tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71372578735933219602024-03-11T21:50:47.791-07:00Boarding Gate 101MNL NRT NGO DTW STL ATL ORD SEA MDW MSP MCI JFK LGA CVG KUL SIN HKG BKK LGK PVG SFO LAX MEX CUN OAK BKI TPE ICN SJU KTM REP BWN AUH IST ADB SAW TBS DEL PNQ PEK ZAM CEB DVO CGY PAG MPH KLO PPS ILO USU BCD RXS CRK TAG LGP SFSUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger728125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-48638469369643744392024-01-15T02:13:00.000-08:002024-01-15T02:13:01.911-08:00PrivacyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-66842803315268476792018-02-25T04:29:00.001-08:002018-02-25T04:30:47.728-08:002018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAkRLH-UrDE/WpKUBhXVYsI/AAAAAAAE2oM/jL4Q5sdR9IMGf-hN1jt8wh8YiadE_IXgACLcBGAs/s1600/Pyeongchang%2B2018%2BOlympic%2BRings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAkRLH-UrDE/WpKUBhXVYsI/AAAAAAAE2oM/jL4Q5sdR9IMGf-hN1jt8wh8YiadE_IXgACLcBGAs/s640/Pyeongchang%2B2018%2BOlympic%2BRings.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went to South Korea last February 8 to specifically attend the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. The quadrennial event is being held at the city of Pyeongchang and nearby winter resorts. I've always wanted to see an Olympic event, and this is my first time to witness one (Rio 2016 was a lost opportunity). I was excited to say the least. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The winter edition of the Games are for sports practiced on ice and snow (duh), and although it has a smaller number of participants and overall number of events - 102 events and 15 sports - the winter games resonated to me as much as the summer edition, especially since I've watched <i>Cutting Edge</i> a while back (cheesy I know, but...). I've also been dipping my toes in winter sports, such as snowboarding (in <a href="http://www.boardinggate101.com/2017/12/day-10-snowboarding-in-gudauri.html" target="_blank">Gudauri </a>and <a href="http://www.boardinggate101.com/2014/12/snowboarding-in-hakuba-japan.html" target="_blank">Hakuba</a>) and <a href="http://www.boardinggate101.com/2016/02/skiing-in-south-korea_20.html" target="_blank">skiing</a>. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've also watched live </span><a href="http://www.boardinggate101.com/2013/03/hocky-game-at-ice-zone.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">hockey games</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> in the US, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">so the events have some familiarity with me</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dCOeYa1gI1U/WpKXWBkKHqI/AAAAAAAE2yE/9agW8Rrvvp0Fq9MWu5NT1XFmfZNnhTuKACLcBGAs/s1600/Pyeongchang%2BOlympic%2BStadium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dCOeYa1gI1U/WpKXWBkKHqI/AAAAAAAE2yE/9agW8Rrvvp0Fq9MWu5NT1XFmfZNnhTuKACLcBGAs/s640/Pyeongchang%2BOlympic%2BStadium.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pyeongchang Olympic Park</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pyeongchang is located about 180 kilometers east of Seoul, and I traveled there using the Korail KTX high-speed trains. I actually did not stay in Pyeongchang, but rather commuted by rail every time I go there, with the trip taking an hour and half each way. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eb0FIe6t0O8/WpKWoG4j0yI/AAAAAAAE2wc/hHJ-zfVGeBoSfBFR7eFmun307wLXJxX9wCLcBGAs/s1600/Pyeongchang%2B2018%2BOlympic%2Bflags.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eb0FIe6t0O8/WpKWoG4j0yI/AAAAAAAE2wc/hHJ-zfVGeBoSfBFR7eFmun307wLXJxX9wCLcBGAs/s640/Pyeongchang%2B2018%2BOlympic%2Bflags.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The national flagpole - where flags of participating countries are flown. Philippines is represented. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the Philippine Olympic Committee did not sell any tickets in Manila I have to get my tickets in Pyeongchang itself, which means going to the ticket booth in the Olympic Stadium and queuing</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for an hour in sub-zero temps. I managed to get tickets to visit the Olympic Stadium and Park, as well as to attend a medal event - 10 kilometer men's biathlon sprint. I wanted to see snowboarding and curling, but the tickets got sold out on the days I was in South Korea. Pet peeves: tickets are either purchased by cash or by using a Visa card, as Visa is a worldwide sponsor of the Games. They are expensive too; the biathlon event cost around USD 100. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olDSWkAyJQ4/WpKgk1IO7-I/AAAAAAAE3IM/w1QaqhEn13IboBVm4tNFGK6FDGJF3nxOQCLcBGAs/s1600/Pyeongchang%2B2018%2BSooharang.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olDSWkAyJQ4/WpKgk1IO7-I/AAAAAAAE3IM/w1QaqhEn13IboBVm4tNFGK6FDGJF3nxOQCLcBGAs/s640/Pyeongchang%2B2018%2BSooharang.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Getting a pic with Sooharang, the white tiger mascot of the Pyeongchang Games</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Getting tickets to the opening ceremonies is next to impossible (and expensive too), so I passed on that one (I instead followed the opening ceremonies on live stream while visiting the DMZ). The next best thing was to visit the Olympic park, which I did. The stadium where the opening ceremonies were held is pentagonal in shape; the temporary structure, which will be demolished after the Games, can hold 35,000 spectators. Around it are art installations, pavilions from sponsors, such as Samsung, a humongous gift shop (snagged a few souvenirs there), and of course, the Olympic torch. I spent most of the day exploring the park and the nearby village, braving the sub-zero temps and the snowy weather. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10-km Men's Biathlon Sprint Medal Event</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYby4itmCwI/WpKmVqfSgfI/AAAAAAAE3Rs/pZ-qsCoDhEYc-y7yk34d62odQucXiQyUgCLcBGAs/s1600/biathlon%2Bbiathletes%2BAlpensia%2BPyeongchang%2B2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYby4itmCwI/WpKmVqfSgfI/AAAAAAAE3Rs/pZ-qsCoDhEYc-y7yk34d62odQucXiQyUgCLcBGAs/s640/biathlon%2Bbiathletes%2BAlpensia%2BPyeongchang%2B2018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A biathlete after completing the course</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The only live event that I have attended was the ten-kilometer men's biathlon sprint, which was also a medal event. It was held in Alpensia Biathlon Center, inside the Alpensia winter resort. The biathlon center is accessible by a 20-minute bus ride from the Jinbu KTX station, which is about 8 minutes from Pyeongchang by train. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-swPAWboWLzQ/WpKmZrktMPI/AAAAAAAE3Rw/F-BD3UJLvNwylLlRleDNqmHM0bYhQC51QCLcBGAs/s1600/Alpensia%2BBiathlon%2BStadium%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-swPAWboWLzQ/WpKmZrktMPI/AAAAAAAE3Rw/F-BD3UJLvNwylLlRleDNqmHM0bYhQC51QCLcBGAs/s640/Alpensia%2BBiathlon%2BStadium%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Alpensia Biathlon Center</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Competitors would race around a set track in three laps, and in each interval will attempt to shoot five targets in the shooting range. Penalty laps are added for every missed target, and the biathlete with the fastest time around the track wins. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I imagine the sport to be a very stressful one, switching from skiing downhill and uphill in temperatures below zero at times, to having a steady pulse while shooting at targets in prone and standing positions. That and having your competitors at your tail too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was no team for me to root for particularly, but I manage to identify some national groups who were there to cheer for their team. I noticed the Russian fans were exceptionally boisterous, considering that Russia was banned in this Olympics due to doping, and that Russian athletes are playing under the banner of OAR - Olympic Athletes from Russia. In the end it was the German athlete, Arnd Peiffer, who won the gold, followed by Michal Krcmar from Czech Republic, and Dominic Windisch from Italy, who got the bronze. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55gHU7wOONM/WpKrdDo4TtI/AAAAAAAE3fk/G2uGjgbK2dghvz6Yb0HOX7wwvMzL_M0cgCLcBGAs/s1600/German%2BWomen%2Bbobsled%2BOlympic%2Bteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55gHU7wOONM/WpKrdDo4TtI/AAAAAAAE3fk/G2uGjgbK2dghvz6Yb0HOX7wwvMzL_M0cgCLcBGAs/s640/German%2BWomen%2Bbobsled%2BOlympic%2Bteam.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The German women's bobsled team in Seoul Station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wrap-Up</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All in all it was a great experience for me - the historical for attending an Olympic Games, and also having it as a learning experience and dry run for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. I learned a great deal on how the events are scheduled, and how tickets are obtained. I also met some Olympians, such as the German women's bobsled team. I've always looked up to Olympians as role models for sportsmanship and athletic prowess (apparently not the Russian dopers who got caught). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Getting There</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I did not stay in Pyeongchang during the Games, but I took the KTX train from Seoul to the event locations every time. I got a 5-day rail pass, which cost around PhP 9000. I thing it was a good deal, especially I also used it to go to Incheon Airport from Seoul on the day I left, as well as having several round-trip rides from Seoul to Pyeongchang and Jinbu as well. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-83479717661858315612018-01-17T04:39:00.001-08:002018-01-17T04:39:16.604-08:00Nice Things to Do in Brunei, Aside from Leaving the Country<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQBv-a34D4o/Wl8po9z7dKI/AAAAAAAExU8/6_58d8b2QeEU2-5A-ugFjqCbbwV5pSLNQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171104_110031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQBv-a34D4o/Wl8po9z7dKI/AAAAAAAExU8/6_58d8b2QeEU2-5A-ugFjqCbbwV5pSLNQCLcBGAs/s640/20171104_110031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I visited Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the Sultanate of Brunei, last November. Brunei is located in the island of Borneo, surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. I stayed in the capital for two nights, arriving one Friday evening from a Cebu Pacific flight from Manila. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BSB, as the capital is known, is different from all the other capitals of Southeast Asia that I have visited so far. No maddening traffic, no skyscrapers and crowds, and glitzy malls. In a word, I find the capital rather dull. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kampong Ayer. Venice, it is not.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Economy-wise Brunei is very rich, with the fifth highest per-capita income in the world. I learned that almost every household in the capital has a car, explaining probably why there are only about fifty taxis in the whole country (which means getting anywhere via a cab is expensive and tedious, as you cannot just hail them off the street). It is also a small country, with about 400 thousand citizens, mostly concentrated in the capital. I could imagine how empty the countryside would be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The country is also very conservative, which means alcohol is banned from being consumed in public places like bars. You order juice or ice cream when you go out in the watering hole instead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a bit pressed to come up with recommendations on what to do in Brunei or BSB, not that there's a lot of choose from, but rather from the dearth of it. I basically finished going around the major landmarks of the city in one afternoon, and I was back in my hotel by 7pm, doing nothing except cycle through the four channels in the cable. I was almost in tears due to boredom. So, without further ado, here are the nice things you can do in Brunei, aside from taking a cab to the airport and flying out of the country:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Visit the mosques</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The mosques are a must when visiting Brunei, and for me, the best and iconic landmarks of the country. The sultan clearly did not spare any expense to build these magnificent places of worship. The two largest in the capital are the Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. The former, with its golden domes and marble minarets, is considered the most beautiful mosque in Asia-Pacific. A ceremonial barge can be seen in the lagoon built adjacent to the mosque.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsZr8fbelQw/Wl864ZxcYPI/AAAAAAAExV0/2-OF5MEuLXg48TNoGPNQ4UHGsetvp9uTwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171105_155829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsZr8fbelQw/Wl864ZxcYPI/AAAAAAAExV0/2-OF5MEuLXg48TNoGPNQ4UHGsetvp9uTwCLcBGAs/s640/20171105_155829.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque, on the other hand, is the largest in the country, with capacity for five thousand worshipers. It has 29 golden domes and four minarets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Boating around Kampong Ayer</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is said that Antonio Pigafetta, who accompanied Magellan in his circumnavigation around the world, described the water village of Brunei, Kampong Ayer, as the Venice of the East (uhm, nope). The water village, home to the tenth of the population of the country, is a collection of houses, schools, stores, and restaurants, built over the river. It is also self-contained, with its own police and fire department, and facilities for water supply and sewage. You may hire a water taxi in the waterfront for a short tour around the village.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tour the city</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Touring the city basically involves the first two activities, plus some other things you can do. You may visit the downtown area, including the waterfront, where you can chill out in the cafes or restaurants facing the river. There are museums in the capital too, including the Royal Regalia Museum (I skipped this one as I don't find the sultan's old clothes as particularly interesting). There are also malls around in downtown,but nothing remarkable in them. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Downtown BSB, near the waterfront</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Istana Nurul Iman, the palace of the sultan and the one of the largest residences in the world, is only open to the public for only three days in a year, so most likely you will only see it from the river during the Kampong Ayer tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I have mentioned, you can do all these activities in half a day (morning till afternoon), so you may have to find some other things to amuse yourself in the evening. Going to a bar to get a cold brewskie is out of the question. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>How to Get There</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bandar Seri Begawan is served by several SEA airlines. From Manila I flew Cebu Pacific on an evening flight, but if you want the more expensive option you may flight Royal Brunei Airlines.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my opinion, the best view of Brunei</span></td></tr>
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<i>P.S. This article is supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, and any sarcasm, intended or otherwise, should be taken with a grain of salt. The title of the post is inspired by a line uttered by Greg, a character in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, in which he described West Covina, California. </i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-18218222712704376902018-01-02T11:50:00.003-08:002018-01-03T06:00:56.203-08:00Day 17-18 Dubai <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Not a lot happened in the first 2 days of 2018, but some shopping and doing touristy things in Dubai.<br />
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Ninoy Aquino International Airport, January 3, 3:00pm<br />
I arrived safely in Manila, and this concludes the trip. It has been an epic 18 days - visited 3 countries and 11 cities and towns - from snow-covered passes to deserts and everything in between, ate exotic food, got nekkid in hamams and baths, made new friends, and had countless spills on the slopes. Everything has been amazing, and can't wait for the next adventure.<br />
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Thanks for following me here, folks!<br />
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January 2<br />
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Abu Dhabi Airport, 9:00pm<br />
We reached the airport, and I got inside right away. Goong through immigration is now automated, no more stamps on the passport. I just got eye-scanned, and my passport too, and I am in the departure concourse.<br />
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I got some more last minute items from duty free and I spent my last dirhams buying a box of dates.<br />
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My flight is scheduled at 3am, and I scheduled to land in Manila around 3:30pm.<br />
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7:30pm<br />
On our way to Abu Dhabi airport. I think this is a very convenient service by the airline.<br />
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Etihad Mall, 5:45pm<br />
I was able to check in here and deposit my luggage. My shuttle is scheduled at 7:30pm.<br />
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Backpacker 16 Hostel, 5:00pm<br />
I got my luggage and went back to the metro to go to Etihad Mall, which is across the Noor Bank metro station. I am taking the free shuttle to Abu Dhabi there.<br />
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4:00pm<br />
I started to head back to Dubai Marina, then back to the hostel.<br />
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The Palm Jumeirah, 2:40pm<br />
I reached the Palm Jumeirah terminal of the tram, and I ventured further by taking the monorail to Atlantis, a sea-themed theme park. I dont really intend to go inside for the rides, but the monorail ride is a good way to marvel at the artificial island along the Dubai coast.<br />
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Ibn Battuta Metro Station, 2:00pm<br />
I left before I spend any more money, which is so tempting. I decided to go to Jumeira, and take advantage of the 1-day metro pass. Taking the metro is also a convenient way to see more of the city. Dubai really is a skyscraper city.<br />
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Beyond the Beach, 1:30pm<br />
I found an O'Neill boardies on sale. Oh goody!<br />
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Jollibee, Ibn Battuta Mall, 1:20pm<br />
I dont want to decide what to get for lunch, so I got the easy one - Chicken Joy and spaghetti.<br />
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Ibn Battuta Mall, 1:10am<br />
I found myself in another mall called Ibn Battuta. It's funny how the renowned Moroccan scholar, who traveled to many lands during the medieval times (and probably becoming the first travel blogger in the process) is being immortalized in a consumerist haven. He even got a statue in the mall, riding an elephant to a place unknown. Maybe to the nearest Oakley store?<br />
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12:00pm<br />
Check out is exactly noon. I asked the hostel clerk that I will leave my luggage and will come back for later.<br />
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Backpacker 16 Hostel, 10:00am<br />
That was a long sleep. After waking I fixed my luggage and prepared my things, as I am checking out today.<br />
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January 1<br />
Backpacker 16 Hostel, 9:00pm<br />
I am back at the hostel, and I spent the rest of the.evening online, playing games and checking FB and Instagram.<br />
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Hollister, 7:00pm<br />
Oh, a Hollister store, too.<br />
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Abercrombie & Fitch, 6:30pm<br />
I thought I will have a bit of shopping money since I am not doing the safari thing, then I saw an Abercrombie & Fitch store. This won't be good for my credit cards.<br />
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Mall of the Emirates, 6:00pm<br />
After Dubai Mall I went to check out the Mall of the Emirates.<br />
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Dubai Mall, 4:00pm<br />
Feeling lazy I decided to just go to the mall. I hopped on the metro to Dubai Mall, which is adjacent to Burj Khalifa. This mall is huge! And ostentatious is the word that comes to mind to describe it.<br />
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First order of business is to get some late lunch. I headed to the food court, and bought some sandwich and Coke.<br />
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I went around the mall afterwards, and bought a small duffel for some items that no longer fit in my luggage.<br />
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Backpacker 16 Hostel, 1:00pm<br />
So it took me a while to find the hostel. It's a good walk from the Internet City metro station and I took a circuitous route to get there.<br />
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I also had to wait for more than an hour before I can check in, so I went to a grocery store to buy food, then went back to the hostel to wait for the check in time - 3pm. By this time I was feeling tired and lost the interest to find a desert safari booking. Tomorrow's out of the question too, since I am going back to Abu Dhabi airport in early evening (safari's until 9pm). I did what every traveler would do - take a nap.<br />
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11:30am<br />
I checked out of the hostel, and will go to the other one. Hopefully they can help with the desert safari thing.<br />
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At the Top Hostel, 10:00am<br />
A bit of bad news - there are no more slots for the desert safari. The hostel guy called the tour agency and they're fully booked already. Bummer. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-33109169472240660522017-12-31T22:51:00.003-08:002017-12-31T22:51:22.635-08:00Day 16: New Year in Dubai <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I traveled to Dubai on the last day of 2017 and spend New Year's eve there.<br />
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3:00am<br />
Going home was absolutely bonkers! It took us 3 hrs to finally get a train and get back to the hostel.<br />
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12:00 midnight<br />
And the countdown began - and it's a happy New Year!<br />
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This is my first time to spend NYE away from home, so the experience is a bit different.<br />
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The lightshow was better in some ways from the fireworks, but nothing can come close to exploding things that light up the night sky to usher in the new year. Hashtag #justsaying.<br />
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Financial Road, 10:00pm<br />
We picked a spot along the Financial Road overlooking Burj Khalifa where to see the lightshow. Then we waited.<br />
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Al Safadi Restaurant, 8:45pm<br />
We decided to eat first, and we picked a Lebanese restaurant to have our NYE meal. I ordered shawarma and avocado drink.<br />
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7:30pm<br />
My hostelmate from Japan and I decided to go to Burj Khalifa to see the NYE lightshow there (fireworks were canceled this year).<br />
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At The Top Hostel, 3:30pm<br />
After a metro and a tram ride I finally made it to the hostel. It's on the 66th floor of a condo tower so the view is quiet impressive: the Palms, Dubai Marina, and the beach.<br />
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I settled in, and met my roommates and hostelmates. I also went downstairs to Carrefour to buy food, when went for a quick nap.<br />
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Al Jafiliya Station, 2:05pm<br />
The bus made a stop here so I got off to take the metro to my hostel.<br />
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Dubai, 1:35pm<br />
First glimpse of Burj Khalifa<br />
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Al Wadah Bus Station, 11:00am<br />
I got my bus ticket to Dubai. Buses leave every 20 mins, so this will be easy.<br />
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The bus continued with the trip after everyone boarded. It will be a 2hr trip to Dubai.<br />
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Emirates Plaza Hotel, 10:30am<br />
Back in the hotel to check out and head to the bus station.<br />
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Shiekh Zayed Grand Mosque, 9:45am<br />
The word "grand" is apt for this mosque. The sheer size, the quality of construction and materials, the design. It's even more impressive than the one in Brunei.<br />
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I joined the throng of tourists exploring the mosque (no shoes allowed). I got into the main hall, which is even more oppulent (40-ton chandelier!).<br />
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Emirates Plaza Hotel, 9:30am<br />
I decided to visit one more landmark in Abu Dhabi before traveling to Dubai - the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. I took a cab going there. The Pakistani cab driver tried to pull a fast one on me, by having the meter already with 15AED on it (flagdown is 5AED). He pretended he forgot to turn off the meter from the previous passenger. I deducted 10AED when I paid. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-26311774148609940582017-12-30T13:58:00.002-08:002017-12-30T13:59:40.659-08:00Louvre Abu Dhabi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of the museums that's on my list of must to visit within this lifetime is the Louvre. I sort of check it with (an asterisk) today when I visited the Louvre Abu Dhabi.<br />
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The Louvre Abu Dhabi was established in November 2017, though construction of its building started in 2009. The museum is a partnership between Abu Dhabi and the French government.<br />
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Located in the island of Saadiyat, the museum is the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula. I visited it on my second day in Abu Dhabi.<br />
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First thing that you will notice as you enter the museum complex is its architecture. Made to look like it was set in the middle of the sea, tidal pools surround the building. At the center and seems to hover around the it is the web-patterned metal dome, the pattern arising from aluminum stars that are joined and tesselated in several layers. This lets through the light from the sun, which then casts shadows like that of "palm fronds in an oasis."<br />
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As you enter you will go through the twelve galleries of art and artifacts that are thematically grouped together, they being in the same era or in their impact to history. These galleries include themes such as "Universal Religions," 'Asian Trade Routes,' 'Cosmography,' 'A Modern World?,' and 'A Global Stage.'<br />
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The art and artifacts on display are as varied as Egyptian mummies to Teotihuacan figurines, to reliquaries containing the fragment of the True Cross, and paintings by masters such as Gaugin, Pollock, Picasso, Miro, and da Vinci (La Belle Ferroniere).<br />
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Most of the pieces there are on loan from French museums such as the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Musee du quai Branly, although Abu Dhabi has been accumulating art on its own too. It was reported that the Salvator Mundi, the recently sold da Vinci painting - which was bought for $450million - will be displayed in the museum.<br />
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There were works there that have significance for me. When I was in grade school my uncle gave me a world history book, and one of the illustrations in the book was that of Napoleon Bonaparte. The painting by Jacques-Louis David, Napoleon Crossing the Alps, was in one of the galleries when I visited, and I can't believe that I was able to see it in real life. Seeing that reliquary with a fragment of the True Cross is also a great find for me. Even that painting that Mr. Bean destroyed in the movie, Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1, aka Whistler's Mother, was on display.<br />
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I think the museum, though controversial since its inception, made access to these priceless pieces easier for the rest of us. We no longer have to fly to Paris to see a da Vinci, but will only have to visit Abu Dhabi to see it. I sure am looking forward to seeing another da Vinci painting in the future.<br />
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How to Get There<br />
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is located in Saadiyat Island. It is reacheable by private vehicles, taxi, or public bus (No.94).<br />
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Useful Info<br />
Entrance to the museum is 60AED (for adults) and 30AED for children and young adults up to 22yo. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online.<br />
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The Museum is open from 10am-8pm Saturday-Wednesday, except Mondays. It is until 10pm on Thursdays and Fridays.<br />
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Website: www.louvreabudhabi.ae </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-81500195768420482162017-12-30T08:52:00.004-08:002017-12-30T08:52:59.674-08:00Day 15: Abu Dhabi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Day 15 is mostly just exploring the city, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.<br />
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4:30pm<br />
I spent more than 2 hours inside the museum, then I called it a day. I won't visit the Sheik Zayed Mosque today, instead I will go there tomorrow before going to Dubai.<br />
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I went back to the hotel and was sort of cocooning there since afternoon.<br />
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Louvre Abu Dhabi, 2:00pm<br />
There was a long line going to the ticket counters, and it took me about 20 mins or so to get a ticket. Once inside, it is all worth it though. The art works and artifacts on display are priceless. Like Hagia Sophia I will do a separate post for the museum.<br />
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World Trade Center Mall, 12:30pm<br />
UAE is known for their over-the-top malls, and this one did not disappoint. I chanced upon a multi-adapter in a gadgets kioks, so I got one. I also got my caffeine fix in a Starbucks (as always, they mispelled my name).<br />
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After coffee I took a taxi to Saadiyat Island, to visit the Louvre.<br />
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Souk, 12:00am<br />
I crossed the road from the beach and I ended up in a souk, albeit a modern, airconditioned one. I bought some postcards and stamps, and a magnet for my mom.<br />
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Abu Dhabi Beach, 11:30am<br />
Had I known that I will end up here I would have brought my boardies. It's no Boracay but a beach is a beach, right? I felt silly in my jeans.<br />
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The Corniche, 10:30am<br />
The weather is actually nice, so I continue walking to the direction of AbubDhabi beach. I stopped along the way a few times to rest in the benches.<br />
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Tourist Club Area, 10:00am<br />
I started walking toward the direction of Corniche - the seaside boulevard in Abu Dhabi.<br />
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Global Filipino Restaurant, 9:45am<br />
I got my breakfast here, tapsilog (maninated fried beef, rice and sunny sideup egg).<br />
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Emirate Plaza Hotel, 9:30am<br />
I got down after a quick shower. I woke up a bit latr because the hotel is noisy at night (there's a club downstairs; will be sure to include that in my review). </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-21994860879762490132017-12-29T02:24:00.000-08:002017-12-29T11:11:46.837-08:00Day 14: IST to AbuDhabi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Day 14 will be just mostly in transit. I am flying from Istanbul to Abu Dhabi.<br />
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Global Filipino Cuisine, 10:00pm<br />
I found a Filipino restaurant! Finally, rice after 2 weeks of kebap and bread. I ordered caldereta (a kind of beef stew) and rice, and the Filipina owner gave me bulalo (beef marrow soup). I was so happy with the meal.<br />
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After eating I went to a supermarket to buy some snacks and drink, then back to the hotel to have a shower then rest. Next update is tomorrow.<br />
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Emirates Plaza Hotel, 9:30pm<br />
I am checked in at the hotel for 2 nights. Not so bad, but there's a club downstairs so it is kind of noisy. I got down to get some food.<br />
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Abu Dhabi Airport, 8:00pm<br />
We landed around 8pm. Long line at passport control but I got in with no issues. I changed some dollars to dirhams, then got a cab to the hotel.<br />
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Aboard Etihad A330, 5:30pm<br />
Chicken or beef?<br />
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1:50pm<br />
Boarding now. We are flying on an Airbus A330.<br />
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Boarding Gate 205, 1:00pm<br />
I am just waiting to board the aircraft.<br />
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Ataturk Airport, 12:00n<br />
We got in the airport around noon. I went straight to the check-in counter of Etihad. Afterwards, to the passport control, then to the shops to get some last-minute gifts.<br />
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11:00am<br />
The bus arrived to pick me up, then we are off to Ataturk Airport.<br />
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Cheers Hostel, 8:30am<br />
I woke up feeling refreshed and relaxed. I got breakfast then took a shower, then fixed my luggage. Afterwards I just hang out in the hostel lounge to wait for the minibus to the airport.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-45294793063886657712017-12-28T22:14:00.003-08:002017-12-28T22:14:51.220-08:00Day 13: Back in Istanbul <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On the 13th day I flew from Tbilisi to Istanbul, where I will stay for one night before traveling to UAE.<br />
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Istanbul Sweet Shop, 9:10pm<br />
I had tea and some baklava here. I then went back to the hostel to rest.<br />
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Barbeque House, 8:30pm<br />
I decided to get dinner and I ended up in this restaurant. I got chicken skewers, some bread and soup.<br />
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Cheers Hostel, 7:00pm<br />
Just chilling out in my room and chatting with my roommates.<br />
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Grand Bazaar, 5:00pm<br />
After another walk I reached the Grand Bazaar - it is even bigger than the Spice Bazaar! (Duh, that why it's called Grand, dummy) Goods of all shapes and colors are on sale. I remember this is where James Bond has a chase scene in Skyfall.<br />
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I went from shop to shop, sampling the free Turkish delight until I am full. I bought a few gifts for back home, and I went outside to the tram. I got my ticket and took one that will take me near the hostel.<br />
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Topkapi Palace, 2:45pm<br />
I reach the palace after a short walk. Topkapi used to be the main residence of the sultans of the Ottoman empire. It is now a museum. There was a long time for the tickets so I just bought one from a hawker for 5 lira more.<br />
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The palace is very oppulent. It has a lot of courtyards and special buildings for every function and ceremonies, and for every whim of the sultans. There even a room where the princes are circumcized!<br />
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The artifacts on display are very impressive, particularly in this one room with all the religious items. Photography is forbidden in there but I saw among other things: the staff of Moses, the sword of King David, the footprint of Muhhamad, the headgear of Joseph, and pot of Abraham! I was really tempted to take pics but the guard looks menacing, so I did not. <br />
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I explored the rest of the palace grounds. The view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn is great, especially from where the sultan is having his breakfast.<br />
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2:00pm<br />
I woke a bit refreshed. I dressed up and went outside. I only plan to visit Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar today.<br />
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Cheers Hostel, 10:30am<br />
Finally in the hostel, same hostel as last time. Tariq is in the counter and checked me in. I was even able to eat the free breakfast! I then settled in, and took a nap. So sleepy now.<br />
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Taksim Square, 10:10am<br />
We arrived at Taksim Square past 10am. There was already some traffic buildup along the way. I got a cab to the hostel, which is on the other side of the Bosphorus.<br />
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Havas Bus, 8:45 am<br />
I am now in the bus going to Istanbul. It will stop in Taksim Square, where I plan to take a taxi to the hostel.<br />
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Sabiha Gokcen Airport, 7:00am<br />
Touchdown Istanbul. I sort of regretted that I took Pegasus Air going back. Sabiha is in the Asian side of Istanbul and kind of far to where I am staying (my flight tomorrow is in Ataturk, in the European side).<br />
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I cleared immigration and proceeded to baggage claim. Lo and behold - my luggage is nowhere to be found! Although there are no valuables there - the Holy Water from House of Mother Mary is in it! So I went to the Pegasus office and filed a lost baggage claim, and they told me that they will forward my luggage to Manila if they locate it.<br />
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Crestfallen, I continue on. On the way out I pass by the carousel and I noticed that my luggage is there - together with the batch from the London flight. I retrieved it then went back to the office to sign the lost and found form.<br />
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5:30am<br />
And we are off! I tried to catch some sleep on the plane and I did doze off.<br />
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4:50am<br />
We started to board the plane.<br />
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Tbilisi Airport, 3:00am<br />
I arrived at the airport around 3am. There were no issues at check-in or immigration, and I spend the time waiting for boarding at the concourse. I am flying Pegasus Airlines today.<br />
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Envoy Hostel, 2:30am<br />
I only had a couple of hours sleep before the alarm went off. Soon after taxi arrived to take me to Tbilisi Airport.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-21350969575072390832017-12-27T13:58:00.001-08:002017-12-27T13:58:06.117-08:00Day 12: Old Tbilisi <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On my last full day in Tbilisi I explored the old historical section of the city by joining a walking tour. I also went to the funicular and the baths.<br />
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Envoy Hostel, 10:00pm<br />
Again, back in the hostel. I will pack and wait for my cab at 2am to go to the airport.<br />
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Bridge of Peace, 9:20pm<br />
We went to the bridge to see it lighted. Tonight it sports the colors of the Georgian flag.<br />
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Coffesta, 9:00pm<br />
We had tea and cheesecake for desert.<br />
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Cafe Accent, 7:20pm<br />
While at the hostel I met two Filipina travelers. We decided to for dinner and picked Cafe Accent. We ordered pork barbeque, khinkali, rice and potatoes.<br />
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Surphur Baths, 5:30pm<br />
I went to the surphur baths after some rest at the hostel. The baths were located just a block away. I got in after I paid 3 GEL, then a masseur offered a scrub, bubble bath and massage for 30 GEL. I paid him and went inside the locker room to undress.<br />
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The experience is similar to the hamam in Istanbul, or the onsen in Japan (without the scrub and the massages), although full nudity is required here, unlike in a hamam where one is expected to have a towel around the waist. I took a shower first and then went to the sauna for some time. There are lots of locals inside. After the sauna I got the scrub and a brisk massage in one of the marble "beds" located in the niches of the bathhouse. Afterwards I stayed in the sauna and in the hot tub for a bit more. I then went to the locker to get dressed.<br />
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Envoy Hostel, 4:30pm<br />
Back at the hostel.<br />
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Tbilisi Funicular, 3:35<br />
After a long walk up the hill from Liberty Square, I finally reached the station for the funicular. I paid the fare then got in the first one available going to the top.<br />
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The ride was pleasant enough, not too fast that will give you vertigo. The view of the city is great from this vantage point. It was a bit cold so I didn't stay long. I took the ride back down, and hailed a taxi back to Liberty Square.<br />
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2:45pm<br />
The walking tour ended in the section of Old Tbilisi where the sign "I ♡ Tbilisi" stood.<br />
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Jumah Mosque, 2:30pm<br />
We visited the Jumah mosque, which is Azeri in origin. We were able to go inside and they even allow us to take photos. I do think that the Syrian-Argentinian girl was talking too loudly and was disturbing the people praying inside.<br />
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Dzveli Tbilisi Sulphur Waterfall, 2:25pm<br />
We reached the small waterfall behind the botanical garden. Also in the area was the a large chain fastened to the rock face - this was called the chain of Prometheus.<br />
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Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition, 1:00pm<br />
The next landmark we visited is the Sioni Cathedral. It was originally built in the 5th century, and it houses the original grapevine cross of St.Nino, the Cappadoccian woman who introduced Christianity to Georgia.<br />
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Bakery, 1:00pm<br />
The next stop was a traditional Georgian bakery. It is located underneath a seminary, which is previously a caravanserai for the Silk Road era. <br />
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Norashen church of Tbilisi, 12:45pm </div>
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We then visited an Orthodox church. The murals inside were interesting, as they depict events in Georgian history, including the Persian invasion.</div>
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Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, 12:30pm<br />
The first landmark that we visited is a Catholic cathedral. It was built in 1805.<br />
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Liberty Square, 12:00n<br />
At exactly 12 noon the walking tour started. I just got there on time, after taking a quick brunch at Dunkin.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-78087909834054595852017-12-26T13:30:00.003-08:002017-12-26T13:31:00.932-08:00Day 11: Back in Tbilisi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Day 11, back in Tbilisi.<br />
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Envoy Hostel, 9:30pm<br />
Back at the hostel for some rest.<br />
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Chasnagiri, 8:00pm<br />
The dinner and the conversation were great! We had veal, khinkali, eggplant with walnuts, and sausages. It was good to catch up and there was no experience to be had that is as authentic as this.<br />
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The dinner concluded at around nine, and I headed back to the hostel after saying our farewells.<br />
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Tbilisi Galeria, 7:15pm<br />
I went inside the mall to get a gift for Desi's mom, whom I am also meetong tonight. When I got out of the mall I chanced upon Desi, who was walking outside. We went ahead and met his mom, (whom I met in St Louis; her son Anatoli was my former manager at work). We then went to a restaurant.<br />
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Rustaveli Avenue, 7:00pm<br />
I continued exploring the area around the square.<br />
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Dunkin Donuts, 6:00pm<br />
I was getting hungry so I made a quick trip at Dunkin. I also needed Wifi.<br />
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Freedom Square, 5:30pm<br />
The site of various demonstrations including the Rose Revolution, Freedom Square was an important landmark in Georgian history. Around it are monuments and other important buildings, such as the Tbilisi City Hall.<br />
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The Bridge of Peace, 5:00pm<br />
The Bridge of Peace is an interesting design, connecting Old Tbilisi to the new district. I walked to it, crossing to the other side. From there I got a cab to Liberty Square.<br />
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Narikala Cable Car, 4:45pm<br />
Alas, the cable car ride was already closed when I got there so I have to go back tomorrow to experience it. I retraced my steps down to the old part of the town, then went towards the Bridge of Peace.<br />
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Narikala Fortress, 4:30pm<br />
First stop was Narikala Fortress, which overlooks the city and the Kura River. It was established in the 4th century as a Persian citadel. It was a steep climb, but the view was worth it.<br />
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Envoy Hostel, 3:30pm<br />
I arrived at my new hostel, which is located at Old Tbilisi, and checked in. I messaged my friend Gesi to make plans for dinner tonight. We agreed to meet at Freedom Square Marriot at 8.<br />
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I went to my room to settle in and also to take a quick shower. Then I went out for a walk. Anatoli sent me a walking map, which I may be able to use today.<br />
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Fabrika Hostel, 3:05 pm<br />
I picked up the luggage that I had stored, then went to my new hostel via taxi.<br />
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Tbilisi Bus Station, 2:40pm<br />
We arrived at Tbilisi bus station. Before alighting I paid the driver my fare - 7 GEL. It's much cheaper than what I paid going there - 40 GEL. I then found a taxi to take me to Fabrika Hostel.<br />
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Gudauri, 12:00<br />
At exactly 12 noon the bus arrived in front of Dariali. I said farewell to Marie, then boarded the bus. We picked some more passengers along the mountain pass, then we continue on to Tbilisi.<br />
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Dariali, 11:00am<br />
We settled here to get breakfast. I brought my pack with me so I won't have to go back to White Shino as well. I ordered a khachapuri, a Georgian cheese bread. Marie had a pastry with meat filling. We talked and ate our food until my bus arrived.<br />
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Shino Hostel, 10:00am<br />
I woke up with all sorts of aches and pains - not enough to incapacitate me or something - but more of "I need a massage" situation. I originally intended to go to the ski lift early this morning but I may have to forgo that. Marie, my German roommate, suggested we get breakfast. I also have a 12 o'clock bus to catch.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-25464900756810316562017-12-25T11:03:00.003-08:002018-01-08T17:37:47.382-08:00Day 10: Snowboarding in Gudauri<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On the tenth day - the raison d etre of coming to Gudauri - snowboarding!<br />
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Abu Hotel, 6:00pm<br />
We decided to go to the restaurant in Abu Hotel, which is 2 buildings down from Shino. The caretaker of Abu offered to grill us some meat and cook some potatoes, and also served us shots of cha cha - Georgian brandy that's also known as grape vodka. The stuff is strong.<br />
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The dinner went well. Lots of interesting conversations and the food was delicious. After about three hours we went back to the hostel to retire.<br />
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White Shino, 4:00pm<br />
I'm back at the hostel. I rested for a bit and also settled my bill. I met also my roommates - a German girl and a French man. We made plans to get some dinner later.<br />
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Ski Gudauri, 3:30pm<br />
I went back to the ski school to return the board and the equipment, and pay for the lessons and rental. Alex also agreed to take me back to the hostel.<br />
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An aside, I really would recommend this company for ski/snowboard lessons if you are in Gudauri. They can be reached by phone <a href="tel:+995557371435">+995557371435</a>, look for Irina or Alex.<br />
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Gudauri Recreational Area, 3:15pm<br />
I practiced snowboarding on my own for another hour, then I called it a day. The slope was getting crowded, and my knee is starting to complain too.<br />
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Posticino, 2:10pm<br />
I went to an Italian restaurant nearby to order pasta and Coke for lunch. It was a pleasant meal, and I went back to the slopes again to practice riding.<br />
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Gudauri Recreational Area, 2:00pm<br />
At this time the formal instructions are done and I think I was able to do several decent enough rides. Andrei bade farewell as he has another student, but added me on FB first.<br />
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I thought I'd take a break at this point as I was thirsty and famished, but planned to go back to the slope to practice some more.<br />
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Gudauri Recreational Area, 12:00nn<br />
I was tentative at the first few times I attempted to ride. I was favoring my left knee too, afraid that I might aggravate it. I actually wore patellar support to give it some reinforcement.<br />
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Soon I got more at ease with the board and with riding it, and Andrei taught me more techniques, such as riding on back edge and on front edge, as well as switching between the two. I started enjoying it too that I told him we will go for 2 hours.<br />
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Gudauri Recreational Area, 11:45am<br />
We started the proper training on the slopes at this time. It wasn't very steep, which I think is OK, as I dont think I'd be able to handle an intermediate course yet.<br />
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The ski area, at the foot of the mountain, is surrounded by several buildings housing shops and restaurants. There was a gondola that will bring skiers to the upper levels, but we won't be using it today.<br />
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Ski Gudauri , 11:15am<br />
So we arrived at the ski school premises. I fitted with boots, goggles, and ski pants. I also met my snowboarding instructor, Andrei. He is a Russian from St Petersburg, and he told me that he plans to fly to the Philippines to kite-surf.<br />
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The last time I tried snowboarding was in Japan in 2014 so I still consider myself a beginner. Andrei gave the initial instructions, like how to fasten and remove the bindings of the board, and basic moves such as how to fall properly when outbalanced.<br />
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After the introductions we went to the slopes.<br />
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Abu Hotel, 10:45am<br />
I thought he didn't show up so I went to Abu to inquire. Turns out he (Alex, the owner of the ski school) was waiting in Alpina Hotel, the one nearby; after the call he went to pick me up at Abu.<br />
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9:30am<br />
I went down to get some breakfast - oatmeal, sunny-side-up eggs, sausage, bread, and tea. Then I went back to get a quick shower and then made preparations for the lessons later. The guy from the ski school will be here around 10:30.<br />
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White Shino, 8:30am<br />
I woke to this view of the mountains and the village. I think this Christmas day will be perfect. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-29168910090883949522017-12-24T04:34:00.002-08:002017-12-24T05:00:26.929-08:00Day 9: Gudauri <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The ninth day of the trip is for Gudauri, a ski town about a hundred kilometers from Tbilisi.<br />
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4:30pm<br />
I am having my Noche Buena (Christmas meal) in the hotel's restaurant. Merry Christmas, everyone!<br />
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Abu Hotel, 3:20pm<br />
I went down the road to find a snowboarding instructor and I went to a hotel called Abu. The woman at the desk called one and was able to arrange one for me tomorrow. I also decided to have my "Christmas meal" here so I went to their restaurant to order.<br />
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White Shino, 3:00pm<br />
I am staying at a hostel called White Shino. There's not a lot of guests at the moment so I was checked in in no time.<br />
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Gudauri, 2:50pm<br />
Finally we reached Gudauri. The bus driver took a while to find our hostels. I then said goodspeed to my companions and walked to my hostel.<br />
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Georgian Military Road, 2:00pm<br />
We're starting to see more snow. Parts of the roads were cleared but there's a long lane of trucks that are stopped, waiting for the pass to clear. They may be there for days.<br />
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Ananuri, 1:10pm<br />
We stopped at a small village called Ananuri. There was an Orthodox church there plus a nice view of the valley and the river. I bought tea to warm me up.<br />
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Tbilisi Bus Station, 11:45am<br />
The bus station is crazy! Lots of touts and drivers trying to get our attention. We found one minibus going there so we took it - 40 lari each. The passengers are a young Geogian man (Koka who likes cpmic books) and Anastasiya (a Ukranian ski instructor), plus me, the German girl Anke, and her South African partner.<br />
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Fabrika Hostel, 11:00am<br />
I'm supposed to have lunch with Gesi before going to the bus station to Gudauri but a couple in the hostel suggested that we go there together and maybe share in the fare, so I took a raincheck for the lunch. The guy at the desk was also trying to find out if the road to Gudauri is now open as there was heavy snow yesterday (1 meter of snow!). So good news is that the highway is open to small vehicles so we'll push through.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-57331051698865143452017-12-23T11:13:00.001-08:002017-12-23T11:31:46.653-08:00Day 8: Tbilisi and Signaghi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On my eight day, I left Turkey for Tbilisi, Georgia.<br />
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___<br />
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Fabrika Hostel, 9:30pm<br />
Finally back to the hostel. I took a shower (I can't stand going to bes without taking a shower, even at 3°C). Then I packed my things, for tomorrow's trip to Gidauri.<br />
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Liberty Square, 9:00pm<br />
Desman also drove me around the city before bringing me to the hostel, passing through the wide boulevards and squares. I made a mental note to explore this part of the city after I come back from Gidauri on the 26th.<br />
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Mall, 8:30pm<br />
We swung by a mall so I can buy an adapter for my chargers. The mall was nice - looks highend. It is full of Christmas shoppers.<br />
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Kakheti Highway, 6:00pm<br />
The drive back to Tbilisi was ardous because of the thick fog. We saw several accidents along the way.<br />
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Kiziki Galavani, 4:00pm<br />
We went to a restaurant that overlooks the valley and the Caucasus mountains. The fog hid the view though, but there was a few moments when it lifted so I was able to see the castle walls, the valley and the mountain beyond.<br />
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Desman ordered food and wine (of course, we were at the birthplace of wine). He ordered me two goblets, one white (rkatsiteli) and one red (saperavi).<br />
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He also ordered beef and pork dishes, some potatoes and and a cheese-filled pastry. It was a hearty meal, and we did a lot of Georgian toasts to everything we can think of.<br />
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Signaghi National Museum, 3:30pm<br />
We visited the museum which has a lot of artifacts relating to the history of the village - implements for winemaking, weapons, traditional clothes, and art.<br />
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Signaghi, 3:00pm<br />
We finally arrived at the village. The fog is still thick and the cold is not helping me with my cough. We walk around the village, Desman pointing out the interesting architecture and places around it.<br />
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Kakheti Highway, 2:00pm<br />
The fog is so thick we can barely see anything beyond a few meters. It's gwtting cold too, around 3°C.<br />
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12:30pm<br />
Desman, the brother of my friend and (former) colleague at work, picked me up at the hostel. He is my host for today and he said he plans to take me out of the city. We made a detour to a pharmacy first - I got cough medicine - and at a bank where I withdrew money from the ATM (tip: BPI cards only work in TBC Bank machines). Then we drove on. Destination: Signaghi - a small village to the east. This village was the birthplace of wine.<br />
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10:00am<br />
I finally woked up around ten. Then I went downstairs to get some detergent and token for the laundromat. I had a week's worth of clothes to wash.<br />
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Fabrika Hostel, 5:00am<br />
After paying my bill I went to my room, which is a coed dorm type. Fabrika used to be a Soviet-era textile factory, which was repurposed into a hostel. I showered first before I finally was able to sleep.<br />
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Tbilisi International Airport, 4:00am<br />
We landed in Tbilisi Airport, finally, after more than an hour of delay in Sabiha Gokçen. There was some miscommunication with passport control when it got to my turn - the officer said I cannot enter Georgia without a visa, but the website says I can. It turned out I have to show them a resident card or equivalent, which my US visa qualifies. After checking every other documents like return tickets, I was let through.<br />
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I changed some money then got a taxi outside which took me to my hostel. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-10387718734434179422017-12-22T03:47:00.003-08:002017-12-22T11:30:19.400-08:00Day 7: Selçuk to Izmir to Istanbul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On my full week in Turkey. Nothing much happening today as I will be traveling, first to Izmir airport, then to Istanbul, before eventually flying to Tbilisi, Georgia.<br />
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I will be back in Istanbul after Georgia next week, as I am flying from IST to Abu Dhabi, so I will still be able to visit a few more landmarks (Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar for instance). Still, I'd say that this was a fun and at the same time meaningful trip.<br />
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SAW, 10:20pm<br />
It seems there will be another delay (25 mins) for the flight to Tbilisi. Tsk.<br />
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Starbucks, 9:30pm<br />
My card didnt work so I was forced to pay in USD but the cashier doesnt have change for $100 (bill is equivalent to $9). She took my smaller USD bills totalling $7 and forgave the rest. I embarassingly apologized.<br />
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Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), 8:55pm<br />
I arrived at Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul. I cleared passport control and is now waiting for the flight.<br />
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ADB, 7:30pm<br />
The flight was delayed for almost an hour. I think Pegasus is a sucky airline.<br />
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ADB, 5:00pm<br />
Finally checked in. I am flying Pegasus Air today, Izmir to Sabiha Gokcen in Istanbul, then to Tbilisi. It took a while for the airline personnel to give me my boarding passes as they were trying to determine if I need a visa to Georgia (I told them I don't). Finally I Googled on my phone and showed them the results.<br />
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I am now at the gate, waiting for boarding which will be in about an hour. Next update will be in Sabiha.<br />
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Adnan Menderes Airport, 3:30pm<br />
I arrived at Izmir Airport. I can't check in for now as the counters are no open yet. Hanging out in a cafe.<br />
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Kugulu Park station, 2:00pm<br />
I went to the Kugulu park where the bus to Izmir stops to wait for my ride. It arrived exactly at 2:20, and I am off to Izmir airport.<br />
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Corner cafe, 11:45am<br />
After the mosque I went to the corner cafe to get some early lunch. I was curious about the "backed" potato so I ordered that too :)<br />
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After lunch I went back to the hostel to settle my bill and to wait for the time. I also made a video call to my mom.<br />
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Isabey Mosque, 11:15am<br />
After the museum I went around the back for a couple of blocks to make a quick visit to the Isabey Mosque.<br />
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Ephesus Museum, 10:30am<br />
The bus will be later in the afternoon so I'd have some time to visit the museum. It was actually very impressive. Their collection is even better than some of the artifacts i saw in Met Museum!<br />
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Their collection covers from the Bronze Age to Hitite, Greek, Helenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods.<br />
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Boomerang Hostel, 8:45 am<br />
I had breakfast at the hostel. It's cold out - around 4°c. Then I went to the travel agency around the corner to book a bus to Izmir airport. I then went back to the hostel to shower and pack.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-68854025486059518732017-12-21T07:06:00.001-08:002017-12-21T07:06:11.074-08:00Pamukkale Travertines and Hierapolis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Day 6 is the trip to Pamukkale and Hierapolis. I also briefly visited the resort town of Kusadasi.<br />
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Pamukkale, 3:30pm<br />
We left Pamukkale for Selçuk. I'm still bummed about missing the paragliding ride.<br />
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Pamukkale Travertines, 2:00pm<br />
So the main event - the visit to the Pamukkale travertines. Pamukkale means cotton castle in Turkish - and the description fits very well to the white, chalky formaton that covered the whole side of a mountain. The formation was from the accumulation of carbonate from the hot spring water that flows to it.<br />
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The view was surreal - almost alien. The water is in all shades of blue and steam can be seen to rise from it. The water is mostly lukewarm, but some pools have frigid water!<br />
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I got in after removing my shoes. I joined the throng of visitors, snapping pictures and doing a live Facebook video. I gingerly navigate between the narrow channels of water - trying not to slip. At some point I did, while taking a video with my RX100. Luckily I landed on my feet, with no damage to my limbs not the camera, only to my pride.<br />
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There was also a curious experience for me in the travertines. A guy gestured to me that he wants a picture of me and him. I relented even though I find it funnily weird. To reciprocate I also took a picture of us. I really don't know what was that all about.<br />
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I spent and hour at the travertines then I headed to the entrance of the complex. There I met a paraglide pilot who offered a ride, but I had to decline because the bus is leaving soon.<br />
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Hierapolis, 1:00pm<br />
The first part of the tour is exploring the ancient town of Hierapolis. It's a bit smaller than Ephesus, but it has a wide boulevard and a very expansive necropolis.<br />
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The town was built adjacent to the travertines, and it has a lot of pools and fountains. Cleopatra was said to have visited Hierapolis many times to bathe in its curative hot springs.<br />
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There was also a theater although not as large as the one in Ephesus. I think it is better preserved though.<br />
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At this point Halik, the guide, told me that he wasn't able to arrange a paragliding ride for me, which bummed me to no end.<br />
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Pamukkale, 11:30<br />
We arrived at the town just before noon. We pass by a jewelry shop first. It specializes in onyx, fossilized stone, and sultanite gems. I bought a pair of sultanite earrings for my mom). Then we had lunch - soup, salad, and Turkish pizza - at a local kefeterya. The pizza was good.<br />
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Kusadasi, 8:30am<br />
Kusadasi is a resort town along the Aegean Sea. It's actually good that we're making a sidetrip there; at least I was able to see the place. We set out for Denizli after picking up the Pakistani family (same from yesterday's tour), and another from Malaysia. Along the way we stopped for coffee, sandwiches and bathroom break at a local coffee shop.<br />
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Boomerang Hostel, 7:45 am<br />
I am ready by this time for the Pamukkale trip but it is still dark (and cold, like 4°C) so I waited for while to go out<br />
By the time I got out the door, the man from tour company was outside, and the Malaysian couple was already in their office.<br />
After waiting for a few minutes we set out for the trip. We will be picking up two more families in Kusadasi.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-21618599668593797142017-12-20T10:08:00.001-08:002017-12-20T17:12:44.169-08:00Day 5: Ephesus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On with the fifth day: Ephesus and Selçuk.<br />
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Boomerang Hostel, 8:00pm<br />
Back at the hostel after accompanying the girls back to their hostel. The owner of the tour company actually gave us a lift, which very kind of him. It's getting cold out too, so after buying some snacks at the grocery store I went back to my room. It will be an early day tomorrow - going to Pamukkale!<br />
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Koftecesi Restaurant, 6:00pm<br />
I had dinner with Rupali and Gargi, and that mulberry wine is really good<br />
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Village of Sirince, 3:00pm<br />
The last part of the tour was the village of Sirince, which is famous for wines. Me and the girls from India, Gargi and Rupali, had fun tasting several varieties - including mulberry, melon, and pomegranate wines. We also sampled several jams, suchas fig, pepper, milk and pomegranate.<br />
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We bought a bottle of mulberry wine and made plans to have it during dinner.<br />
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Temple of Artemis, 2:20pm<br />
After that commercial break we proceeded to the Temple of Artemis. I remember it from my history classes - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Alas, not much left at the site except for a single column of marble and tens of broken pieces strewn all over a field.<br />
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Citto Pelle, 1:30pm<br />
After lunch we swung by a store called Citto Pelle, which specializes in leather products. There was a mini fashion show showcasing the clothes (the lambskin jackets are nifty), and the Pakistani couple bought some. I didn't get any as they were expensive - 3,000 lira for a jacket!<br />
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Restaurant, 12:15pm<br />
We were brought in a restaurant for lunch. The food was served buffet style, and it was good.<br />
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Ancient Ephesus, 10:40am<br />
After visiting the House we went down the mountain and proceeded to the site of the ancient town of Ephesus. In the ancient time Ephesus was a port town and a commercial center.<br />
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Among the structures that were identified in the archaeological digs were the gymnasium, the agora, several temples, including one dedicated to Hadrian, fountains, baths and latrines, a brothel, and the Library of Celsus, which is said to be the third largest in the world at that time.<br />
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Just outside was the Great Theater, where gladiatorial games were once held.<br />
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House of Virgin Mary, 9:50am<br />
Our first stop is the House of the Virgin Mary. It is located on a mountain overlooking the ancient town of Ephesus (Efes in Turkish). It is said that after the death of Jesus, the Virgin Mary escaped Jerusalem and, accompanied by John, settled in a mountain area in Ephesus. She stayed in the house until her Assumption.<br />
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The house was small, made of stones, and composed an anteroom, a bedroom, a praying room, and a room with a fireplace. Being in such a sacred place was a numinous experience for me. I went inside to pray and offer candles (no photos are allowed inside).<br />
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Outside the house were faucets that draw water from a spring. The Water of Mary is said to be miraculous and can be drank by the visitors. There was also a small area where people can leave their petitions, written in pieces of paper.<br />
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Tour bus, 9:00am<br />
Our tour group is composed of the guide, me, a family of four from Pakistan, a couple from China and another from Malaysia, and two women from India.<br />
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Boomerang Guesthouse, 8:30am<br />
I got ready to be picked up for the tour. A breakfast was prepared for me at the hostel and I was just about to finish when the tour guide arrived. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-86193771053420701372017-12-19T00:51:00.001-08:002017-12-19T11:09:24.459-08:00Day 4: Izmir and Seçuk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Fourth day of the trip - Izmir and Selçuk.<br />
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Boomerang hostel, 8:00pm<br />
Just kicking back in the hostel, warming myself with a corn and crab soup and sitting near the fireplace.<br />
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Selçuk, 5:30pm<br />
After the castle I went to the town. I am loving the vibe here. I bought some postcards, and eyed some Roman coins on sale at a store but I wondered if they are authentic so I didn't buy any. Also they are kind of expensive - 20 lira each.<br />
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I ended up in a doner shop. I ordered lamb kebap as I was famished.<br />
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Ayasoluk Castle, 4:30pm<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Adjacent to the Basilica is the Ayasoluk Castle. It was built on a hill where St. John was said to have written the gospels. The castle was built by the Byzantines.</blockquote>
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Basilica of St. John, 3:50pm<br />
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The first landmark that I visited (very close to the hostel too) was the Basilica of St. John. The church was built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century over the tomb of evangelist John, who wrote the 4th gospel and the Book of Revelation.<br />
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Boomerang Guest House, 3:20pm<br />
I was able to locate the hostel, just a short walk from the train station. I met the owner - a Chinese woman, who got me settled in my room. I am loving the place - my room even has a small ref and mini bar - unusual for a hostel! She also helped me book a tour for Pamukkale for tomorrow and to Ephesus the day after.<br />
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Selçuk Station, 3:05pm<br />
I arrived safely in Selçuk<br />
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1:40pm<br />
Finally the train arrived, and I'm off to Selçuk.<br />
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Basmane Gar, 12:35pm<br />
I took a cab from the hotel to the Basmane train station. I will take the 1:40pm train from here to Selçuk.<br />
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Hilton Izmir, 11:45<br />
Back at the hotel, and will be checking out soon. Then to a bus station to go to Selçuk.<br />
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Pablo Artisanal Cafe, 11:15<br />
On the way back to the hotel I dropped by a cafe to get my caffeine fix. Macchiato, as always.<br />
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Clock Tower, 10: 45am<br />
After the agora I decided to go to the clock tower. The Kafedesi castle was just up the hill but I thought I'd forgo it (I dont want to aggravate my knee climbing up). Google Maps recommended a route fro agora to the Clock Tower that took me through a market, whicb is nice.<br />
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I stopped in one of the shops to get breakfast - tea and a bagel-like btead with melted cheese. I also went to a pharmacy (apotheca) to get contact lens solution.<br />
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I explored the clock tower and up to the pier. Nice to see the Aegean in a nicer weather.<br />
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Agora Open-air Museum, 9:30am<br />
The ancient agora of Smyrna (and ancient name of Izmir) was built in 4 BC but was destroyed in an earthquake. It was rebuilt by Emperor Marcus Aurelius.<br />
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I was the only visitor when I got there. I went around the complex, camera at hand. It was just amazing to see something that I used to read in the history books (and as a history major, that means a lot).<br />
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9:00am<br />
I started to pack and had a shower. I went down, deciding to go to the Agora first. It will be about a kilometer from the hotel.<br />
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Hilton Izmir, 7:00am<br />
I woke up early but I didn't get up right away. It was still dark outside and the temp is like 8°c so I stayed in bed longer.<br />
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Check out the rest of the updates:<br />
Day 1: <a href="https://goo.gl/i4M1G7">https://goo.gl/i4M1G7</a><br />
Hagia Sophia: <a href="https://goo.gl/9VbYps">https://goo.gl/9VbYps</a><br />
Day 2: <a href="https://goo.gl/qjQdLa">https://goo.gl/qjQdLa</a><br />
Day 3: <a href="https://goo.gl/WnvCPS">https://goo.gl/WnvCPS</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-3803794006437871422017-12-18T00:02:00.002-08:002017-12-19T11:10:28.474-08:00Day 3: Izmir<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Day 3 of the trip - going to Izmir<br />
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Windows by the Bay Bar, 6:30pm<br />
The bar is at the 31st floor. I'm having beer and some club sandwiches here while admiring the view of the Aegean Sea and the city.<br />
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I'm pretty much turnt by the time I finished my drinks so I'm going to turn in early tonight. Tomorrow I might swing by the clock tower (the castle may be out of the question) before heading to Selçuk.<br />
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Hilton Izmir, 5:30pm<br />
I'm back at the hotel, waiting for the Windows by the Bay Bar to open. I have two complimentary drinks waiting, courtesy of Hilton Honors.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043; font-family: , "helveticaneue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Park İçi Yolu, 4:15pm</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043; font-family: , "helveticaneue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">After shower I went down to explore the city, moving towards the Aegean coast. The city - especially the part near the sea - reminds me of Condado area of San Juan, Puerto Rico.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043; font-size: 20px;">I passed a flea market along the way. I bought ref magnets for my mom and a souvenir for myself too, a leather bracelet.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043; font-family: , "helveticaneue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">I ended up in the boardwalk, which according to Google Maps is the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043; font-family: , "helveticaneue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Park İçi Yolu. There are people biking and jogging there , some just sitting on benches.</span><br />
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Hilton Izmir, 3:30pm<br />
I checked in at the hotel - Hilton Izmir - so backpacker mode is off for at least a day. The view is nice - the Kadifikale Castle can be seen just up the hill . There are nice toiletries too so I'm going to take a long shower.<br />
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I'm going to head down after to explore the city.<br />
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2:30pm<br />
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, 2:10pm<br />
Touch down Izmir. The flight was quick - 50 minutes or so. Happy with the airline too - flight is cheap, around $22, and they even served food - sandwich and Pepsi. I dont get that from other budget airlines.<br />
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I finally got my luggage and I went outside to get a cab. Fare is around 70 lira, which is almost as much as the plane fare going here.<br />
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Ataturk Airport, 10:00am<br />
We arrived at the airport with no glitch. Got inside after clearing security, but I committed a minor boo-boo. I was on the international departures, so I have to go down amd walk to the far end to get to the domestic side. I'm flying Atlas Global to Izmir today.<br />
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I soon checked in (windowseat of course) and went to the second security check. I somehow tripped a chemical sniffing machine so I got swabbed before I was let through.<br />
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I am now in a cafe, enjoying a cake and a drink. My flight leaves at 1pm.<br />
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9:25am<br />
On the dot the shuttle came. We stopped by a couple of hotels to pickup other passengers. We took the highway to Ataturk Airport which is nice because I can see the Black Sea on one side and the city walls on the other.<br />
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Cheers Hostel, 8:00am<br />
I basically scratched my plans yo swing by the Blue Mosque and Tokapi Palace (bye bye Museum Pass). The weather is dreary (8°c outside) and I may not be able to explore everything then be back to go to the airport. So I went downstairs and booked the 9:25 shuttle to the airport (23 lira one way) and had breakfast.<br />
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Check out the rest of the updates:<br />
Day 1: <a href="https://goo.gl/i4M1G7">https://goo.gl/i4M1G7</a><br />
Hagia Sophia: <a href="https://goo.gl/9VbYps">https://goo.gl/9VbYps</a><br />
Day 2: <a href="https://goo.gl/qjQdLa">https://goo.gl/qjQdLa</a><br />
Day 3: <a href="https://goo.gl/WnvCPS">https://goo.gl/WnvCPS</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-79936335367249891462017-12-16T22:07:00.003-08:002017-12-19T11:11:33.861-08:00Day 2: Istanbul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Continuing the live blog, on second day in Istanbul. </blockquote>
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Cheers Hostel, 10:00pm<br />
After the hamam I walked back to the hostel. I will be calling it a night soon - it's been a busy day. Flight to Izmir tomorrow, but I may visit the Blue Mosque again and Topkapi Palace if there's time. G'night everyone!<br />
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Sifa Hamami, 7:45pm<br />
So after dinner I proceeded to a hamam - a Turkish bath. The place is called Sifa Hamami and it was established in 1771.<br />
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There after spending some time in the sauna I got scrubbed and rubbed with bath oils and scented soaps to be spic-and-span. Then I was bathed some more, then had a very relaxing massage.<br />
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Old House Restaurant, 6:45pm<br />
After visiting the mosque we decided to grab some dinner. We went around Sultanahmet and settled in a restaurant called Old House. I ordered lamb skewers and he had fish. We also both ordered a drink called raki. That stuff is strong.<br />
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During the meal we chatted up the owner and he gave us some recommendations. I asked for one for a hamman and he called one nearby.<br />
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Blue Mosque, 6:10pm<br />
The Blue Mosque is another important landmark in Istanbul - and a magnificent structure as well. It was built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmet. It actually is prettier at night. Anthony and I weren't able to go inside so we'll have to come back tomorrow morning.<br />
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Cheers Hostel, 5:00pm<br />
I met my roommate in the hostel - Anthony is from Hongkong but living in London. We agreed to go together to the Blue Mosque after the afternoon prayers.<br />
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Spice Bazaar, 4:00pm<br />
After the cable car we went to the Spice Bazaar. I was going gaga over the free Turkish delight that the shopkeepers are offering to shoppers. So mucb to try!<br />
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After exploring the spice market I walked home to the hostel.<br />
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Pierre Loti, 3:25pm<br />
Excited for the cable car ride!<br />
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Aziyade Restaurant, 2:45pm<br />
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After the boat tour we took a bus to Pierre Loti, a hilltop area in Eyup. This has one of the best view of Istanbul and the Golden Horn. I had Turkish coffee (of course) and tiramisu. We will take the cable car after.<br />
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Kucuksu Palace<br />
Made a side trip to Kucuksu Palace, a 19th century palace built for the sultans as a hunting lodge. Pretty impressive and ostentatious for a lodge I think.<br />
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Bosporus, 12:20 pm<br />
I saw a Russian submarine sailing in the Bosporus. It's going north so I assume hoing to the Black Sea.<br />
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Bosporus and Golden Horn, 11:am<br />
Currently on a cruise along the Bosporus and the Golden Horn. The cruise is the best way to see the European and Asian side of Istanbul.<br />
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An aside, I find it funny the tour guide is pointing out the places recently attacked by ISIS. Maybe he shouldn't scare away his tourists? He's also been making side comments vs the Galatasaray football club.<br />
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Basilica Cistern, 9:40am<br />
Visited the Basilica Cistern, which built by Byzantine emperor Justinian, as a way of storing water for the city of Constatinople.<br />
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Cheers Hostel, 8:00am<br />
I had a good sleep - around 11 hours! Although I woke up at about 5am to the sound of the muezzin reciting the adna.<br />
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8:30am<br />
I went down for breakfast after video calling my mom and answering messages on social media. Breakfast looks good. And free too!<br />
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I made plans with Tariq to sign up for the Bosporus cruise later. Also for today: the Cistern, Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the palace. A trip to a hamam is also planned.<br />
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Check out the rest of the updates:<br />
Day 1: <a href="https://goo.gl/i4M1G7">https://goo.gl/i4M1G7</a><br />
Hagia Sophia: <a href="https://goo.gl/9VbYps">https://goo.gl/9VbYps</a><br />
Day 2: <a href="https://goo.gl/qjQdLa">https://goo.gl/qjQdLa</a><br />
Day 3: <a href="https://goo.gl/WnvCPS">https://goo.gl/WnvCPS</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-67242197168002843202017-12-16T10:23:00.002-08:002017-12-16T20:39:20.726-08:00Hagia Sophia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hagia Sophia, the great Byzantine structure built in the 6th century, was the main reason why I wanted to visit Istanbul. It was the first landmark I visited after arriving in the city and checking in the hostel.</div>
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Originally Hagia Sophia, which means Holy Wisdom, was built as a basilica, under the direction of Emperor Justinian. It was converted into an Orthodox church after the Great Schism, which caused the split between Western and Eastern churches. After the fall of Contantinople it was converted into a mosque, and then into a museum at the early part of the 20th century.</div>
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There was still a sizeable crowd when I arrived at the site late afternoon. I purchased a museum pass (instead of a single entry pass, as I plan to visit it and other museums in the city) and proceeded inside. The first route was to go up the upper galleries, some of which host crypts belonging to sultans and bishops past. Some parts of the building are off limits, because of repairs, but the scaffoldings cannot obstruct the splendor of the structure.</div>
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I found myself in awe - akin to the feeling I had when I saw the Pope - as I look up the the intricately decorated dome. In one of them the image of the Virgin Mary dominates. Mary is both revered by the church and Islam. I alternated between admiring and the compulsion to document my visit by taking a lot of photos. I only left until it was near closing time, pleased with the fact that at last I visited the magnificent building.</div>
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How to Go There<br />
Hagia Sophia is located in the Old City in Istanbul - adjacent to Sultanamet Square and the Blue Mosque. It is accessible via the T1 tram line, in Gulhane stop.<br />
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Useful Info<br />
Entrance fee is 40 lira, but you may get an 85-lir pass thatis good for five days plus entrance to a number of museums in the city.<br />
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Be careful of the touts and scammers preying on unsuspecting tourists in the area. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-59482976587492900852017-12-15T03:07:00.002-08:002017-12-19T11:12:14.192-08:00Live Blog: Journey to Constantinople<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I will be live blogging my trip to Turley, which starts today. I will be flying to Istanbul via Abu Dhabi. I will update the post as much as I can, and as I have done before, the latest post will be at the top.</div>
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Cheers Hostel, 8:00pm</div>
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I'm back at the hostel and resting for a bit and catching up on my messages and posts. I might sleep early; busy day tomorrow. </div>
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Kybele Cafe, 7:00pm</div>
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I finally settled at this cafe to have dinner, which I got al fresco (may not be such a good idea, as it was cold outside. I got the kebab with roasted tomatoes. </div>
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Gulhane, 6:30pm</div>
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I went around the area near my hostel to look for food. I also chanced upon a pastry store - Efezade - which sells Turkish delight and baklava. I made a mental note to come back and buy some before I leave Istanbul.</div>
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Hagia Sofia, 4:30pm</div>
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After check-in I proceeded to Hagia Sophia - the most important Byzantine structure in history. </div>
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(See separate post here: https://goo.gl/9VbYps)</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Cheers Hostel, 3:15pm</span></div>
I arrived at the hostel a little over 3pm, and I promptly checked in. The location is very convenient - very near Sultanameth Square, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.<br />
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Tariq, the one in charge, gave me a rundown and warned me about touts and scammers. I changed into a fresh shirt after check in and proceeded to Hagia Sophia - the main reason I wanted to visit Istanbul.<br />
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Zeytinburnu Station, 2:30pm<br />
I took the M1 line then changed to the tram line. There was a bit of confusion with the payment, but no other issue came up. The tram was kind of full - not Manila MRT full but enough to get bumped by other passengers.<br />
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Ataturk Airport, 1:00pm<br />
We landed im IST a little before 1pm. Immigration was a breeze, got the stamp in no time. After that I changed some money and got a local SIM with data. I then found my way to the metro.<br />
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Abu Dhabi, 9:20am<br />
We took off late from AUH because of some passenger seating issue. The airline changed the flight into a bigger plane, so some people complained after being seated differently. Other than that the flight was uneventful.<br />
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Abu Dhabi International Airport, 4:50am<br />
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Landed in Abu Dhabi, will have about 3 hour layover before flying to Istanbul. I'm at the gate waiting for the flight but went around the duty-free shops. Had an eye for some Ferrari merchandise.<br />
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3:00 am<br />
My inflight meal: sausage, omelette and potatoes, with fruit and blueberry muffin.<br />
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My seatmates are two EU diplomats. We had an interesting conversation about Philippine politics.<br />
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11:44pm<br />
Boarding now. I'm at 41K, windowseat. It will be an 8hr45min flight to AUH.<br />
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My next post will be in Abu Dhabi.<br />
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10:30pm<br />
My ride is here - a Boeing 777 to Abu Dhabi.<br />
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9:00 pm<br />
Done with check in and immigration part. The officer seemed to be a tad curious on why I am going to Turkey. Asked me more than a few questions and even asked for my work ID. I saw some passengers got off-boarded too; felt bad about them actually.<br />
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After immigration I am hanging out in Starbucks until boarding time.<br />
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December 15, 4:30pm<br />
I arrived safely in Terminal 1. I usually don't use this terminal - the last time was during the Japan trip. The checkin counter for Etihad is still closed so I have to find ways to amuse myself till boarding time.<br />
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December 15, 3pm<br />
Finally my Uber arrived. I decided to go to the airport early as I am anticipating crazy traffic today - aside from a Friday, today is also also a payday, basically the last Friday before Christmas, and also most of office Christmas parties will be scheduled today.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxBZL4YoG8w/WjOrDOXa_vI/AAAAAAAEpuI/-JLK8LBc2HI7TU5XNV10SajN7cAHi3tEgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171215_163703.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxBZL4YoG8w/WjOrDOXa_vI/AAAAAAAEpuI/-JLK8LBc2HI7TU5XNV10SajN7cAHi3tEgCLcBGAs/s320/20171215_163703.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Check out the rest of the updates:<br />
Day 1: <a href="https://goo.gl/i4M1G7">https://goo.gl/i4M1G7</a><br />
Hagia Sophia: <a href="https://goo.gl/9VbYps">https://goo.gl/9VbYps</a><br />
Day 2: <a href="https://goo.gl/qjQdLa">https://goo.gl/qjQdLa</a><br />
Day 3: <a href="https://goo.gl/WnvCPS">https://goo.gl/WnvCPS</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-80292645782320030712017-11-01T05:29:00.000-07:002017-11-01T05:29:33.971-07:00F1nale: The Last F1 Race in Malaysia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On and off I have been following Formula One Grand Prix since the last decade. Back when I had cable (now I have Netlifx) I would dutifully tune in on Star Sports on weekends to watch the fast-paced action of race cars zipping by the tracks. Seven years ago <a href="http://www.boardinggate101.com/2012/11/race-day-at-malaysian-grand-prix.html" target="_blank">I was also able to attend one race</a> - the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cars turning at the Langkawi curve</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seven years later I was back in Sepang - not just to see the race again in real life, but also as a witness in history. The year 2017 is the last year the F1 will be conducted in Malaysia. I made plans to attend it as soon as I heard that such will be the last in SIC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Malaysian Grand Prix was first held in 1999, in the Sepang International Circuit, just a stone's throw away from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Aside from the F1, the 5.5 kilometer-long Sepang Circuit also hosted other motorsport events, including the Motorcycle Grand Prix, MotoGP, and kart racing, among others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I flew into KL on September 28, arriving in the capital past midnight. I did not make any others plans as the sole purpose of the trip was to see the race. I stayed in a hostel in Brickfields, close to KL Sentral, as it would afford me quick access to transportation to the circuit. Friday was practice day, but I decided to skipped it; the decision turned out to be redeeming as it rained most of the afternoon that day. I did get tickets for <a href="http://www.boardinggate101.com/2013/01/klia-ekspres.html" target="_blank">KL Ekspres</a> so I can get quickly to Sepang on Saturday, which is for qualifying races, and Sunday, race day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I got inside the circuit on Saturday just after lunch. The weather was humid and hot, but at least I was on covered area - in K1 Grandstand. The last time I was here I was in the hill, and I got sunburned because of the blazing sun. I first went around the grounds, first in the mall area where there are exhibits of past F1 cars and various racing memorabilia. I also got some souvenirs to commemorate the event, then I settled inside the grandstand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The qualifying session was exciting enough. Before the F1 qualifying there was a sort of undercard event - the Porsche Carrera Cup, which also held a qualifying session. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Previously I supported McLaren/Mercedes, before switching my loyalties to Ferrari (as I am not a fan of Lewis Hamilton). I was glad to note that Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen was second in qualifying, behind Hamilton. Kimi's teammate, Sebastian Vettel, unfortunately, failed to set time so he will start at the back of the grid on race day. I went back to KL as soon as the final lap was finished. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I got up early on Sunday as I wanted to avoid the crowd. I imagine the circuit will be full since it is the last race. As with previous day I took the KL Ekspres to KLIA, then a bus to Sepang.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was a noticeably larger crowd, even when I arrived early. I rained a bit too when I got there, but the weather improved as the race approaches. I settled in a seat much closer to the track, and got ready for the race. A trio of F-18 jets from the Royal Malaysia Air Force buzzed overhead after the Malaysian national anthem was sung, signifying the start of the race.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Malaysian Airforce F-18s wowing the crowd with a low pass</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The most exciting part of the race was the start, where the cars would scramble for position after a turn and another hairpin turn. The grandstand I am in was in front of that hairpin turn, which afforded us a great view of the action. I was looking out for No. 7 - Kimi Raikkonen - but I didn't see him at all. Later I found out that he wasn't able to start, which was a bummer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After an exciting start, Max Vestappen of Red Bull took the lead, with Hamilton close behind. Closely completing for third were Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, Kimi's teammate. While the top 4 did really change, there was still plenty of drama and excitement during the race. A car of Force India spun out after touching tires with another car, and Carlo Sainz of Toso Rosso team retired after 29 laps. In the end it was Vestappen who got podium one, followed by Hamilton, Ricciardo then Vettel. The drama did not even end there - after the checkered flag was waved and the drivers were doing laps around the circuit, a driver crashed into Vettel and wrecked his car.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think the race was a fitting, yet bittersweet, adieu for Malaysia in the F1 circuit. For me, I think it's time to consider other locations for witnessing F1 races. I'm considering watching it Singapore next year, and maybe in some other exotic locations. Azerbaijan, perhaps?</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-31004622409222706932017-10-28T20:49:00.001-07:002017-10-28T20:49:06.524-07:00National Museum of Natural History<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had the chance to attend the preview for the National Museum of Natural History today (on my birthday!). My friend Nyel and I trooped to Rizal Park early in the morning to be able to get in line for the preview, which is only limited to 200 visitors.<br />
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The construction of the National Museum of Natural History started in 2015, in which the neo-classical Department of Tourism building, built in 1940, was repurposed to house the new museum.<br />
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Only the courtyard and one floor of exhibit area was open.<br />
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The courtyard is the one that I was most excited about, as it has as its centerpiece the architectural feature called The Tree of Life - a steel helix resembling DNA, housing a glass elevator. Above it is a glass mosaic dome that lets in natural light into the museum.<br />
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We were guided through the exhibiy areas that showcase the endemic species of flora and fauna in the Philippines, a lot of which is, sadly, already extinct. Among these animals include Lolong, the crocodile caught in Agusan, the largest ever captured.<br />
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One piece on exhibit that intrigued me was the Murillo Velarde map, drawn by a Jesuit priest in 1734. The map, which shows the islands of the Philippines, was used during the UNCLOS case against China in 2013.<br />
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Even if there was only three galleries open for now I can't help to get excited to see the museum open fully. On the way out we spotted a still-closed gallery with lots of taxidermied animals. That should give the Mind Museum a run of its money.<br />
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How to Get There<br />
The National Museum of Natural History is located im Agripina Circle in Rizal Park. The nearest train station is UN Avenue Station of LRT Line 1. You may also take jeepneys going to Kalaw St. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137257873593321960.post-28569099082795745662017-10-15T07:17:00.002-07:002017-10-15T07:17:15.909-07:00Castillo San Felipe del Morro<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjmUOPLzKK8/WeNbiQQtcqI/AAAAAAAEiIw/NB182BT-feo4PVSwFD8061Old_ypBMCXQCLcBGAs/s1600/Castillo%2BSan%2BFelipe%2Bdel%2BMorro1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjmUOPLzKK8/WeNbiQQtcqI/AAAAAAAEiIw/NB182BT-feo4PVSwFD8061Old_ypBMCXQCLcBGAs/s640/Castillo%2BSan%2BFelipe%2Bdel%2BMorro1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Binge-watching on the pirate-themed Netfix series <i>Black Sails</i> made me remember I haven't blog about my trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico last year. The series follows the exploits of the buccaneers Captain Flint, and Long John Silver, along with pirates such as Charles Vane and Edward Teach. Although it was set in New Providence (Nassau), the Caribbean setting made me remember the fort that I visited in San Juan - the </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Castillo San Felipe del Morro</i>.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0AWs2hoUxQ/WeNeTuc1UHI/AAAAAAAEiJs/zlZsXdhDDtg-GcNomx67CgX4cBbrBbsVQCLcBGAs/s1600/Castillo%2BSan%2BFelipe%2Bdel%2BMorro3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0AWs2hoUxQ/WeNeTuc1UHI/AAAAAAAEiJs/zlZsXdhDDtg-GcNomx67CgX4cBbrBbsVQCLcBGAs/s640/Castillo%2BSan%2BFelipe%2Bdel%2BMorro3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also known as Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, was a citadel built by the Spaniards in the 16th century. It was named after King Philip II, the same king for which the Philippines is named after. Construction started in 1539, the aim of which is to build a fortress that will guard the old city of San Juan. Throughout its history the citadel, which was protected by fortifications such as high, thick walls, crenelations, and lookout stations, was able to fend off attack from several pirates, including the English privateer, Francis Drake [<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castillo_San_Felipe_del_Morro" target="_blank">1</a>]. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The San Juan Gate</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I visited the citadel with my hostel roommates in San Juan. We took a bus from our hostel to Old San Juan, and started our exploration from the entrance called the San Juan Gate, which control the flow of people in and out of the fortress. The gate, named after Saint John the Baptist, was where the dignitaries from Spain would go through as they arrive in the city. It is one of the five main gates of the citadel, but the only one remaining today. From the gate it was a long and winding walk to the main entrance. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IHj96qKhYuU/WeNeUyXNvII/AAAAAAAEiJ4/83rw8_ZdGFMDLFpgP4_wGJXkPWEKM89sQCLcBGAs/s1600/Castillo%2BSan%2BFelipe%2Bdel%2BMorro5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IHj96qKhYuU/WeNeUyXNvII/AAAAAAAEiJ4/83rw8_ZdGFMDLFpgP4_wGJXkPWEKM89sQCLcBGAs/s640/Castillo%2BSan%2BFelipe%2Bdel%2BMorro5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The incline is for the cannons that are wheeled up</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The citadel was larger than I imagined it to be. Batteries were placed strategically around the fortress, and the walls are punctuated by the sentry boxes, called<i> garitas</i>, jutting out to the sea. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The iconic shape of the garitas became a cultural symbol of Puerto Rico. I see most of these shapes in the labels of Puerto Rican rum. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sentry boxes, called <i>garitas</i>, dot the perimeter of the fort</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aside from <i>garitas</i>, c</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">annons or at least what remained to them, are plentiful in the fortress. They point out to the sea, in constant vigilance against the pirate ships that used to harass the region. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">El Cañuelo as seem from a gun emplacement</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">To the west you can see the smaller fort on the opposite side called </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>El Cañuelo</i>, built on an island called <i>Isla de Cabras</i>. The guns from both forts were designed to create crossfire against any invaders.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inside the fort</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fortress last saw action during the Spanish-American War, in 1898. Puerto Rico, and the fort, were taken over by the US at the signing of the Treaty of Paris, and the US Navy since then took over Castillo San Juan. Aside from Spanish artifacts, American equipment and additions can also be seen in the fort, including guns, and a lighthouse. </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lighthouse, build by the US, is the highest point in the fort.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How to Get There:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Castillo San Felipe del Morro is located in the old section of San Juan (<i>Viejo San Juan</i>). It is accessible by bus from San Juan itself. Take one heading to Old San Juan and get off at the pier. It's a short walk to the San Juan Gate from there. There is a (free) tram that will take you up to the entrance of the fort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Useful Info</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The entrance to the fortress cost USD 5. It is open every day from 9am to 6pm, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Website: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm">www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm</a></span></div>
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