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.

SPONSOR:  Princess Diana Dolls

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.

DESTINATION TRAVEL - The Louvre - Paris France

The Louvre at Dusk

The Louvre 

The premiere art museum in the world.  You must allow yourself two days to see it all.  The Louvre is located in one of the busiest parts of the city, the first arrondissement. 

GETTING THERE:

By Métro:  Châtelet/Les Halles, the hub for the 1 and D lines is the largest and busiest of all Métro stations. There exists a total of seven entrances/exits scattered around the eastern end of the 1st Arrondissement, concentrated (not surprisingly) between Les Halles and Place du Châtelet, and also accessing the basement of the Les Halles shopping mall itself. If you are in a hurry—or have never used this station previously—it might be better to alight one Métro stop earlier or later. Of course, if you are transferring to or traveling on one of the RER lines, brace yourself. Châtelet/Les Halles is a French equivalent for New York City's Grand Central Station.   Line 1 stops at Palais-Royal/Musee-du-Louvre.

Palais-Royal/Musee-du-Louvre - From Line 1

INSIDERS TIP:  Pack lightly!  I made the mistake of transversing Châtelet/Les Halles with three large bags at rush hour.  I did gain some valuable insight as to how the French refer to big Americans that bump them and delay them during their daily commute.  Parisiennes in huge numbers pass thru the station (on the order of 800,000 unique visitors per day according to the Mayor's office).

Line 1 line crosses travels the length of the arrondissement, arriving from Chateau de Vincinnesin the east via Gare de Lyon, and La Défence in the west. Most of the stations are fairly easy to use with the exception of Châtelet/Les-Halles. Your station will be Palais-Royal/Musée-du-Louvre.

By Air
According to Kayak, these are some flight pricing from various spots around the world.
New York: $743
Chicago: $798
Los Angeles: $810
Tokyo: $914
Hong Kong: $944
Singapore: $998

The Museum:

Exhibits:
The place is very large and to see it all allow 2 days to tour.  I recommend reading up on the histroy and exhibits.  This way you will have a "must see" list and you will increase your overall enjoyment.  For example, The below list is a great starting place:

The Mona Lisa on Display at the Louvre

1. Mona Lisa
2. The Virgin and Child with St Anne
3. Raft of the Medusa
4. Nike of Samothrace ("winged victory")
5. Oath of the Horatii
6. Portrait of Madame Récamier
7. La maja desnuda
8. The Aphrodite of Milos
9. The Death of Socrates
10. The Death of Marat
11. The Coronation of Napoleon in Notre Dame
12. Baldassare Castiglione (Raphael)
13. The Death of the Virgin (Caravaggio)
14. Pierrot (Jean-Antoine Watteau)
15. The Wedding at Cana

Do some basic background reading on wikipedia, and then go see for yourself.

Charles and Pearl

History:
The Louvre, in its successive architectural metamorphoses, has dominated central Paris since the late 12th century. Built on the city's western edge, the original structure was gradually engulfed as the city grew. The dark fortress of the early days was transformed into the modernized dwelling of François I and, later, the sumptuous palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV.

The Facility and Access:
Metro Station: Palais-Royal/Musee-du-Louvre
Telephone:  +33 1 40 20 53 17
Times:  Open daily except Tuesdays and certain public holidays. Permanent collections 9 am to 6 pm (Wed and Fri til 10 pm). Under the pyramid is open 9 am to 10 pm.
Fees: Approx. $13 for a day pass.  Various specials are here.


Controversy: 
There are several disputes over the ownership of some of the works.  The Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 and briefly returned to Italy, later returned to France in 1913.  Also, several cultural properties siezed by Napoleon and later the Nazis are being resolved by the UN with the cooperation of the Louvre.

Thoroughly French McDonalds

The McDonalds under the entrance in the carrousel de Louvre has been the source of some complaints and isolated anti-American rudeness.  Insider Tip:  Try not to dress as if you are on a tour bus to Disney, be proud of America but don't draw undue attention.
Despite the complaints, the McDonalds food in France is far superior than the USA counterpart.  Also, much less expensive than other options in Paris.




Insider Tips:

Far from the madding crowd - BUY ONLINE!

_ Avoid the mid-day and afternoon crowds by taking a break in the Jardin opposite the entrance; far from the maddening crowds.
If you are lucky, police on horses ride by and you get to stroke the horses!
Make a picnic of it.
- Travel light or join long lines at security check on entry.
- Eat in advance and preferable, elsewhere. Saves having to line up at the Louvre's eatteries.
- Buy tickets in advance. Saves having to line up to buy tickets from the machines. Machines are easy to use and equiped for the non-French reading visitor.
- Try the sweet shop in the Lourve. Great fudge. Sugar needed to keep you going.
- The Mona Lisa: Pay your respects but respect the crowds waiting to catch a glimpse of her and move on (asap).
- Take a break: grab the interpretation cards and a seat or simply, pause, look up (great decor) or out (great views).
- Use the short cuts: stairs and staff offer helpful advise.
- Make the most of extended opening hours and visit in the evening. Less crowds!

Boracay - New Years Destination

Boracay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world which are covered with the purest golden white sand lying next to the clear blue waters of the sea.

Boracay Beach

When you speak about white sand beaches with pristine and crystal-clear waters, it is perhaps in no doubt that the majestic island of Boracay comes to mind. This tiny tropical island, located about 316 kilometers (about 200 miles) south of Manila, 

Boracay Sand Castle

People heading to the tropical paradise over New Years Eve can attend a number of parties and events being held by each of the many resorts and hotels spread out across the island.

To celebrate the New Year the island is famous for its huge fireworks display which is provided by the resorts on the island, with each one putting on a separate show and trying to outdo each other. The sky will be filled with color and the sound of exploding firecrackers as revelers can sit back and watch all the action.

On the night are also a number of live music performances by famous local bands and DJs who will provide the music for people to dance the night away as the evening crosses over into 2011.

An event not to be missed is also the sandcastle building contest that will feature artists sculpting awe-inspiring sand castles from the golden sand.





After a peaceful and relatively low-profile flight from Manila to Kalibo or Caticlan, tourists are immediately treated to an exciting boat ride from Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay. During this 20 minute ride, tourists could enjoy the lovely view of Aklan’s pristine waters together with its rich natural resources. As you disembark the boat and prepare for your island adventure, it would be impossible to miss the majestic view of Boracay’s world famous “White Sand Beach”. The chalk-like sand is unquestionably the island’s most valuable treasure, drawing the tourists and giving the locals a source of livelihood.

Pearl and Charles enjoy a Boracay morning

I took my first vacation with my future wife to Boracay.  Very romantic and many different activities around the beach.  We really got to know each other amidst a relax setting.  

We stayed at La Reserve Boracay, Station 1 Balabag, (63 36) 2883020  Spending your vacation at La reserve will make your holiday dream come true, full of relaxing and partying, with nice ambiance that feels and brings you in paradise. Spend the night in their elegant rooms, and enjoy breakfast on your private balcony with garden views. La Reserve is ideally located for day trips. Spend the day exploring nearby towns or the natural attractions of Boracay Island, or simply relax at the hotel. Best rates on official website start at Php 3,000

The island is already a popular tourist destination and with the influx of tourists heading for New Year, demand for a hotel in Boracay is set to dramatically increase.

CHICAGO - The Signature Tour - DOUBLE DECKER & TROLLEY TOURS

CHICAGO:

September 2010.  We took the Blue Line from O'Hare to our Hotel.  We stayed at the Embassy Suites Lakefront and we were in the middle of all things fun.



Double Decker Tour Bus



We checked in and enjoyed the manager's cocktail reception.  Pearl had some soft drinks and I had some beers.  We went over to eat at DAO a Thai restaurant, great food.  

In the morning we took the Signature Tour.  Double Decker & Trolley Tours was a great way to see the city.  We walked up a half block across from the NBC Tower and caught a double decker bus.  Next stop was Navy Pier where we bought tickets for $29 plus a discounted Skydeck admission.   



Navy Pier: 



This is the number one attraction in Chicago.  Here are restaurants, Harry Caray's bar, food court and ice cream.  Also from Navy Pier you can rent a boat or relax in a beer garden.  The ferris wheel is another great attraction.  For $7 you can get a view from up high.  On our first night, we stopped by the pier and the ferris wheel was closed.  There was a party of doofus hipsters that were so upset the wheel was closed, they jumped the gate and climbed on the closed yet still moving wheel.  The wheel operator stopped the wheel before the ride completed and called the police.  The police were not well humored and told the gathering crowd to leave. 

 

Pearl pointing out the late night riders





Also at Navy Pier is a Garrett Popcorn shop for which the Double Decker & Trolley Tours provides a free coupon, wow that is some great popcorn.  I had the Chicago Mix, it was awesome, sweet and cheesey.  The food court had something for every palate.  Pearl had sweet and sour chicken and I had a Starbucks Coffee, some pizza and the popcorn (part of this nutritious breakfast).

Pearl and a Pirate

Pearl on the Ferris Wheel

We walked to the end of the pier and had a great view of lake Michigan.  The pier has enough to do to spend all day. 

Swings from the Big Wheel

Navy Pier - Main Gate

The Double Decker & Trolley Tour continued on to the Magnificent Mile.  I really loved the hop on hop off feature.  It was interesting to hear the different take on the city from the tour guides.  All were funny and enjoyable.  Being in the open air was a great way to see the architecture like the Wrigley, the Intercontinental and the New Trump.

The New Trump behind Pearl

Other stops included the Water Tower, it did not burn down during the Great Chicago Fire, a vertical mall, Water Tower Place and the Museum of Contemporary Art.  We had limited time and were excited to see the Willis Tower, so we skipped the John Hancock Observatory. 

Charles Rolling by Hard Rock

We rolled past the Hard Rock Cafe, but it was too early to eat when we went by, but there are many great pizza and hot dog places at this stop.  I made a note to come back to this stop at night for some live music, but was way too tired to get up and go after a long day of touring.

Next Stop:  Skydeck - Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) - My review of that stop is here.

There was a nice lawn with comfortable chairs as we waited for the next bus.

Pearl relaxing on lawn across from Willis Tower

Chicago Theatre:  On the this next leg we went through the theatre district and saw some great city views.  The tour guide was great as he ducked under the "L" .  On a side note, Louis CK is funny as hell.  I wished I was able to see him perform at the Chicago Theatre.

Tour goes past Chicago Theatre



Millenium Park:

This was a cool stop with lots to see and do.  The park is very relaxing with strategic benches and greenery.  The Cloudgate was very cool to look at and we had lots of fun taking pictures in and around it.  The Cloudgate has an odd bean shape and is knicknamed, "the Bean".



Pearl's turn to hold up the Bean



Chicago from Millenium Park

Cloudgate "the Bean"





DETROIT - ROCK CITY

Detroit

DETROIT:

Getting there:  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the primary Detroit airport, and recently it has undergone a dramatic transformation with a new terminal, a sixth runway, and a south entrance road. It has also added a new parking garage; and the luxury class Westin Hotel. The Detroit airport is currently working on adding another new terminal in 2008. Detroit Metro Airport's concessions program is award winning, so eating here upon arrival, or prior to your departure, is a pleasure. Also, among its national chain of stores, you'll find locally inspired shops, such as the GM, Henry Ford, and Motown Music stores. Take the Inter-terminal Shuttle Van to get from one terminal to another. From the Detroit airport, you can access all the top car rental agencies, or hitch a ride through two different luxury sedan and taxi services. The Smart bus will take you to downtown Detroit for $1.50 (exact change), and the trip takes about 90 minutes. Enjoy your trip to the sparkling city of Detroit Michigan.

Things to do:

Henry Ford Museum:

Henry Ford Museum

The collection of over 100 historic buildings, and the museum grounds overall, together house some of America's most notable relics, automobiles, machinery, locomotives, aircraft and, well...the list goes on. It is a testament to Ford's dedication, and his resulting legacy, to preserve the country's history. In his words, "I am collecting the history of our people as written into things their hands made and used...." Included among the many rare exhibits are the John F. Kennedy limousine, Abraham Lincoln's rocking chair from the Ford's Theater, the Rosa Park's Bus, the Wright Brothers' Bicycle Shop, and Thomas Edison's New Jersey Menlo Park laboratory, where he developed the incandescent light bulb. Tickets for adults are $14, Seniors pay $13, Youth ages 5-12 are $10, and under 5 get in free. The Henry Ford Museum Michigan is open every day from 9:30-5:00. Parking is easy, and there seems to be no long lines to wait in.

SCARY PRAGUE

Charles Bridge - Executing Royalty since 1432

Halloween in Prague is a great way to get into some scary stuff:  

With Gothic church towers, ancient castles and dungeons offer a great thrill for ghost hunters.



The famous Charles Bridge, pictured above, said to be haunted by ten lords executed in the middle ages, is within walking distance of this area.   The tower on the bridge served as a deterrent display of the severed heads of the victims to stop Czechs from further resistance against the Habsburgs.

The Church Of Our Lady Before Tyn is another spooky sightseer's dream. There is no way you can miss it - even if you don't visit the building. Its impressive towers can be seen for miles around.

Go at night when it is lit up in the shadow darkness for a dramatic sight that would give vampires the creeps.   

Prices are low, airfare and hotels are at all time lows, check out http://www.kayak.com/.

Check out Jury's Inn and other bargain accomodations are there to be found.

The mysterious Stare Mesto - which literally means Old Town - is a great historical place to explore.

This maze of winding lanes is built on layers thanks to the Vltava River, which constantly flooded during the 13th century.

This forced citizens to raise the city an entire storey to the level at which it lies today, creating an underground labyrinth.

Once dark and damp, these basements have been transformed into an underworld of shops, bars, restaurants and clubs.

This amazing walkway is lined with the statues of saints and is the perfect place to take a snap of the city's castle, which stands high on a hilltop.

FORT MACON, NORTH CAROLINA - TRAVEL GUIDE

Fort Macon, North Carolina

Fort Macon State Park is a North Carolina state park in Carteret County, North Carolina, in the United States. Located on Bogue Banks near Atlantic Beach, the park opened in 1936. Fort Macon State Park is the second most visited state park in North Carolina, with an annual visitation of 1.3 million, despite being the third smallest park in North Carolina with 389 acres (1.57 km²). The Battle of Fort Macon was fought there during March and April 1862.

The ramparts

In addition to the fully restored fort, the park offers visitors both soundside and surf fishing, nature trails, ranger guided tours, a protected swim area, a refreshment stand, and a bathhouse. With the exception of the bathhouse, there are no fees to enjoy the park.
The park is open year round and does not charge an admission or parking fee. During the non-summer months the protected swimming area, refreshment stand, and bathhouse are not available. However, you can swim at your own risk and public restrooms are open year round.
Fort Macon State Park also completely surrounds United States Coast Guard Base Fort Macon. The main gate is located directly across from the park office and barracks, and visitors can catch a glimpse of one of the Coast Guard Cutters that are moored there.


Safety Tip:  The Fort is built for war, not safety.  Be cautious where you step as there are unprotected ledges.

HISTORY:

Five-sided Fort Macon is constructed of brick and stone. Twenty-six vaulted rooms (also called casements) are enclosed by outer walls that are 4.5 feet (1.4 m) thick.
In modern times the danger of naval attack along the North Carolina coast seems remote, but during the 18th and 19th centuries the region around Beaufort was highly vulnerable to attack.
Blackbeard and other infamous pirates were known to have passed through Beaufort Inlet at will, while successive wars with Spain, France and Great Britain during the Colonial Period provided a constant threat of coastal raids by enemy warships. Blackbeard's ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge "QAR" is thought to have been discovered in shallow water right off the park in the Atlantic Ocean and is being recovered. Beaufort was captured and plundered by the Spanish in 1747 and again by the British in 1782.

TRAVEL REVIEW:

The fort is very close to Atlantic Beach a popular destination.  We drove over from our hotel, The Sheraton Atlantic Beach.  Fort Macon was a nice break from the beach.  The view from the top of the fort is great, the boats going back and forth from the inlet were nice to see.

Labor Day was still very warm and the air conditioned exhibits were a nice retreat from the heat.

About to live fire a musket

This will be loud

The gift shop had thoughtful workers.  On our way out they reminded us that there was going to be a live firing of a musket gun.

The musket was fired by a Civil War re-enactor.  It was very fun and informative.

I had been to Atlantic Beach several times but never visited the fort.  It is a worthwhile side trip.

Scary Bridges - Caution - Don't View if you Fear Heights

WORLD'S SCARIEST BRIDGES

Many courageous (or foolhardy) travelers seek out hair-raising bridges just for the thrill. The bridges along the route to Colombia’s National Archaeological Park of Tierradentro are a good example. Though there are safer routes via bus from La Plata, some thrill-seekers choose to ride motorcycles over slippery bamboo crossings deep in the mountains, where one wrong move could mean plunging into a turbulent river.

So get ready to face your fears—or maybe find your next adventure—with a list of the world’s most petrifying bridges.

Suspension Bridge - North Vancouver

Capilano Suspension Bridge
Canada

Originally built in 1889, this simple suspension footbridge surrounded by an evergreen forest is very high, fairly narrow, and extremely shaky—the cedar planks bounce on their steel cables as you walk across them. If the bridge doesn’t scare you, wait until the spring of 2011; the Cliffhanger attraction will allow visitors to climb across a series of suspended walkways attached to a cliff.

Where: British Columbia, across the Capilano River.

Stats: 450 feet long; 230 feet high.

Vietnam - Monkey Bridge

Monkey Bridges
Vietnam

It may seem that only monkeys could make it across traditional monkey bridges—after all, they’re typically made of a single bamboo log and one handrail. However, the name comes from the stooped monkey-like posture you have to maintain when crossing, so as not to plunge into the river below.

Where: Various points across the Mekong Delta at the southern tip of Vietnam.

Stats: These bridges are built by hand by local residents and vary from town to town. Newer ones are made of concrete.

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.