Thailand - Bangkok Travel Advisory

BANGKOK BEFORE THE FLOOD

Bangkok has been hit by severe floods. All districts have been placed on high alert, however, the worst-hit areas are the northern and eastern districts, most notably Sai Mai, Khlong Sam Wa, Bang Khen, Nong Chok, Min Buri, Lat Krabang and Khan Na Yao. Traveling to those districts is highly discouraged. The authorities have advised the locals there to move their valuables to higher grounds and be ready for a swift evacuation.
In other districts, including Central Bangkok, the water has risen to ankle or knee-level. While life continues relatively as normal, the situation is in a state of flux and could change overnight. Basic supplies like drinking water, tooth paste, toilet paper, batteries and candles are scarce or unavailable as many convenience stores and supermarkets have closed.
Rail travel is severely strained — the Northern Line to Chiang Mai is completely out of order, while the Northeastern Line is rerouted via Chachoengsao (expect significant delays). Bus travel is still possible, but many lines are rerouted causing heavy delays. Plan your trip carefully and follow the news for ongoing developments.

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Check back later for more info, and meanwhile, check out this article about Bangkok

"Bangkok as seen from the SkyTrain, appears a jumble of oxidized hovels, clotheslines, and satellite dishes, above which gathers a typically ruined Third World sky, while in the far and middle distances, a new postmodern cityscape of luxurious condominiums has seemingly been airlifted from Miami’s Brickell Avenue."

FROM TRAVEL AND LEISURE  http://www.travelandleisure.com/

TRAVEL - PHILIPPINES - INTRAMUROS - MANILA

TRAVEL - PHILIPPINES - INTRAMUROS - MANILA

Intramuros Front Gate

My office in 2009 through 2010, was in the port area of Manila, Philippines and right outside of this gate of the old walled city.  Intramuros is the oldest district of the present day city of Manila, the capital of the Republic of the Philippines. Nicknamed the "Walled City", Intramuros is the historic fortified city of Manila during the Spanish Colonial Period. Located then along Manila Bay and south of the mouth of Pasig River, its thick defensive walls were built by the Spaniards in the 16th century to protect the city from invasion. Its name in Spanish, intramuros, literally "within the walls", meaning a city enclosed by thick, high walls and surrounded by moats.

Old City Map

Often, I would go there to conduct business such as work permits and banking.  My fiance, now my wife, suggested we tour Fort Santiago.

Pearl at Fort Santiago Entrance

The fort was the site of several key battles over the years.  Built in 1571 it was destroyed in 1574.

Pearl at the cannon

Me at the cannon

Golden Foot Print of Rizal

1896.  A national hero of the Philippines, Jose Rizal, was held prisoner by the Spanish and executed nearby on December 30, 1896.  Moments before his execution by a squad of Filipino soldiers of the Spanish Army, a backup force of regular Spanish Army troops stood ready to shoot the executioners should they run awry. The Spanish Army Surgeon General requested to take his pulse: it was normal. Aware of this the Sergeant commanding the backup force hushed his men to silence when they began raising "vivas" with the highly partisan crowd of Peninsular and Mestizo Spaniards.  His steps are traced in gold.  It was powerful to see.

Unlikely Soldier

Later, after the Spanish-American War, Intramuros was the headquarters of the US Army.  The US trained Filipino soldiers and we got to try on their uniforms.

Pearl looks serious

In 1941, the Japanese invaded and kept many prisoners in the dungeons of Intramuros.

Pearl in the Dungeon

Pearl in front of Casa Maynila

After touring Fort Santiago, we headed over to Casa Maynila.  It is a reproduction of how people lived in the 1800's Reproduction because, during the Battle of Manila in 1945, every building was destroyed.  Not many pictures on the inside because it was forbidden to take photos.  We would have done it anyway, but the guards haunt you.  I guess they get a bonus if they catch you.

Pearl at the garden of Casa Maynila

I highly recommend the Carlos Celdran tour.  We caught the last bit of this one as we had to go work an overnight shift.   Carlos Celdran is not only knowledgeable but he is hilarious and some of routines make the history come alive.  You can book him here.  Overall, the tour of Intramuros was inexpensive and historical.  We made a lot of our own fun.  We went in January so it was cooler than usual.  But still beware the tropical sun and drink plenty of water.

Philippines Travel Guide - Palawan

Palawan Province

PALAWAN:

The history of Palawan may be traced back 22,000 years ago. The discovery of bone fragments of the Tabon Man in Quezon, anthropologists believe they came from Borneo. Known as the Cradle of Philippine Civilization, the remains of the ancient man were found along with his tools and a number of artifacts.

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To Do:

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines

Underground River on Palawan

A bottomless cave under the rocky marble and limestone sea cliff of Mt. Saint Paul  is also present on the Island, where an 8,000 meters underground river course exists.  It is known as one of the world’s wonders and also considered as the longest underground rivers in the world. The special feature of the park is to ride a boat and go inside the cave with a flashlight exploring the beautiful religious- like images of stalagmite and stalactite, which are all breathtaking views. 

 

 

Take the Sabang Beach Adventure Tour.

Overall great place to explore whether you are visiting the Philippines or already live there.

Philippines: Great Bargain for Beach Vacation

Do you have the Philippines Inside?  You like the Philippines.  The Philippines likes you.

The Philippines may be just about to rudely shove Thailand off the ‘best cheap beaches’ perch it’s occupied for the best part of two decades. While travellers argue long and hard about which is cheaper, there’s no denying Thailand is more popular.

For those who desire nothing more than to find great, undiscovered beaches, surf the odd wave and eat unique, distinctive food for under US$20 a day, the Philippines has the edge.

Camara Island, Pundaquit.  San Antonio, Zambales.  Philippines

Add in the possibility of beach camping along the Zambales Coast or in the Bacuit Archipelago and you’ve got the recipe for timeless island hopping that suits any budget. Ferries link many idyllic destinations in the Philippines. Expect to pay around US$5 for each hour you’re on the water.

TOKYO - HOTEL NEWS - MANDARIN ORIENTAL, TOKYO 5TH ANNIVERSARY

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo Celebrates 5th Anniversary With Additional Benefits



Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo



Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo presents the Five Benefits accommodation package to commemorate the hotel’s 5th anniversary. Since opening in December 2005, the multi-award winning hotel has garnered rave reviews for service, style and elegance, and is regularly voted one of the top hotels in Japan. Reservations at the hotel’s three Michelin-starred restaurants are much sought after, and the spa, which is a favorite in the city, has been described as a “city-center sanctuary for personal meditation and discovery.” 

Deluxe Room at the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

Available from 1 November 2010 to 31 January 2011.

1. Complimentary room upgrade to the next category;

2. Choice of early check-in from 11am or a late check-out at 4pm; 

3. Complimentary Internet access;

4. A celebratory welcome amenity; and

5. A Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo original fan crafted by Ibasen, the renowned, centuries-old Japanese fan manufacturer, as a personal gift.

Rates are exclusive of tax and service charge.

Lobby of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

For reservations or further enquiries, please call: +81 (3) 3270 8950 (9am to 8pm).  Reservations can also be made online at www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo.

About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 27 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 13 in The Americas and 12 in Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 14 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group’s properties.

Cebu Pacific - Air Travel - Fun Travel - Philippines

Cebu Pacific Flight Attendants between dances

In the Philipppines people have fun at their jobs.  To help you pay attention to the safety announcement we have all heard many times, these flight attendants made it fun by dancing to Lady Gaga.  The airline is Cebu Pacific, and is know for having fun games and a fun attitude for their passengers.

Fun Video is linked here.

The main competitor to Cebu Pacific is Philippines Airlines (PAL).  The flight attendants at PAL are complaining that the dance is somehow sexist by citing the sexist comments on the video post.

Hong Kong - Festivals

Festivals

Chinese (Lunar) New Year. Although this may seem like an ideal time to go to Hong Kong, many shops and restaurants close down during the Chinese New Year. However, unlike Christmas in Europe where you can hardly find shops open on this big day, you can still get food and daily products easily during the Lunar New Year period. The week or two leading up to the Chinese New Year as well as the period just after the third day up to the fifteenth day are good times to soak up the festive mood and listen to Chinese New Year songs being played in the shops.

Spring Lantern Festival (元宵節). If you go to Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, you will be able to experience this traditional Chinese festival. A number of beautiful lanterns can be found in the park at this time.

Ching Ming Festival (清明節). This festival in Spring is also known as grave sweeping day. To show respect to the deceased, family members go to the grave of their ancestors to sweep away leaves and remove weeds around the grave area. Paper offerings are also burned, such as fake money.

Cheung Chau Bun Festival (長洲太平清醮). This is takes place on the tiny island of Cheung Chau. In the past the festival has involved competitions with people climbing bun towers to snatch buns. After the unfortunate collapse of a bun tower in 1978, due to an overload of people, the competition was abandoned. It was resumed again in 2005 with better safety measures.

Tuen Ng Festival (端午節). This is a festival in memory of a national hero from the Spring and Autumn Period of Chinese history. Dragon boat races are typically held during this festival and glutinous rice dumplings, usually with pork fillings, are eaten by many.

 Lion dancing: a dramatic spectacle at Chinese New Year.

Hungry Ghost Festival (中元節). This festival runs throughout the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the gates of hell open during this period and hungry ghosts are allowed to roam freely into our world. Though not a public holiday, this is the time where one can see many people perform various rites to appease the wandering ghosts, such as offering food and burning joss paper. One can also see traditional performances such as Chinese opera which are held to appease these ghosts.

Mid Autumn Festival / Moon Festival (中秋節). This festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month. Moon cakes which contain lotus seed paste and duck egg yolks are a popular delicacy. Many Western people will find the traditional mooncake hard to appreciate, so you might like to try the ice-cream version as well. The festival is also known as the lantern festival and various parts of Hong Kong will be festooned with decorative lanterns which set the night scene ablaze with colour.

Chung Yeung Festival (重陽節). Is a day also known as Autumn Remembrance, which is similar to Ching Ming in spring, where families visit the graves of their ancestors to perform cleansing rites and pay their respects. As the weather cools down during this part of the year, hiking is a good activity to do during this holiday.

Halloween (萬聖節). Halloween has grown rapidly in popularity and many people dress up to party till late. Trick or treat is not common but most restaurants and shopping centres are decorated and have special programmes. For young adults and teenagers, Ocean Park is the place to be for Halloween fun. It is not a public holiday.

Christmas (聖誕節). Christmas is celebrated Hong Kong style. The city is adorned using traditional Western Christmas decorations. Many shopping centres, such as Pacific Place, offer ample opportunities for children to meet Santa. Most shops and restaurants remain open throughout Christmas. You should expect large crowds out shopping for the Christmas sales.

New Year's Eve (元旦除夕). New Year's Eve in Hong Kong is something to check out if you are seeking a carnival experience. Hundreds of thousands of people out on the streets to celebrate the New Year is truly an unforgettable time. There are all-night services on the MTR, night-buses, and of course, many taxis. Fireworks go off on the harbour front, which a lot of people attend to watch on both sides of the harbour: Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon side) and Central (Hong Kong Island). The young adults and older adults decide to party with the rest of Hong Kong at the hot-spots such as Causeway Bay, Lan Kwai Fong and Tsim Sha Tsui. Many people dress up and attend private parties and others flock to the streets to enjoy the atmosphere. Police patrol around popular areas to make sure the city is a safe party-zone. Hong Kong people are not great drinkers and most of them stay dry for the night. Drinking alcohol on the street is uncommon. So visitors who drink should moderate their behaviour or risk being screened out by the police as the only drunks in the crowd.