Traveler’s Check Redemption
So my traveler's checks have officially been redeemed. At the airport terminal, we discovered that we had to pay a departure tax in cash, which Corinne and I did no have. There were no ATM's, just a bank where one could exchange money and traveler's checks! Thanks to...
Hello Saigon!
Just a quick post informing you all that we have landed safely in Saigon and are boarding a connecting flight to Hanoi in 30minutes. First impressions? Everything at Saigon's international airport is quiet...almost too eeriely quiet. Whereas Manila's airport had a low...
Goodbye Manila, Goodbye Philippines
Already been gone a week and I feel like I know Manila well enough to give it a fond farewell. I find Manila to be that quieter, slightly distant third brother to cities like Cairo and Mumbai. It's a huge metropolitan city, but grayer and more calm. Even the...
Last Reflections On The Philippines
1. There are police everywhere: outside stores and banks, in the subway, standing in the streets. They were all friendly and helpful and made me feel a bit more secure. 2. The subway system is fantastically clean and organized. There is a police officer whistling to...
Taal Volcano and Annah’s Motorcycle Diaries
After... A ten-hour long bus ride from 6:30 pm in Banaue to 3:30 am in Manila, A four-hour session in an internet cafe to avoid having to pay for two nights in a hotel, A quick shower and then dim-sum, A torturously brief trip to the Mall of Asia, the third largest...
Lessons Learned
1. Taking Care of Calvin:He discovered this morning that he indeed left his rain jacket on the Autobus last night (or this morning rather) that we took back from Banaue. Coupled with the loss of his point and shoot, we concluded that when Calvin is sleepy, he leaves...
Tagaytay & Taal Volcano: An Island Within An Island Within An Island…
Climbed up a volcano? Check. Climbed up an active volcano? Check. Been to the world's only island within a lake, within an island, within a lake within another island within a country of islands? Check.Compared to Batad, this is a relatively easy trek. Most of...
Be(leaving) Batad
After you've had enough (is that even possible with Batad?), say goodbye to Rita & co. and pack up your gear for the journey back up to the saddle:Once you conquered the grueling hike to the saddle, you're well on your way home to Manila.Enjoy 200+ pictures...
Where Are We Now?
Where Are We Next?
