Angelica's Travels: 2011

Post-BigTrip : A Big Thank You and Updates

Sand Dunes, Mui Ne, Vietnam

The best 77 days of my life so far. :)

Who could have thought that someone who got lost so many times before in life, or at least she thought she did, could have fulfilled her dreams of traveling? Of having the best and most memorable three months of her life?

nearing the Annapurna Base Camp

trekking in Nepal

*while in transit from Bangkok - Vietnam

In two weeks I'll be in another flight on my way back home. HOME. Where I grew up, where the people I love are. But I'm also leaving my OTHER HOME - TRAVELING.

Not a geographical location - not a country, not a city, not a place. But a state of happiness that no other activity or material possession has ever given me. I try to fight back tears. I try not to be sad as this journey is about to take a break.

26th :)

Chomrong Sunset Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Day 3, Nov 19 (day before my 26th birthday) : Landruk (1620m) - Himal Qu (1410 m) - Jhinu Danda (1750m) - Taglung (2190m) - Chomrong (2210m)

Still didn't sleep well last night. But I was dreaming of the Annapurna Peaks. Wishing that I get to see them soon. Woke up at around 6:30am. The view from our hotel was two mountain ranges of rice terraces with a river at the middle. There was fog still but only down by the river. But the mountain ranges and river was beautiful, mystical.

on the way to Tolka

Background: As I've mentioned previously, we were supposed to go to Lukla and do the Everest Base Camp Trek but the weather was not on our side. We waited for two days and decided to just go to Pokhara and do the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek instead. We wanted to do the Annapurna Circuit but we didn't have enough time for it. I've read and watched Michael Palin's Himalaya where he also did the Sanctuary Trek, but the images of the Annapurna Base Camp was never really retained in my memory. Which I think was a good thing as I had no expectation of what the trek or the base camp would look like.

Trekking in Nepal : The Importance of Now

"Suddenly I told myself, 'You could turn around right now. Nobody would stop you.' Standing next to Jeff, my mind churned with fear, self-doubt, and endless self-questioning. Perhaps the way to approach such a monster of a mountain was to break it down into more manageable chunks, to clear my mind so heavy with expectation, and to experience the climb moment by moment, step by step. I would try not to worry about everything that lay ahead but focus on the beauty and friendship that was all around me, and no matter how high I got up the mountain, I would celebrate that as my summit." - Erik Weihenmayer, Touch the Top of the World

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Annapurna Base Camp

Source: lag66
The airport scene yesterday was worse. People were already sleeping on the floor.

A few weeks ago in India, I met some people who were initially planning to go to Nepal, some to do the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek. But news on the bad weather in Lukla (take-off point for the trek) have lead them to just stay put in India.

Almost a week ago, during our first dinner (pork chop Pinoy-style!!) in Kathmandu, the wonderful crew there kept on wishing us 'Good luck!'. And on our supposedly last night in Kathmandu pre-trek, their goodbyes were replaced with 'Hope we don't see you tomorrow!'. Same as with the hotel owners and staff.

Flower Candle in the Ganges River

‘They say that traveling through India is a love-hate relationship. Dharamsala, Amritsar, and Agra were more love than hate. But here in Varanasi, it surely feels like love-hate. As much as I'd rather stay in the whole day. The ghats, the curious stares, the bathing people, the cows, the river - seem to be calling out to me to go out and take a walk again this afternoon. India! :)’

Remember when I said that I feel so at home in India? Well, it’s probably because I’ve never been to Varanasi!

Today I walk alone with a goal to go the other end of the Varanasi river side. I passed by another burning ceremony. I didn't stay long not as much as yesterday. And just a few meters from it, I found a relatively deserted and peaceful place.

I bring out my book and my notebook. And I start writing about what I've been feeling ever since I saw the burning ceremony yesterday.

The Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

Nearing a month into the Big Trip now. We went to see the Fatehpur Sikri yesterday, a one-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Agra.

While in the bus I somehow felt ‘at home’.

It was around quarter to nine in the morning. The Taj Mahal is packed with tourists. I couldn’t capture its beauty the way I wanted to since it was still foggy, and it looked like it wasn’t going to improve any time soon. I still have more than an hour left before I meet my friend outside the complex. I decided to find a bench where I can sit down and just appreciate its beauty. I always try to sit down in a place, church, temple, or mosque I go into, and not just take photos. I believe that all these grand and sacred structures deserve to be appreciated and respected.

There’s poverty almost everywhere in India, but there’s also life. You see so many homeless people and street children. But for some weird and unexplainable reason, they seem contented. I initially thought of relating it to their religion or their culture. But I see no point in such, even in pity.

It was our last day in Dharamsala before heading down to Amritsar for Diwali. I was supposed to go paragliding since it was so cheap at only INR 2500 for 30-45 minutes. However, the cost did not yet include the roundtrip taxi ride which will cost me another INR 1800. Which made the whole activity quite expensive. So I decided to do some easy hiking/trekking. Eventually I was able to convince my friend to join me.

The plan was to see the sacred Dal Lake and the Tibetan Naddi Village. That was the initial plan. But when you do something spontaneous - wonderful and amazing surprises come along your way.

I've only been in Dharamsala for less than a day. Given that this was just a spontaneous and accidental trip, I really wasn't that familiar with the place. I had completely forgotten that its population is partially composed of Tibetans in exile, and is the home of the Dalai Lama. And after hearing their story and witnessing their warmth, strength, and peacefulness, it pains me. And I found myself crying. It pains me that they can't live in their own country. A simple no-need-to-elaborate- reason.

Tibetan woman in Dharamsala

Why is the sun so orange and full during sunset here in India?

Six days in India. Three days in busy and chaotic Delhi. Three days in peaceful and cold Dharamsala.

Driving in India is crazy, even here in Dharamsala. Drivers continuously honk. Public transportation is disorganized. People quote you different prices.

But more than that, people have been really nice to us. They don't really mean any harm. They all are just trying to make a living. And most, if not all, smile at you. Or return your greetings.

I stumbled upon this girl playing by the streets of Chandni Chowk

Life in India is incomprehensible for an outsider like me. I will not even try to understand it, or relate it to their history or their religion. All I can do is admire it. There is no point in pity because the people on the streets, I think, have more life and spunk in them than the average people like us.

"I see trees of green, red roses too.

I see them bloom for me and you.

And I think to myself what a wonderful world'

- Amazing musician at St. Paul's Church

I seriously have no idea how many hours I’ve spent inside a train since yesterday here in Singapore. Moving from green to red to purple lines. Passing through various malls and shops.

And I’m exhausted. For the first time since the start of the Big Trip, I was impatient and I almost got stressed out.

It's 6pm, Melaka Town is about to sleep. I walked around not really knowing where to go. Stumbled upon boutique shops that are about to close and old historic structures. I thought maybe I should grab an early dinner now. I looked for restaurants that are open but couldn't find any. I turned left and just decided to eat at the first place I see that's open. There it is 'Honky Tonky Haven Cafe'. Quite a quirky name for Melaka, I thought. But I was hungry. An old man, he's from New Zealand, welcomed me in. I was about to sit down when he told me I can eat outside along the river. I didn't know there was a river nearby.

Kota Kinabalu wasn’t initially part of the Big Trip. In fact, Kota was not on my list of places to go to. It was just a spontaneous decision by four highschool bestfriends who love traveling and who tries to travel together at least once a year. There wasn’t much research involved for our almost four days stay there. We could’t do the Mt. Kinabalu climb since it has to be booked months before and it’s quite expensive. So we just booked our hostel and decided that we’ll figure out everything else once we’re there.

But after visiting the place, I found out that it has a lot to offer.

Diedeth, Martin, Jen, Edgardo

Note: I apologize as this entry may probably sound like a journal. Just wanted to tell you guys how my first day of traveling alone was.

Finding my way around and the importance of packing light.

I arrived in KL only with a print-out of the directions going to the hostel and knew that I should go see Batu Caves and Petronas Towers at night. That was it. I didn't know how to go to the Caves or the Towers or what other worthy places to go to. Upon arrival in KL Sentral, I took the Metro and walked just a few blocks near the Central Market. Good thing I packed light. ;)

Original photo by Mitch

"Toot! Toot! Toot". There's a father and son behind me. The father playing with his son and making train sounds.

There are two girls engrossed in their books and magazines.

There are two Muslim girls taking photos of each other and laughing.

I am on board a Kota Kinabalu rusty local old train.

2009 Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Quote from an Ad on the 2008 Beijing Olympics

The past few weeks in the office have been relatively busy. In fact, I even closed a deal on that same day. So I really didn't feel like it was my last day. It's either that or I was just in denial.

Big Trip Preparations : Hoping to Learn the Art of Packing Light

Packing light? It's not easy. I had to practice three times. Now why do I have to pressure myself into packing light aside from its practicality? It's because I have a relatively small bag compared to what most backpackers bring:

LUGGAGE

These two bags are going to be my best friends for the next three months.

- Deuter ACT Lite 35+10SL bag which i bought before the Big Trip idea even came up. I love the shoulder straps and back system, and the bag's especially made for women. :)

Countdown: 16 days before the Big Trip; 12 days before I move out of my place.

As you’ve all noticed, I haven’t been posting much on my blog lately. Work has been keeping me busy, I still don’t feel like I’m about to resign. I’ve also been attending friends’ events which have been occupying my weekends. I’ve also crossed-out certain items in my to-do list for the Big Trip. And overwhelmed by the fact that I’m officially moving out of Manila in less than two weeks. Yes, I’m giving up my apartment.

Caramoan Sunset
August 2009
Bitang Laya Island, Caramoan

“Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal.”
- Elbert Hubbard

A Few Tips to Downsize your Lifestyle to Save Up for the Big Trip

Thinking of going on your own Big Trip? Or saving up for something you’ve always wanted to do? It may be going on a major trip, taking a career break, going to graduate school, or just something that you really want to do. Does the cost of doing it a little bit overwhelming?

When I was starting to plan for the Big Trip I realized that I had to do something more than just setting aside part of my salary. I knew that in order to meet my target of celebrating my 26th birthday on the road, I had to change something with my lifestyle. I had to downsize it and make some adjustments.

And here some of the things I did to downsize my lifestyle in order to save up for the Big Trip. Read on and I hope they can help you too.

1. Write down your typical day, week, or month. Identify the activities or expenses that you think you can adjust, or lessen, or even do without.

My list included items related to activities done with close friends - going out to watch movies, semi-fancy dinners, cab rides, and hanging out at coffee shops. I know it’s fun hanging out with friends and such moments are priceless. But maybe you can lessen them or go to cheaper places. But the best thing to do is to explain to your friends your plans and tell them that you’re saving up for something really important. Because they love you, they will understand and even adjust with you. My friends did and I love them more for it. (Calling out to my superfriends, I love you and thank you!)

The hardest for me was not going to our weekend flag football games because I really love the sport and my teammates. And I’ve always considered it as an activity to break my monotonous workweek. But eventually I discovered that it was taking up a big chunk of my weekly expenses since it’s located at the opposite side of Metro Manila. And an after-game dinner normally leads to drinks/coffee afterwards. It was hard but I knew that I had to take a break from it for the Big Trip.

2. Bring out those books/dvds that you bought but never read/watched.

Since most of your nights/weekends will now be vacant, maybe it’s time to check those books you haven’t finished reading yet. You lessen your expenses and learn new things. Reading good books is always good for you.

3. Tone down your spontaneity temporarily.

I’d like to think that I’m a very spontaneous person especially when it comes to traveling. I used to often say yes to travel invites. I even plan them or even come up with the idea. Always waiting for the seat-sale and grabbing it - the ‘book now, plan later’ type of traveling. Which for the most part rattles up my savings and attempts of being a smart spender.

But I knew that in order to save up for the Big Trip, I had to say no to travel invites especially the spontaneous ones. Even if it meant getting so envious when my friends upload their travel photos in Facebook or talk about it when we’re all together. I just constantly remind myself that I have to forego certain travels for a major one.

This is also applicable to spontaneous movie/dinner invites. If you know that you’ve reached your ‘lakwatsa budget’ for the week/month, just say no to the invites.

Believe me it’s going to be quite hard at the start. Again, especially if you’re the travel addict type. ;) But you’ll eventually learn to adjust and say no without thinking twice.

4. Take the metro or other modes of public transportation.

This way you’ll get to save on gas if you have a car, or refrain from paying so much when riding a cab. People-watching can be fun sometimes. ;)

And it’s also a way to prepare for your trip especially if it’s in Southeast Asia or India – think of the cramped buses and trains you will have to endure. I believe that using public transportation is one of the best teachers of patience. You get to spend less and be a better person. ;)

5. Try to stay away from coffee shops.

Yes, I’m talking about those frappucinos and lattes. Come on, admit it. They are expensive. So stick to the instant coffees. ;)

6. Get out of the mall as soon as you’re done with the things you needed to buy.

Try to go the mall only when you have something important to buy. And if you feel the urge to window shop (which we all know will eventually lead to impulsive buying), stop yourself and get out of the mall as soon as possible. Yes, you can find that will power inside of you. ;)

7. Always think twice when buying something.

Yes, I know sometimes it’s quite hard to not go to the mall when there’s a sale. Or buy that dress or shoes that you think will look good on you. Whenever you encounter this kind of dilemmas, think twice first. Ask yourself ‘Do I really need it? Do I need it for the trip?’ If your answer is no, then don’t buy it. Or…

8. Think of prices (of food, bags, shoes, drinks) in terms of plane/bus tickets or an overnight stay in a hostel.

I personally find this tip very helpful and effective. I know it’s a little bit extreme but it worked for me. So what I do is whenever I’m tempted to buy something or eat somewhere fancy, I think of the bus fares/plane tickets (or any travel-related expenses) I can buy with that amount of money. I put things into perspective. Try it, it may work for you. ;)

These are some of the things I did to downsize my lifestyle to save up for the Big Trip. But most importantly you should really want whatever it is that you’re saving up for. Because if you do, the will power, discipline, and focus will come naturally. There will be backslides ahead but you’ll always find yourself back on track. But if you do encounter challenges along the way, just be patient with yourself. And remind yourself that you’re doing it for something important and worthy of sacrificing your social life. Yes, sometimes it will come to that point. But remember that it’s only temporary. You’ll get to reap all the benefits soon enough. You can do it. ;)

Did you find these tips helpful? What are the things you did to down-size your lifestyle in order to save up for something you’ve always wanted to do?

Posted on : September 11, 2011

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NEW BLOG!

Hey everyone! I'm moving to a new blog address : www.angelicacruzph.com

Same content but with some changes in design and layout. I'll still be keeping this one but will begin posting new stuff in the new blog. See you there!

You can still find me at the following:

Instagram

Flickr

Exposure

Email : anggetravels.blog@gmail.com

Indian Visa Application for Pinoys

Although there is already a Tourist Visa-on-Arrival for Filipinos who are traveling to India, I just thought that it would be better to get it here. The process is pretty easy and the people there are really nice and helpful, as opposed to some of the forums I read. And as with any visa application, it is best to:

(1) Be PREPARED
(2) Be EARLY
(3) Read the requirements and guidelines CAREFULLY
(4) NEVER ASSUME that your interpretation of the requirements is correct.

Wide Horizon

May 2009

Bantayan Island, Cebu

When 2011 started I thought everything was going to go smoothly until the start of my 2011 Big Trip. But life often challenges you and asks you how much you really want your dreams to come true. And all that you can do is to try to get through all of the stress and challenges and remind yourself that it is all worth it.

The Day I Told my Parents about the Big Trip

The day has come for me to tell my parents that I just quit my job (because I wanted to make my life better) and that I will be traveling for a few months. And it happened during the long weekend. Baguio City was being hit by a storm and the power was out (you can just imagine the mood of that evening.haha), I had a choice on whether to wait another day or just tell them right then and there. I chose the latter, so I just went on and told them about it.

Last week I found myself pondering on going on a spontaneous weekend trip. A trip to remind myself of the reasons why I made certain decisions in my life. Major life decisions that has caused people to judge me and question my priorities. A random cellphone conference call (yes apparently it's possible!) among friends last Friday lead to my booking a flight to Boracay.

Boracay. I've always been consistent with my opinion on Boracay. I've always told people that I will only go to Boracay if the trip is free. I've always preferred going to quiet, secluded, and cheap-accommodations (tent) type of beaches. But I ate my own words. I went to Boracay - breaking my self-imposed travel hiatus and touching my hard-earned savings for the Big Trip.

But it was all worth it.

Visiting Ayutthaya was the highlight of my trip to Thailand. Visiting the temples and the ruins of this ancient capital fueled my love for travel and photography. The kind of push that made traveling and travel photography one of my top priorities. The kind that made me seriously save up for a DSLR and more trips in my own country and a few more countries in Asia.

Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Thailand from 1350-1767. It was once the most powerful kingdom/city in mainland Southeast Asia. It was famous for its various grand palaces, temples, shrines, and other sacred sites, until the Burmese invasion in 1767 where most of the sites were destroyed. Ayutthaya today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular travel destination outside Bangkok.

Ayutthaya, Thailand

The start of 2008 wasn’t that good to me. It was the peak of my workaholic life. 2008 was also the year that I didn’t get into law school. In an attempt to leave the finance industry and explore other opportunities, I tried getting into law school. But it wasn’t successful. I also lost my so-called-assets at the start of the year.

And I almost drowned, along with ten other friends, during a trip to Anawagin Cove due to an underwater current. I believed it happened for only less than ten minutes. But it was the scariest and at one point the most peaceful ten minutes of my life. But it was a wake-up call for me. It was the day I realized that I gave too much importance and attention to the material things I lost. I didn't value enough those that really matter. What happened during that ten minutes made me realize that life can be better.

And then good things, great things,

and experiences happened to me after.

I got a call from my tita who offered to give me a free trip to Bangkok, all I had to worry about was my pocket money. It was my first airplane ride, an out-of-Luzon, out-of-the-country trip. It was an amazing experience. I was fascinated by their history and culture.

And I discovered my love for travel and photography.

A few insights on Travel Photography

Discovering my love for travel has introduced me to the wonderful world of photography. Being surrounded by wonderful places and people has unearthed in me the need to capture them in photos – either to share them to encourage other people to travel or just to have something to remember my travels by.

Three years of consistent traveling has taught me a few important things about travel photography and photography in general.

Let me just say beforehand that you will not find here tips on travel photography. Rather you will find here my insights on travel photography and the few important things I keep in mind when traveling and taking photos. I’d like to think that I am a traveler first before a photographer.

Having a high-level or complex camera doesn’t necessarily translate to producing great photos.

I bought my DSLR back in 2008. I didn’t have enough money for a more complex camera, so I just bought the most basic of all which is the NikonD40. Three years and counting, I still haven’t had the urge to buy a higher level of camera.

For one, I’ve never been really the technical type of photographer. I know the basics of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. But I’m not really the type who has the standard combinations of the three in mind when taking photos. I just use the manual setting and experiment on it until I find the best photo.

Second, I’ve always believed that great photos are made of good subjects more than the technical aspects of it. That being said, producing great photos rely mostly on the eye of the photographer.

Travel photography is a function of skill and luck.

It’s mostly working around things and factors that are out of your control. Mother Nature can sometimes work against you.

When we did the Mt. Pulag trek early this year, it rained for the most part of our trip. It was foggy and with almost zero visibility. We weren’t lucky enough to be given the chance to see the famous ‘sea of clouds’ up in the Summit. What dampened our mood more is the fact that the other three weekends during that month was sunny and clear.

Despite the fact that you were very much prepared and you had all the camera gears and accessories with you, you will never always get you want.

But sometimes Mother Nature can be very generous.

"I have witnessed incredible moments, where the light, the mountains, the oceans and the wind all meet together so I can take their picture. It has become my obsession to experience the world and a passion to capture and share it." Andre Dupuis, departures.

I call it the ‘everything in place’ moment – the right moment when everything seems to be in harmony and is calling out to you to capture it. And I credit most of these moments to luck.

Good Morning, Caramoan . :)
Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Laid-back Sunday
Puerto Princesa, Palawan

A very useful tip: One of my favorite techniques is taking photos where the sun is hidden behind a rock, a tree, a cloud, or any structure. This technique minimizes overexposure and spreads the light from the sun, and creates a dramatic effect. ;)

Coron Sunset
Malcapuya Island, Coron

The Tree of Life
Ta Prohm, Cambodia

Travel photography is at its best when you have balance.

Do you sometimes feel frustrated while traveling when you can't seem to produce good photos? This happens to me sometimes because I focus too much on looking for good subjects.

What I normally do during these circumstances is to relax and familiarize myself first with my surroundings and just enjoy traveling. Eventually I just find myself clicking away and producing good photos. This way you get to enjoy travel and produce good photos at the same time.

Blue Paradise
Bulog Island, Coron

Your photos should capture the soul of the place you’re in.

Aside from the beautiful scenery or landscape, you can also create great travel photos of the people and how they are in harmony with their surroundings. You have to immerse yourself in what’s present and what’s happening without altering any of it. You have to be focused and just wait for the right moment and capture it.

A typical Filipino Sunday. People going to church, kids buying balloons.
Basilica de. Sto Nino, Cebu City

Siesta - a Spanish/Filipino word for a short nap taken in the early afternoon.
Magellan’s Cross, Cebu

Children and random people are really good subjects.

We encounter various types of people in our travels. They may be just a by-stander, a beggar, or a child. But they somehow touch you in a way. Children are my favorite subjects. They willingly pose and smile for your camera.

Bantayan Kid
Bantayan Island, Cebu

Blind Man

Fort San Pedro, Cebu City

Monks in Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Old and New

Macau

Awareness is key.

You will never be fully prepared for beautiful moments. So a little bit of keen awareness can be very helpful. I guess you just know it when you see it. You just know that it’s a beautiful moment and you must take advantage of that moment.

Toy Balloons

14th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Father and Son

14th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Sky Diving

14th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

‘One of the most important rules of photography is to always keep in mind that you’re an amateur. Keep the innocence when you’re taking photos.’

This was shared to me by Ben Razon, a renowned photojournalist in the Philippines. As with any craft, hobby, or sport, there should always be room for improvement and learning. It is a continuous process.

These are some of the few important things I always try to keep in mind when traveling and taking photos.

But most importantly, just go with the flow. Travel (and) Photography should not be rigid. Just enjoy the place you're in and the people around you. It may be sunny or rainy, you may arrive late for the perfect sunset. Whatever happens, just enjoy the moment.

Photos capture beautiful moments. But beautiful moments, more than anything, should be experienced. ;)

Posted on : July 26, 2011

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NEW BLOG!

Hey everyone! I'm moving to a new blog address : www.angelicacruzph.com

Same content but with some changes in design and layout. I'll still be keeping this one but will begin posting new stuff in the new blog. See you there!

You can still find me at the following:

Instagram

Flickr

Exposure

Email : anggetravels.blog@gmail.com

Bustling Saigon in less than 48 hours

We only stayed in Saigon for less than two days. It was just a layover since there was no direct flight from Manila to Siem Reap. But despite staying there for a short period of time, we were able to do a LOT.

For the city is BUSTLING.

Photos from various Flickr users

Anawangin is my first (beach) love. Although there are far more beautiful beaches (like Coron, Palawan which I also love) here in the Philippines, Anawangin will always be my first (beach) love.

Conan O'Brien - inspired Realizations

“It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It's not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can become a catalyst for profound re-invention.”

- Conan O’Brien, Dartmouth Class of 2011 Commencement Speech

Bantaey Kdei, Cambodia

June 2010

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