Author: Jenn

PhotoHunt: Bridge(s)

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Red Bridge on Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi


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Hoan Kiem Lake flaunting the distinctive Huc (or red) bridge is located in the heart of the Old Quarters of Hanoi, around the lake are cute little cafes where you can just sit for hours and watch the people crossing the chaotic street.

Legend has it that Heaven sent Emperor Le Thai To a magical sword, which he used to drive out  the Chinese in Vietnam.  A golden tortoise emerged and grabbed the sword and disappeared in the lake.  Since then, the lake has beem know as Ho Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Restored Sword).

Hoan Kiem’s life is bustling at the break of dawn as serious joggers take on the streets, paths are crowed with people doing taichi.

Posted on by Jenn 8

River White

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Credits:  Papers:  KPertiet Fairy Dreamer, JSprague Red Solid Paper, KPertiet Botanist no. 7-2; Elements:  Jack n Me Alpha blank, KPertiet Brown Stitching, KPertiet Quotes;  Brushes:  DD MWise A La Mode, KPertiet On the Edge Flourishes 2-1G;  Frames:  KPertiet On the Edge Flourishes 3-6G, KPertiet Snap Frame

Navigating the White Nile or the source of the Nile, in Uganda, is a once in a lifetime experience.  The Ugandan government has every intention of constructing a hydroelectric dam at the Bujugali Falls to provide power to the country, as their frequent power interruptions can last a whole day.  In a few years the exciting rapids will just be a memory.

We would raft rapids labeled as “the bad place”, “overtime” and more.   The day trip is a 30 km stretch of world-class white water rapids, mostly grades 4 & 5.  I was in for a turbulent ride!  But hey!  How often do you get to raft the longest river on earth?  The White Nile is a beautiful stretch of river with abundant bird life and rich, green-forested banks.  While the whole experience gives you an adrenalin rush, strangely, a calm assurance sort of settles in because well, wasn’t I rafting with some of the best river guides in the world?

Useful Info:

The Outfit: ADRIFT Adventure Co.

Plot 14, York Terrace,
Kololo (near Kololo airstrip & MTN Nyonyi Gardens)
Kampala, Uganda
E-mail:     raft@adrift.ug
Telephone:   +256-(0) 312 237 438
Mobile:   +256 (0) 772 237 438

 

Posted on by Jenn 3

Ibulao Ibulao

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my-fix

 

This was taken in Ibulao River, Kiangan.  Not many have rafted or even know of this river (I think) and as the photos on the slideshow below exhibits, it is a fantastic 3 hours of rafting experience with a view so impressive.  An interesting place rich in history, Kiangan is believed to be the first human settlement in Ifugao.  This is also where Ifugao and American troops helped force General Yamashita to make his informal surrender in World War II.

We stayed in a charming hostel owned by the Kalugdans, I remember the food to be superb.  This was a special trip organized by Adventures and Expedition Philippines Inc. (AEPI) to explore the river.  They have since run several trips running the upper portion of the river.  Definitely worth a try.

This has been my entry to That’s My World.  Go visit and  find other worlds here.

Getting There:

Take either Autobus or Florida Bus Line to Banaue, get off at Kiangan.

 

Contact Details:

Auto Bus
Espana cornor Catalina,
Sampaloc, Manila
Phone:  735-8096

Bus fare:       P 460

Florida Bus Line
Sampaloc, Manila
Phones:  743-3809 / 731-5358 / 493-3667

Bus fare: P 450

Sleeping Arrangements:

Kalugdan Hostel, Kiangan
Ibulao Ibulao
Dra. Tess Kalugdan
0919-694-5964
totokalugdan@yahoo.com
 
Adventures & Expeditions Philippines Inc. (AEPI)
Anton Carag
0917-532-7480
whitewater1ph@yahoo.com
Posted on by Jenn 10

WS# 5: Flavored Polvorons?!

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I love polvorons and someone I work with gifted me with a box of polvorons this week.  Not just regular polvorons, mind you… but cute, flavored ones!

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They came in a long strip of box and as you slide to open, it reveals the different shapes and colors looking so delicious you can’t wait to pop them into your mouth.  Each shape is assigned a flavor.

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The flavors, you ask? …are Lavender, Rose, Cranberry and Kiwi.  Weird?  Being the adventurer that I am, it whetted my imagination and I couldn’t wait to be acquainted with these babies.  So did it measure up to my expectation? …I liked the Cranberry the most and the Lavender the least.  The latter had too much lavender essence, leaving a bad bitter after taste.  The cranberry was decent, different to say the least although I find them all a tad too sweet and I’ll stick to the regular ones for now, thank you very much!  I however, give the creator a 10 for creativity.  I think that these little babies will stand a chance if they go easy on the essences, not to overpower but to merely add hints of the flavors.

Perhaps it’s just me… you may want to try them and judge for yourself.   😉

Postres del Cielo
www.postresdelcielo.multiply.com
635-4734 / 0918-8118115
Posted on by Jenn 10

Ubud… Second time around

I’ve been to Bali 3 times in the past 2 decades.  Twice for work and once tagging along an incentive trip of an ex.  Each time was spent on a beach resort, Nusa Dua to be exact.  My first and only time in Ubud prior to this trip was in 1991.  A day trip only.  Almost 2 decades later, here I am experiencing Ubud like it was my first time.

Ubud is Bali’s cultural enclave, where one can find artists’ studios & galleries, rice fields, ornate temples and ancient historical sites.  While it once was an oasis for backpackers, artists and bohos, Ubud is now a popular destination for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs.  Elegant 5 star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand in the outskirts of Ubud.

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So without further hoo-ha, here’s a list of places that deserves a thumbs up (according to me)!

The Crispy Duck of Bebeck Bengil:

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Lines were long even at 1pm.  Obviously a popular eating joint for both locals and tourists alike.  Service was slow and quite inefficient.  But the (long) wait was worth it.   The duck was very tasty.  Crispy yet juicy – fried to perfection, if you ask me.  It didn’t look very appetizing but it definitely had me at first bite.

Dinner at Lamak Restaurant and Bar:

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Hands down the best meal of our entire stay.  Located along Monkey Forest Road, they serve excellent fusion dishes like Tea Infused Duck Broth with dumpling and Sesame crusted Scallop w/ Kung Pao Sauce.  And desserts like Orange & Ginger Bruleé, Chocolate Soufflé and Chili ice cream.  Nuff said!  My dad actually wanted to return for lunch or dinner the next day.   😀

Pura Puseh Temple, Batuan Village:

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Considered to be one of the finest and oldest temples in Bali. The temple dates back to the 11th century and has many fine carvings. This Balinese village of Batuan possesses one of the richest cultural legacies on the island.  Renowned for some of the finest music, dances and sculptures in all of Bali, it has performances twice a month of the Gambuh, a rare ancient dance drama.  Regular performances are held on the 1st and 15th of every month.  Nope, we didn’t catch it; it was the wrong time of the month.

Ubud Palace / Puri Saren Agung

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Set in the center of Ubud, across the Ubud Central Market.  This is the palace of the Royal family that ruled from the late 1800’s until World War II and is essentially the father of other Ubud Palaces or Puri, as the locals call it.

When we arrived, a portion of the palace was closed (for unknown reasons) but the little that I saw of the grounds impressed me.  The garden was beautifully kept, the old stone gates and the statue guards in that familiar checkered cloth skirts were main points of interest.  Definitely worth a revisit.

The front courtyard is open to the public during the day and a traditional dance performance, the Legong Dance is held here every night.  Interesting to note, some of the pavilions have been turned into hotel rooms for those who want a glimpse of the Royal life.

Shopping!!!

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Along Monkey Forest Road and Jalan Raya.  Fantastic and extremely varied.  You can find all kinds from ancient antiques to whimsical trinkets.  Shops upon shops filled with sarongs, woodcarvings, paintings, souvenirs, jewelries, incense potteries…  It’s a shopping haven even if I had to put my rusty bargaining powers to use.  For many, bargaining is an art and is what makes shopping fun… not for me as patience is not my virtue. Wahaha!   😛

Maya Ubud – A Haven of Tranquility

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Our home for 4 days.  Let’s just say I can afford it because I wasn’t paying for it.  If you like the finer things in life and prefer traveling luxuriously as my family does, Maya Ubud is for you.

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Reviews says that it is a cut above the rest and rightly so.  Located high between 2 river valleys, set in sprawling lawns and gardens, Maya Ubud is indeed a haven of tranquility.  All villas face the river, and the sound of the river brings such serenity.

maya-villa

I adore my villa and the daybed outside my room.  I spent a lot of time reading on that comfy daybed.  It is pure bliss to be able to just relax and read my book.  The greatest indulgence however was a relaxing bathing experience in the privacy of my bathroom.  For US$15, I had a personal assistant prepare my bath.  When I arrived from dinner, there it was, all ready for me.  I just had to slide in and enjoy my book some more before I slumbered off.  Now that’s what I call capping the day.  And the best part is that they provided an extra set with their compliments and for 2 straight nights I bathe in tranquility.  Such is life!   😉

maya-bath

One thing I didn’t get to do was try the award winning spa.  It was kinda duh of me but I just couldn’t bring myself to pay for something that I can get in Manila for a quarter of the price.  Could anything be that worth it?  Regretfully, I’ll never know!  😦

Posted on by Jenn 1

WS# 4: A Cookbook Junkie

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Sshhh… I am a cookbook junkie… don’t tell.  I used to buy (a lot) but lately have been more prudent.  I stopped going to the bookstore and if I can’t help it, I avoid the cookbook section.  You see, I don’t really have time to cook a lot.  Living alone also has its drawbacks.  It’s no fun cooking for one.   But once in a while, especially if DBF is around, I would whip up something special er… something more difficult that is, than pasta and salad, which is my staple “cooking for one” dish.

I love to eat, that’s why.  I love anything associated with food, be it a cookbook, a foodie mag, food blogs or Discovery Travel and Living.  I also have no preference, really.  I can eat street food but will not pass up a chance to go high end as well, which is more often. Hee hee.  When I travel, I always make it a point to try the local cuisine from hole-in-a-walls to classy joints.  I love discovering new cuisines and the best are usually in simple roadside eateries where the locals go.  I make it a point though to splurge on at least one dining experience before heading home.

So don’t tell about this little “cookbook” secret…

Psst… I spent the weekend learning this new trick in photoshop.  Did some cleaning as well hence this entry.  I am attempting to rid of stuff I don’t need and live more simply.  I always say that I am a minimalist at heart, I just need a bigger space. Hahaha!   😛  Have nice week ahead!

Posted on by Jenn 3

The Yangshuo Charm

After chemo in 2005, I decided to take a short trip to China to cap this chapter of my life.  I wanted to start living “my life” again, the way I used to, even if I had to take baby steps to get back into my groove.  (I owe this story about me and I WILL post it as soon as I am ready to share.)  Anyway… Chose Yangshuo because it was close enough but it was not your typical Chinese town either.  It was still quite off the beaten path where backpackers still abound.  You get the same, if not better landscape in a vacation town with a plethora of interesting eateries and little shops as opposed to the big city of Guilin.  I like Yangshuo because it was small enough to explore, not intimidating at all.  Baby steps…

yangshuo

Credits: Alpha: Katescrap Barechip;  Papers: Clyle-carnival paper 2, Dmogstad – carnival paper, Hroselli – carnival paper- cream, Pspringmann – carnival paper;  Elements: ideacetis – carnival – lace (1), mmartin – carnival – beadswirl;  Frame: Joyfulheart Designs – plain jane single frame.

Outside of eating and shopping in town, the countryside and the Li River has a lot more to offer.  You can should do the following:

Ride a bike – wander through the countryside and enjoy the dramatic mountain backdrops.  The people are generally friendly.  Our guide went the extra mile and brought us to her home in the countryside and cooked us lunch.   😀

Cruise around Li River – take it from Xingping where the best limestone formations starts.

Rock Climbing – if you are into that.

Watch Impression of Lui Sanjie – by far the best thing we did in the 4 days we were there.  The show runs nightly during peak season.  It features a cast of 500 fishermen and a highly impressive light show performed on the Li River with the limestone formation as backdrop.  It was awe-inspiring, simply “goosebumps” amazing.

impressions

Yangshuo is about an hour away from Guilin.

Posted on by Jenn 2

PhotoHunt: Chipped

photohunter7iq

Chipped walls of Vat Sisaket, Vientiane, Lao PDR

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Credits:  Joyful Heart Designs: plain jane-brownish paper

Built in 1818, Vat Sisaket is the only temple to survive a 19th century invasion when the Siamese raged the city and forced most of its people into exile across the Mekong.  It continued to function as a monastery during the 19th century despite the depopulation.  It is the only temple to maintain its original shape albeit a partial restoration in the 1920s hence the chipped walls.

Vientiane is an ancient city and its history has been recorded largely in its temples.

Came across this meme and found it cool.  So here’s my very first attempt on photo hunting.  I was in Vientiane last year and Laos has since been one of my favorite Asian destination.  Check out other PhotoHunt entries here.

Posted on by Jenn 3

Kayak the Rapids, Anyone?

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That’s right!  In up north Peñablanca in Cagayan Province, you can kayak downstream in its Pinacanuan River. Depending on the time of year, the rapids provide an adrenalin rush interspersed with calmer water where one can enjoy the beautiful landscape, scenery and occasionally spot kingfishers or herons along the way.

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On a hot day, the clear, blue water invites a dip to cool while picnicking by the riverbank.  Relaxed or charged, this river surely captivates the heart.

 

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While you’re there, why not visit Callao and Sierra caves?  The first cave requires an easy trek on a big-domed cave with skylights.  A 206-step flight of stairs will lead you to a little chapel with pews and an altar.  Sierra, on the other hand, is a recreational cave with an array of well-preserved and very delicate speleothems (stalactites and stalagmites).

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Be sure to stay and watch the phenomenal circadian bats leave their nesting place in droves to look for food just before the sun sets.  These are fruit bats so not to worry as they only eat fruits.   😀

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pinacanuan-bats

If you find your way to this part of the world and would like to try this out, you may contact Anton Carag of AEPI.

Visit more worlds here.

*Edited 02/14/10:  The AEPI website is no longer available… you may contact Anton Carag at +63(917) 532-7480.

Posted on by Jenn 13

WS# 3: Salad Delight

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Credits:  Katie Pertiet -Delight underlay

After all the devouring done over what was the holidays, I’ve resolved to go healthy this month (stretching perhaps to the whole year?) with more salads, less meats, more exercise, less time in the computer.  Just sharing my first delightfully refreshing salad concoction for the year.

Mixed together salad greens (spinach, tatsoi, arugula) with grapes, pomegranate, mushrooms and blue cheese crumbles.  For the salad dressing, I mixed together Apple Cider Vinegar, olive oil and some pomegranate juice from the fruit.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Loved the combination of salty (from the blue cheese),sweet (from the grapes), sour (from the vinegar) and tart (from the pomegranate).

Posted on by Jenn 8