marina district. (July16, 2009). I was given an upgrade room, a two-bedroom suite marina view which was very helpful since I have friends coming over for my birthday. Upon check-in, I was given a welcome drink and a pack of Arabian sweets and cold towel. When I entered the room again there was a "plate" of complimentary sweets and

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-90488811995989287252009-07-12T01:29:00.007+04:002009-07-14T19:23:35.214+04:00

Skytrax (established 1989) are specialist Research Advisors to the air transport industry. It is a privately owned UK company based in London .Skytrax undertake Product, Service and Passenger research studies for airlines, airline alliances, airports and related air transport product / service suppliers across the globe - offering an unrivalled experience and knowledge of this specialist market.

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-13955344056481419862009-06-23T11:58:00.055+04:002010-07-09T00:41:12.332+04:00

BANGKOK. Krung Thep Mahanakhon (กรุงเทพมหานคร) or known to us as Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, a country that lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. Only about 3 hrs 20 mins flight from Manila. GMT +7 hrs. The Suvarnabhumi Airport was huge. Upon arrival, there were staff from the tourist information desk who approached us and gave tips and brouchures on the local area and tourist spots

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-64225497749924888932009-06-18T13:11:00.004+04:002010-07-02T23:55:50.095+04:00

Summer. I have planned a trip to Boracay Island in the Philippines supposedly for May. but the month of May entered with heavy rain showers and even a forecast of a storm. I dropped all the plans until I reached Manila on 12th of May. All throughout my first week of stay in Manila never rained so I had a last minute plan to go to the beach that is near Manila. I first planned to go to Subic but

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-26205909855027869182009-06-13T09:50:00.030+04:002009-09-03T12:01:43.764+04:00

Overview Japan日本, Nihon or Nippon?, officially 日本国 Nippon-koku or Nihon-koku) is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People's Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. The characters which make up Japan's name mean "

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-58604651951419662009-06-13T09:20:00.051+04:002009-09-03T12:00:07.983+04:00

Japan In Spring.... TOKYO.Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō?), officially Tokyo Metropolis (東京都, Tōkyō-to?),[2] is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan and is located on the eastern side of the main island Honshū. The twenty-three special wards of Tokyo, each governed as a city, cover the area that was once the city of Tokyo in the eastern part of the prefecture, totaling over 8 million people. The population of

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-49105588409078874022009-06-12T17:41:00.012+04:002009-08-11T21:00:39.290+04:00

TOKYO DISNEYLAND. From Tokyo Station, take JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line (about 15 minutes) get off at JR Maihama Station (South Exit). Entrance fee is at 5,800 yen for a day's passport of fun and entertainment!I was surprised to see a big crowd of visitors flocking to the resort as soon as it opens at 0900 on a Monday morning. As soon as we entered the park, we saw an escorted Mickey Mouse

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-46403608880241499692009-06-07T06:59:00.007+04:002009-06-07T11:05:04.859+04:00

The Schengen Visa has made traveling between its 15 European member countries much easier and less bureaucratic. Traveling on a Schengen Visa means that the visa holder can travel to any (or all) member countries using one single visa, thus avoiding the hassle and expense of obtaining individual visas for each country. This is particularly beneficial for persons who wish to visit several European

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-79280629186746752022009-06-01T05:44:00.030+04:002010-08-02T19:17:20.240+04:00

20th of November 2008. One day before my trip to Europe..I woke up with a heavy fever...I refused to believe it was happening to me. Not this time when its only one day before my MUCH AWAITED trip to Europe! I can't be sick. I prepared myself as needed for work at 2pm, but this time I took taxi to work as I felt that my body was so weak. I ignored whatever I was feeling. At work, I started

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-51376792632898594992009-06-01T04:10:00.028+04:002009-09-03T12:06:20.084+04:00

___________________________________________EURO TOUR NEXT STOP: COPENHAGEN, DENMARK...of apple trees and snowflakes.Surprisingly, we didn't pass through the passport control in Copenhagen International Airport. Before we knew it, we were already in Denmark! Maricel's father and uncle, both based in Copenhagen fetched us from the airport. In only 5 minutes or so of drive, we reached her uncle's

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-33663080459804576892009-05-27T15:46:00.029+04:002009-09-03T11:59:21.144+04:00

________________________________________ EURO TOUR NEXT STOP: PARIS, FRANCE "Amazing Race?" Nah, this is not my version of Lovers in Paris. Ours was actually like an Amazing Race. We were in Paris only for 2 days. We got to Paris via Air France. We flew at 10am and arrived after almost 2 hours. We checked in at Perfect Hostel, in a private triple room at 75euro a night after a train ride where

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-68252937344897611192009-05-13T06:04:00.022+04:002009-12-18T18:28:03.726+04:00

_____________________________________________ NAIA Terminal 3. Cebu Pacific flight to Hong Kong departed from NAIA terminal 3. There is a terminal fee of PHP750 per passenger and PHP1620 departure tax for international flight, so better include this in your budget on top of the airline ticket. Day 1: Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) We met my sister's former classmate in College at Mc Donalds in Tsim Sha

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-60659367666094882802009-05-09T18:05:00.029+04:002009-09-04T18:38:24.325+04:00

Planning. I found myself packing straight after I finished my duty at 10pm of Saturday 20th of June. I filled my new delsey cabin trolley with 3 pairs of jeans, 4 shirts, 4 light jackets and a pair of shoes…and I’m ready. Am I really ready? I guess I’m not! I knew I had always wanted to see a picture of myself standing in front of a world famous landmark and the only way I could have this is to

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541435208776645060.post-29000982407395214402009-05-02T23:09:00.015+04:002009-11-20T14:46:11.055+04:00

____________________________________________________________________________ Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 2: wow! My flight landed in Singapore Changi Airport exactly at 7:15 am. Since I have plenty of time to kill, i strolled along this amazingly equipped airport and feast my eyes with things to see and do. I will be here in the next 4 days as a prelude to my long awaited vacation to

haydomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293268393770179583noreply@blogger.com0