Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Hongkong-Macau, A Tear Jerking Travel Experience

28th of November 2012, my most awaited day of 2012 has finally arrived. I woke up at around 2 in the morning. I felt, the moment I woke up, all the butterflies inside my stomach were too hyper that they wanted to go out. I left the house at around 3 am. Good thing, there are always taxis passing by in our location, so I had no problem going to the airport. 

I arrived at the airport around 3:30, did all the mandatory security checks and proceeded to the Travel Tax Section. After paying the travel tax, I went to the check -in counter (I web-checked in and already printed my boarding pass) for my luggage. Then I paid  the terminal fee and went straight to the immigration. In the booth, I just handed my passport, my return ticket and my company ID. 

Immigration Officer: Bakit sa Macau itong return flight mo?
Paruparo: Plano ko kasing mag side trip sa Macau. Isang ferry ride lang naman yan. (With conviction and confidence that I do really know how to go to Macau)

And the stamp has been inked to my passport. Weeee~

I arrived at the waiting area around 4:30 am. I had my breakfast (I brought bread and hazelnut spread), then tried to get some sleep. 5:15 and the gate was opened.

Goodbye Philippines, Hello Hongkong.

The flight sched was on time. Like what I always do: sleep mode in the plane. I woke up 20 mins before we landed. I completed my embarkation card and took note of to what belt my luggage will be in. 

Immigration officer (HK): How long will you stay in Hongkong?
Paruparo: 3 days sir.
Immigration officer (HK): 30 days?
Paruparo: No, 3 (with emphasis) days only. 

And another stamp has been inked to my passport. Hello Hongkong.... confirmed!

The weather in Hongkong is very relaxing. It feels like they have a centralized aircon at 17 degrees Celsius that morning.

I was intimidated by their airport, so huge and wonderfully done. I tried to read the signs but failed. So I just asked some directions from the receptionist (who is english speaking, and knows well). I grabbed some maps, bought Octopus Card, went out of the airport and Paruparo's Hongkong-Macau adventure has officially begun. 

Below is my 5 day-itinerary with budget (for 2 persons traveling together):

DAY 1 - HONGKONG































In my opinion:

a. MTR - Well designed and maintained. The best railway system I  have seen so far.
b. Dragon Hostel - Nice service, the room is ok for sleeping. small bathroom, but I don't mind since I am small also.
c. Nanlian Park - Worth visiting. I think the buildings near the park diminishes the serenity of the place and feeling that you are in ancient Hongkong.
d. Chi Lin Nunnery - Worth visiting
e. Sik Sik Yuen - Worth visiting
f.  1881 Heritage - Worth visiting  
g. Clock tower - Worth visiting
h. Avenue of stars - Worth visiting
i. Symphony of Lights - I was not impressed. Maybe because of the fog? I think the light show in SG is better.
j. Ladies Market - Be ready! Don't touch anything unless you are ready to fight. Hahaha! Kidding. Vendors in HK are more aggressive. So just be prepared. 


FOR MORE PICTURES:


DAY 2 - HONGKONG


In my opinion:

a. NgongPing - Worth Visiting. It is better to go to NgongPing in summer. Fog was my enemy that time.
b. Disneyland - This place has taken my heart away. I cried many times: when I was watching Flights of Fantasy, It's a small world and fireworks. It brought back all my childhood frustrations, how hard my childhood life was. The feeling of nostalgia hit me more than I can imagine. By the way, upon arrival, grab a map and time guide (to know the sched of the parade and other shows)
c. Disney Fireworks - Go in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at least 20 minutes before to find a perfect spot to watch the fireworks. 


FOR MORE PICTURES:

DAY 3 - HONGKONG


In my opinion:

a. Avenue of Comic Stars - Optional place to visit
b. Kowloon Park - Optional place to visit
c. Time Square - Worth Visiting
d. HKCEC - Optional place to visit
e. Golden Bauhinia Square - Worth Visiting
f. Statue Square and HSBC Building - Worth Visiting
g. Madame Tussaude - Worth Visiting. (Visit at around 8 pm so there will be less number of tourists in the museum)
h. Sky Terrace/ The Peak - Worth Visiting (if not foggy)

FOR MORE PICTURES:

GOODBYE HONGKONG, HELLO MACAU (DAYS 4 and 5)

I woke up at 6 am that morning. Left the hostel at 7:00. Arrived at China Ferry terminal at 7:30. The terminal was crowded since it was a Saturday. Fortunately, I made it before my 8 am sailing sched. I just gave my passport to the immigration officer and yes, another stamp.

Hongkong to Macau is about an hour of ferry ride. Take bonamin an hour before. Sleep mode again. 

Arriving in Macau. I felt little scared since English is not widely used. After I filled up the embarkation card, I proceeded to the immigration officer. No question, he just stamped my passport.





MACAU - HERITAGE SITES

This is my attempt to visit all the world heritage sites in Macau, but I failed. I only visited 19/25, for so many reasons. The most inevitable is I got lost, I lost my printed itinerary and lost my map. Good thing I found my way back.

In my opinion:

1. Ama Temple - Worth Visiting
2. Don Pedro V Theatre - Worth Visiting
3. Mandarin House - Worth Visiting
4. Moorish barracks - Optional place to visit
5. Sir Robert Ho Tung - Optional place to visit
6. St. Augustine Church - Worth Visiting
7. Leal Senado - Worth Visiting. Go early so the place won't be too crowded.
8. Senado Building - Worth Visiting
9. Lou Kau Mansion - Worth Visiting
10. Na Tsha Temple - Optional place to visit
11. St Paul's Ruins - Worth Visiting. Go early so the place won't be too crowded.
12. San Kai Vui Kun - Optional place to visit
13. St Dominic's Church - Worth Visiting
14. St Joseph Seminary - Optional place to visit
15. St Lawrence Church - Worth Visiting
16. St Anthony Church - Worth Visiting
17. Mount Fortress - Worth Visiting
18. Cathedra; - Worth Visiting
19. St Augustine Square - Worth Visiting

FOR MORE PICTURES:



ROUTE OF DAY 4 WALKING TOUR

ROUTE OF DAY 5 WALKING TOUR


MACAU - SIN CITY




In my opinion:

1. Wynn Hotel - Worth Visiting
2. Venetian - Worth Visiting
3. City of Dreams - Worth Visiting
4. Galaxy - Worth Visiting
5. Sands - Optional place to visit
6. Macau Tower - Worth Visiting
7. Star World Hotel - Optional place to visit
8. Sheraton - Worth Visiting
9. Fisherman's Wharf - Worth visiting, I fell in love with this place. I love ancient architecture and art.

FOR MORE PICTURES:



HONGKONG-MACAU FOODTRIP


Mcdo meals average price range is 22- 30 HKD.
Food Republic food prices range from 35- 50 HKD.
Macau food prices range from 35-100 HKD.
7-eleven in HK rice meals range from 14-20 HKD.

In my opinion:

a. Mcdo's in HK and Macau are far better than what we have in the Philippines. (Quality and service)
b. I found Egg Tarts in Macau, a bit ordinary. Maybe because I love sweets and I expected the tart sweet enough for my taste buds.
c. Macau beer is sweeter than our beer. 
d. Wanton noodles - Perfection.
e. Roasted duck - Heaven like our lechon.
f. 7-eleven food - Enough to satisfy a hungry man.
g. Dessert - too expensive for few slices of fruits.

FOR MORE PICTURES:




PARUPARO'S NOTES AND OPINIONS:

1. It is weird to know that Iphone 5 are being sold in the streets of HK, like how street vendors in the Philippines sell vegetables.

2. HK people (or the batch of people I met during my travel) are more fierce than Filipinos. They do not care if you are taking pictures. If they want to pass by, they will pass. You are the one taking the picture, you should be the one to adjust and wait for him to pass. 

3. Macau people are kind and accommodating.

4. You can die in other country, while traveling. Be alert, always, HK drivers (or the batch of drivers I met during my travel) drive fast.  

5. This journey will kill your feet. So be prepared. After each day, I massaged my feet, put some salonpas, and took alaxan every night before sleeping.

6. Bring light weight shoes. Flats should be well cushioned. It is hard to have the feeling of walking barefooted.

7. Always bring your passport, especially in Macau. If you look younger than your age, always prepare your passport upon entering the casinos. 

8. Venetian Hotel has a luggage counter, free of charge.

9. You won't get hungry in Macau. Free tastes are everywhere, plus free  bottled water from casinos.

10. Use the hotels' shuttle service.

11. Your map will be your best friend. Use them well.

12. My deepest gratitude to my patient and understanding travel buddy - MO~

 13. Total expenses for this trip, including airfare is 20,206 pesos.



Posted by at 10 comments:

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Hongkong-Macau : Before the trip


It’s been a year since I have purchased my Manila-Hongkong, Macau-Clark ticket for a total cost of 2,400 pesos. And now, 3 days to go before my most awaited trip of 2012. I just want to share how I have used my one year to prepare for this trip:

1.       Saved money: My budget is not more than 20, 500 pesos, excluding airfare. But of course, I want to do some “shopping”. So, I saved more than the budget. Haha!
2.       Researched for itinerary. I solely relied on Google and Pinoy exchange (thanks to all Pexers, especially to Commoner ).
3.       Prepared the essentials:              
a.       Passport
b.      Flight Itinerary
c.       Changed peso to Hong Kong dollar. I did it with BDO, I do have a savings account, for 5.35 pesos per HKD. Just call the branch where you have an account and reserve for dollar. You may get your order within 3 banking days. (Czarina’s rate is 5.50 pesos for a HKD)
d.      ID’s. I think of bringing 2 IDs. My license and my company ID.
e.      The perfect luggage, Chris. (I named it after Christopher Columbus)
f.        Sets of outfit (camwhore alert!)
g.       Memory cards to preserve the experience. I already have 8 gB microSD and 4 gB memory card. I bought additional 4 gB microSD with adaptor. For back up purposes, I bought 5 pcs, 4.7 gB recordable DVD.
h.      Laptop (Scarlette), Camera (Vincent) and headset. Though I am still undecided whether to bring Scarlette or not since the hostel has available desktops that can be used by their guests.
i.         Tripod (to be checked in). It is not that good to always ask a stranger to take a photo of you. Also, it will consume time.
j.        Travel notebook. In this notebook, I wrote all my booked flight schedules, my travel plans, my pasalubong list, and attached maps and copy of itineraries.
k.       Maps. I asked my officemate, who has just arrived from HK, to grab an extra map for me. Thanks to her, I had the opportunity to study the map in advance. Oha~
l.         Ballpen. At least 2. Important especially when filling out an immigration/travel info form.
m.    Keys.
n.       Non prescription medicines. I just want to be prepared in times of emergency. I bought 5 biogesic, 5 diatabs, 2 bonamin, 5 mefenamic, 5 alaxan FR, salonpas and katinko. I kept the receipt, just to prove that those drugs are legit.
o.      Candies. Though I love riding a plane, I will always hate pressure’s effect on my ears.
p.      Coffee. Yes, austerity.  
q.      Food. I am that afraid to get hungry. At least, I can still survive when worse comes to worst e.g. If I lose all my money while wandering. (knock on woods)
r.        Toiletries. I know there’s still something missing. Haha! I forgot. I will just buy in the airport. Wheew! I can cosume all of the shampoo and conditioner. And the lotion, too. I sealed them with scotch tape.
s.       Contact Lens solution.
t.        Make up. Of course, I want to look nice in the photos. Hahaha! I am not into makeup, but still, I see the necessity to have at least the basics.  Please see pic on FB for detailed description of the products I am using. And since I am an OC, I want them to be properly packed.
u.      Perfume. I have three fragrances that I will always love. Clinique happy for women, Incanto by Ferragamo, and Perry woman by Perry Ellis.
v.       Accessories.
w.     Umbrella (to be checked in)
x.       ATM and Credit Card. Must be reliable and well funded. This is my emergency fund.
y.       Last but definitely not the least, God. Traveling will be enjoyable if we do it in peace. And only God’s protection and guidance can give that kind of peace.  
z. Bottle and other container.





Expenses before the trip:

Additional Memory card (cdr king) : 240
5 pcs. DVD (cdr king)                  : 60
Bottle 1 Liter ( JHC)                   : 88
2 pcs container                          : 88
Medicine (Mercury drug)              : 248
Grocery  (Landmark)                   : 441
Total                                        : 1165 (overbudget kaagad)

And while writing this, I remember that I still need to buy a universal outlet/adaptor. Okey. I’ll buy tomorrow. Excited much! I’ll be posting my trip update pretty soon….:)
FOR MORE PICTURES : 
https://www.facebook.com/chikay.chikikay/photos
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.140283162785804.31791.100004123626453&type=3

VISIT MY FACEBOOK PAGE: (chikay chikikay /raychelle.pacheco@yahoo.com)
Posted by at No comments:

Monday, November 12, 2012

When the Travel Bug Bites


When I was small... (oh, I am still small with a height of 4 feet 11 inches, but I still insist that it's 5 feet), when I was a child, I always day dreamed of big houses, luxurious cars, beautiful clothes, pale, flawless white skin. I always dreamed to be rich. And I bet, that was normal especially for a girl born poor and fatherless.  

My dream never changed until I passed the CPA Board. Actually, poverty lit up my passion to do my best, so I can have the most stable stepping stone to achieve my goals. That empty stomach while having classes, a salted egg for the whole day, instant noodles, isaw and canned goods, I bet poverty in the Philippines is known worldwide so I do not need to elaborate. All these adversities tested me and molded me into who I am today. And I never regret anything, either joy or sorrow, either success or MINOR failure. 

Few months after my first MAJOR disappointment (that was when, I have no money to buy extra tickets for my foster parents, and so they did not even witness my "formal" transformation from a dreamer to full pledged licensed accountant. Oh! I bet they would be in tears of joy), the travel bug bit me.

Being bitten by that kind of bug is very hard to get through. You will experience a selective amnesia. I forgot about big houses, luxurious cars, beautiful clothes, pale, flawless white skin. I forgot that, once, I have  dreamed to be rich.

The first thing this kind of bug damages is your dream. I perfectly know that every person has his own mission. Every person has his unique source of happiness. Right after being bitten, I knew, with all my heart and sole... I mean, soul, that traveling's the one for me. Why? I have realized something, and this becomes my philosophy:

If I will spend majority of my time working to earn money, and all those money to be invested in material things (big houses, cars, clothes, gadgets, and the like) for sure on my death bed, I would count all those things, remember how hard I have worked all my life to buy them, and it would make me feel that it is hard for me to let go. Death would be the scariest thing for me, and the hardest thing to accept. I will spend my remaining hours scared, fearful and regretful. Worse is, I may end up as a ghost because I became too attached to those things.

But I choose to invest in memories. Imagine this, you are that old, smelly and saggy skinned half human half rotten vegetable. In your death bed, you only reminisce, all those places you have gone to, all those people you've met along the way, all those cuisines you have tasted, those songs from different lands you've listened and tried to sing, the laughter, the joy, the WOW's, the nerve wrecking bungee jumps, the splashes of your first cliff diving, the first  dolphin you have swum with, the first century old turtle you have greeted, the deepest site you have dived. And then you'll find yourself spending your last days happy and fulfilled. Death will never be a hard thing for you. And your final words would be: "Hey, I think all my experiences in this world is fairly enough, it's time to move on and meet my creator."
Second damage, your loved ones’ dreams for you. When I asked my foster mother what are her dreams for me, she honestly told me that seeing me in my wedding gown, to have a nice home, and a car to drive, all those would make her fulfilled and happy. Oh-oh! My new dream and hers won't collide. What now? 

I asked from her a little of her time, and asked her to just listen to me. This was my speech (in tagalog, but I just want to translate it):

Ma, I know that your dream is not that specific. I know that your only dream for me is my happiness. I admit, that before, I told you that having all those material things will make me happy. But everything has changed. I fell in love with traveling. This makes me happy now. Please do not worry about my future. I am still saving. And I thank you and I really appreciate that you do everything for me, even dreaming for my own bright future. But please understand. This is what I want for my life. This is how I want to spend my days. The number of places or countries I will see is now my measurement of success. Don't look at my travels as expenses but rather a fulfillment, a trophy, a dream come true. Please stop worrying. I just want you to be happy for me, just blow me a good luck kiss every time I would travel. Also, I need to borrow your faith in Him, and say some prayers for my safety too. I just want you to understand.

Wheeww! 



Third damage, financial freedom. Obviously, every trip involves money (unless you have a sponsor). So from my previous budget which focuses more on saving to buy material things, my current budget goes like this:

My current salary per year, including guaranteed 14th month pay and bonuses is:    more than 400,000 pesos. (I did not disclose this to brag, just to give a concrete sample of how a self-proclaimed traveler budgets her money)

2% - tithes and donations. I know this have to be 10%. But since I am still supporting my 72-year old foster mother, I can only give this much.

28% - Expenses. I give this amount instantly to my foster mother. She does the  budgeting for our daily expenses at home. 

5% - Personal necessities: transportation allowance and pang-kikay allowance (make up/ lotions/ vitamins etc). 

10% - Savings. I put this on savings account and serves as my emergency fund. I put this on an ATM savings account so I can easily get it when I instantly need it. The “Need” should be well justified.

30% - Investment. UITF. Stocks. This will be my "well of wealth". 

25% - Travel fund. This does not mean, every month you have to travel. You can just have a separate bank account, and just put your money there. So when the seat sale is on, you can easily go shopping.

The fourth damage I can think of is lifestyle change. When I first had my salary, I did shop, big time. Every month, every payday, every pay check turned me from Certified Public Accountant into a certified shopaholic. But those days are over. Now, I only buy clothes when I feel there's a need to. I stop being addicted to coffee and doughnuts. And thank God, electronics and high tech gadgets are not my interest. I maintain a nokia C3, with 8 gb memory microSD card. I did not even buy this phone. I got this from the cheapest plan of sun cellular. I don’t have any plans to dispose it for the next 5 years, unless given a free phone, of course.

Spending my time also changed. Before, I kill time by DVD marathons, or sleeping after eating that much. Now, I spend time going somewhere else and burning fats. Or if I feel like staying indoor, I would face my laptop, search for my next destination, or finish itinerary for my upcoming trip. The secret is, work hard during weekdays, enjoy twice harder during weekends.

The fifth and last damage I can think of is, insanity. Yes. You become too excited. Always looking forward to your trip. Smiling. Dreaming of being happy. If wanderlust is some kind of neurosis, please I don't need to be treated....:)


Posted by at 3 comments:

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Visita Iglesia: Reviving Catholic Tradition

In the Philippines, this tradition is called Visita Iglesia (Spanish: Church Visit), where people visit one, seven, or fourteen churches and pray the Stations of the Cross, with the stations divided amongst the churches. A common practise until the 1970s was to recite all fourteen stations in each church rather than a fraction of it. 
(Cited from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maundy_Thursday)

We decided to cover 14 churches, each representing the 14 stations of the cross. This was our route when we had a visita iglesia last year:

 1. Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Makati
2. Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Baclaran
3. Manila Cathedral, Intramuros
4. San Agustin Church, Intramuros
5. Malate Church, Manila
6. Binondo Church, Manila
7. Sta Cruz Church, Manila
8. Quiapo Church, Manila
9. San Sebastian Church, Manila
10. St Jude, Manila
11. Loreto Church, Legarda
12. St Anthony of Padua and St Francis of Assisi Church, Legarda
13. St Clare, Katipunan
14. Antipolo Cathedral, Antipolo


Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, August 26, 2012

My Travel Bucket List

Traveling is a never-ending hobby. With God being a majestic artist, earth has many wonderful places to explore. As a traveler, it is always been my dream to wander to as many destinations as I can. Taking into consideration my time, my money and other aspects of my life, I know I would be reaching the following places soon:

1. PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is reputed to be the longest navigable underground river in the World. It is one of the few such rivers which the public can easily experience and appreciate. It is the officially one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The watershed area of the river within the park is covered by primary forest which is home to many endemic species of animals and plants. It encompasses an unusual variety of ecosystems, making it high scientific and conservation interest. (Confirmed travel date is December 2012)
(Cited from http://www.gopalawan.travel/Underground_River_Tour)

2. EL NIDO, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

El Nido really is a magical place. From its ageless towering marble cliffs to its white sandy beaches with crystal clear water, many refer to it as paradise. There are over 50 beaches to discover, so many in fact that sometimes you feel as if you are on your own secluded private beach. You will also find enchanting lagoons with tranquil turquoise-green water, caves that can take you to hidden beaches, and a very diverse variety of wildlife. (Confirmed travel date is December 2012)
(Cited from: http://www.elnidopalawan.com/about.html)

3. BATANES, PHILIPPINES

The Batanes island group is the smallest province in the Philippines in terms of population and land area. An area that for generations is almost isolated from the rest of the Philippines. Batanes consist of 10 tiny islands and islets namely: Batan, Sabtang, Itbayat, Mavudis, Siayan, Diogo, North Island and Y'ami. Only the first three islands are inhabited. The wind swept islands of Batanes are beautiful and enchanting and they are like no other in the Philippines. Since Batanes is separated from the country by miles of rough waters, the Ivatans (the name of the people of Batanes) have developed a different culture. Ivatans are honest, gentle and polite but brave and robust. They are proud of their their heritage and their land.
(Cited from: http://www.philsite.net/batanes.htm)

4. GREAT WALL OF CHINA, CHINA

The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 8,851.8 kilometers (5,500 miles) from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections are now in ruins or have disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.
(Cited from: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/)

5. PLAIN OF JARS, LAOS

More than 90 sites are known within the province of Xieng Khouang. Each site ranges from 1 up to 400 stone jars. The jars vary in height and diameter between 1 and 3 metres and are all without exception hewn out of rock. The stone jars are undecorated with the exception of a single jar at Site 1. This jar has a human bas-relief carved on the exterior. Parallels between this ‘frogman’ at Site 1 and the rock painting at Huashan in Guangxi, China have been drawn. The paintings, which depict large full-frontal humans with arms raised and knees bent, are dated to 500 BC - 200 AD .
(Cited from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plain_of_Jars)

6. BUNGEE JUMP AT MACAU TOWER, MACAU

The World's Highest Bungy Jump at Macau Tower will take its guests on a free fall at a speed of up to 200km/h for the ultimate extreme journey! Plunging from a platform 233m high, challengers will experience a 4-5 second freefall before stretching the 50 meter bungy cord nearly four times its unloaded length and rebounding at approximately 30 meters above the ground. Using a guide cable system, bungy jumpers will be able to safely experience a few rebounds before slowly landing onto a specially designed airbag. (Confirmed travel date is November 2012, although no budget yet for the jump)
(Cited from: http://www.macautower.com.mo/en/dining_shopping_entertainment/adventure/bungy_jump/index.html)

7. LANTERN FESTIVAL, THAILAND

It’s Loy Krathong, Thailand’s traditional moon festival, which takes place on the eve of the full moon in the 12th month of the traditional Thai calendar. This year, that day is Nov. 20, the day before the actual full moon.
(Cited from: http://blogs.wsj.com/scene/2010/11/13/loy-krathong-and-other-lights/)

8. JERUSALEM

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, known as the Church of the Resurrection(Anastasis) to Eastern Orthodox Christians, is a church in the Old City ofJerusalem that is the holiest Christian site in the world. It stands on a site that is believed to encompass both Golgotha, or Calvary, where Jesus was crucified, and the tomb (sepulchre) where he was buried. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century.
(Cited from: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/jerusalem-church-of-holy-sepulchre)

9. KINGDOM OF BHUTAN

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a Southeast Asian nation nestled at the east of the Himalayas and bordered by India, Tibet, Nepal and Bangladesh. It is not for the faint-hearted.
Daily life in Bhutan and local culture are what Westerners might call “out of the ordinary.” Cigarettes are banned. Any meal is not complete without red rice. Families serve chili as a main dish. Many houses are painted with giant phalluses as protection. And monks transcribe age-old Buddhist handwritten texts into digital format in front of a computer. The quaint charm of Bhutan comes with a hefty price though: $200 a day per tourist. At this rate, Bhutan is undoubtedly one of the most expensive places to get around in.
(Cited from: http://famouswonders.com/asia/bhutan/)

10. BURJ KHALIFA, DUBAI

Not only is Burj Khalifa the world’s tallest building, it has also broken two other impressive records: tallest structure, previously held by the KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota, and tallest free-standing structure, previously held by Toronto’s CN Tower. The Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has established 3 criteria to determine what makes a tall building tall. Burj Khalifa wins by far in all three categories.  
(Cited from: http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/the-tower/fact-figures.aspx)

11. TAJ MAHAL, INDIA

One knows that ‘The Taj’ is one amongst the World’s Wonders. One knows that it is one amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One knows The Taj as a legend of eternal love of an Emperor for his favourite Queen. 
(Cited from: http://www.tajmahal.gov.in/home.html)

12. DISNEYLAND

Here are a lot more magical memories awaiting families in Hong Kong Disneyland, where you will embark on a magical journey through four themed lands: Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland. Must-see attractions include Flights of Fantasy Parade, which will take you up, up and away on a sky-high celebration with your favourite Disney characters singing and dancing along Main Street USA; Mickey’s PhilharMagic in which Donald Duck relives the most memorable moments of Disney’s animated films in 3D; The Golden Mickeys, a Broadway-style musical show featuring Mickey and his friends; and also Fantasy Gardens where Mickey, Minnie and Goofy make surprise appearances to meet and greet with guests – so don’t forget your camera and autograph book.  (Confirmed travel date is November 2012) 
(Cited from:
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/highlight-attractions/themed-attractions/hong-kong-disneyland.jsp#ixzz24fCl3ha5)

13. PETRA, JORDAN

Petra is the treasure of ancient world, hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, boasting incomparable scenes that make it the most majestic and imposing ancient site still-standing nowadays.. It has been said "perhaps there is nothing in the world that resembles it", actually, for sure, there is nothing in the world that resembles it. The rock-carved rose-red city of Petra is full of mysterious charm, it was "designed to strike wonder into all who entered it". 
(Cited from: http://www.atlastours.net/jordan/petra.html)

14. ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA

Angkor Wat, built during the early years of the 12th century by Suryavaram II, honors the Hindu god Vishnu and is a symbolic representation of Hindu cosmology. Consisting of an enormous temple symbolizing the mythic Mt. Meru, its five inter-nested rectangular walls and moats represent chains of mountains and the cosmic ocean. The short dimensions of the vast compound are precisely aligned along a north-south axis, while the east-west axis has been deliberately diverted 0.75 degrees south of east and north of west, seemingly in order to give observers a three day anticipation of the spring equinox.
(Cited from: http://sacredsites.com/asia/cambodia/angkor_wat.html)

15. BALI, INDONESIA

Bali is an Indonesian island, one of the 33 provinces of the country. Its neighboring islands are Java and Lombok, east and west from Bali respectively. Tourism is the main source of financial income, so you can just imagine what this place has to offer. Bali is pointed out as one of the best tourist destinations by multiple travel magazines. It is not easy to describe the ambience of Bali. People are so amiable that they simply radiate their charm. At the same time you feel serenity and relaxation, mystery and excitement. Magical forces posses you while you are there, making you good-spirited and vigorous. 
(Cited from: http://www.tourist-destinations.com/2011/06/bali-indonesia.html)

FIVE PLACES I WISH TO VISIT BEFORE I DIE:

1. PYRAMIDS, EGYPT

Located just outside of the outskirts of Cairo on the esplanade known as the Giza Plateau, the Great Pyramids of Giza is the must-see Ancient Egyptian landmark. Known as Khufu's Pyramid, it is the greatest pyramid of the complex: a truly overwhelming sight. Being one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, it is the only one still standing to this day! When gazing at this colossal structure, there’s no way to escape the feeling of being dwarfed
(Cited from: http://en.egypt.travel/attraction/index/giza-plateau)

 2. MALDIVES

 Maldives has deep blue seas, turquoise reefs, white sandy beaches and palm trees. It is also a place full of character, where its people have long spent their days languishing in the very essence of idyll living. While it is the perfect place to sit on a beach and watch a sunset with a cocktail balanced on your hand, it is also a geographical marvel, knowing that there are thousands of fish swimming around the vivid corals just a few feet away from where you sit.
(Cited from: http://www.visitmaldives.com/en/the-maldives/country-at-a-glance)

 3. ATHENS, GREECE

 Experience endless miles of aquamarine coastline, sun-bleached ancient ruins, strong feta and stronger ouzo. The Greek landscape thrills, and Greek people are passionate about politics, coffee, art and gossiping.
(Cited from: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/greece#ixzz24iFZ5xJw)

 4. CARNIVAL IN BRAZIL

 This party has its origins in ancient Greece and Rome celebrations. Later, it was incorporated into the Catholic liturgical calendar and allowed until the Ash Wednesday. By the Catholic Calendar, Carnival is always celebrated seven Sundays before the Sunday of Easter. As this varies from March 22nd to April 25th, the Carnival dates also move.
(Cited from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Carnival)

 5. AURORA BOREALIS IN ALASKA
Every traveler's life list should include viewing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, one of nature's most spectacular phenomena. From late November to March within the Northern Lights zone--latitudes 65 to 72 degrees--solar particles collide with atmospheric gases to create colorful curtains (near the South Pole, Aurora Australis are the Southern Lights). Ideal viewing conditions are crisp, cold, clear, and cloudless skies with little light. You can see this most impressive light show--lasting from a few minutes to several days--in the following regions close to the Arctic. 
(Cited from: 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/27/10-best-places-to-see-the_n_814506.html#s230442&title=Alaska_View_Northern)


FOR MORE PICTURES : 
https://www.facebook.com/chikay.chikikay/photos

VISIT MY FACEBOOK PAGE: (chikay chikikay /raychelle.pacheco@yahoo.com)

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)