First Time in full Color: My Sharp 100th anniversary moment

My mom tried her extremely finest to get out of the living space of our house. It was the very first day that we had a color TV as well as  it was my very first time to see color on a boobtube. I was so mesmerized by the colors as well as vibrance that my mom had to bring the little chair I was seated on to the dining space so I might lastly have dinner. I was seven years old.

It was just a small, boxy TV. however that Sharp TV was my bestfriend when I was a kid. It was the very first TV we had. before this, I had been watching shows on the black-and-white TV at my lolo’s home as well as I was thrilled that I won’t have to cross over to the neighbor’s just to see my preferred animation show. That day, I watched whatever — whatever — even the cheesy soap commercials since I was so magnetized by the moving colors.

Growing up in Batangas, I had always been in like with the beach. though the shores of our side of Batangas are strewn with black volcanic sand, they still provide a great location to relax as well as swim. however since of the black sand, the water looks gray as well as murky even when it’s not. When I was a kid, it was my one as well as only idea of the beach. I believed all beaches in the world had black sand with coconut trees rising from them.

It was smashed by our little Sharp TV. I keep in mind the very first time I saw a picture of a white beach in full color on TV, exactly how I was blown away by it, as well as exactly how it triggered my preliminary wish to travel.  I still like the beaches in our bit barangay (I like all beaches!) however since then, I had been hopping from one gorgeous beach to another. All it took was one picture of Boracay as well as it somehow paved method for who I am today.
These are my #Sharp100 memories? exactly how about you? Do you have unforgettable Sharp moments?

You may want to share a few of these memories for a possibility to win a trip for 2 to the us West Coast! All you requirement to do is share your most unforgettable Sharp moment on their website: 

Here are more details:

Interested? Head over to the #Sharp100 website to get started: 

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SEOUL or BANGKOK? choose Your next Asian Adventure!

2018 • 6 • 7

SEOUL or BANGKOK?

Tell us what your choice is and why you wanna go there in the comments section of this Facebook post.

We’ll pick 1 winner of 2 Cebu Pacific Air tickets to that destination and 15,000 Klook credits for your tours!

Saan mo man gusto pumunta, travel with #norules because you can! #CEBTravels

FULL MECHANICS

This promo is open to all Philippine residents who like The poor Traveler page, Cebu Pacific page, and Klook page on Facebook.

To join, participant must comment explaining which destination they choose and why they want to visit their chosen destination.

Only one entry per account is accepted.

Promo runs from June 7 to June 20, 2018. Deadline of submission of entries is on 20 June 2018 at 11:59 midnight.

One winner of the following will be picked: 2 roundtrip Cebu Pacific Air tickets to Korea or Thailand plus 15,000 Klook credits.

Winner will be notified through private message.

Winner is responsible for securing necessary visa (for Korea) and other travel documents.

Prizes are not convertible to cash. Prizes are transferable until they are booked. Tickets and tours once booked may no longer be modified or transferred.

Claiming period is sixty (60) days after receipt of notification. travel period is from July to November 2018, not valid during embargo period, subject to change and Philippine holidays.

Other travel expenses such as food, accommodations and travel taxes are not covered by the prize.

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HOW TO spend 48 hours IN OSLO

Updated: 8/10/20 | August 10th, 2020

Most budget travelers skip Norway because it’s an expensive country to visit. The capital, Oslo, is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world owing to its high taxes, strong currency, and high percentage of imported goods.

Understandably, traveling here on a budget here is tricky. Yet I still encourage you to visit, even though it’s not a budget-friendly destination. There are unique museums, stunning parks, and stunning nature to be enjoyed. It’s small enough that a two-day or three-day check out is usually enough to get a feel for it.

To help you plan your trip and make the most of your time, here is my suggested 48-hour itinerary for Oslo.
 

Day 1

Wander Vigeland Sculpture Park
Start your day wondering this 80-acre park and see its 200 statues. located in Frogner Park, it’s the world’s largest display of sculptures created by a single artist. Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) created the collection of bronze, iron, and granite statues that now stand in this open-air “gallery” (you’ve probably seen the famous ‘crying baby’ statue on social media).

In the summer, the park is where you’ll find locals enjoying the long days of sunshine. There are typically events and concerts held here as well.

From here, head down to Bygdøy island, where you’ll find many of Oslo’s museums.

See the Viking Museum
This museum is home to the best-preserved Viking ships in the world, some of which date back to the 9th century. It’s a sparse museum (the focus really is on the ships) but the burial ships (as well as the preserved tools and carts from the middle Ages) are incredibly rare and worth seeing for yourself. The museum offers a short film and as well, though the free audio guide is the best way to make the most out of your visit.

Huk Aveny 35, +47 22 13 52 80, khm.uio.no/besok-oss/vikingskipshuset. open daily from 9am–6pm in the summer and 10am–4pm in the winter. Admission is 120 NOK for adults and free for kids under 18.

Explore the Norwegian folk Museum
Not far from the Viking museum is the Norwegian museum of cultural History. It has a collection of over 150 buildings from various periods throughout Norwegian history. It’s an open-air museum, so you can explore both the interior and exterior of many of the buildings, some of which date back to the 12th century.

The most impressive of its exhibitions is Gol Stave Church, an intricately carved wooden church constructed in 1157. The museum also has a large photographic archive as well as tons of historic artifacts, documents, tools, and more.

Museumsveien 10, +47 22 12 37 00, norskfolkemuseum.no. open daily from 11am–4pm. Admission is 160 NOK.

Visit the Fram Museum
As a northern country used to frigid temperatures and harsh winters, polar exploration is a field intricately woven into Norwegian history. This museum highlights that history, focusing on Norway’s contributions to polar exploration. The centerpiece of the museum is the Fram, the world’s first ice-breaking ship. The ship was used between 1893 and 1912 and is actually made of wood. The Fram made trips to both North and South Poles and sailed farther north and south than any other wooden ship in history.

The museum is incredibly detailed; there’s a lot of photographs, artifacts, tools, and tons of information. It’s a unique look into Norwegian culture through the lens of exploration.

Bygdøynesveien 39, +47 23 28 29 50, frammuseum.no. open daily 10am–6pm. Admission is 120 NOK.

Visit the Holocaust Center
Established in 2001, this museum highlights the experiences of Norwegian Jews (as well as the persecution of other religious minorities). It’s located in the former residence of Vidkun Quisling, a Norwegian fascist who headed the Norwegian government under Nazi occupation between 1942-1945. It’s a somber and sobering place to check out but incredibly insightful with various exhibitions, photos, films, artifacts, and interviews from world war II and the German occupation of Norway.

Huk Aveny 56, +47 23 10 62 00, hlsenteret.no. open weekdays 9am–4pm. Admission is 70 NOK.

Learn about the Kon-Tiki Expedition
In 1947, Norweigian historian and explorer Thor Heyerdahl used a traditional balsa raft to cross the Pacific ocean from South America to Polynesia. This journey set out to prove that the Polynesian islands were populated from the Americas — not Asia, as had been previously thought.

He and his small crew spent 101 days at sea. They filmed much of the experience, winning an Academy award in 1951 for best Documentary (he also wrote a book about the trip)

To get a sense of what his journey was like, watch the 2012 historical drama Kon-Tiki (it’s a terrific travel movie).

Bygdøynesveien 36, +47 23 08 67 67, kon-tiki.no. open daily from 9:30am–6pm (shorter hours in the autumn and winter). Admission is 120 NOK.

City Hall
End your day at City Hall, which is open to the public and free to enter. While it might not sound like an interesting sight, tours of the hall are will give you lots of insight into the city and its history. most noteworthy are the hall’s twenty murals and works of art. They depict everything from traditional Norwegian life to the Nazi occupation. also highlighted here is the history of the Nobel peace Prize. It’s awarded here annually (the other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden).

Rådhusplassen 1, +47 23 46 12 00, oslo.kommune.no/radhuset. open Sunday-Thursday from 9am-4pm. Admission is free.
 

Day 2

Wander Akershus Fortress
Originally built in 1290, Akershus Fortress is a medieval fortress that evolved into a Renaissance palace under Danish King Christian IV. Currently, it’s used as an office for the prime minister. It was built for protection and the fortress has never successfully been besieged (though it did surrender to the Nazis during world war II).

Inside the fort is a military museum as well as a museum dedicated to the Norwegian resistance during world war II. In the summer you can take a guided tour and there are also typically events here as well (mostly concerts). check the website to see if anything is occurring during your visit.

+47 23 09 39 17, forsvarsbygg.no/no/festningene/finn-din-festning/akershus-festning. open daily in the summers 10am–4pm (winter hours vary). Admission is free.

Take a Harbor cruise
The Oslo fjord is stunning. With its towering cliffs, calm waters, and rugged green shoreline, the Oslo fjord should not be missed. You can take a hop-on-and-off boat that shuttles people from the various attractions and museums or enjoy a proper two-hour cruise through the fjord. I recommend the two-hour cruise since it goes deeper into the harbor and you see a lot more. It’s a relaxing way to spend part of your day — especially if you’ve been on your feet all day.

Tickets for the two-hour cruise cost 339 NOK per person.

Explore the royal palace and Park
The royal palace is the official residence of the king (Yup! Norway still has a king!). completed in the 1840s, it’s surrounded by a substantial park and locals can usually be seen enjoying the long summer days here. during the summer, parts of the palace are open to visitors and tours. tours last one hour and you’ll be able to see some of the lavish and ornately preserved rooms and learn about the country’s monarchs and how they ruled Norway.

Slottsplassen 1, +47 22 04 87 00, kongehuset.no/seksjon.html. summer hours vary. See the website for details. Admission is 140 NOK and includes a tour.

Visit the national Gallery
While small, Oslo’s national Gallery has a wide range of artists on display. here you’ll find Impressionists, Dutch artists, works by Picasso and El Greco, and the highlight of the gallery, “The Scream” by Edvard Munch. painted in 1893, The yell has actually been stolen from the gallery twice over the years. Admittedly, the gallery doesn’t have the biggest collection I’ve seen but it’s nevertheless worth a visit. It’s a relaxing way to end your trip.

The national Gallery is temporarily closed and will reopen in 2021 but you can find some of its collection in the national Museum.
 

Other things to See & Do

If you have extra time in Oslo, here are a few other ideas to help you make the most of your visit:

Explore Nordmarka – The Nordmarka Wilderness area offers everything from biking to swimming to skiing. It spans over 430 acres and is home to huts that are available for overnight stays. You can reach the area in just 30 minutes by automobile or 1 hour by bus. avoid going on Sunday, as that’s when all the locals go so it will be busier (unless you want to meet more locals!).

Go Tobogganing – If you check out during the winter, do the Korketrekkeren Toboggan Run. The track is over 2,000 meters long and sleds are available for rent (including helmets) for 150 NOK per day (so you can take as many rides as you like). It’s only available when there is snow so the schedule will vary, however, it’s incredibly fun and popular with the locals too!

Wander the Botanical garden – home to over 1,800 different plants, this botanical garden/arboretum has two greenhouses full of exotic plants and a “Scent Garden” designed specifically for the blind so they could have a sensory experience (it’s a really neat experience so don’t miss it). There are lots of benches so you can sit down with a book and relax, as well as works of art throughout the garden. Admission is free.

Go Swimming – Oslo is surrounded by water and has lots of places to swim. The water is clean and safe and locals can be found swimming all year round. Tjuvholmen City Beach, Sørenga seawater Pool, and Huk are three spots worth checking out if you’re looking to take a dip when the weather is nice.

***
Since there are a lot of attractions involved, it’s best to get the Oslo Pass. like everything in Norway, attractions are expensive. If you plan on visiting lots of museums (and using public transportation) the pass will save you a good chunk of money. The 24-hour pass is 445 NOK while a 48-hour pass is 655 NOK (they also have a 72-hour pass for 820 NOK).

While Oslo has a lot more sights and activities, two days here is manageable enough to get a feel for the city and learn its history without entirely breaking the bank (though you’ll come close!).

Book Your trip to Oslo: Logistical tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a low-cost flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and low-cost hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

Saga Poshtel Oslo Central

Oslo youth Hostel

Club 27

Don’t forget travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the best companies to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want more information on Norway?
Be sure to check out our robust destination guide on Norway for even more planning tips!

Note: check out Oslo provided me with free accommodation and a tourist card to get into attractions for free while I was there. I paid for my own meals and flights to/from Norway.

Flores and Sumba, Indonesia: Excerpt from ‘Journeys with the Caterpillar’

once we were back in Bali, we were brought back to the reality of a giant protected reserve for tourists with infinite stretches of neatly packed boxes of shops with glass facades, mannequins looking out of them with their contemptuous looks. After days with heart shaped toilet buckets and dim hotel lights, I was fumbling with toilet papers and getting blinded with night lights. Flores and Sumba were still deep in my mind, refusing to make way for a new world.

At both the Indonesian islands of Flores and Sumba, we came across unique traditional villages. Houses, characteristic with their husky towering roofs, are central to their culture. The villages vary in their house designs and the elaborate rituals involved in building them. and the pattern of arrangement of the houses is also unique to each village clan. However, invariably, the bottom layers of these houses are for keeping the animals, on top of which are the living areas, above which the layers are used for storage of food, preserved from insects and moisture by the smoke from the firewood stoves placed underneath. made of wood, bamboo, and dry grass, the houses last less than thirty years and are prone to fires. but the pull of tradition is too strong. Those who build modern houses are often excommunicated.

The Manggarai people in the eastern highlands of Flores divide their rice fields in a spider web pattern. The village head distributes land among the villagers in parcels of triangular patterns or Lodok, starting at the centre.
Traditional village of Wae Rebo in Flores
And only in Sumba and Flores, men’s fashion still gets some attention. the most expensive cloth (ikat) is given to the groom as a return gift for the bride-price. only women are involved in ikat making, a skill that adds to her potential as a worthy bride. Making ikat is laborious; the weaver has to wait for weeks for that perfect berry to blossom in that faraway vine to get the colour her man must wear. men are forbidden to be anywhere near the dye making process.

At Komodo and Rinca islands, we had seen Komodo Dragons begging tourists for food. There are many similarities between humans and Komodos. Their babies take nine months to come out. They also suffer from bad breath. and they are usually monogamous; almost a similarity with humans. but there are many stark differences too. There are four males for every female Komodo. and Komodo mothers can give birth asexually. imagine the life of a Komodo male, who after overcoming all these struggles, ends up with a partner with bad breath.

At Flores, we had visited the colored lakes of Kelimutu. These three volcanic lakes change color rather whimsically. The local Lio people believe that the spirits of those who die at an old age go to reside at one of the azure lakes, of those who die young go to the one next to it, and of those who had been evil are condemned to the Coca Cola colored lake.

And how can I forget the excitement of the annual mock fight in Sumba? during the fight, called the Pasola, two teams drawn from different villages confront each other. men dressed in traditional garb, riding horses, gallop towards opponents, throwing blunt wooden spears. The fights are usually stopped when blood spills for the first time, an event considered auspicious for the coming harvest.

Sumba is known as the Texas of Indonesia
The climax of our trip was on the day we attended a funeral in Sumba. Over two hundred people had been invited. We melted at their warm welcome. but we also witnessed the sacrifice of seven buffaloes and four pigs. The locals explained that the Sumbanese believe that blood spilled in front of the house of the deceased smoothens her passage to heaven with the slaughtered animals joining her in heaven.

Despite being largely Christians, the Sumbanese still widely practice rituals from their native religion, Marapu. and according to Marapu, death is the point of escape from the world of common insignificance to an elevated realm, a few steps closer to God. accordingly ancestors are revered a lot more than the living. Funerals are therefore extremely important occasions in Sumbanese culture involving elaborate ceremonies. Such occasions are also opportunities to send a message about the sponsor’s social standing. It is common in Sumba to build a tomb for oneself or someone else in the family who was still alive, again for the reason of sending a social signal.

The Sumbanese spend great fortunes to build tombs and organize large feasts to commemorate both tomb-building and burials. The grander the tomb and the feasts, the stronger the message sent about the sponsor’s social standing.
The villages of Sumba have seen many battles, over slaves and land. As recently as 1998, there were bloody clashes between rival clans over the matter of disrespect shown to an important person. However, on more normal days, the Sumbanese are extremely dignified, polite, gentle and respectful. There are too many layers to a Sumbanese, a visible layer, shaped from poverty and harsh weather, a penchant for visual displays of violence, a history of bloody communal fights, stiff and rigid norms of society, codified for ages, draining lives without pause; and then there were the same faces that put down all their armoury, bravado and rigidity with the humblest of smiles, which they were ever ready to display, even if stained with a murky blood red, from the betel nut they chewed all day.

And even today, long after we came back to our home in Singapore, mama Mena of Bajawa, a vegetable seller with a measly income, keeps messaging me asking about our health and telling us that all the ladies in her stretch of Pasar Bajawa (Market) were talking about us every day. and the Moustache Uncle of Waingapu, who sold chickens, messages us asking if we had already sent the pictures, getting anxious as the mail failed to show up at his address that just said, “John Kumis at Pasar Ayam, Waikabubak.”

Waikabubak, Waingapu, Waikelele, Waitabula, Waitabar; all those names with Wai that meant water; just like in other Polynesian languages like those used by native Hawaiian and Maori people; a remarkable connection from antiquity; so one town meant water that was boiling; another meant water that was blue; I was fast forgetting which was which.
Did the trip matter to me in any deeper way than any other holiday? Of course, there was the pleasure of not being reachable by my superiors in office, what with the erratic mobile connections in the remote places, but a lingering worry was that they were also not bothering to contact me; was I turning irrelevant? and then, I and Lobo figured out that we could tolerate each other just enough to get married. Besides these, it was invigorating to come up close with those traits of human nature that is usually suppressed in more petrified environments; the trust of strangers, the simplicity, and the fear of death. I was still floating on a pool of unfamiliar collection of myths, whether lakes full of dead souls, or Komodos that were actually siblings of humans, to create a fascinating world of tender stories standing softly on a cold base of otherwise rational explanations.

Nonetheless, I was struggling to find big metaphors for our trip. There was no event that I could think of as life-changing, the ones much loved by application forms of those elite business colleges. I flipped through the pictures we had taken, hoping for some clue, something to brag about in brief, without earning a confirmed reputation of opprobrium. Out of the thousands we had taken, warm and radiant, occasionally with a dazzle of blue, there was one, not brilliantly framed, where the parang was an inch away from the buffalo, well on its way to tear off its veins in the next millisecond. With its eyes closed, the buffalo seemed to be anticipating the blow. It was alive at the moment, but a blink of an eye away from irreversible death. I knew what happened after that. but it was what it was at that moment. That moment had excited me, just as Daniel had said that Sumbanese funerals were exciting. but that moment had passed, the buffalo had died. The stars that we saw in numbers we had not heard of before, even they would go through their own individual moments from where they will fall into an irreversible decay. The Komodos would give in one day too, slowly wiped out by some predator or ecological change or by a sudden strike by the meteor or crazy weapons. even the lakes of Kelimutu, full of the spirits, good and bad, would disappear one day, swallowed in by tectonic forces or a sudden outward eruption. All along the roads we had taken, there was smell of death and rot, a flattened frog, long dry; a puppy that had been just run over, its mashed head a gooey red; a dead rat, thrown around by jumpy crows. In between all this transience, I was finding it tempting to be part of a myth, a realm where one can become an ancestor and stay as such for infinity, watching everything, feeling everything, remaining real, in memories and consciousness of everyone yet to be born, even if diluted in identity, but still not extinct till mankind itself became extinct.

Buffaloes play a critical role in Flores and Sumba societies. Buffaloes are gifted or sacrificed during key events in life: birth, wedding, and funeral. Buffalo horns are used to decorate houses to denote their status
But even being a part of this myth was under threat, from secular rationality, from collective wisdom of organized big religions, from the stigma attached by the media, and simple economics which made ancestor veneration seem too expensive for its value. I hoped this world might linger around just a bit longer, only for me, to feel a little more permanent. I was being selfish for I had moved on, and these people of Sumba and Flores would also move on. who was I to ask them to not put a mall aroundthe Kelimutu lakes or to not abandon their elaborate traditional homes for Bahaus brick blocks with French names? but for now, I just wanted to dream a little bit more, soaked in this wet, wild world, where strangers walked around me in silence, watchful that nothing disturbs me, from this magical peace.

How to reach Flores and Sumba: In Flores, Labuan Bajo, Ende, and Maumere are the key ports of entry and exit. There are flights and ships from major towns in Indonesia to all these locations.

Waikabubak and Waingapu are the major towns of Sumba. To reach Waikabubak, the easy way is to fly from Bali to Tambaloka in Sumba and then take a two hour drive to Waikabubak. another way to reach Sumba, richer in experience but poorer in terms of comfort is to take a ship from Pelni, the national Indonesian shipping company.

About the author: Writer, traveler, and photographer; Shivaji Das is the author of Journeys with the caterpillar: travelling through the islands of Flores and Sumba, Indonesia. He was born and brought up in the north-eastern province of Assam in India. He graduated from the Indian Institute of technology (IIT), Delhi, subsequent to which he completed his post-graduation from the Indian Institute of management (IIM), Calcutta.

He is presently working as a management consultant in Singapore. Shivaji’s writings have been published in various magazines such as TIME, Asian Geographic, venture Mag, Jakarta Post, Hack Writers, GoNOMAD, etc. He has also given talks on the culture of Flores and Sumba in Singapore, Morocco, China, Indonesia and Brazil. His photographs in collaboration with his wife, Yoland Yu, have been exhibited in the Darkroom Gallery, Vermont (USA), Kuala Lumpur international photography festival (Malaysia), the Arts house (Singapore), and the national library (Singapore).
Besides travelling, Shivaji also takes an active interest in migrant issues and eradication of underage poverty and is associated with Singapore based organization Transient workers count too (TWC2).

Follow him on: official Website, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Google+

About the book:
Elaborate funeral rites with sacrifices, volcanic lakes that change colour every few years, animist societies living in isolated villages, giant Komodo Dragons lurking behind kitchens.
“Journeys with the caterpillar” is a humble and humorous attempt to capture the dramatic simplicity of Nusa Tenggara Timur(NTT) in Indonesia, covering the islands of Flores, Komodo, Rinca and Sumba.
All royalties from this book are donated to Ayo Indonesia and Yayasan Harapan Sumba (YHS), two not-for-profits organizations in Flores and Sumba respectively. get it on Amazon!

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Lemon Pie House: Where to eat in Sagada, Philippines

I dislike to begin this entry on a sour note, however I just have to state that I don’t truly like lemons. I enjoy it as a fruit or as a chaser for a difficult drink, however it loses me the moment it becomes an component to a cooked or baked dish. I dislike lemon squares as well as lemon poultry as well as other dishes with overpowering citrusy taste.

But that bright yellow building that stands along the primary road of the town of Sagada was as well inviting. The Lemon Pie home is found farther down the road, away from the town’s primary establishments that it stands out from the grey as well as eco-friendly setting. before I understood it, I was already holding a little menu, choosing on what to have for breakfast that would go finest with a slice of — wait on it — lemon pie.

The Sagada Lemon Pie House
The Lemon Pie home fosters a quaint, extremely homey atmosphere. It felt like we were at the living space of a home in the province. as well as now that I believe about it, we were really at the living space of a home in the province. except that the area was transformed into a dining hall. The tables are low, similar to the Japanese dining set-up, as well as guests are expected to sit on the floor. There are regular-level tables in other parts of the space but, of course, the bad Traveler as well as his good friends selected to sit around a low table to total the experience.

History of the Lemon Pie House

According to its official website, the Sagada Lemon Pie home “is had by Joseph Daoas. It was Joseph’s mother, Elena Daoas, a native from Candon, Ilocos Sur (married to Bartolome Daoas, originally from Poblacion, Sagada) that started it all. It was her original recipe as well as she passed it to Joseph that later improved the recipe to make it taste even better. It took 12 years for Joseph to perfect the recipe. He experimented to get the right amount of flour for the crust as well as the right structure for the filling. It was five years back when the lemon pie reached its biggest improvement. however of course, it didn’t end there. In 2008, the Sagada Lemon Pie home was opened to the public for the very first time, however it wasn’t a hit. So Katrina decided to bring her lemon pies to the public market, downtown Poblacion, to get much better sales. Soon, more as well as more people buy their pies, as well as the rest is history.”

Facade of the Lemon Pie home in Sagada

The Menu

Of course, the Lemon Pie home offers other appetizing dishes aside from lemon pie. like many restaurants in Sagada serving home-cooked meals, there are only a few products on their menu. Their egg pie was likewise a best-seller. At first, I believed it was type of pricey, however I would later take that back after our meals were served since the serving was huge.

I ordered Cheesy Omelette with Garlic Rice as well as Hotdog (PhP 100). It came with lettuce, cucumber, as well as a slice of tomato. The cheesy omelette was fabulous. It was golden as well as solid on the outside however the soft cheese inside complimented it extremely well. Unlike with most cheesy omelettes I had tried before, the cheese of this did not overwhelm. The two pieces of hotdogs tasted like your normal hotdogs, though, which was just fine. The cucumber as well as lettuce were so fresh that they made great crunch when I took a bite. as well as yes, the serving was big.

The Lemon Pie home Menu
Cheesy Omelet with Garlic Rice as well as Hotdog
The famous lemon pie
Of course, a see to the Lemon Pie home would be pointless without trying their famous lemon pie (PhP 25). I did not expect much from it because, like I mentioned, I’m not truly a lemon fan. however boy did this pie deliver! It truly loved, loved, liked it. like the cheese in the omelette, the lemon in this pie did not overpower however complimented the sweetness of the other ingredients. It was likewise freshly baked as evident in its crunchy crust. Not only did I have one more slice in that instant, I likewise made an advanced order — two boxes — that I would pick up the next day before going home.

The Lemon Pie home – Sagada
Address: Atey, Dao-Angan, Sagada
Email: lemonpiehouse@gmail.com
Mobile: (63) 907-7820360

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Gateway to Heaven: Tianmen Cave in Zhangjiajie, China

By the time I reached the site, I had no much more energy.

All that was left of me was a powerful urge to eat anything that crosses my path. The huge rocky cave towering above me, the very reason I was in Tianmen mountain in the first place, appeared to me as a gargantuan donut. Thankfully, there were food stalls lining one edge of the traveler area. Otherwise, I would have eaten the cave too. I followed the scent of what smelled like fried eggs and longganisa (native Filipino sausages). Of course, there was no longganisa. but the Chinese version tasted very much like it. With six pieces of buns (siopao), they made up my first meal of the day. It was already past three in the afternoon.

Sausage and buns! These mini-sausages taste practically exactly like longganisa hamonado. To my delight!
Tianmen Cave is often referred to as Gateway to Heaven

After the quickest meal of my life, I finally had the chance to take a look at Tianmen Cave. The centerpiece of the Tianmen mountain national Park, it is a natural hole that cuts through one side of the peak. At 1520 meters above sea level, it is the highest natural arch in the world, earning its nickname “Gateway to Heaven.”

The cave alone is 131.5 meters tall, 57 meters wide, and 60 meters deep. but it wasn’t always like this. It used to be an ordinary cave. At the time, the site was called Songliang mountain until Year 263, when one face of the cliff collapsed and created a door-like opening. The name was then changed to Tianmen, implying sacred. Today, this gateway has become one of the most renowned structures in Hunan Province.

The hole is available through a 999-step staircase that climbs straight to the base of the hole. nine is one lucky number in numerous Chinese cultures. The road that leads to this place is Tongtian Avenue, a dangerously winding path that turns 99 times. In 1999, a stunt exhibition was staged, allowing planes to fly through the cave. It was a momentous event that was witnessed by 800 million people through a live telecast.

Tianmen Cave (Gateway to Heaven) as seen from the base of the mountain!
A waterfall cascades just next to the 999-step stairway to Tianmen Cave.
Me and the huge hole. Haha.
View of the big gate road from the end point, the Tianmen Cave
As I sat there, staring at the arch, I began wondering whether it would be a good idea to still climb to the lofty viewdeck. It would have been another beautiful climb: Not only are the stairs set just next to a gentle waterfall, they also face the city of Zhangjiajie, cradled at the foot of a mountain range. but the first sign of sunset loomed overhead. suggestion of the cliff bathed in orange light, reminding me of the time. The choice was quite apparent now. I needed to catch the 6:30pm train to Liuzhou.

Reluctantly, I grabbed my bag and headed to the bus terminal and made my way back to the city. had I had much more time, I would have stayed a lot longer. It was a shame that I saved Tianmen mountain for last.

Tian men Shan cable television Car
Tian men mountain national Park,
Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China

Admission Fee: CNY 258 (inclusive of cable television car rides)
Opening Hours: 8am-6pm (4pm last admission)

How to get to Tianmen Mountain: The nearest aerial gateway is Zhangjiajie Airport, but visitors from the Philippines may fly through Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia) to Wuhan or Guilin. From Wuhan, take a 9-hour train ride to Zhangjiajie City. From Guilin, board an overnight train to Liuzhou or Changsha then another to Zhangjiajie (total travel time is around 18 hours excluding layovers). From Zhangjiajie Train Terminal, the Tianmen mountain cable television car station can be reached on foot (around 10-15-minute walk).

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How to Monetize a travel blog – A guide for beginners

This post was written by James Patrick Murray. checked out a lot more about James in the author’s bio at the bottom of this post!

In the Goat’s Blogging guide for Beginners they covered whatever that you requirement to understand about exactly how to set up your own blog, from protecting web area from a web hold such as BlueHost, or 1&1, to creating the blog itself.

Being able to monetize your blog is a bit a lot more challenging than the set-up process as well as it will take a specific amount of time as well as attention. That being said, it is never as well early to begin believing about establishing your monetization strategy.

If you want to travel a lot more frequently as well as you like composing about your experiences, there’s no much better task in the world than travel blogging. It’s a widely known truth that people who travel are normally happier, so why not make a living out of it?!

Wondering exactly how to begin a travel blog? inspect out our publish here. Click right here to begin your blog today ? 

Let’s begin at the extremely Beginning

First as well as foremost, you requirement to develop a readership. If you do not have sufficient web traffic pertaining to your blog, you will not be able to monetize it.

First, produce meaningful, appropriate material that people will want to read, like, as well as share. having a special take is always crucial too. sites like yTravelBlog.com have filled a space in the travel blogging market, by focusing solely on household travel.

It’s crucial that you stay socially active by publishing blog updates on social network platforms as well as preserve an active publishing routine on your blog itself.

Encourage visitors to comply with the blog by integrating a Lightbox opt-in function that gets visitors to indication as much as an email listing to ensure that you can notify them as soon as a new publish is up, preserving a consistent amount of return traffic.

It likewise assists to network with other blog writers in your field as well as guest publish on each other’s blogs, which not only supplies you with a lot more appropriate content, however likewise expands your readership reach.

Top Monetization Options

Once you have well established your blog as well as have a considerable following, it is time to commence monetization.

The info that you have to offer people – from ideas on discounted airfare to ideas on backpacking – becomes rewarding as well as so as well does the physical real-estate of your blog. below is a short summary of the different methods for you to make money with your blog:

1. product Reviews/Paid Posts

Depending on your blogging niche, agreeing to publish product evaluations can bring in a great bit income, not to mention complimentary products.

This is particularly lucrative for fashion bloggers; however, travel blog writers have a considerable advantage for examining products too, from sunscreen to backpacks, as well as whatever in between.

Maybe you won’t be examining a 5 star hotel in Maui yet, however it’s a start. What is crucial though is to preserve the integrity that originally gained your readership. only evaluation products that have an affinity with your blog’s subject matter as well as style. If you offer out as well as lose face, you will likewise lose your readership.

2. offer ad Space

Having banner ads or Google AdSense implemented on your blog just makes sense, considering that you don’t have to do anything other than enable the program gain access to to your site. Of program this is normally a smaller amount of income, however it is still a great method to monetize, as well as as your web traffic grows, the a lot more clicks these ads get and the a lot more money you get.

3. affiliate Marketing

Successful affiliate advertising depends on your capability to offer somebody else’s product. It can frequently are available in the type of a mention in an post (not like a product review).

Ultimately you requirement to be cautious with this, since padding articles with unrelated affiliate links will not only intensify visitors however may likewise confuse Google, leading to a decrease on the SERPs. Be wise when choosing affiliates as well as always keep your material rich as well as relevant.

4. offer products as well as services of Your Own

On the other hand, instead of selling other people’s products, you might be selling your own. This can are available in the type of selling your blogging skills as a service (freelancing), eBooks, mentoring/coaching, on the internet programs as well as consulting.

Of program this is just the idea of the iceberg; there arenew as well as innovative monetization techniques popping up every day. keep in mind that none of this will occur swiftly overnight, so be prepared to be in it for the long-haul.

Like it? Pin it! ?

Author’s Bio:

James Patrick Murray is an Irish American studying Literature in Berlin as well as backpacking with Europe whilst he composes his thesis.

 

 

 

Disclaimer:Goats On The road is an Amazon partner as well as likewise an affiliate for some other retailers. This indicates we make commissions if you click links on our blog as well as purchase from those retailers.

BEACHES NEAR MANILA: 10 Uncrowded weekend getaways

Last updated: 27 February 2020

Here’s a listing of beaches NEAR MANILA that are not as congested as other destinations. That said, if you’re visiting in summer, expect to still share these sites with many other tourists. during peak season, almost every destination is packed particularly on weekends.

Almost every decade, a new destination rattles the world of Manila-based beach chasers. In the 1950s, Matabungkay was put on the tourist map after two German travelers “rediscovered” it. In the 1970s, all roads led to Puerto Galera after UNESCO declared it a secured area. In the late 2000s, the hype was all about Anawangin, reborn 20 years after the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

The browse for the nearest it beach paradise doesn’t stop. We always requirement a go-to destination where we might fail to remember about the constant jolts of the city — traffic, noise, air pollution. who might blame us, really? The more people Metro Manila takes under her wing, the more we want to getaway her claws. We like Manila, yes, however when it comes to beaches — let’s deal with it — she will break your heart (and poison you, if you swallowed enough). Sometimes, all we want to do is run away from her as well as have an affair. With nature, that is.

But where do we go now? The things we have loathed about the city have snuck their method out to the countryside. Matabungkay, trash problems. Puerto Galera’s White Beach, overdevelopment. as well as Anawangin, ah, some boatmen in Pundaquit now phone call it Divisoria for a reason. We’ve broadened our browse to a couple of hours further to include outlying islands. a few of them are a bit difficult to reach as well as needs several transfers. A few of them can still be a bit swarmed during summertime weekends, however they’re not as insanely congested as the prominent ones.

If you’re always on the lookout for a beach destination that will make you feel like you really left the city, right here are 10 suggestions.

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

Silanguin Cove
Talisayen Cove
South Beach
Mariveles as well as Bagac Beaches
Cagbalete Island
Tambobong Beach
Verde Island
Sepoc Beach
Cape Santiago
Malabrigo Beach
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Silanguin Cove

Silanguin Cove
Location: San Antonio, Zambales

Silanguin is the least congested of all the recently rediscovered beaches of San Antonio; thanks to its remoteness.

Be warned: the sand right here isn’t white, not even off-white. It is light gray, at best. however don’t judge a beach by its color. Unlike the other coves, the water right here is much shallower as well as less violent, making it more perfect for swimming (soul searching, if you’re into that thing). The reddish soil of the surrounding mountains integrated with the bright greenery likewise makes for the very best view in San Antonio.

If you have more time: Go fishing! The waters of Zambales are so rich that fishing tours are starting to make waves. Ask your boatman about it before the trip.

How to get here: From Pundaquit, boats (good for 4 pax) can be rented for P2500. travel time: 5-6 hours. Alternatively, you can likewise get right here by boat from Subic, however involves a longer travel time.

More info: Anawangin as well as Nagsasa travel Guide.

Where to Stay: Zambales Hotels

Talisayen Cove

Talisayin Cove
Location: San Antonio, Zambales

Of all the ashen coves patching the shoreline of Zambales, Talisayen is the quietest. It’s like that a person guy back in high institution who sat at the extremely back of the class, not stating a word unless asked. frequently overlooked since he wasn’t as prominent as his seatmates.

How to get here: From Pundaquit, boats (good for 4 pax) can be rented for P1500. Alternatively, you can likewise get right here by boat from Subic, however involves a longer travel time.

More info: Anawangin as well as Nagsasa travel Guide.

Where to Stay: Zambales Hotels

South Beach

Corregidor South Beach
Location: Corregidor Island

Corregidor isn’t all about barracks as well as batteries. It likewise hides a short, peaceful beach that most Manila residents understand nothing about. The South bank beach isn’t littered with fine, white sand, however it is great sufficient for a relaxing getaway. Scattered around are what they phone call “bloodstones,” medium-size pebbles tainted with a red material that appears like blood spatters. There are likewise a great deal of activities that can be enjoyed here, the most prominent of which is kayaking.

How to get here: book a tour with sun Cruises (Rates: around P2500 per person). email them at corregidortours@suncruises.com.ph. The ferry terminal is at One Esplanade (near SM shopping center of Asia) in Pasay City.

Where to Stay: Corregidor Inn

Mariveles as well as Bagac Beaches

Location: Bataan

Bataan’s jagged shoreline cradles a number of short coves. The municipalities of Bagac as well as Mariveles, inparticular, are starting to increase as tourist destinations. If you’re expecting sand with Boracay-like qualities, you’ll be disappointed. most beaches variety from beige to light gray, however are nonetheless picturesque.

If you have more time: decrease by Las Casas De Filipinas De Acuzar Heritage Resort, a sprawling complex that features 27 Spanish-era heritage homes understood as bahay-na-bato.

Yasa point at Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Heritage Resort
How to get here: From Cubao, take a bus (Fare: P200-250, travel time: 2-2.5 hours) to Balanga, Bataan . Bataan Transit & Genesis transfer have everyday trips that leave hourly. At the Bataan transfer Terminal, transfer to a bus bound for Bagac (Fare: P40-50, travel time: 45-60 mins). Alternatively, you can take a ferry from shopping center of Asia directly to Bataan.

Where to stay: Bataan hotels as well as Resorts

Cagbalete Island

Cagbalete Island
Location: Mauban, Quezon

Photos of Cagbalete highlights its wide bed of sand that the low tide exposes. dotting Lamon Bay, which fronts the Pacific Ocean, its remoteness is primarily the reason for its quietness. however more as well as more people are starting to find it.

How to get here: There are Jac liner buses in Cubao as well as Buendia that go directly to Mauban at 5am as well as 12noon (Fare: around P300. travel time: 5 hours). However, that would be a squander of daylight. What we suggest is to get on a bus for Lucena instead at a much earlier time like 2am (Fare: P200. travel time: 4 hours.) Alight at Lucena Grand terminal as well as transfer to a bus for Mauban (Fare: P100. travel time: 1.5 hours). when in Mauban, book a boat trip at Mauban tourism office (Fare: P50, environmental Fee: P50) as well as then take a tricycle to Mauban Port. At the port, hop onto a boat bound for Cagbalete Island (Travel time: 1 hour.)

Photo by: Andre Montejo

Tambobong Beach

Tambobong Beach
Location: Dasol, Pangasinan

Most famous for the Hundred Islands, Pangasinan has always been on every beachgoer’s radar. however while most are Alaminos-bound, try inspecting out the town of Dasol, which keeps a few glistening strips of sugary sand. one of them is Tambobong Beach, which stays almost untouched.

How to get there: From Manila get on an Alaminos-bound success liner or Five-Star bus. In Alaminos, take a jeepney to Burgos as well as ask the driver to decrease you off to the Burgos Market. Tambobong is just a tricycle trip away from here.

More info: Tambobong beach by Senyorita

Where to stay: There are close-by resorts like R Paradise beach resort as suggested by Senyorita. however most go to Tambobong on a daytrip as well as spend the night elsewhere. To see rates of other hotels as well as resorts in Pangasinan, inspect this out: Pangasinan Hotels

Photo by: Micaela Rodriguez

Verde Island

Verde Island
Verde Island is part of Batangas City, however it is in no method as commercialized as the rest. located 45 minutes off the mainland, it cradles a number of beach attractions that are almost untouched including Mahabang Buhangin as well as Cueva Sitio.

The island likewise sits in the middle of Verde Island Passage, which is explained by a 2007 Smithsonian Institute research study as the “center of the center” of the world’s marine biodiversity citing the high concentration of marine species.

Where to stay: If you don’t want to stay overnight, you may stay in a hotel in Batangas City.

More info: Isla Verde travel Guide

Sepoc Beach

Sepoc Beach
Location: Tingloy, Batangas

The only island municipality in Batangas, Tingloy holds a trick — the pristine, sparkling type. Its fish-shaped primary island called Maricaban appears to be hopping from Balayan to Batangas Bay. Masasa beach utilized to be its best-kept secret, however as soon as the trick was out, tourists came flooding in. Sepoc beach on the western tip of the island provides a fantastic alternative. It’s personal so you can expect this to be uncrowded for a long time.

If you have more time: Make a stop at Sombrero Island.

How to get there: trip a bus bound for Batangas City Grand terminal (around P165). then take a jeepney to Anilao (P40) as well as then tricycle to Eagle point resort (P350). From here, lease a boat to Sepoc Island (P2464 for as much as 8 pax).

Check rates here: Anilao Resorts

More info: Sepoc Island travel Guide

Cape Santiago

Burot Beach
Location: Calatagan, Batangas

While the close-by towns of Lian as well as Nasugbu hog the spotlight in this part of Batangas, the beaches of Calatagan have always been overlooked. as well as it is a great thing, a extremely great thing. It is not crammed with resorts, as well as there’s sufficient breathing space for tourists seeking some peace of mind.

Although Manuel Uy beach has been drawing in more visitors, neighboring Ivory Beach, Aquaria Water Park, as well as Stilts resort have been fairly uncrowded. get acquainted with Punta de Santiago Lighthouse, an imposing 51-ft tall white as well as red brick tower developed by Magin Pers as well as Guillermo Brockman, the exact same guys who designed the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Ilocos Norte.

If you have more time: On the other side of the land are a number of other beaches, where every sunrise is golden.

How to get there: At EDSA-Taft, there are vans that bring passengers directly to Calatagan (P200). From the town center, take a tricycle to the lighthouse (P150-P200).

Where to stay: Calatagan Resorts

Malabrigo Beach

Malabrigo Beach
Location: Lobo, Batangas

When the gods showered the province with white, fine sand, Malabrigo was most likely stoned. What it handled to catch was tons of medium-sized pebbles. however there is no unfortunate ending here. Malabrigo rises as a destination with a unique character as well as a much tougher attitude.

While Laiya battles overcrowdedness during peak season, Malabrigo stays calm as well as composed, a picturesque cape whose huge prospective is written on the smooth rocks adorning its edges.

Cape Malabrigo Lighthouse, the other Batangas beacon, is quickly accessible from the beach via a steep staircase that zigzags on the cliff side.

If you have more time: Snorkel at the Submarine Garden, a thriving coral garden as well as fish sanctuary.

How to get there: Take the bus to Batangas City as well as alight at Balagtas or Diversion (P150-180). From here, trip a jeepney or tricycle to SM Batangas as well as get off at the Batangas-Lobo terminal. Board a jeepney to Lobo (around P55), then a tricycle to Malabrigo (at least P100).

More info: Malabrigo Beach

A previous version of this article was published on the February 2014 problem of travel now Magazine. get your digital copy here.

comply with travel now magazine on:
IG: travelnowmagazine
TW: travelnowmag
SC: travelnowmag

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THE death OF NOSTALGIA

Updated: 04/10/2019 | April 10th, 2019

Though I always like checking out new destinations, when I truly like a place, I want to go back, as well as I commonly revisit places.

In February, I went back to Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica. The last time I was there was in 2003, as well as I keep in mind it for its incredible number of monkeys, rich jungles, as well as wide, white-sand beach.

While it was touristy back then, I wouldn’t state it was “overdeveloped.”

When I came back this year, I was shocked to discover that the only thing that I might acknowledge of the Manuel Antonio I utilized to understand was the beach.

The road running between Quepos (the closest primary town) as well as Manuel Antonio when boasted a single restaurant, however now it’s lined with hotels, resorts, as well as overpriced eateries serving Western or Americanized dishes. The beach, which was when so quiet, is now full of hawkers, food sellers, as well as beach umbrellas.

One of the things that made Manuel Antonio so special is the park that sits on the town’s edge. To get there in 2003, you had to wade across an estuary as well as go into with a small gate. If you stayed in the park as well late, the rising tide indicated you had to swim!

Now, there’s a new entrance from the road as well as a park center. What makes it even worse is the significant hotel that has been erected ideal by the park entrance. Nature’s serenity has been disturbed.

When I was there in 2003, I couldn’t walk five feet without tripping over an animal. Monkeys were everywhere, as well as I saw deer, land crabs, birds, as well as animals with names I didn’t know.

Now, I might barely hear the seems of the monkeys in trees, as well as I didn’t see one land crab in the park that wasn’t dead. The only monkeys I saw were the ones on the beach waiting to be fed by tourists.

I was there with Jess as well as Dani from Globetrotter Girls. Dani had never been there before, however Jess had checked out in 2000, as well as we both lamented the change.

“We may also be in America,” she said. “This might be Hawaii, California, or Florida.”

Manuel Antonio had me wondering if advancement might be as well much of a poor thing. A while ago, I composed a publish called exactly how travel is poor for the World. In it I said:

“Traveling is not the most environment-friendly of activities. Flying, cruising, eating out, as well as driving around all have a unfavorable effect on the environment. a lot of people, when they travel constantly, utilize towels in hotel rooms, leave the air conditioner going, or fail to remember to turn off the lights. Jet-setting around the world in airplanes or driving around in an RV all contribute to worldwide warming. between waste, development, as well as pollution, we’re doing precisely what The beach stated we would do — we’re destroying the extremely paradise we seek.”

One of my preferred travel books is The Beach. I associate to the style of the book all as well well. It’s about exactly how travelers, particularly backpackers, look for paradise that doesn’t exist outside their heads as well as exactly how even when they discover something great, they end up spoiling it.

On the road, I commonly encounter travelers who talk about exactly how great a location was 10 years ago, however exactly how “the tourists” have ruined it now. It’s always stated with snide superiority, as well as I dislike it.

“If you don’t like it, why are you back?” I state to them.

Now, having come back to a location I haven’t been to in seven years, I question if I’m being like those travelers. have I ended up being jaded, or am I just romanticizing the past?

Certainly, advancement has brought lots of excellent things to Manuel Antonio. The regional economic climate is thriving now that there’s a great deal a lot more work for locals. There’s a lot more money for much better roads as well as infrastructure. The water is now clean to drink. There are a lot more lodging choices for visitors. The contamination as well as environmental damage you see in so lots of beach towns isn’t right here yet. I can still swim in the water, the park hasn’t been cut down, as well as the roads aren’t full of trash.

But what about the heart of a place?

Has advancement destroyed the spirit of Manuel Antonio? I observed that costs are a great deal higher, as well as there are a great deal of huge hotels that are in no method environmentally friendly. The road from the close-by primary town of Quepos is now full of hotels, as well as the jungle that was there is gone.

Most evident to me was the lack of animals in the park, which have nearly definitely been afraid away by the unexpected influx of people hunting them down for that trophy travel photograph.

I can’t assist believing that what made me like this location has disappeared.

“There are as well lots of people here,” I told Jess. “It’s as well touristy now.”

And after I stated it, Ibelieved back to those travelers I’ve satisfied as well as thought, “Ohh, no. have I ended up being that person? have I ended up being what I hate?” however now, I see the huge point those travelers commonly so ineloquently try to make.

It’s not that the location is poor now. What those travelers are truly upset about is that the picture in their mind is ruined. What they remember…what they came back for…isn’t there anymore.

The charming photo they painted is gone. as well as with it their innocence.

Yes, there’s a lot more of whatever in Manuel Antonio. It’s far a lot more developed, however that doesn’t make it bad. It doesn’t indicate that it’s “ruined.” I still suggest Manuel Antonio to travelers, as well as I’ll most likely go back there again.

What truly upset me is not the advancement in Manuel Antonio however my own loss of innocence. It was the realization that the charming picture in my head isn’t truth now. locations change. They don’t stay the same.

As much as we want that location to always be exactly how we left it, that can never happen. We can never just insert ourselves back into the past as well as into our memory. Life is linear. It changes.

In the end, Manuel Antonio was never ruined. My false picture of truth was, however in the long run, it’s just much better to take pleasure in locations as they are as well as not lament exactly how they utilized to be.

Book Your Trip: Logistical ideas as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a affordable flight by utilizing Skyscanner. It’s my preferred browse engine since it searches web sites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the least expensive rates for guesthouses as well as hotels.

Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will secure you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s detailed security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it lots of times in the past. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:

SafetyWing (best for everyone)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for extra evacuation coverage)

Ready to book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel. I listing all the ones I utilize when I travel. They are the very best in class as well as you can’t go wrong utilizing them on your trip.

7 methods to eat healthy on a Backpacker’s budget plan

It’s difficult to preserve a healthy diet plan when you’re provided with new, exotic foods as well as tasty treats. When it comes to your health, backpacking poses more of a difficulty than traditional travel, as you’ll most likely be on a tight budget.

Food products that are higher in fats usually come cheaper than the healthier ones — tacos as well as quesadillas in Mexico, stir-fried noodles in Hong Kong, deep-fried pakora in India, banana pancakes in Thailand, suppli in Italy, etc.!

And although you should sample the regional favourites, that’s all you should do if you want to maintain healthy eating habits when backpacking abroad.

Here are my top 7 tips for eating healthy while backpacking.

1. shop at regional grocery Stores

Finding a regional store is a affordable as well as efficient method to eat healthily.

For one, buying food from a supermarket is usually less costly than eating out since you’re buying food that will last you longer than one meal.

Groceries offer food that is fresh, which allows you to repair a healthy meal, rather than one full of fats, sugars, as well as preservatives.

Grocery stores, or markets, are likewise excellent locations to restock healthy snacks for your backpacking venture, like fresh fruits, granola bars, as well as mixed nuts. (Healthy snacks do not include chocolate bars as well as chips.)

Make sure to do your buying around the perimeter of the grocery store, where fruits, vegetables, fish, as well as dairy are normally located. The center aisles tend to home junk food — these should commonly be avoided!

While grocery stores as well as supermarkets are full of variety, if you can, head to one of the regional farmer’s markets. Not only will this ensure freshness of produce, however you’ll be directly supporting the regional community. 

2. seek Accommodations With a Kitchen

If you’re able to shop at a regional market or grocery store, then it’s preferable that you likewise have gain access to to a kitchen.

These days, many people are opting to stay in Airbnb apartments (either in a personal apartment or in a space in a shared house), however even if you’re in a hotel, hostel, or staying with a local, you may have gain access to to a kitchen area — make sure to use it if you can.

This enables you to repair meals completely portioned for your day as well as produces a healthy habit of not eating out as much.

Some affordable, yet healthy meals include stir-fried vegetables with rice, whole wheat pasta with a tomato-based sauce, eco-friendly salad, scrambled eggs with whole-wheat toast, yogurt with granola as well as fruit, baked poultry with salad, etc.

Depending on where in the world you’re travelling, grocery store food can be really affordable — if you purchase the typical food of the country, as well as don’t opt for imported goods.

For example, it’s about $3 for 3 poultry breasts from Portugal, however $6 for just a jar of Indian style curry marinade. In Grenada, it’s $6 for an imported red pepper, however just $1 for regional lettuce as well as herbs.

If you’re backpacking in the wilderness, be sure to grab food that you can toss together into a meal for later.

Just since you’re hiking doesn’t mean you can’t eat well; there are many choices for food to cook while in the wild, from freeze-dried as well as dehydrated foods to dry pastas as well as canned meats.

Remember that an adequate diet plan is vital for your health and wellness when handling strenuous activities like climbing mountains or tough trails.

Related Article: What to pack for a camping as well as Trekking Backpacking Trip

3. Don’t avoid Breakfast

If you discover yourself skipping breakfast only to be ravenous by lunch, you may want to rethink your choices.

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, as it offers a excellent boost to your morning. one of the primary benefits for backpackers is that it boosts your energy. It likewise enhances memory, concentration, as well as mood.

Breakfast makes you feel more awake as well as even assists you shed fat throughout the day. In order to keep your mind off of food during a long hike or tour with a new city, make sure you don’t avoid this meal!

4. Don’t Snack (On Junk Food) – eat genuine Meals

If you choose to constantly eat junk food since it looks appetizing as well as makes you feel full in the moment, then rethink your diet.

Snacking consistently throughout the day on foods lacking in fiber as well as nutrients is not great for you; it will only make you hungrier. 

But, snacking isn’t all that bad, depending upon what you select to eat. If you must snack, selecta protein bar, hard-boiled eggs, vegetables with hummus, some fruit, or nuts to preserve some energy.

This is completely fine — particularly while hiking. However, junk food will only sluggish you down as well as make you lethargic.

5. pack a Water Bottle

Staying moisturized is necessary to keeping a healthy diet. It assists you feel fuller as well as more energetic while likewise keeping headaches away.

If you’re heading into the wilderness, always take some kind of water filter, as it’s important to treat the water you discover while outside of civilization.

While water at high elevations in remote areas may really be cleaner than we think, it’s still safer to be prepared than to be stuck without a filter.

In more isolated countries, tap water is not always risk-free to drink, so keep that in mind also when traveling abroad.

Having a water filter, or purification tablets will assist the budget plan out also since you won’t requirement to constantly purchase bottled water. Not to mention, you’ll be assisting out the atmosphere by not discarding all of that plastic.

6. select Cheap, healthy locations to Eat

Even though I’m stating you should opt for buying at the grocery store as well as markets in order to assist out with eating healthy on a budget, the truth is, you will end up eating at restaurants. 

This can be a great thing!

Not only will you be able to sample the traditional food of the country you’re visiting, satisfy new people, support the locals, however rather commonly you can do it on a budget.

In Thailand, select a Pad Thai. This is a healthy, protein-packed meal that will keep you full as well as satisfied for hours. Rice noodles are stirfried with egg, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, fish sauce, tamarind sauce, chili peppers, eco-friendly onions, as well as more! It’s a tasty meal, as well as at just $1.50 on the street, it’s a bargain.

If you’re in many parts of South America, opt for the menu del dia, which rather commonly will be served with grilled meat or fish, veggies, soup, as well as rice. Typically, this is just a few dollars. Or, look for meals with protein-packed black beans. 

In Vietnam, order up the salad rolls (rice paper full of herbs, greens, shrimp or tofu), in Japan, head to the conveyor belt sushi as well as get 2 pieces of sushi for $0.50 – $1, while in China, you can discover steamed dumplings, dim sum, as well as chilly noodle dishes all for $1.

If you’re backpacking in Europe, look for fresh meals at regional farmer’s markets, lunch specials, as well as inspect out apps like The Fork for discounts. Plus, head to Eastern Europe where the stews as well as meats are plentiful, however the costs are low.

Basically, source out the affordable meals that aren’t deep-fried, as well as are full of proteins — either in the type of nuts, meat, beans, eggs or tofu.

7. avoid the Beer

Ok, this may not autumn under the “food” category, however since you’ll most likely be drinking as well as socializing while you’re backpacking, try to avoid the beer. 

This carb-filled booze does nothing for keeping your weight down.

If you can, opt for remove alcohol (vodka, gin, tequila) mixed with soda water as well as lime.

Or, if you’re into wine as well as can pay for it ($2 for a bottle in Europe!), then a glass – or two – a day keeps the physician away! however seriously, there are many benefits to drinking red wine.

Here’s to healthier Backpacking Habits

I hope that this listing provided you some great concepts for travelling around on a budget, however still keeping healthy.

Of course, you’ll be lured to sample a few of the regional specialties (some of which won’t be the healthiest option), as well as my tip is to just go for it. 

Have someday a week where you enjoy a tasty treat, otherwise, you’ll be totally missing out on the regional food culture, which is a huge part of travel. 

Healthy travels!

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