tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53064266737529818892024-03-19T17:20:25.811+08:00My ItineraryTraveling is the great true love of my life. It is worth any cost or sacrifice. - Elizabeth GilbertWanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-58776576562810108692018-03-27T02:31:00.000+08:002018-03-27T02:31:40.924+08:00Year 2017: The Most Trying Year of My LifeLast February 2017, I subscribed with Hostgator as I got some guts and commitment to write and write about my travels. I pledged to write an article a month with my pending past travels.<br />
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However, a month after, my mother has to undergo thyroidectomy operations. She was able to recover and a week after her operations, I went to Busan for a week of solitary trip. A sort of healing and recovery for me as I juggled both the demands at work (year-end close and a post process and system migration are too much to handle that I had my hair cut short) and attending to my mother's medical needs.<br />
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Thankfully, she was doing well weeks after but has to go through follow-up of tests and check-ups. I then moved to a new company, a multinational company. As I am new to the company, I seldom went home to the province to see my mother and only seen her in August 2017. I saw how her physical appearance has been changing and how weakly she is getting. But I tried to ignore as I do not want to face the fact that my mother is no longer the strong woman I know physically after her thyroidectomy operation.<br />
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Then, I got a call in September 24, 2017 while I was at work. She told me she got herself admitted at the hospital in the province as she's terribly feeling weak and the stomach pain are getting worse. I cannot file on leave yet but told her I' m coming home on the 29th of September. From work, I went straight to the airport and took the first morning flight from Manila to Bacolod. From Bacolod airport, I went straight to the Riverside Medical Centre where my mother was admitted.<br />
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She looked fine but her skin more yellowish. I tried to overcome the sleepiness from having no sleep from work but had to take a nap. Late in the afternoon, her doctor called me to talk about her medical condition.<br />
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"Your mother may succumb to coma as the toxins from liver inflamation and other complications from her kidney and gall bladder are already spreading. There's no other option but a liver transplant". I cannot decipher what the doctor is saying. "Are you all working in Manila"?, she asked. I said, "Yes, all of us. My father and my siblings. She's living here in Bacolod with my sister in law and a helper.". "I'd rather you take her to the hospital in Manila so whatever might happen to her, you are all there". The doctor further told me. I still cannot take in all what she said. What I was trying to think is to find a solution. At work, whenever my subordinate raised an escalation of an issue, while having a discussion, I would already think the ways to resolve.<br />
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"Where can we get the liver transplant?", I further asked. She said, "It will take a while to find a donor and my mother's case is very urgent. AND, it is too costly". I was thinking, I don't mind, we will find a way. But my mother as I later found out was already aware of her condition. The doctor told her about everything. She told me it was too costly, we cannot afford it. And I answered back, let's got o Manila where the hospital has more other facilities that can sustain you while we are looking for the donor.<br />
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September 30, 2017, we took the commercial flight to Manila from Bacolod and transferred my mother to St Lukes Medical Center in Quezon City. She looked good. She walked though supported with wheelchair. My father fetched us at the airport.<br />
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She was admitted the same day and all other tests were done to her. All medical specialists surrounded her - from fellows for internal medicine, kidney specialist, heart surgeon, among others whose specialization I can no longer remember. Everyday I took note of her food and liquid intake, including her urine and stool. But her conditions are not getting better. Whatever medications for her kidney will elevate the condition of her liver - and the other way around. As she's urinating too little, her stomach is getting bigger and she looked uncomfortable but did not show anything to me. I asked her if there's anything painful, it just that she felt bloated. I juggled work at the hospital while attending her.<br />
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Then, the doctor advised for gradual dialysis - it was gradual to manage her other complications which medical terms I can no longer remember. I asked my father to come back from her project assignment in Masbate to be with us during the first dialysis. I can sense something but ignored everything. I ignored the possibility that anything worst could happen to my mother.<br />
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October 5, 2017, she was scheduled for the "gradual dialysis" and was transferred around 7:00PM. It was a five-hour ordeal of checking her from time to time as the dialysis was on-going. I prayed the Holy Rosary with her and has to go out of the dialysis room from time to time. At around 1AM of October 6, 2017, the dialysis was completed and she was sleeping. Her blood pressure has gotten low but I could not sense any criticality yet. She was transferred back to her room. <br />
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I asked my father to give her medication scheduled at 4AM as I tried to take a quick nap but couldn't do so. The assigned nurses kept coming back and forth checking her blood pressure as its getting lower and lower. At around 4AM, there were rush and urgency in their action and I had to get-up. They asked me to wake her up in our dialect and she's not answering anymore. Her blood pressure is dropping. She would open her eyes as I called her name but closed again. More fellows came in to check asking me any observations during the dialysis. If I can only shout at them if they can check from the dialysis center what are those numbers in the machines could tell them. It was in that moment that only if I can understand medical terms and processes, I could have helped. I should have taken medicine and not accountancy.<br />
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It was the most hectic and long two hours to experience when they decided to put a tube to my mother's mouth (again, I cannot remember the medical terms) so she can breathe. I signed the waiver. It was too painful to see that the head nurse asked me to step out of the room but I did not want to. My father was already outside of the room. I told the head nurse I can take it but he told me I could get traumatized. My father guided me to outside of the room. More machines were deployed to the room - xray, etc. I heard my mother groaned in pain as the tube was inserted to her mouth. I could not face my own pain but to look after my father. I kept a conversation as casual as possible what the doctors were doing to my mother. <br />
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After reviving my mother during that 30-minutes of hurdle, it was too painful to see (and remember) how she looked. Tubes on her mouth, blood spurted on her dress and mouth. She's in too much pain and discomfort. She kept on lifting her hand to pull out the tube and the nurses were stopping her. I came closer to her and whispered that it would help her breathe so please bear a little as it was too much of discomfort for her. She listened and rested.<br />
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Then, the doctor advised that she needed to be transferred to ICU where further dialysis has to be done and she needed close monitoring. The ICU fellow told us pointblank. My mother has 24 hours to survive. As her blood pressure kept on dropping, they had to manage the dialysis to its minimum. Again, a medication to one of her medical condition is detrimental to the other.<br />
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My father was in shock, in tears. I was holding my tears. I need to understand and need to prepare. I called my brother in Mindoro and sister in Malaysia to come home. My brother traveled right away and we told him to show some courage so my mother would fight hard to survive. My sister hesitated to come home and asked us to tell our mother she won't come home but she has to live.<br />
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We spent most of our time at the chapel - my father crying hard, praying to God to allow my mother to live - at most to spend Christmas with us. I was also praying to extend her life and let us spend Christmas with her. I cannot even pray the Holy Rosary while waiting. I was restless for a call from ICU anytime. I went back and forth in ICU checking on her blood pressure and all the numbers running in the machines. There were too many hanging from the stand connected to the tubes. More stocks of different liquids on the floor. The ICU fellow was kind enough to explain but also honest that it was not getting better. It was too painful to see my mother's condition - she was in too much pain that I already think of letting her go. Every time we talked to her, she would nod. I whispered to her that my sister is coming over so please hang for her life more. Everytime we told her about it, her blood pressure would improve. But she still looked in too much pain that I cannot bear to see anymore. I kept on having a strong front and looked calm when talking to the ICU nurses to understand her condition. But in layman terms, I did understand. She was not getting better.<br />
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Then, I called my sister to book the earliest flight as it seemed my mother was only waiting for her. She was at her most painful state. And I could not forget her last hours. It is still painful to remember.<br />
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Our relatives and friends gathered at the hospital and stayed with us overnight. October 7, 2017, at around 2AM, I checked on my mother's and it seemed her BP is getting better. That was my own interpretation. At 4AM, I told my relatives and friends to go home and to go back by 10AM when they can visit my mother at ICU. At around 5AM, I planned to went up at ICU but received a call from the nurses instead. They asked us to come up immediately. The three of us (my father and my brother) went up immediately and witnessed how the doctors tried to revive my mother. On the 7th attempt (if I can remember it correctly), they were explaining that it would be the final dose and if they would proceed. My father answered to proceed. But still no response from my mother's.<br />
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It was painful how her chest were pumped up and down. I could not imagine the pain of her chest getting pressed harder. But the life line was already flat. No response.<br />
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The doctor asked us if we can stop. I asked my father if we can stop. We have to let go of my mother. And that was the most painful decision that we have to take. I was asked to sign a waiver. And the most difficult and painful signature to write.<br />
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October 7, 2017, at around 7AM, on the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, my mother was succumbed to liver inflamation and multiple organs failure. She looked too pitiful that I regret to have that tube inserted to her mouth. I regret giving into the doctor's advise for dialysis. I regret that she has to go through all those painful medical procedures if only at the end, she was not able to survive. I regret all the waivers that I signed. If I am a doctor, would I able to treat her? The way I did well in my profession as an accountant right now. If I am a doctor, would it make a difference (would I able to lessen the pain?). Would I resort to some medical procedures to lessen the pain? If I was a doctor, did I just have her died at home instead but at most painless and natural way? There were too many regrets. Should I demand an explanation from the doctors? Their recommendations did not work- did they just do the trial and error? Can they explained clearly to me- the way I can explain the numbers in the financial statements? How could I asked them in a way they can explain to me in terms that I can understand? They were using a lot of acronyms, longer terminologies that I thought I was stupid not to understand. There were too many regrets.<br />
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Days after her death were spent on errands. All the necessary papers and finances to settle, including a promise to pay and collateral - from the released of her remains from the hospital to the funeral house. The documents for her transit from Manila to Bacolod - the arrangement at the cemetery, funeral house in the province, contacting the relatives, arranging for the masses, etc. As I spent the days arranging everything, I did not cry the hardest. I hold all those emotions as I need to stand strong for my father and siblings - even up to the funeral. <br />
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It was too hard that I wanted to understand why I couldn't cry. Why can't I cry. And I still felt, my mother was just around us. It was until the 39th day from her death when I learned that she would be gone forever on the 40th and that I would not feel her anymore.<br />
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The reality finally sinked in. I was in the parking lot getting off work and I cried so hard for an hour. Then, I continued driving along C5 dangerously with the 10-wheeler trucks while crying so hard at past 2 am in the morning. I thought of swerving the wheel and just bumped and switched between these 10-wheeler trucks to I could be with my mother wherever she is but something whispered not to do it. It was so hard that I cannot focus on work. I have to look after my father and ignored what I was going through.<br />
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Fourteen days more, it would be six months since her death but felt like forever. The life clock is much slower, days passed by just living without any expectation at all. I don't have the appetite to eat and did not meet a lot of friends during Christmas holidays. It was the hardest to survive. The loneliest holidays ever.<br />
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As I tried to live each day, feel the loneliness from the loss of my mother, and just go through each day with nothing to expect. I do not have plans for the future anymore. I just live each day whatever life has to offer but also sorry that I can no longer give my best at work. I cannot pull any motivation from within and I am still struggling until now.<br />
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I cannot attend regular Sunday mass. If I attend, I would stay outside as my heart is only filled of loneliness and could not help but cry when I sing the Lord's Prayer. Deep in my heart, I am also sorry to God that I could not attend the mass with joyful heart. I do not blame God for what happened. Instead, I would like to understand the same pain He gone through at the cross. But I am also praying for the grace to sustain and healing.<br />
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But I am also trying for self-healing - reading books about grief, looking for helpful messages from the internet. I cannot open up but thankfully I met friends who lost a parent just few years back and shared what they experienced. And what I am going through right now are just part of the process of healing. On March 11, 2018, just a week before my birthday, I went to attend a private retreat at Carmelites Missionary. It was helpful to get rid all of the regrets and continue praying for our healing. <br />
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And I pray that amidst the loneliness, I would like to think that my mother is in a much better place where there's no pain. But I pray that she would continue to guide us as we live each day trying to face life's difficulties and loneliness until we meet again.<br />
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And now I'm starting to write.<br />
<br />Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-63835102187446574012017-02-18T22:41:00.000+08:002017-02-18T22:57:51.736+08:00My Website! SOON<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEtNrt8i4OcHnwf9tipz8W5b8fppLxO_PUW4U1nt6gyz4RCGCNBy4ezne_Lox7H4l2s2qBa-x5_IvnujUST17fqC-W4OJi67Q6oe7WhSdBG7DuoW_tTtc-PBV7LQvTNkDMgaXCcOs_ZVv/s1600/clarawthewanderer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEtNrt8i4OcHnwf9tipz8W5b8fppLxO_PUW4U1nt6gyz4RCGCNBy4ezne_Lox7H4l2s2qBa-x5_IvnujUST17fqC-W4OJi67Q6oe7WhSdBG7DuoW_tTtc-PBV7LQvTNkDMgaXCcOs_ZVv/s640/clarawthewanderer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I've been away for so long..</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">only to realize that it's time to have my own..</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">clarathewanderer.com is construction in progress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">cheers to writing! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and the "wanderful" life experience of exploring the world.</span>Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-72570588611696000572017-01-15T08:13:00.001+08:002017-02-18T23:49:35.745+08:00Solitude at the Carmelites Missionary<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">March 17, 2016 - my travel calendar was marked with a
7-day trip to Busan, Suwon and Seoul. The itinerary includes Kimchi-making,
complete tour of Busan (for it was a short visit only in Year 2013), overnight
in Suwon, a stay in a dormitory (to really feel like a real backpacker) and
finally watch Nanta musical. I came to do a sort of celebratory ritual on
my birthdays just like how I spent in Year 2013 when <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2014/04/my-solitary-travel-wrap-up-all-about-my.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">I had my incomparable experience wandering alone in South Korea for ten-days.</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I was supposed to do that again
in 2016, with a ticket booked as early as June 2015 and many plans on hand of
the things that I haven't brushed off yet from my bucketlist. Those were all
planned but because of a wrong decision that turned my life upside down, all my
travel plans were all set aside. As to when I would be travelling to a
foreign country again, I don't know yet. For now, I would be spending the
days reminiscing my travel memories by browsing my pictures and reading blogs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Days before my birthday, I dread
"my day" to come. It was not supposedly to be celebrated. It
was so difficult that I thought life should end at that point in time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>But the fear in God was
greater.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">And I helped myself to find
solace, to find acceptance that an organized person like me has actually messed
up her life, to find forgiveness and come terms to myself that I made a mistake
and I should accept it. I thought of going through a yoga, a meditation
or anything where I can calm my mind. But then I know for the fact that I
cannot do meditation - my mind will just wander. I've been to a lot of prayer
meetings during my teens and my friends were already experiencing the gift of
tongues of the Holy Spirit, but I either fall asleep or things just came
randomly into my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Again, I still haven't figured
out that it was actually my faith that was not at ease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Two days before my actual
birthday, I started searching about "soul searching" or private
retreat and read about it. But something still hinder me to go through it. The
programs are a bit intense, some a bit pricey and some are just like
getting rid everything about yourself, including that some are not of my
Catholic faith. I have difficulty opening up about my problems.
I always solve them on my own and I would never share even to the closest
persons I know. And I am not ready to it yet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">And
then, something about<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://cmcenterofspirituality.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 107%;">private
retreat<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></a></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">popped
up through the search engine. I read through the blog where they offer private
guided retreat. At first I thought, I just need a quite place surrounded
with religious people to silence the noise within myself. So I sent an email
and asked if they can still accommodate me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">So on Thursday, March 17, 2016, I
drove to Tagaytay for the first time on my own and alone for an overnight stay
at the Carmelite Missionaries. Along the way, at times I cried. I was
scared, a bit uncomfortable and anxious but then I knew I had to do it. I
kept on praying for God's guidance not to back-out. Otherwise, I wouldn't know
where to pick-up myself again. I knew how uncomfortable the process of
retreat and recollection as I experienced once before I graduated from college
- you would just eat and eat and cry and cry (that's how we jokingly described
it). But seriously, it's uncomfortable because you will be opening
yourself with the rest of other people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">A few kilometers before turning
left to the Carmelites, I stopped by the church near Java Kafe to gather some
courage and then ate my lunch. It was like I was scheduled for a death
sentence. Then, finally I reached the solemn place. Sr. Flor met me
at the receiving area and introduced me to Sr. Esther. They are both Ilonggos.
Thank God, I'd be comfortable. Then, my bountiful lunch was already
prepared in the dining hall, on an exclusive table with my nametag on top. I felt shy.
Do I deserve this? But I saw two more solo persons on retreat with their names
too (one a nun and another private individual like me). Sr. Esther told me to
take a rest first with a schedule on how the retreat would go through.
Just like how I experienced it before I graduated from college, I was fed
with bountiful meals (lunch, PM snack, dinner and then breakfast, AM snack and
lunch again). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The private retreat was like
talking to a grandmother or anyone who can talk about life. There are
things that I cannot open up with my parents especially if those will just give
them something to worry about. The guided retreat that Sr. Esther made for
me has taught me how to meditate in a way that it was actually talking to God.
There are bible readings as my guide and Sr. Esther guided me how to open
up to God from the heart. I am not a Bible reader. Unless there is a reflections along with a Bible verse (just like the Didache), I can then reflect what the Bible says. Sr. Esther asked me if I keep a journal and I said yes. She advised if I couldn't really utter and voice out
a prayer, then I can write instead. She told me to find a place where I can be
comfortable as the place itself is solemn. I meditated in a garden, in
the chapel, in some prayer rooms, and found the time and the way that was comfortable to me. She also informed me that the nuns were doing their nightly prayer in songs and I might want to observe and have it as part of my retreat. I went and just sat down at the back. One of the sisters gave the song book. Those were new to me but I felt at peace and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><u>comfortable.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">That night, after five long
months of sleepless and crying nights, I was able to sleep in the most peaceful
I can ever remember. The next day, Sr. Esther told me that I looked
different, much better and at peace when we continued the guided retreat.
I told her that my worry is when I get back to Manila - to deal with my
real life. With the world that I live in, I am afraid that I might forget the
retreat that restored myself. She advised me to keep praying for the
grace to sustain and endure and they will pray for me. From time to time, Sr.
Esther would text me, asked me how I was doing. And I was just too shy to
reply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Almost a year after, January
2017, looking back I still missed out the daily motivation habit and still
struggle to do it especially that I came home late from overtime at work. I cannot get up early and do it. I got buried with the overlapping responsibilities at work
and at home but it is different now. I know how to turn to God, to talk
to him, to attend mass when my mind and heart is in trouble. I now look for God
just to talk with him, and not just looking for him because of problems. When
problems came, I prayed and lifted wholeheartedly to Him. And miraculously,
it was indeed different than a year ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUTyAVmxt344nq7RKW6jm8LIxrbeyr9EHIa7wSHj9IiEy2nFgJmYe-qYN4HAPmZ5aAlsf2eyS7po6btphH0ObGFbUn326x-7iUFU02zsQ1NP6eWKq7QGfc0vKv2cr6SiVPcFdlyu-MdwZ/s1600/carmelites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUTyAVmxt344nq7RKW6jm8LIxrbeyr9EHIa7wSHj9IiEy2nFgJmYe-qYN4HAPmZ5aAlsf2eyS7po6btphH0ObGFbUn326x-7iUFU02zsQ1NP6eWKq7QGfc0vKv2cr6SiVPcFdlyu-MdwZ/s640/carmelites.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">the Carmelite Missionaries</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I may have not
traveled again on my own but this solitary travel is the most fulfilling
of them all</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines14.115286 120.9621164999999813.992092999999999 120.80075499999998 14.238479 121.12347799999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-86447593166045668602016-03-15T21:00:00.005+08:002016-06-14T21:56:27.374+08:00Foliage Fall of Kansai (2014 Autumn Trip)<span style="font-size: large;">It's been two years and haven't put in writing yet the amazing trip that i had in Japan. That was in November 2014, my last trip abroad to date. And while I'm currently on hiatus with my travels due to some projects from my office work that i need to allot much time, I'll be writing more of my trip to Japan, and the rest of my "backblog".</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And here's a sort of a "snapshot" of our Autumn Trip:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3mKfR5Qp_0zFmqmKj7vV0Wv0SjCwkP30UtP-Q6pt6z02Nzv25-DwCUNwAO1Qg6PGMhFvhQFtCwhgTSprMX6eZB-cpj7-K5GKkdVP7qiktA_aEZJxJbQ68_hR0VavZ7LTaBok0_jYHRYd/s1600/FOLIAGE+FALL+OF+KANSAI+TRIP+MAP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3mKfR5Qp_0zFmqmKj7vV0Wv0SjCwkP30UtP-Q6pt6z02Nzv25-DwCUNwAO1Qg6PGMhFvhQFtCwhgTSprMX6eZB-cpj7-K5GKkdVP7qiktA_aEZJxJbQ68_hR0VavZ7LTaBok0_jYHRYd/s640/FOLIAGE+FALL+OF+KANSAI+TRIP+MAP.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our itinerary map<br />
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<b>And our colorful Itinerary (Summary):</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8SBfvHpjlBtU1-IXGXmlNj0J9l8oHj1cyYxkrcs1ZjTu3M2GLa5k5Pq8dzzbS6uU2Pz8hVwdC44xMV2gTzi3rVMZblskk-oivoTIOdQrZNa4IzcgbJVPJHR_HaGjRSy9BZ8zdpHkHL2d/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8SBfvHpjlBtU1-IXGXmlNj0J9l8oHj1cyYxkrcs1ZjTu3M2GLa5k5Pq8dzzbS6uU2Pz8hVwdC44xMV2gTzi3rVMZblskk-oivoTIOdQrZNa4IzcgbJVPJHR_HaGjRSy9BZ8zdpHkHL2d/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-74309814017888069192016-02-25T20:30:00.000+08:002016-04-24T12:27:55.072+08:00A Race Against Time in Taipei<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taiwan has been in my bucket list of places to travel as I've heard a lot about it from other travelers too. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Curiosity. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What more it can offer having been to South Korea where I wanted to experience a bit of winter and spring; Japan for autumn and also Beijing where Cherry Blossoms welcomed me a bunch. Taiwan is Philippine's neighbor - the next stop for any typhoon that will hit my country. And it was August, the month when I don't usually travel as it's rainy/typhoon season in the Philippines and in most tropical countries. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnPrc_CmWDQ22B7CC35GrFN0vAklL4SIYNFXwB0-I8Pous-apbsR-AI77jo5TlArMF0dkwVZGSWIGQYmh5uCW6IzSDhIybdv3-HJiODJKZ494HdBtOLcHA0ZxwpqtD3RQsv_aGDo0XPP-/s1600/20140818_143337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnPrc_CmWDQ22B7CC35GrFN0vAklL4SIYNFXwB0-I8Pous-apbsR-AI77jo5TlArMF0dkwVZGSWIGQYmh5uCW6IzSDhIybdv3-HJiODJKZ494HdBtOLcHA0ZxwpqtD3RQsv_aGDo0XPP-/s400/20140818_143337.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taipei 101</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Further, I have had </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">attempted to book a flight to Taiwan twice. The first was via Air Asia but the flight was cancelled months before the actual date and got nothing but refund. Then, I booked via Cebu Pacific but almost had it canceled</span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Finally, against all odds, in August 16, 2015, I took the flight to Taipei following my friends Connie and Jen.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"> Since we've been cancelling and finding another flight, we ended having different flight schedule. And I was a day behind our flight to Taipei and had to leave a day after theirs. That means,</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">I got my solitary travel for a day</span><span style="color: #666666;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I arrived past midnight of August 17 in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and had to run a lot to get on the last bus to Main Taipei Station where Cityinn Hotel Taipei is located. After gotten lost of the directions in awhile, I joined the sisters in their room as I had to check-in later on daylight.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And on Connie's birthday our race against time in Taipen begun.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Day 1: Connie's Birthday</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">It was Sunday and Connie's birthday so first in our list was to attend the Sunday Mass. I found </span><b style="color: #666666;">The Holy Family Church </b><span style="color: #666666;">in Taipei with scheduled English Mass at 9:45AM. </span><span style="color: blue;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-wake-up-call-in-taipe-have-faith-in.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>It was the most solemn catholic mass that I attended</b></span></a>,</span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and I was happy to spend it with Connie on her birthday. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5H5eMYeG6ZMOpqPE0xUsSMT73-AjaTESOtf4Hf6e5L-bvDQ0dMBM-lTlHV0bHF2Rs043MmQhkPKLl7F6j16ckcBSUN2kwtYeDEPvUGHC8eo_j8Ur9Z6IgbpKPDCkIhoJVoDWonZxHIKYv/s640/20140817_100343.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Galleries in the train station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1anqDRxtsJFqW6UjrMYfBU6H0k028_QI-cGCT0QpjctACnQQvhyphenhyphenn7OccFo7D0BEbBG6JS5-WPxVy85_eZfpgmGDSud6rcHpPWiW_XPWRfYXPcaKP3rwxAL94_nsCBlWLqZKERyXtxq0xw/s1600/20140817_102108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1anqDRxtsJFqW6UjrMYfBU6H0k028_QI-cGCT0QpjctACnQQvhyphenhyphenn7OccFo7D0BEbBG6JS5-WPxVy85_eZfpgmGDSud6rcHpPWiW_XPWRfYXPcaKP3rwxAL94_nsCBlWLqZKERyXtxq0xw/s640/20140817_102108.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Daan Park on our way to The Holy Family Church</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-BTEuK2oaeuU6kMGsCLAqMea0RVIgjzJ_WwCIfLhn7TH3UFpvg4E4p8s3DpWjHb7f9mkAO8EQQWBg7098qSLk6UHX5fD57K2IZ_CQ8FUAJ2QvBLQ6xxgsthjpzWhmmvtJwaVDEo7kO1Y/s1600/20140817_102555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-BTEuK2oaeuU6kMGsCLAqMea0RVIgjzJ_WwCIfLhn7TH3UFpvg4E4p8s3DpWjHb7f9mkAO8EQQWBg7098qSLk6UHX5fD57K2IZ_CQ8FUAJ2QvBLQ6xxgsthjpzWhmmvtJwaVDEo7kO1Y/s640/20140817_102555.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Holy Family Church</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the mass, we went to Hello Kitty Cafe, where most girls of any age might want to spend their birthday. It was a sumptuous lunch and that's when I found out that Taipei is a food and not a shopping destination. That kicked off our gastronomic adventure in Taipei. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZenQNUPXso5XLm3-uO9iR7G_2y-sEurBK9yDWskQYreoSiYL8ut0xV4Zkr2UeJ4k9VtHSoPnQiv6xI-3Of3KGhxu_6w2WTQOWHP1Zp4gUL585U_Biy5JCRngdAQJOYS6AzqMfithzvZB/s1600/20140817_112703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZenQNUPXso5XLm3-uO9iR7G_2y-sEurBK9yDWskQYreoSiYL8ut0xV4Zkr2UeJ4k9VtHSoPnQiv6xI-3Of3KGhxu_6w2WTQOWHP1Zp4gUL585U_Biy5JCRngdAQJOYS6AzqMfithzvZB/s640/20140817_112703.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kitchen Hello Kitty & Dining</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(not so easy to find the location; our taxi driver didn't even know where it is)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw63KzRfRKPc2-z3CjWUgwElI9DJGnDquSf9163M6EDzQXYJc5Nqs4AH_icH4EbTuw7zUC6l9ehTI58zxvmSIX6jsQVF6DwCWRwVtTe78-TysV7poOxdVK3wwtE70GteQ8CO4ih9v4Y5mO/s1600/20140817_113230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw63KzRfRKPc2-z3CjWUgwElI9DJGnDquSf9163M6EDzQXYJc5Nqs4AH_icH4EbTuw7zUC6l9ehTI58zxvmSIX6jsQVF6DwCWRwVtTe78-TysV7poOxdVK3wwtE70GteQ8CO4ih9v4Y5mO/s640/20140817_113230.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Entrance of Hello Kitty </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WXbQGUBojp5b02xkuk5jPb_Fr3Sh6SuMlLwKWpef0Mk0RIzTTQs18_3epjhfcDYufkamlfHxOY_qBcv3CChxhPu8uXpj8ybZBGqTGR1Ct2qhWSAhQ8t-lnfmVb1dY9TE4c0FfBiPlmNB/s1600/20140817_130647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WXbQGUBojp5b02xkuk5jPb_Fr3Sh6SuMlLwKWpef0Mk0RIzTTQs18_3epjhfcDYufkamlfHxOY_qBcv3CChxhPu8uXpj8ybZBGqTGR1Ct2qhWSAhQ8t-lnfmVb1dY9TE4c0FfBiPlmNB/s640/20140817_130647.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Connie's birthday cake</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Connie's birthday adventure continued as we took the train out of Taipei to Northeast of Taiwan, Pingxi to light our sky lantern full of our wishes. We ended the day with much fun, not to mention, that we slightly had the </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">biggest blooper of our life to scribble in my journal</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEDPGU0izAwr_tFZzR0atkP99ZXMjaai0DZYSQy2lOrsrQvYceqoCeMqaUBkTxMno4wxt3ihL8h99WCt2DxydqVthhWxpT479oeN1CBbrI4Qt-Tz-ab_Rbk-Qq2d5sLsYO3tCo_JlX2eP/s1600/20140817_164357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEDPGU0izAwr_tFZzR0atkP99ZXMjaai0DZYSQy2lOrsrQvYceqoCeMqaUBkTxMno4wxt3ihL8h99WCt2DxydqVthhWxpT479oeN1CBbrI4Qt-Tz-ab_Rbk-Qq2d5sLsYO3tCo_JlX2eP/s640/20140817_164357.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the Pingxi Station</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYX3G-ilUEFJIbTZmqruigAW5KFlch4QU3JoMnQ5wumQ2h2rAE2Lrn_scPeecrT1Y8WKCZgA-38OLubJypLZ8AIUWCCvV8VPOcGh-UDA-rLp8oLf02oj-4NpYNylA2iPX0AhtOyeh41C6/s1600/20140817_171415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYX3G-ilUEFJIbTZmqruigAW5KFlch4QU3JoMnQ5wumQ2h2rAE2Lrn_scPeecrT1Y8WKCZgA-38OLubJypLZ8AIUWCCvV8VPOcGh-UDA-rLp8oLf02oj-4NpYNylA2iPX0AhtOyeh41C6/s640/20140817_171415.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Writing my wishes on my side of the lantern</span></td></tr>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Day 2: Taipei Trip </i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were supposed to leave Taipei and travel North to Yehliu Geo Park but the weather did not permit us. It was raining early in the morning and we had to wait until it was only drizzling before we decided to change our itinerary for the day. We first had our lunch at the authentic Din Tai Fung. Travel bloggers said that the queue could be unimaginable so we had to prepare for a late lunch.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrPYuaXmE3IBBJoaKcLVn10IU1qojEXgfa-WoSdsrwXqBh3d6MpYmRnd0XTsY7Ea6NZVQ44bwUdoPrsUswoQOkWmEymBE4fIEUkiNCKKxjIRgkqvl5cir0OKg3W8rnZqeFHkDCqpiZjk8/s1600/20140818_115922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrPYuaXmE3IBBJoaKcLVn10IU1qojEXgfa-WoSdsrwXqBh3d6MpYmRnd0XTsY7Ea6NZVQ44bwUdoPrsUswoQOkWmEymBE4fIEUkiNCKKxjIRgkqvl5cir0OKg3W8rnZqeFHkDCqpiZjk8/s400/20140818_115922.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the queue on the board and we're 3041<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Din Tai Fung guide to eat Xiao Long Bau</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our dining experience in Din Tai Fung in Taiwan was a bit different in Singapore. The restaurant staff made us the sauce that compliment the famous <i><b>xiao long bao </b>(soup dumplings). </i>The guide how to prepare the sauce and how to eat the xiao long bao were helpful for the most satisfying experience of xiao long bao.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BQLiooQY_BMV5r6HxnyfewsvrD9EPKEATTC2QposPHsB_cGMQpM35btobFmkvGtW7JK5bdDERt8Z2lIifZAKHv1RL-RLSM0pmfFK_Nc-FIRfZo7O1-kMgVwtO4wap9fwOj9KaS0zFjRI/s1600/20140818_132850.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BQLiooQY_BMV5r6HxnyfewsvrD9EPKEATTC2QposPHsB_cGMQpM35btobFmkvGtW7JK5bdDERt8Z2lIifZAKHv1RL-RLSM0pmfFK_Nc-FIRfZo7O1-kMgVwtO4wap9fwOj9KaS0zFjRI/s320/20140818_132850.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJztMQOWQ4QtcthIIXft5hu_p9lxEPj_81Ygqb4PENmIhGmohsjZQNtXQBysOlNBoeEfxmeLgbUxYDqsZPqE9w-a7DlofAlxDoDOJOCG0_QVPCVWZVoOroqnPUzaVZkMNpzYk-cYaLtmO/s1600/20140818_132121.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJztMQOWQ4QtcthIIXft5hu_p9lxEPj_81Ygqb4PENmIhGmohsjZQNtXQBysOlNBoeEfxmeLgbUxYDqsZPqE9w-a7DlofAlxDoDOJOCG0_QVPCVWZVoOroqnPUzaVZkMNpzYk-cYaLtmO/s320/20140818_132121.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After lunch, we took the train to Taipei 101. Though we've been to Petronas Twin Tower, we gave it a go to Taipei 101 as well. Then, we capped off our day together by looking for the Modern Toilet restaurant in Ximending. It was such a fun adventure in the midst of the rain.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then, it was time for Connie and Jen to go to the airport for their flight back to Manila and I left for one more day to explore more of Taipei.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>My Day 3 would have been full of places to go</b></i>:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Hiking to Elephant Mountain</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Guanghwa Digital Mall</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Shopping at Ximending</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But the heavy rains that kept pouring the whole day had ripped me off of my chance to explore Taipei on my own. And that I had to list down Taiwan again in my bucketlist.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Should the time and weather have been accommodating to me, I could have completed my itinerary. But as they say and with my travel experiences, things can change as you go on with your trip. At the end of the trip, it's not the destination that really matters but the journey. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "should-be" itinerary :-)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-84585972334842246052015-08-22T22:47:00.001+08:002016-02-03T17:39:51.739+08:00A Wake-Up Call in Taipei: Have Faith in Prayers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prayer Card from the Holy Family Church in Taipei</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Birthday is the day where everyone, regardless of religion and faith, makes a wish. To say our wishes silently before we blow the candles on the top of the cake is already a written and somehow, the unwritten tradition of the world. This is the special day we should celebrate life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My birthday is in March and it is usually the end of school year in the Philippines. Back in my school years, I was running for academic honors and has to maintain an above average grade in my major subjects in college. I always used my birthday to ask my God the gift to get the honors that I was running for and even to maintain the required grades in my course. And it worked for me. I always had my birthday wishes granted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As I continue to celebrate my birthdays, my wishes vary with my interests and so with my ways of celebrating it. When I reached thirty, I eventually found myself celebrating my birthdays abroad. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It has become a personal tradition that I wanted to explore the world and celebrate the day I was born. Being a Catholic in the Philippines, a birthday is not complete without going to the church for a mass or light a candle. When I celebrated my birthday abroad, I did the unconventional to my Catholic faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">March 17,2007, I found myself kneeling together with the other tourists and local believers inside a pagoda of Golden Buddha in Bangkok while trying to sneak a photo as it was not allowed. Entering the temple means we had to follow the rituals of vowing and kneeling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">March 17, 2012, I had my birthday eve in a bar with foreign friends in Kuala Lumpur, then spent the rest of the day with college and office friends in Singapore. It was quite a discovery for a not-your-party-girl like me but I had lots of laughter with new friends whom I just conversed over via telecons and in-house office chat.</span><br />
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March 17, 2013, <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/04/in-gods-presence-in-seogwipo-catholic.html" target="_blank">I spent the rainy afternoon inside the church ALONE on a Sunday</a> (something that is impossible in the Philippines) in Jeju Island, South Korea when<a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2014/04/my-solitary-travel-wrap-up-all-about-my.html" target="_blank"> I went to my first solitary travel in the country for ten days.</a> It was the most solemn and closest encounter I had with my God. I was able to visit the church, light a candle and pray the Holy Rosary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then came August of 2014. It was not my birth month but my friend, Connie. Along with her sister Jen, we went together for a three-day trip in Taipei to celebrate her birthday. Being the one who is always tasked to prepare the itinerary, I made sure we can attend the English mass on Connie's birthday at <b>Holy Family Catholic Church.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy Family Church in Taipei</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we silently entered the church, it felt different for many reasons. Many vacant seats, fewer people but very, very much solemn. Sunday masses in the Philippines are always flocked with overflowing crowd of Catholics. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was so solemn that we did not attempt to whisper. Everyone was attentive and responsive - to songs, prayers and psalms. Before the recession, the commentator asked for the first timers who attended the Mass in that church. We stood up and found ourselves a bit shy yet overwhelmed with the faithfuls clap. Somebody gave the microphone to us and the commentator asked each one of the first timers which country we came from. It was such a nice ministry and at the end of the mass, they even had some food to share. It was a heartwarming experience. We felt blessed.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pingxi Sky Lantern in Taiwan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the afternoon, we spent half of the day traversing the countryside northbound to Pinxi Line. I put it in our itinerary for two reasons - 1) <b style="font-style: italic;">for Connie to experience train travel</b><i>, and, 2) </i><b style="font-style: italic;">to write my wishes in sky lantern. </b>The latter was indeed contradicting to my Catholic faith.</span><br />
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Pingxi Sky Lantern in Shifen station is famous to tourists and locals who believed that their wishes will come true. Unexpectedly, we were perhaps, one of the few who proved otherwise.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrays of lanterns along the railroad</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The lantern was sold in different choices and colors that represent every aspect - love, money, relationship, faith, health, among others. We were offered a two-sider-lantern for NTD150 or four sides for NTD200. We took the four-sider lantern and had one side each to write down our wishes. One side was allotted for Marinette's wishes. We did not mind the color at all. </span><br />
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We wrote as many wishes that we can, filling all spaces even up to the edges of the lantern. Those were about personal, career, love, money, material things even for other people. Every space in different strokes and styles, as much as we could to fill in. For some reason, it was enough for the three of us. Or rather, we made it fully enough for us. No need to have one lantern each. One is enough. We had four sides anyways.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtp_GtheH_aJjoN1MFfhDFwNO54njxHNR1EpSGwdjcRsucKXGvVRm-FGtFq2Q6wnLk3By2cHtlIecpBHZOq4G2FXxeK0hw8gaOFQjEBqqfiGJIhQa2sT7UQSJxwHeQCZIg_xLG9VUObVaj/s1600/h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtp_GtheH_aJjoN1MFfhDFwNO54njxHNR1EpSGwdjcRsucKXGvVRm-FGtFq2Q6wnLk3By2cHtlIecpBHZOq4G2FXxeK0hw8gaOFQjEBqqfiGJIhQa2sT7UQSJxwHeQCZIg_xLG9VUObVaj/s200/h.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4I2iYuO__CKEqVsYCBBBwg3eNq-Aaz84YH2jcC5eqB7V4gdCilOI6YrnNSb1CHPFMdD2l4GNKFMq_I1p0q1l1qeyI38x5DE9oXcLjH8H9TRTbEFovYQ0sSZCU-L82BL2_OVppqiNVXQO/s1600/i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4I2iYuO__CKEqVsYCBBBwg3eNq-Aaz84YH2jcC5eqB7V4gdCilOI6YrnNSb1CHPFMdD2l4GNKFMq_I1p0q1l1qeyI38x5DE9oXcLjH8H9TRTbEFovYQ0sSZCU-L82BL2_OVppqiNVXQO/s200/i.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojXTw4oxlmwQh_cjKNdgXQ104QRtLYwWEfD6LP36hWF-zSAGVqLSNoaYuznMmQ8nutZeBoG5vNrh3sAArOxERevb1-2PDYQ_ZD-FTuwCY6KGCVmIBHMAOJsTQqIKuPzQy6PNGhS37itxk/s1600/20140817_172949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojXTw4oxlmwQh_cjKNdgXQ104QRtLYwWEfD6LP36hWF-zSAGVqLSNoaYuznMmQ8nutZeBoG5vNrh3sAArOxERevb1-2PDYQ_ZD-FTuwCY6KGCVmIBHMAOJsTQqIKuPzQy6PNGhS37itxk/s200/20140817_172949.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_e97u9CJUDkQHBRVbeBVh6jN15c2ETdDrN-PpghjcxJBLMeMEtOnnFnZ4XWQpvh2SPxnJnxDSEukfg6tq0qXxFcVZpPX0ujBGnXP8OjoPC4YXf74Q998SdSU0nLWl9tSvEq3mwP6gPWA/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_e97u9CJUDkQHBRVbeBVh6jN15c2ETdDrN-PpghjcxJBLMeMEtOnnFnZ4XWQpvh2SPxnJnxDSEukfg6tq0qXxFcVZpPX0ujBGnXP8OjoPC4YXf74Q998SdSU0nLWl9tSvEq3mwP6gPWA/s640/a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my side of the our skylantern</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
And so we wrote our wishes - my half-meant wishes.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We took our celebratory photo, a MUST for all tourists from different parts of the world. It was all over the place. We had our photo with every side, one each for our wishes. And the lady who sold the lantern to us and the one directing the ceremony of its sort, lighted the lantern and shouted, "Let It Go"! We cheerfully enjoined her as we let go of our lantern, following its trail. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1FTv84ZmLMlfAzdikv_yKim3UaPDhbIyWnFNVUddBnUcTo21gfJv3cc3WjvSedAX7h3oelcCZfy3boFKeVeR6xofIO3pGLLZivVwey9464jAaWHY8Ia3XmB78a4b_GLhBi1NNEelOaOA/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1FTv84ZmLMlfAzdikv_yKim3UaPDhbIyWnFNVUddBnUcTo21gfJv3cc3WjvSedAX7h3oelcCZfy3boFKeVeR6xofIO3pGLLZivVwey9464jAaWHY8Ia3XmB78a4b_GLhBi1NNEelOaOA/s640/c.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our celebratory photo before we released the lantern</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">However, the unexpected happened! Something that anyone from that place of wishers and believers had expected to witness.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDpesy2YV7PAQRk1m_N6ux_WyPukWl64Alb0ZDY1HQhsIVNpYVO6Y604XA__ElxpSQGm3H2nJuWrswLS5-iqJ4LZ9P1wAiGs7XMY4qr39VCaGR6EcL8wOuiR3ruF_Fn6KSFEN-UOE9yQz/s1600/g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDpesy2YV7PAQRk1m_N6ux_WyPukWl64Alb0ZDY1HQhsIVNpYVO6Y604XA__ElxpSQGm3H2nJuWrswLS5-iqJ4LZ9P1wAiGs7XMY4qr39VCaGR6EcL8wOuiR3ruF_Fn6KSFEN-UOE9yQz/s640/g.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as we released our lantern</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the snap of the finger, as if an impatient and rushing wind swayed the lantern so quickly that the video even looked like it was set at fast forward. The fire could not cope with the strength of the wind that it swayed so abruptly. Everything snapped in seconds!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Shamelessly it crashed against the branches of tree at the top of the store where we bought the lantern, burnt so quickly as if our wishes just turned into ashes. I felt weird, a bit worried. But I shook it off. The worry was no longer about my wishes but on the damage our burning lantern might caused. The worry turned to laughter. We laughed at how people around us seemed to regret about our burning lantern. We laughed on the chaos we created for a brief moment. We laughed at the thought that we almost destroyed the true meaning of sky lantern to the tourists and many believers of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And we finished our trip that day exhausted but had so much fun. Here's the clip of our embarrassing video.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz6FEa-gOhuIJhB1okPGoHhsPxJrKl53OTNGDeIs0x6GqiUOhG6uEhKje2jw_K73OL9cMMPvokZvOnf79bFEw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
Looking back, some of my prayers were granted, not in the exact ways that I wanted them to be but in God's ways. I know and believe that my wishes were granted, just like how I trusted my God to grant my wishes on my birthdays. It was not because our lantern of wishes was burned but it was because of the burning desire in my heart that my God will bless me more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our trip in Taiwan was a wake-up call for me - not to settle in anything fad but to keep the faith. Our dreams do come true - just <b>Pray Hard and Work Hard</b>. And I will continue to explore the world and celebrate my life that God has blessed me with.</span><br />
<br />Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-45754427109028555602014-04-19T15:19:00.001+08:002016-04-24T00:07:22.806+08:00My Solitary Travel Wrap Up : All About My South Korea Experience<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A year after I packed my luggage full of layers of clothes and winter bubble jackets, I thought the best way to re-live the memories and the wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience is to scribble my first-ever "Solitary Travel" in South Korea. My main reason back then was just to see and touch an ice snow on my birthday. Not only I touched "Olaf" (the snowman in the movie, "Frozen") which I happened to name as plainly, Mr. Snowman, last year, I was able to experience the true meaning of "solitary travel" as a wanderer and traveler (and not on an official business trip).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4vO117Kkm20_IKngr_7VepDU0G1zB6kbFpR2ZhdJ2Qu23VWdrtaRx5uFMPiKqk7Zks9hQniuRX4ktgAUSYdXcQekp0uqGvas3NL-sPF9ShGQowPxF516o2MD5cf43WTYeAyVOTXwjdTg/s1600/SAM_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4vO117Kkm20_IKngr_7VepDU0G1zB6kbFpR2ZhdJ2Qu23VWdrtaRx5uFMPiKqk7Zks9hQniuRX4ktgAUSYdXcQekp0uqGvas3NL-sPF9ShGQowPxF516o2MD5cf43WTYeAyVOTXwjdTg/s1600/SAM_1994.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top of Seorak Mountain</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are ups and downs of being a solo traveler. Being one was kind of unveiling the experiences of other solo travelers that I read from their travel blogs - the food costs that could have been split into two or three, to have somebody who can look over your things while you're responding to nature's call, to take pictures of you (though thanks to my mono pod and tripod) and to just talk and laugh about the marvelous things that you have just saw or witnessed, or to the simplest moments along the way. At some point it was difficult but the moment you think of your main goal, you get back to the essence of solitary traveling. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is always a choice- <b><i>a choice to either feel homesick</i></b> or <i><b>a choice to savor that kind of experience that worth a bundle of pages in your life journal.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm_-tVL_Ru8OjmhqxW7HxBS9ZTyHhXQOWBTWFPrgEJyFsgpkKd0bsspN4UR_f7D9qsEnTuk7bYG6kWkLR_o_MXcBNIkK80Oj21M2xRizDHHGaiAzvlRRmZtZdVF7ru_5k-EiWCKLK8Vk3/s1600/SAM_2515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm_-tVL_Ru8OjmhqxW7HxBS9ZTyHhXQOWBTWFPrgEJyFsgpkKd0bsspN4UR_f7D9qsEnTuk7bYG6kWkLR_o_MXcBNIkK80Oj21M2xRizDHHGaiAzvlRRmZtZdVF7ru_5k-EiWCKLK8Vk3/s1600/SAM_2515.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Seogwipo Harbour just having the time of my life</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was a time when I only settled just an order of fewer portion of food and did not splurge much on it. Some moments when I only asked and trusted the stranger to look after my luggage while I took a short bathroom break. And even talked with some stranger randomly on certain things. Surprisingly, those were the things that I learned more about myself. I am not a conversation starter, neither I can easily trust strangers. But in a foreign land where you can only lean upon yourself, there are times that you don't have the choice but follow your instincts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I got my ever reliable monopod and tripod that kept me company while capturing memories. It was amusing when some tourists watched me while I set my camera on time and allowed me to take my photos, then followed the same spot for theirs. They thought I got the best spot to take photos. <strong><em>Anything that seemed lacking is always filled in with another</em></strong>. Things went well without realizing it. So hurray to my successful first solitary travel where I conquered the fear of traveling on my own and lived my dream of independence.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37wGfR5STzUkzIcYyaTFyfiqbbxYgb6d9BislaTw5jKRLUikQcxpblaMvWGcP6UIULQ9fqNpH5ilWpDerMl3Do3410mwtJqS52PgJ3ceZrWomDRI_hXssVT7_DlzZSHJdWtyBDXSdQo4E/s1600/SAM_2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37wGfR5STzUkzIcYyaTFyfiqbbxYgb6d9BislaTw5jKRLUikQcxpblaMvWGcP6UIULQ9fqNpH5ilWpDerMl3Do3410mwtJqS52PgJ3ceZrWomDRI_hXssVT7_DlzZSHJdWtyBDXSdQo4E/s1600/SAM_2910.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at Udo Island with my ATV (it was fun driving around the island)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b><i><br />My Preparations</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">It was a nine-month planning and preparation (though not continuous planning with my nine-hour-a-day-office job) - airfare promo hunting for cheap flights from/to Seoul and domestic flights, cheap yet comfortable accommodations, studying the transport system and directions. I did meticulous research, read blogs and reviews and even contacted some expats who happened to be bloggers as well for some tips. It's my first solitary travel and nothing can go wrong with a thorough planning. With my DIY-prepared travel guide, prayer book and rosary, I went for my first solitary travel to South Korea on March 14, 2013 with nothing to bring home but a new experience that will make me more a much better person.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia;">Just like a countdown to any event, <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-10-day-solitary-travel-to-south-korea.html" target="_blank">I did my own 10-day countdown too.</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFeLlzea6oyoQDyjvdBkQ4WywOZU5RoHWYfmSwqpJAfO_aJdmF16DUV404bhmVAQw1vqYBMUoKkl7KVFO8FZ2w1TUNg3piXD-TgAvmXdyVnKr33yaUmgHFpbRLagcMbLCbYkcH13Gdo5j/s1600/prep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFeLlzea6oyoQDyjvdBkQ4WywOZU5RoHWYfmSwqpJAfO_aJdmF16DUV404bhmVAQw1vqYBMUoKkl7KVFO8FZ2w1TUNg3piXD-TgAvmXdyVnKr33yaUmgHFpbRLagcMbLCbYkcH13Gdo5j/s1600/prep.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">my own personalized itinerary meticulously made with pasted pictures, maps and direction guides that helped me throughout my trip, plus of course, my companion - my rosary.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">So here I share the run down of my first solitary travel experience:</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Solitary Travel By the Numbers:</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia;">Season </b><span style="font-family: "georgia";">: Late winter, early Spring</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>No. of Days </b>: <b>10 days</b> (March 14-23, 2013)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Airport Transfers : 4 Airports</b> (<i>1 international, 3 domestic</i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Incheon International Airport (International Flight from MANILA to SEOUL)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gimpo International Airport (Domestic flight from SEOUL to JEJU Island)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jeju International Airport (Domestic flight from SEOUL and to BUSAN)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gimhae International Airport (Domestic flight from JEJU Island to BUSAN)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>No. of Cities</b>: <b>6 Cities </b>(</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">1 Special City Capital (Seoul); </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">1 Metropolitan City (Busan); </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">4 Cities (Paju, Sokcho, Gimhae, Seogwipo)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>No. of Provinces: 4 Provinces </b>( South Gyeongsan, Gyeonggi, Gangwon and Jeju)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>No. of Accommodations : 4 </b>(hostel, inn, motel and hotel)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Four Seasons House (Seoul)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Jeju Hiking Inn (Seogwipo, Jeju Island)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Pusan Inn Motel (Busan)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">YMCA Tourist Hotel (Seoul)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Mode of Transportation: </b>Airport buses, city buses, intercity/express (provincial buses), subways (Seoul and Busan MTR), Korail (KTX), ferry to Udo Island and ATV around Udo Island</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><b>Transportation</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Subways & Buses</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">It was my second time in South Korea so I was brave enough to go alone. The subways are a bit complicated but once you get a feel of it, you're good like locals. On my last day in Seoul, I just kept the subway map in my bag and traveled like I know much of the place. Bus stops are very helpful too though many are not written in English, especially in the provinces, but diligent research and a dose of common sense could save you some time. With names and directions written in Hangul, I saved screenshots of those in my Ipad. Then with the printed characters in the bus stops, I just compared the characters in my Ipad with those signages. Fun yet practical tips! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg6czOiSb9eAydlDCEh04PIjlV-kH0DUXqHLh2Y7BQCP9VTXMP6KhGDN6P_cHo_UYQ-rusosGJTVpAcbxE0ot4KBtdC_8kCutqNks0XQjSjrpWNerTW2g7hcF-aA3fp6A5RTedFFYrLu6/s1600/IMG_2924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg6czOiSb9eAydlDCEh04PIjlV-kH0DUXqHLh2Y7BQCP9VTXMP6KhGDN6P_cHo_UYQ-rusosGJTVpAcbxE0ot4KBtdC_8kCutqNks0XQjSjrpWNerTW2g7hcF-aA3fp6A5RTedFFYrLu6/s1600/IMG_2924.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my bus ticket to Sokcho City</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">However, "confirmation" and "strategy" are the keys - just like how I handle my team and manage our KPIs at my office work. I always asked the driver twice to confirm the route of the bus and asked him to drop me at my designation, in the best efforts and rounds of explanation that I could. Most of the time, I took the seat at the back of the driver's seat so he could somehow remember me or I could ask him right away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">The language barrier could be a problem but just hold on to the key word. When I went to Seoksan Ilchulbong (or Sunrise Peak) in Jeju Island, I just took a bus that according to my DIY travel guide, passed by at a certain rotary, I asked the driver in a <i>questioning</i> tone, "Ilchulbong"? And he nodded. The travel time was much longer than I expected and I had no idea of the distance and the estimated travel time. But after an hour, the driver stopped and told me while pointing at Ilchulbong. I assumed I reached my destination and got off the bus. Then, I left to nowhere. I did not panic but instead look beyond the location- should there'll be any street signs and directions. Then, I saw that usual signage painted in white on green or blue background pointing to Ilchulbong. I trailed the road and there I saw my destination. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaiQ_x6o5MAsMxIkmMhdFxlBgtvXoZKeFGvimkWroE6RQQYrkmK46wDdvDNJ5PRFrfKGr0dB3lOugGLdxVd7_Ms1N1zAxPFrdZq8zF3ez5_rIQDVCjcnDeo6dR-Mq8uSUhHpjjBAVUg2I/s1600/IMG_2840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaiQ_x6o5MAsMxIkmMhdFxlBgtvXoZKeFGvimkWroE6RQQYrkmK46wDdvDNJ5PRFrfKGr0dB3lOugGLdxVd7_Ms1N1zAxPFrdZq8zF3ez5_rIQDVCjcnDeo6dR-Mq8uSUhHpjjBAVUg2I/s1600/IMG_2840.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learn to read signs and directions - its not something to be feared of</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia;">KTX</i><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">For unknown reason, I am fond of train travels in foreign countries (be it a tram or subways). Perhaps, I am inspired of Harry Potter's Hogwarts or any other movies of historic times where people traverse from one country to another via train. I've even read that if not of North Korea's restriction, Russia can be reached via train. It was part of my plan to take the express train from Busan to Seoul although the price was more expensive than a domestic plane and travel time can be longer. I had fun looking for the platform number, coach number and seat number. Unfortunately, it was indeed express that I haven't seen much of the countryside but tunnels. Next time, I'll take the much slower train.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">But then, I experienced the efficiency of South Korea's transport system. Trains left as scheduled and arrived as announced. In just less than three hours, I reached Seoul from Busan.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7gUXc1Rl7xpx_lGgOzVgOqnMOnW2A3osEwq00qYm7y4GXKKY-7X9_ArzDRUCT0A78sOcZw6L-UgquZD2tu5Q9DG1jVYiFYoA0yM4IqNWwdpz3iA8E6vrmDMs9FvoJWW-D70LK6_RBSwk/s1600/IMG_3082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7gUXc1Rl7xpx_lGgOzVgOqnMOnW2A3osEwq00qYm7y4GXKKY-7X9_ArzDRUCT0A78sOcZw6L-UgquZD2tu5Q9DG1jVYiFYoA0yM4IqNWwdpz3iA8E6vrmDMs9FvoJWW-D70LK6_RBSwk/s1600/IMG_3082.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KTX ride and route from Busan to Seoul</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Food</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b><br /></b></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhON8juhz1oLpuePuTwaTa4UVfteljpn7CXUVxs_rXJ1I5PZFzj2ZgyFCeGSzyog7rqQnObehR33srUjFAdCFHuasihB_qKlLFvWDnJLwisUpt74ThrLbTQz-2MUJ-qxGfYgVXIq6U4ztlg/s1600/IMG_3036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhON8juhz1oLpuePuTwaTa4UVfteljpn7CXUVxs_rXJ1I5PZFzj2ZgyFCeGSzyog7rqQnObehR33srUjFAdCFHuasihB_qKlLFvWDnJLwisUpt74ThrLbTQz-2MUJ-qxGfYgVXIq6U4ztlg/s1600/IMG_3036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimbap - my staple food in South Korea</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Korean cuisine is always foreign to a Filipino palate like me who's more on sweets, salty and sour food. I had my own difficulty during my first trip - aside from the new taste of kimchi, it was hard ordering food without English menu or even a picture to refer to. We ended eating chicken most of the time. However, on my solitary travel, I researched for the names and description of Korean cuisine such as </span><i style="font-family: Georgia;">Samgyeopgsal, Kimbap, Bibimpap. </i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">I saved a copy of pictures with its name in Korean that I just showed when ordering food. Sometimes, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia;">"turo-turo"</i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">, a Filipino term for just pointing to the food on display also worked well for me. When I was in Udo Island, the only restaurant near the port offered food with menu written in Korean only - without even pictures. I looked around and saw a big man in military uniform taking a mouthful of black noodles. It salivating enough that I didn't mind pointing at his food to order mine.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> All throughout my trip, Kimbap, was my staple food. It's cheap and a sort of all in one food with mixture of rice and various ingredients that are enough to be a viand for a Filipino like me. All throughout the 10-day trip, it was proven how generous Korean servings were of the side dishes which they called </span><i style="font-family: Georgia;">banchan.</i><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> There was even a point in time during my trip that rice and kimchi were enough. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia";"><b> <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/06/not-ordinary-eater-in-south-korea.html" target="_blank">I came to like and love kimchi</a></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> that I even bought a box at Duty Free and brought home. I even ate from time to time at any authentic Korean restaurant here in Metro Manila. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">People</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I heard a lot of not so good comments about Koreans who were either studying or living here in the Philippines. But during my stay in South Korea traversing from one province to another, I experienced their kindness more than anything else. <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-heartwarming-journey-to-snow.html" target="_blank"> <b>A family fed me in the bus </b></a> while traveling to Snow Mountain in Sokcho. Amidst the language barrier, we were able to share the smiles and the food. On the bus to Ilchulbong, an elder woman sat beside me, kept on chatting with me while pointing at the map on my hand. She was cheerful and all I can do was to smile and nod and kept on telling her I cannot understand her. The lady serving my food at the Traditional Restaurant in Jeju Island catered to my request to sit on the traditional table that I saw in K-dramas and gave me more side dishes that one person can eat. A taxi driver was like a father who kept reminding me to stay safe and be well for the rest of my travel in South Korea as he drove me to the bus terminal. The language itself is not a barrier but instead the kindness of the people helped me throughout my trip. <b><span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/05/i-speak-in-english-they-talk-in-korean.html" target="_blank">I talked in English and they spoke in Korean but we both understood each other.</a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: blue;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMm29Rg90adEvsLLtZUb6BfvN5AntidJsVzhMJHVrzQieluy17YjVp-iEDIzaJ0pq1X1F3cO188YIrt1JMcPTMypHjqfvo-fFbVVTURVbR-i1SjvWeReIi9EoR6cgFU-V-rKZZ6dz6kZA/s1600/SAM_1885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMm29Rg90adEvsLLtZUb6BfvN5AntidJsVzhMJHVrzQieluy17YjVp-iEDIzaJ0pq1X1F3cO188YIrt1JMcPTMypHjqfvo-fFbVVTURVbR-i1SjvWeReIi9EoR6cgFU-V-rKZZ6dz6kZA/s1600/SAM_1885.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the family who fed me in the bus with their daughter who even called me Unni when we bid goodbye</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Culture, Tradition and Beliefs </span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /><i><u>Conformity</u></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Just like in any other countries that I'd gone to, it is always an unspoken rule for any traveler to respect one country's culture and tradition. Wear the suitable clothes - do not go in shorts if the place doesn't allow you to expose some skin (like in palaces in Bangkok). Koreans have a high value in conformity. It's non-negotiable. They conform to traditions and culture and even religiously observed unofficial celebrations like National Siblings Day, White Day, among others. When I arrived on March 14, I wandered around Hongdae and young people were flocked in one area with four good looking gentlemen with sort of placard worn like a vest and girls were screaming to hug and took pictures with them. I thought they were some members of K-pop idols but I later found out that they were celebrating White Day which is observed a month after Valentines Day where men gave flowers and some sweets to ladies as sort of giving back for the presents they received on Valentines Day. In Korea (and I think even in Japan) ladies were the ones who gave men some presents on Hearts' Day unlike in the Philippines where Valentines' Day is more of a Women's Day. They were truly nationalistic - from cars to mobile and smartphones, they patronized their own brand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i><u>Shoes Off the Floor</u></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">In Korea, you should never wear your shoes or slippers inside their house. I once asked Mary, our landlady at Hongdae's Youth Hostel during my first trip in South Korea. She said, no particular reason but just to keep the floor clean. In Korea, and other Asian countries like Philippines, we put sleeping map on the floor and sleep. Most Korean's houses (even hostels) have raised floor and lower floor. That means, you can have your shoes and slippers on the lower floors but have to leave and take it off at the raised floor. More so, it is much appreciated if one's wearing clean socks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i><u>Don't be Noisy on Subway and Buses</u></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Unlike in the Philippines where people are more chatty even to strangers, you can rarely hear loud voices on trains and buses, even loud music - perhaps the reason why most people were on ear/headphones on the train. On my way back to Seoul from Sokcho City, I was on the bus with many younger people but I did not hear any loud voices talking, or laughing. I thought it was because they chose to sleep than chatting but later I read that this is one of the norms in Korea. Also, when I watched a Korean variety/reality show, Running Man's</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> episode 192 where Song Ji Hyo and her partner took the bus to their final destination, they switched off their cameras and refrained from talking as many elderly were on the bus too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i><u>Don't messed up with the elder Koreans</u></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Korean elders can be scary but they can be charming too. I am lucky to have had happy experiences with them. Maybe, I looked lost and helpless to them as I wander around on my own but maybe that's one of the freebies of a solo traveler. On my 2nd day in Jeju Island, I took my morning walk in Seogwipo and joined some elders sitting on the wooden porch after I crossed Seonimgyo Bridge. Some cared to chat but I smiled and talked in English so they just waved and went back to their places. They can just go in the queue whenever they want, and don't ever sit on their designated seats on the subways. But when we were in Korea on our first trip with large bags on our hands from our shopping adventure at Nandaemun Market, some elder men even offered their seats to us but we happily declined. Again, just put a smile on your face and these <i>Halmeoni</i> (grandma) and <i>Hal-abeoji </i>(grandpa) will be gentle as the caring old folks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">These are all my observations and from my own experiences. And this is all that matters to me.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Accommodation</span></b></div>
<b style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Accommodation depends on the traveler's preference - rates, comfort, location or lifestyle. I am always after the three factors - rates, comfort and location. It doesn't have to be fancy as long as it is accessible to bus stops and subway stations, reasonable price but with either private bathroom or easy access to bathrooms and most of all comfortable - with good bed to sleep and clean pillows and blankets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I made a research based on nearest bus stops and subway station, then usually check on Trip Advisor for any valuable reviews that I can refer to. And I can say, my chosen abode away from home were worth a page in my journal too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://www.fourseasonsfriend.com/index.html" target="_blank"><b>Four Seasons House in Seoul</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">On my first stop in South Korea, I chose Four Seasons House as the Bed and Breakfast to stay in Seoul. It has fewer rooms than other hostels and less crowded. I am not into a typical hostels for backpackers. I still want to have some place and space of my own. I chose the <b><a href="http://www.fourseasonsfriend.com/what/sub0104.html" target="_blank">Winter Room</a> </b>just to go with my travel theme of Winter-Spring. The pictures on their website were the same of the actual room. The location requires a bit of walking to the nearest subway stations, Hapjeong and Hongdae, and nearest Airport Bus stop, but this is common to most hostels in Seoul. Every morning, you can prepare your own breakfast of bread with a lot of jams to choose from and coffee, tea and juices. The hosts were also accommodating. Alex Lim was attentive to my queries on email and Julie accommodated my luggages for safekeeping when I arrived at 7am, too early for check-in. The place was cozy and comfortable for a homey feel. I liked the displays and the interior design that I even inspired to copy some of it.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PUpeeF6v5cLow_7DRYwRCOJ8HYGqys0zpyZdluUro9TY_MTl0WlnUGXLr83weCX59xhIgUNpqfBPJx7vti_r9WWikes_jAJ-eOhlp2ItvP-Ce1_PUQlD7pUUfRLONLOZATA1_ZKvi57U/s1600/fourseasons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PUpeeF6v5cLow_7DRYwRCOJ8HYGqys0zpyZdluUro9TY_MTl0WlnUGXLr83weCX59xhIgUNpqfBPJx7vti_r9WWikes_jAJ-eOhlp2ItvP-Ce1_PUQlD7pUUfRLONLOZATA1_ZKvi57U/s1600/fourseasons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four Seasons House in Seoul</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Their website is a plus! You'll never get lost with the very detailed map and the nearby locations were helpful also when I was in the planning stage of my Solitary Travel. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">It was pricey for a typical backpacker but I found comfort with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b><a href="http://www.hikinginn.com/" target="_blank">Jeju Hiking Inn</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">My second stop was Jeju Island where I chose to celebrate my birthday and the next two days of my trip. It was raining when I arrived but my room with a bathtub in Jeju Hiking Inn compensated the gloomy weather a bit. I bought bubble bath and some junkies to match with soju. It was a simple celebration for me with a slice of cake that I bought at Jungmun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Kevin, the receptionist, was also accommodating. He can speak good English and was very diligent to give me some directions on the map. He even reminded me to keep my room locked. The room was more than deserving of the price that I paid and very much liked it. They also had a rooftop overlooking the Seogwipo Harbour and that's where I spent my first breakfast and prayed that the weather could got better.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5YINzw8DxYSXUg3VvMsMcsVBjr0jJrez9Wwm12JS0lWYnfyNGs4T72X30Xaj_vJOzUL8E64IuhOc4NTYWYTCibK1wFY7vcrMtT5RgSwcNus4hIr44ac9SkEAuRNX459_6pWVKVuTH4ej/s1600/IMG_2963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5YINzw8DxYSXUg3VvMsMcsVBjr0jJrez9Wwm12JS0lWYnfyNGs4T72X30Xaj_vJOzUL8E64IuhOc4NTYWYTCibK1wFY7vcrMtT5RgSwcNus4hIr44ac9SkEAuRNX459_6pWVKVuTH4ej/s1600/IMG_2963.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeju Hiking Inn Room </td></tr>
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<b style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.pusaninn.com/" target="_blank">Pusan Inn Motel</a></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">On my third stop of the 10-day-solitary travel, I stayed at Pusan Inn Motel in Busan as recommended by my office colleague, Eve. She stayed there with her friends and a walking distance to Busan Station. I was supposed to stay at Arirang Tourist Hotel which was more expensive for a solo traveler like me. I saved more than 50% of my budget. The motel was not fancy, neither its entrance as it looked like one of the old stores of money changers and small restaurants along the street. It has no lifts so I had to carry my luggage up and down the stairs. But then the room was good enough for its price plus the location was very strategic. The receptionist can only speak few English words but presenting my reservation was already enough to understand each other. Since I arrived earlier than the allowed check-in time, I left my luggage again for safekeeping and went off for my first bus tour in Busan.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PdacZJ4BwDF62X9bWydSprfC1cZQ7_b5TuGaoWgyq-5xLfnLelPoITg0OsEZcM5nB_SRkDQ5gqcA1gG3Q18DSPPLmF5yT_URF5Xvxg5N-odDmr4smSOHyeqAMV-xlqhy8J1TuOesUghY/s1600/IMG_3047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PdacZJ4BwDF62X9bWydSprfC1cZQ7_b5TuGaoWgyq-5xLfnLelPoITg0OsEZcM5nB_SRkDQ5gqcA1gG3Q18DSPPLmF5yT_URF5Xvxg5N-odDmr4smSOHyeqAMV-xlqhy8J1TuOesUghY/s1600/IMG_3047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pusan Inn Motel room at 3rd Floor</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b><a href="http://www.ymca.or.kr/hotel/eng/index_eng.html" target="_blank">YMCA Tourist Hotel Seoul</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I decided to splurge in comfort on my last night in South Korea. YMCA is located near Myeongdong and Nandaemun and the airport bus is just at the front of the hotel. This catered to my final itinerary - to do shopping for personal and business purposes. What's more convenient to shop and then drop at the hotel and shop again. With my luggages in tow, it was very convenient to drag them just outside the entrance of the hotel. The price, of course, was pricey but enough to compensate the walking and tiring time or even taxi costs should I stay in backpackers' hostel.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGSBmDFrMK3UbaqmtVZ1zDUiJUOzQXNrSEArgXpmBvDIWkMWzmYzhHB_je4CxSyuc9bN93swjryJR_F2YlJGiuuunGCPYMLit1r_7Xs2bmn8P5cl7XYNayg2OAGfwJlIs0fwtMf6iZee9/s1600/ymca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGSBmDFrMK3UbaqmtVZ1zDUiJUOzQXNrSEArgXpmBvDIWkMWzmYzhHB_je4CxSyuc9bN93swjryJR_F2YlJGiuuunGCPYMLit1r_7Xs2bmn8P5cl7XYNayg2OAGfwJlIs0fwtMf6iZee9/s1600/ymca.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YMCA Tourist Hotel Room</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">No further details - I loved going back to Korea because of Spring. It's not much of a cold of a Winter and the beautiful Cherry Blossoms just bloomed around this time. But my dream of experiencing snow is one of the reasons that I tried to catch the changing of season from Winter to Spring. In the next few years, when I save enough to travel again, I will explore South Korea in Autumn.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1CGabKP3o5ExGGxdm3ECLqLIOb3viO99MPWwNCHsd985YlFBKq10VfKQEDwy2UF2oslg6YRRqtYG6EdWecX0tiwxL9Q2-rjY1P-Lqzz060aPkYRWmLBMyOnCIn4S8HcOCMIGJpC78qsJ/s1600/SAM_1980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1CGabKP3o5ExGGxdm3ECLqLIOb3viO99MPWwNCHsd985YlFBKq10VfKQEDwy2UF2oslg6YRRqtYG6EdWecX0tiwxL9Q2-rjY1P-Lqzz060aPkYRWmLBMyOnCIn4S8HcOCMIGJpC78qsJ/s1600/SAM_1980.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Olaf at Seorak Mountain</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><b>My 10-day Solitary Travel Itinerary</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">When planning a longer trip and to cover as much of the country, it is advisable to identify your home base, that is, the main stop for your accommodation where during the day, a day tour/trip to nearby cities/provinces is possible. For my solitary trip, I chose three main home bases - <strong>SEOUL, JEJU ISLAND </strong>and <strong>BUSAN. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Home bases can be reached via trains, bus or airplanes. To save time, I chose to travel by air. However, for the day tours, I chose the City Bus tours and provincial buses. It was fun, full of adventure and I have all the time of my trip figuring my destination.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AKeeANKcWKc68Yqpr5hpkkglBGacQFLgI88NJtga9QHDy5T3PkC1I9jQBaYneDVkQs0oJahKRHT2IkWsCgcWWGDa2dIDuZ4IjJd__vnXbKTKdOFZkSfbVdX7EGM6D3PJplZxv7a5mKhG/s1600/skmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AKeeANKcWKc68Yqpr5hpkkglBGacQFLgI88NJtga9QHDy5T3PkC1I9jQBaYneDVkQs0oJahKRHT2IkWsCgcWWGDa2dIDuZ4IjJd__vnXbKTKdOFZkSfbVdX7EGM6D3PJplZxv7a5mKhG/s1600/skmap.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 10-DAy South Korea Solitary Map</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>1st Stop : Seoul </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/06/hi-seoul-it-was-like-coming-back-to.html" target="_blank"><b>Day 1 - Arriva</b>l</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Spent the day wandering around Seoul, went to KBS and Seoul Station. Then, just anywhere Hongdae area to get the youthful feel and had my afternoon snack at Hello Kitty Cafe. It was the time to make familiar of the place again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-solitary-travel-dessert-1-side-trip.html" target="_blank"><b>Day 2 - Gyeonggi Province (Paju City)</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Took the bus to the nearest province, Gyeonggi, where I spent most of my first half of the day at Heyri Art Village and enjoyed coffee shops hopping more than anything else. Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon in Seoul indulging into their traditional restaurants and homes. I had my first Korean meal in Insadong, took my souvenir photo and then explored Bukchon Traditional Village.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpf46yspQ9xipuTDsgr50pKcE_VDv2oWex_0iA93GZwRiogwjtItEptW0j4BBHkQ438mB_P0SGW3mANUcaTLDo8RpqS4gri6xEHOVVONcBrqBc0Izd9n0FPi3NRANXheU_dQs8h3GTbKo/s1600/IMG_2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpf46yspQ9xipuTDsgr50pKcE_VDv2oWex_0iA93GZwRiogwjtItEptW0j4BBHkQ438mB_P0SGW3mANUcaTLDo8RpqS4gri6xEHOVVONcBrqBc0Izd9n0FPi3NRANXheU_dQs8h3GTbKo/s1600/IMG_2911.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my sticker photo at one of the stores in Insadong </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Day 3 - Gangwon Province (Seorak Mountain</b>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">A day before my birthday, I fulfilled my wish to experience the snow. I ate ice cream to further feel the cold and ate ramen to feel the warm as well. Ironic, isn't it? </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia;">2nd Stop : Jeju Island</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/04/in-gods-presence-in-seogwipo-catholic.html" target="_blank"><b>Day 4 - Arrival in Jeju Island (My Birthday)</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I left Seoul and took the flight to Jeju Island. It was raining so I spent my birthday at the Church and with Teddy Bear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Day 5 - Seogwipo Harbour and Songoik Theme Park</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Spent my second day in Jeju Island with a <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-morning-walk-along-seogwipo-harbour.html" target="_blank">morning walk along Seogwipo Harbour </a>and my mini-version of "Tour Around the World". It was colder after the rain but just looking at the miniatures of famous landmarks of the world is like a peek of the world that I could explore in the years to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Day 6 - Seongsan Peak and Udo Island</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/06/driving-around-udo-island-in-jeju.html" target="_blank">Driving around Udo Island on ATV</a> was such an amazing experience for me. I wish I could stay overnight. Taking steps to hike the highest peak of Seongsan was also a different experience to me. <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/11/bracing-rain-and-late-winter-cold-in.html" target="_blank">My Jeju Island experience was indeed the best choice to spend my birthday week.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>3rd Stop : Busan</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Day 7 - Busan Bus Tour</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">On my 7th day, I took the early flight to Busan from Jeju. The best way to see Busan in a day is through their City Bus Tours that go around via <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-glimpse-of-busan-on-tour-bus-part-1.html" target="_blank">Haeundae Loop</a> and </span><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-glimpse-of-busan-on-tour-bus-part-2.html" style="font-family: Georgia;" target="_blank">Taejongdae Loop</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Day 8 - Jinhae and Busan on my own</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I tried to catch a glimpse of the famous <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/11/my-solitary-travel-dessert-2-chasing-mr.html" target="_blank">Cherry Blossom City</a> in South Korea, Jinhae, but the flowers were not in full bloom. So I decided to have a quick tour in the morning and </span><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/08/busan-more-than-just-city-tour-bus.html" style="font-family: Georgia;" target="_blank">spent the rest of the day in Busan on my own.</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>4th Stop: Seoul</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Day 9 - Travel back to Seoul</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I took KTX train to Seoul that only took less than three hours and then spent the rest of the day shopping in Myeongdong and Nandaemun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Day 10 - Last Day and Departure</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Had my quick trip to Changdeokgung Palace and just took a stroll to nearby cafe's and bookstores while I waited for my final time to depart Seoul.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Expenses</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">My Top 3 expenses were spent on Accommodation, Food and Airfares, including KTX tickets. Looking back, I thought I ate much in South Korea, the fact that I learned to love Kimchi that much. A travel is not complete without <i>pasalubong</i> or presents for my loved ones at home - to my families, colleagues and even to my staff at work. It was like sharing with them the happy memories that I had during my travel through the souvenirs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"> That wrap up my first solitary travel in South Korea last year. Every time I missed the experience, I read through my blogs and browse through my pictures. I surely be back in Autumn.</span></div>
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Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-91742607613161039242013-11-09T17:03:00.001+08:002013-12-14T17:59:57.402+08:00Bracing the Coldness of Late Winter Rain in Jeju Island<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When I planned my first solitary travel mid of Year 2012, I specifically chose Jeju Island as the only place to spend my birthday week with the theme "Tour Around the World" literally in its miniature theme park, <u><a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264613" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Soingook</strong></span></a></u>. I can't afford yet to make that dream into reality in the actual places so I'd rather fulfill it in a miniature theme park first. After all, <em><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">small steps make big dreams happen</span></em>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10qrk4xFVePM-n_EGM_f9Bu4IdRecxzJNB6MnHrOuErqwbxRJvnyb715IR6BUS41jSjhI8r0pJCkXyABmeeOsur9-2a3Q77dIaEHlqprsERFSX69j4IKCU0jbE86fgkyhVPKNB12fhxQ6/s1600/jeju.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10qrk4xFVePM-n_EGM_f9Bu4IdRecxzJNB6MnHrOuErqwbxRJvnyb715IR6BUS41jSjhI8r0pJCkXyABmeeOsur9-2a3Q77dIaEHlqprsERFSX69j4IKCU0jbE86fgkyhVPKNB12fhxQ6/s640/jeju.jpg" width="640" zsa="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Jeju Island was my second stop of the 10-day-solitary travel and spent three nights and and three days in Seogwipo City. Seogwipo is stragetically the best place to explore Jeju being the centerpoint to West Course, East Course and Jungmun Tourist District day tours that most travel agencies offer. Commuter and airport buses pass through Seogwipo and many tourist spots are within the vicinity. With that I made my own itinerary covering a little of West and East course. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGj8uciPLsO7Xz5tEf_NLVif08FGO8y17s6sDL32iJibyCXIsFkoklXlgtgh4HOwxwsmXBs5fMsEgk_uPPEZkDd9ouNTVqD6eHULraLKw3wt20YwxT4SrEbHC1jJIAo-qydQl3D41b7KQ/s1600/map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGj8uciPLsO7Xz5tEf_NLVif08FGO8y17s6sDL32iJibyCXIsFkoklXlgtgh4HOwxwsmXBs5fMsEgk_uPPEZkDd9ouNTVqD6eHULraLKw3wt20YwxT4SrEbHC1jJIAo-qydQl3D41b7KQ/s640/map.jpg" width="640" zsa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeju Island Map from Visit Korea website</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">West Course covers Hallim Park, Biyangdo Island, Geumneong Beach, Bunjae Artpia and O'Sulloc Museum for those who are fond of green tea.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzWthCcutdT6S6UhJpKKS3y_7sXsbyFdtwIrHhA_KOI5WH52dtRvtd2MF_KK8OuKFOLtSi0P9GwKcACfcHfAK7XHWoIjmhoMwPwl4j1vR_WqohTUYx4974QIWWW5jNNVAv4ybjjNSfHpi/s1600/west_course_eng.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzWthCcutdT6S6UhJpKKS3y_7sXsbyFdtwIrHhA_KOI5WH52dtRvtd2MF_KK8OuKFOLtSi0P9GwKcACfcHfAK7XHWoIjmhoMwPwl4j1vR_WqohTUYx4974QIWWW5jNNVAv4ybjjNSfHpi/s400/west_course_eng.png" width="400" zsa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Course from Yeha Tour Website</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">East Course covers Manjanggul Cave, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Seongeup Folk Village, Sangumburi Crater and Trick Art Museum.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNmGbC4xjQRhhxyFyC44csjrYVSDFh2oONYjF2F1dKYPlesbb9TG7bE87-KNcoLOs5-fWX0A8mqsSOCbN1ON60Q7I6VU1C-94GyxNwOMddn1TATlrFss3xKI_dHeqCA1A2s4Hu2if9mip/s1600/east_course_eng.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNmGbC4xjQRhhxyFyC44csjrYVSDFh2oONYjF2F1dKYPlesbb9TG7bE87-KNcoLOs5-fWX0A8mqsSOCbN1ON60Q7I6VU1C-94GyxNwOMddn1TATlrFss3xKI_dHeqCA1A2s4Hu2if9mip/s400/east_course_eng.png" width="400" zsa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from yeha tour website</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Jungmun Tourist Complex basically covers a lot of tourist destinations. This is also the area where many of the Korean dramas are set. Initially, I made my own themed solitary itinerary in Jeju. <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/04/in-gods-presence-in-seogwipo-catholic.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>But the rain when I arrived in Jeju messed up my itinerary</strong></span></a> and overnight, I had to change it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I should have spent my first day in Jeju in Soingok Theme Park to celebrate my birthday which I personally named as, "Birthday Tour Around the World", but it was an impossible to wander around an open park with the pouring rain. I attempted to see the famous windmill and had my coffee at the pool of Lotte World but neither the weather gave me that opportunity. Not to feel down on my birthday, instead I spent it in <strong><a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=268082" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Teddy Bear Museum</span></a></strong><span style="color: black;">, another place to see from the Korean Drama, <a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/CU/CU_EN_8_5_1_14.jsp" target="_blank">Princess Hours</a>. A piece of my second theme, "Tour of K-Dramas Location in Jeju", was realized.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On my second day, the weather got better. <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-morning-walk-along-seogwipo-harbour.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>I started with a morning walk in Seogwipo</strong></span></a> and in just two hours before lunch, I visited Cheonjiyeon Falls and the famous Saeyeongyo Bridge on foot. Three things off my bucketlist right away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After my brunch, I went around in nearby spots in Jungmun Tourist District like the Chocolate Land, Ripley's Believe It or Not and Yeomji Botanical Garden before I finally headed to Soingook Theme Park. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hC5HpQsUKhKzxmgCKsksycwa_eHWme1FZGOT0o7xUKXsj34pdar9DII8LR4GovmVTOKre8hyr_B7tvuV_G2BMpyE1501khLc603iAAo5F-kUdtkehb3uabxbbT0uOYW95knuTVSMQfWS/s1600/jeju4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hC5HpQsUKhKzxmgCKsksycwa_eHWme1FZGOT0o7xUKXsj34pdar9DII8LR4GovmVTOKre8hyr_B7tvuV_G2BMpyE1501khLc603iAAo5F-kUdtkehb3uabxbbT0uOYW95knuTVSMQfWS/s640/jeju4.jpg" width="640" zsa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ripley's Believe It or Not</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy Bear Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Land</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Looking at the map, I thought it's much nearer going to Soingook Theme Park by cab from Jungmun Tourist District than in Seogwipo. I did not able to find any references of going to the miniature park via commuter bus so I decided to take a cab instead. But it was farther </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">than I expected. One way took me KRW8,500 and going back to Jungmun, the taxi fare was KRW10,000. Anyhow, I enjoyed the place amidst the coldest winter air after the rain. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Statue of Libery, United States of America</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Rushmore Memorial, USA</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower, Paris</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On my third day in Jeju, I initially had three destinations to go. First, <strong><span style="color: blue;">to catch the sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak</span></strong>, then <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/06/driving-around-udo-island-in-jeju.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">to take the ferry and ride an ATV to tour around Udo Island</span></strong></a>, and, finally to wrap up my day at <a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264236" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Manjanggul Cave</span></a> and the <a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=779025" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Gimnyeong Maze Garden</span></a> that most tourists akin with the maze in Harry Potter Movie Goblet of Fire. However, the bus ride from Seogwipo to Seongsan already took almost three hours. When I arrived at Seongsan at around nine in the morning, the sky wasn't that bright and too late for sunrise already. It was a bit foggy and impossible to see the sunrise at that state so I decided to head off to Udo Island until the sky was much clearer to climb the peak of Seonsan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://youtu.be/YRDvYrl1VNI" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Driving around Udo Island</strong></span></a> is one of the highlights of my Solitary Travel. Not only that I was touring around on my own but was also able to record my trip around by just tying my camera to the tripod and wrapped it tightly in front of the ATV. I was both fun and amazing! And I told myself, I should come back again. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDk_YhL0qnil3Xyn0uVHjxBEptu9mQe5klpSsCbrECiuSCP-gdlnza4AUV-O-kXKTT-IArS1enbG9lAQ1yDjrcIBWgfJWpIJf5tYzUAdP62pKWLSE25Vc385u0Lww6EXwdU7WGyeAiUoO/s1600/udo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDk_YhL0qnil3Xyn0uVHjxBEptu9mQe5klpSsCbrECiuSCP-gdlnza4AUV-O-kXKTT-IArS1enbG9lAQ1yDjrcIBWgfJWpIJf5tYzUAdP62pKWLSE25Vc385u0Lww6EXwdU7WGyeAiUoO/s640/udo1.jpg" width="640" zsa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Welcome Banner upon arrival at the port of Udo Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my toy in the island</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After my driving experience, I went back to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. This time it was not climbing the peak to see the sunrise but rather grateful for the cool afternoon air while catching up my breath as I made it to the top of the crater. It was exhilaratingly satisfying to finally had my time looking at the crater that measures 600m in diameter and 90m high and actually looked like a salad bowl. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UNESCO Heritage landmark of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the bottom of the peak and the start of the trail with the STAR as the peak of Seongsan Ilchulbong</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the view from the top after XXX meters high</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the other side down the peak where the Women of Jeju share with the tourists how they dive and catch seafoods without any equipment</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I went down the peak past four in the afternoon already and was already too late to see the Manjanggul Cave and the Gimyeong Maze Garden. It will take me three more hours to get there and might be nightime to get back to Seogwipo. I was also getting tired for such a physical activity for the day so I decided to finally end my trip in Jeju.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Three days in Jeju was not enough. But it was enough for me to spend my birthday week in the Island that is also proclaimed as one of the New Wonders of Nature. I missed to see the other places that I plotted in my itinerary - <strong><em>Odolgae Rock, Jeongbang Falls, Jeju City Hall, Love Land, </em></strong> <strong><em>Jusanggeolli Cliffs, Cheonjeyeon Falls, and, Seonimgryo Bridge. </em></strong>I also missed to do the other "Things to Do" in my list: - Olle Trail, Jeju Mandarin Orange picking, try the famous black pork barbeque, among others. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><strong>As always, I left some places to see when I get back again.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And I ended my last night in Jeju Island with a sumptuous Korean meal at the Korean traditional meal.</span><br />
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Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com4Jeju-do, South Korea33.4890113 126.4983022999999832.6421548 125.20740879999998 34.3358678 127.78919579999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-2253229738508745312013-11-03T19:58:00.001+08:002013-11-03T21:19:08.814+08:00My Solitary Travel Dessert 2: Chasing Mr. Cherry Blossom in Jinhae in South Korea<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Born and raised in a tropical country, Philippines, the different experience of Spring never fails to fascinate me. If people from the other side of the world make plans to explore the tropical charm of the pristine beaches in my country, Spring is also something that I look forward to in the other side of the world . I am such a fan of Spring! I heart it so much that only the presence of the blooming silky buds of Cherry Blossom can raise my heartbeat uphigh just like a teeny happens to bump upon his crush. It doesn't matter whereelse in the world but it seems all throughout my existence in the universe, a year of Cherry Blossom experience will always be in my diary. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zXbk1AB0hwdQZPnWtIr5wcibCo6usxOFgv18I0e7BPM9x4Mbm5A8G2zXLWItBeiIsHtnqYaFVAyncAiQxGQGGfdCmvo5paw5XPu34VjI7C5aYpToyDQleYJLthg1DdAB1RGPEIlV_pYf/s1600/cats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zXbk1AB0hwdQZPnWtIr5wcibCo6usxOFgv18I0e7BPM9x4Mbm5A8G2zXLWItBeiIsHtnqYaFVAyncAiQxGQGGfdCmvo5paw5XPu34VjI7C5aYpToyDQleYJLthg1DdAB1RGPEIlV_pYf/s640/cats.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a blooming flower in Jinhae</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-six-days-in-south-korea-barely-made.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">I started chasing Spring in South Korea in May 2010 but barely made it</span></a>. That was late Spring and the blooming flowers (not particulary Cherry Blossom) were still around radiating the place with different vibrant and pastel colors and various shapes a flower can describe of (though I can't seem to smell the fragrance). The sights of those flowers had served as a backdrop of my photo memories. That introduction to Spring has left a spot in my mind and heart that I won't stop until I hold a cherry blossom tree. A year after, <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2012/10/three-full-spring-days-in-beijing.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">I met Mr. Cherry Blossom in Beijing.</span></a> It was a short, three-day affair that forever hold a precious space in my heart.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I thought I would never see Mr. Cherry Blossom again<strong>. </strong> I planned my 10-day solitary travel with main reason of chasing Mr. Snowman and play with him personally. I fulfilled that dream but as I travelled around South Korea, Mr. Cherry Blossom kept on peeping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">When I was Jeju on the 6th day of my 10-Day-Solitary Travel, the arrays of Cherry Blossom trees were starting to bloom everywhere. It was an early signs of Spring for me and wonder would there'll be more in Jinhae. I was set to fly to Busan on my 7th day and Jinhae is just more than an hour bus trip. I put that thought aside until I saw the blooming trees in Busan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Indeed, only Mr. Cherry Blossom can change my meticulously organized itinerary.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The arrays of Cherry Blossom trees in Busan</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">the early signs of Spring in Jeju Island</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On my 8th day in South Korea and my 2nd day in Busan, I woke up early to take a glimpse of the Cherry Blossom in Jinhae District in Changwon City located in Gyeongsangnam Province. <strong>Jinhae or Chinhae</strong> is known at the Cherry Blossom country in South Korea with its emblem proudly and literally represents as the Cherry Blossom country in South Korea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">From the hostel, I took the train from Busan Station to Sasang Station, took Exit 5 and searched to most obvious landmark - <em><strong>buses!</strong> </em>Turning left from the exit is the Busan Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal. I walked towards the ticket counter immediately and showed my ipad with "Jinhae and in Korean words". I paid KRW5,100 for a one-way-trip, took note of the Platform number, bought my breakfast from the nearby coffeshop and then went to the departure area. The terminal is so efficient with different entrance and exits for the Departing and Arriving passengers. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5O0RyCuVsEH53yv4nc71bI6UTlHm-6PU3Cnl0ZLJA3hC9ejX1N8hCzghtY8kCuvYCmpweUqmW1f5gIBQWZJtdHQAKpOnVJpRouDGa4gHJDRyX4Q246Mwen2c6nG3xKtax-daz1UQQ3Kb/s1600/terminal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5O0RyCuVsEH53yv4nc71bI6UTlHm-6PU3Cnl0ZLJA3hC9ejX1N8hCzghtY8kCuvYCmpweUqmW1f5gIBQWZJtdHQAKpOnVJpRouDGa4gHJDRyX4Q246Mwen2c6nG3xKtax-daz1UQQ3Kb/s640/terminal.jpg" vsa="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busan Seobu Intercity Terminal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ticket counters and trip schedules</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">With my ticket on hand, I looked for platform 17 as indicated in my ticket and took the first row seat at the back of the driver. All throughout my trip in South Korea, I seemed to find my exclusive seat. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_9AUdpzSzFxj_cuh_i6kLq56BeRmrbQwgMcQXHU0reK-9eWLwRIFzQCRb9YN6ONPaPAPtDf7XmSX_UtLC30j0QK9wwJpNOvDvjKg_re9e-HRMPus4Rrt91WUTEWGIT9d5cecE_xxzzJN/s1600/ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_9AUdpzSzFxj_cuh_i6kLq56BeRmrbQwgMcQXHU0reK-9eWLwRIFzQCRb9YN6ONPaPAPtDf7XmSX_UtLC30j0QK9wwJpNOvDvjKg_re9e-HRMPus4Rrt91WUTEWGIT9d5cecE_xxzzJN/s640/ticket.jpg" vsa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The trip took an hour with a traffic-free highway and Jinhae's streets were unexpectedly empty with few vehicles and people passing-by. It was either I was too early of a peak hour of the morning on a Thursday or business just really starts late in Jinhae with it seemed a slow-pace-way-of-living. I read in many blogs that traffic can be so terrible during Cherry Blossom Festival. Well, the downside of my trip was I was a week early the festival. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cherry Blossom blooms in certain period only and reaches its peak for a week only. It's like chasing the sand bar when its low tide.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I arrived at the very ordinary and typical town-<em>ish</em> terminal in Jinhae at nine in the morning. With map on hand, I searched first for <strong><em>Jehwangsan Park </em></strong>where I can take the monorail to reach the Jinhae Observatory and where I can see the panoramic view of Jinhae. It is also the nearest one from the terminal. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I read from some blogs that during the festival, people flocked the area like bees. With long queues, many preferred to walk going up the observatory following the trail that covered with cherry blossom and other flowers that until now I can't seem to remember. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Going around the vicinity, crossing from one street to another looking up where I can see the monorail, I managed to enjoy the presence of few cherry blossom buds. Indeed, it's not the week yet where they will be in full bloom. The weather was just right, not too cold unlike Busan. I liked being alone in the streets.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the array of cherry blossom trees along the street of Jinhae</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signs of Cherry Blossom Festival to bloom the week after trip</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Looking around the blooming buds of Cherry Blossom tree, I accepted the fact that Spring isn't there yet. But the fact that I was able to find Jinhae through a commuter bus from Busan was enough for me. I planned another trip soon with more time in Busan and the nearby provinces like Changwon. With that in mind, I decided to spend the next hour at Jehwangsan Park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">At past nine in the morning, I was the first visitor of the monorail. I thought they were closed with nobody around but after sometime the man came out of the door. I asked him if I can take the monorail car to the observatory. He was friendly enough to went inside and took the seat at the counter. He asked if for a round trip, I answered for one way only. I wanted to take the trail down and see how far the distance would be. After paying KRW2,000, the same man ushered me to the monorail platform at the 3rd floor. I thought we would be waiting for more visitors to come before we take off but he maneuvered the car and there <strong>I had the monorail car <u>exclusively for me only!</u></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my one-way ticket to the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my first ever exclusive experience of a monorail - ah so that's what it feels like!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the accommodating Korea at the park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Before getting off, he mentioned some of the sights at the park and the directions of the trail down. I thanked him for being so accommodating and he went back to the monorail car.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I looked around the park. The observatory is nestled at the center where everything else surrounding the historical structure. Turning back, I can see the panoramic view of Jinhae. The landscape are naturally beautiful. It was so close to nature at the top where you can only hear the birds chipping. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the monorail track and the stairways - two options to climb up and down the park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I went around and saw few people, mostly the older ones, doing their morning stretching and walking. I was the only foreigner. I went on taking pictures and setting up my tripod. They were looking at me but I was happy providing some entertainment. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">After some picture taking, there's nothing else to do so I looked for the trail going down the entrance of the park. It was a nice walk but could be nicer if the place is fully-covered with Cherry blossoms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here are some of the photos of Jehwangsan Park.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the scuptured garden that welcome the passengers alighting the monorail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the observatory tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the landmark that indeed exudes "HARMONY" at the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with some audience watching me as I took the photo with timed camera</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the trail that I chose to walk rather than taking the stairway down to the entrance of the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the panoramic view of Jinhae at the top of the park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Before ten, I reached the entrance already. I should have looked further the Bridge of Romance but looking at the number of cherry blossoms that I saw, I whisked the idea off and save that when I return maybe next year.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Bridge of Romance that serves as the perfect backdrop during the Cherry Blossom Festival</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">From the park, I found my way back to the terminal and waited for the 10AM trip back to Busan. My trip to Jinhae was very short but enough for me to somehow have a glimpse for another itineary to make. </span><br />
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Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea35.207477527379268 128.8723754882812534.999643027379271 128.54965198828125 35.415312027379265 129.19509898828125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-24434923804261929532013-08-31T21:17:00.000+08:002013-08-31T22:11:21.876+08:00My Solitary Travel Dessert 1: Side Trip to Gyeonggi Province in South Korea<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">I specifically chose Seoul, Jeju and Busan as my three major stops of my 10-day-solitary travel in South Korea - <em>4 days in Seoul</em> (3 days from arrival and one last day before departure), <em>3 days in Jeju</em> and another <em>3 days in Busan</em>. These major stops were basically my main entry and exit points to the nearby provinces and to the main places of accommodation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Having side trips to the nearby provinces in Seoul, Jeju and Busan were like a <strong>dessert while I fulfilled </strong>my 10-day-solitary travel in South Korea. I wanted to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">to see more of the country, experience the provincial buses (or what they call as the express bus) and for specific reasons that I thought prior to the trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/06/hi-seoul-it-was-like-coming-back-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Seoul was my first major stop for the main reason that I'm familiar with the place</strong></span></a> having been there in Year 2010 and for me to get a feel of the city again, and the weather of course. It was my way of unveiling the very thought of my first solitary travel - that should have sinked in to my inner core - my mind and soul and should not think of anything else but only this trip! <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-10-day-solitary-travel-to-south-korea.html" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="color: blue;">I've prepared for this for the last 9 months and I was more than prepared to DO IT and fulfill that DREAM!</span></em></strong></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I spent the first day just going around Seoul to places that I haven't seen yet and to the same old places that I'd gone to already. It was a good warm-up as I prepared for my trip to the nearby province the next day <strong>- Paju, Gyeonggi-do.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Gyeonggi Province is the nearest province surrounding the Capital Seoul, located North West of South Korea and can be reached from the City Capital via 2-hour bus trip. Its political history originated from the time Korea was divided into three nations during the period of Three Kingdoms and eventually as a separate government from Seoul after their liberation from Japanese colony and the foundation of two Korean goverments. Some parts of Gyeonggi Province are geographically and politically part of the Capital Seoul while the northernmost part, Gaesong, became part of the North Korean territory after the countries were divided following the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/38th_parallel_north" target="_blank">38th Parallel</a>. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soldiers on their morning routine along the main road of Paju in Gyeonggi-do</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This is precisely the reason why I saw some Korean soldiers in the area when I arrived in Paju. Technically, I was already near the DMZ (De-Militarized Zone) that separates South and North Korea <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(at the time of my travel, the tension was such a media fuss that presence of Civil Defense boxes are physically everywhere in the public places such as subways and terminals) </span></em>but didn't have any thought of including it in my itinerary. What's the use of being in the place just to witness two soldiers facing across each other between just a thin line of border with nothing but hatred in their eyes. It could be too hard for me and I just wanted all the positiveness in my trip. After all, it's more for myself. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I originally planned to spend the whole day in Paju to hop on and off at Paju Premium Outlet, English Village, Heyri Village, Province Village (European style buildings) and Lotte Premium Outlet. But after realizing that reaching Heyri Village alone will take 2-3 hours from Seoul, I decided to spend the first half of the day in Heyri and the rest of the afternoon back in Seoul mainly in Insadong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Heyri Art Village was constructed by Korean artists to house their artwork. There are residences, art galleries and museum within the vicinity. I personally described it as <strong>Haven of Coffee Shops in South Korea</strong>. It was my first to see a "Coffee Museum", I'd say only in Korea, where various artsy, themed-coffee shops can be found. Accidentally, I found the place to get my inspiration for a concept of the coffee shop/bed and breakfast-type that I plan to put up five years from now.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHuahg6S_OG15zBBVYTcuHNk2iapkoCb9UVCymHLbgxJCQ-srw6poZkLM_1L_JU_jS-rkfYthsKNTjBlNfnr5PPc1tmFQdROlSU6yrd8zBra_0g_OvETz_itkbq3sTYMGy2soEHbivjeG/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" osa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHuahg6S_OG15zBBVYTcuHNk2iapkoCb9UVCymHLbgxJCQ-srw6poZkLM_1L_JU_jS-rkfYthsKNTjBlNfnr5PPc1tmFQdROlSU6yrd8zBra_0g_OvETz_itkbq3sTYMGy2soEHbivjeG/s640/coffee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">various themed coffeeshops in Heyri Art Village</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I arrived at Heyri Art Village in Paju from Hapjeong Station in Seoul at ten in the morning with travel time of approx. 2.5 hours. From Seoul, I travelled with the working locals who got off the bus in different stops that seemed like commercial and business districts. It was new to me as I thought the business districts only reside in Seoul.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Along the way, I attentively listened to the bus stop announcements. Unfortunately, it was in Korean and I thought of picking up key words like Paju. Without a map on hand and only my personalized travel guide, I relied to my instinct and some guts to ask the remaining passengers on the bus. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Fortunately, after the bus driver announced the bus stop, I saw the "Heyri Art Village" signage from afar and unlike the other day where I missed to push the Stop button, this time, I pressed it.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvNQm9AKjzgd_hiMgo9aUyG9ZZQxHh5pe3O2tYkBRzkggDsw468SCAlO79noYVlvRFJGJaXHhGTUWPxZTmqQixBQiNLaoPNW6FYs76uISuU1ezXV6Hr0B_yxrFECzPLppnkQIrJ4yEvRO/s1600/dropoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" osa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvNQm9AKjzgd_hiMgo9aUyG9ZZQxHh5pe3O2tYkBRzkggDsw468SCAlO79noYVlvRFJGJaXHhGTUWPxZTmqQixBQiNLaoPNW6FYs76uISuU1ezXV6Hr0B_yxrFECzPLppnkQIrJ4yEvRO/s640/dropoff.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the drop off and the empty highway</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The place was so quiet and the weather was much colder. As I entered the main gate, I thought I was going to a subdivision still under construction. Constructions were everywhere and there was a lone tourist like me geared with a tripod in one hand and camera on the other. What's there to see? The location map in a large board was not of a help neither - its written in Korean. My face lit up when I saw a coffee shop nearby. I had the time to connect to wi-fi (Korea seemed like a Wifi country) and made a quick research of Heyri Art Village. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDseWbSxrryiw5Oqtn9fg3kXn-DEpjNUyBSAbT4rgUxDu02L2DvnP4sPiYISRlfZzCSCA-bEJNvYQzrM-ysJcx7sW404eMmg6zetbjmXMEICPtqZ1FXvHMxN0mCjm7eaQP9ObqGQGJIsxV/s1600/heyri1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" osa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDseWbSxrryiw5Oqtn9fg3kXn-DEpjNUyBSAbT4rgUxDu02L2DvnP4sPiYISRlfZzCSCA-bEJNvYQzrM-ysJcx7sW404eMmg6zetbjmXMEICPtqZ1FXvHMxN0mCjm7eaQP9ObqGQGJIsxV/s640/heyri1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the many artsy structures in Heyri Art Village</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I continued walking around, just anywhere my footsteps led me. After some time, I saw some people in the area which seemed like tourists like me (with their travel brochures on hand). I continued going around and saw many structures of different shapes and designs. Indeed, the architectural piece of art of the Koreans can be found there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I continued going around looking for one place <strong>- Artinus Farmer's Table. </strong>This is the location of the K-drama <a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/CU_EN_8_5_1_50.jsp" target="_blank">Boys Over Flowers</a>, set-up as Shinhwa High School posh cafeteria. There's a fancy restaurant on the ground floor and sort of a bookstore on the second floor. After looking around for some minutes, I checked my watch and it was nearing lunch time already. I decided to finish my own tour in Heyri Art Village and walked towards Gate 2 to exit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The place was still quite, just like when I arrived. But I brought with me a lot of solitary memories - the intricate and charming feel of Cafe Rose, the artistic designs of shops and art galleries, a newly learned concept of coffee museum, a lot of themes as an inspiration for my own coffee shop in the future and of course, visiting another K-drama location.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That first attempt to travel outside Seoul gave me a bunch of confidence that I can explore more of South Korea on my own. On my 3N/4D in Jeju Island, I took more bunch of courage to find my way and took <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/06/driving-around-udo-island-in-jeju.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>a side trip to Udo Island and experienced going around the island by driving an ATV.</strong></span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And finally, when I was in Busan, I took a morning trip to <strong><span style="color: blue;">Chanwoon Province and glimpsed at the early signs of Spring in Jinhae</span></strong>.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Travel Tips:</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><em>Getting to Paju City</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">- Take Bus 2200 from Hapjeong Station Exit 2. The bus will go through the following route and its corresponding bus stop:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bus Stop 8. Lotte Premium Outlet - new premium outlet in Paju (est. 60 mins from Hapjeong)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bus Stop 11. Province Village - Europe style buildings (est. 70mins from Hapjeong)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bus Stop 12. Heyri Art Village Gate 1 (est. 80mins from Hapjeong)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">- In going back to Seoul, cross the main road opposite Heyri Art Village Gate 1 towards the flower shop. That is the bus stop to Seoul.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">- Use T-money to pay, it's convenient.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><em>Helpful Links:</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264537&nearBy=site" target="_blank"><strong>Visit Korea</strong></a><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.gevcommunity.com/index.php/transport/2200-bus.html" target="_blank"><strong>Getting to English Village</strong></a></span><br />
<br />Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com4Paju-ri, Paju-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea37.8322829 126.8181819000000137.8071999 126.77784140000001 37.857365900000005 126.85852240000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-61592898091151100092013-08-31T00:46:00.001+08:002013-08-31T09:56:47.937+08:00Busan: More Than Just A City Tour Bus<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My first experience of a tour bus in Busan just proved me right that there's not much of fun for a traveller like me to wander around a place in a tour bus - it's boring, it puts limit to <strong>MY</strong> curiosity and most of all, it makes <strong>ME</strong> a prisoner of time (as I have to hop on/off every 30mins). One good point is the built-in video tour that sort of providing information about the place - can be amazing with its high technology media visuals but at times I found it boring as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Note that I'm speaking for my preferred way of going around the place but nevertheless, Busan City Tour is a tourist-friendly and the most convenient (the right description I may say) to see Busan in a day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Amidst the fact that I literally tour around Busan through <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-glimpse-of-busan-on-tour-bus-part-1.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Hauendae Loop</strong></span></a><strong> </strong>where I described this part of Busan as <em><strong>a place where sophistication of the corporate districts and shopping malls collide with the serenity and calmness of the sea, </strong>AND, </em><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-glimpse-of-busan-on-tour-bus-part-2.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Taejongdae Loop</strong></span></a><strong> that depicts </strong><strong><em>the ordinary daily life of local folks while preserving their culture and heritage </em></strong>- </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><span style="color: red;">I felt I did not wander Busan as it deserves for its worth. </span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nothing can stop me from exploring Busan on my own - my usual way, that is, riding the subways and taking public buses; not even the stinging coldness of early Spring and my deteriorating energy and aching body from literally going around South Korea for the last seven days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So on the following day and technically my last full day in Busan, I purposely squeezed a quick side trip to the province of Jinhae in the morning just to take a glimpse of Spring - <em>an impulsiveness that I just thought on my first day in Busan because of the blooming arrays of Cherry Blossoms trees along the streets of Busan, </em>I thought there could be more in Jinhae. And then spent the rest of the day exploring Busan via subway and public buses.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1JOT9KyVuZmukJVoKekUuAXCAR5OJTncsywuXsSO1xL9ofb1dDASj3dJYizLzXlw_W4Tny6GM5b31MwLFk9n__spqqH4qIXXyfzUXcWy9j8fJTEoIygcE6jmmaKrUIGeIwrUYPIEIMrI/s1600/busan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" osa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1JOT9KyVuZmukJVoKekUuAXCAR5OJTncsywuXsSO1xL9ofb1dDASj3dJYizLzXlw_W4Tny6GM5b31MwLFk9n__spqqH4qIXXyfzUXcWy9j8fJTEoIygcE6jmmaKrUIGeIwrUYPIEIMrI/s640/busan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the spot itinerary while riding the bus from Jinhae to Busan</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On my way back to Busan, I wrote down on the Subway Map the places that I'd see and took notes of the exits:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1. Shinsegae Department Store</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2. Namcheon Cathedral</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">3. BIFF Square</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">4. Yongdusan Park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">5. Taejongdae Beach</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Named as the Guinness World Records' Largest Department Store, I found myself facing the fear of heights for the first time when I entered Shinsegae Centum City</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. It's ironic as I already tried the 800m zipline in Bukidnon, Philippines but not scared of it. Prominently standing with 14 floors, I did not dare to look down as I was going up to the 8th floor. It was a bit scary that I only stopped at 8th floor where the Fashion Street is located, then went down at 4th floor spent most of my time at H&M shop. I stopped myself from splurging on shopping so I strictly spent only an hour in the mall. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WnkIWSFUdtSUMJ41rH_AmcV87CKtEvaer2cckrceZodiUjelRzb20Wa9LnqRTuNnA4deX8_jsQRPRhYmRfnD8s9SZ4pZYVgeT1H9YMzuWtCAO9j7KSlBVR4FMFYMejpU2ArwratntZXL/s1600/shin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" osa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WnkIWSFUdtSUMJ41rH_AmcV87CKtEvaer2cckrceZodiUjelRzb20Wa9LnqRTuNnA4deX8_jsQRPRhYmRfnD8s9SZ4pZYVgeT1H9YMzuWtCAO9j7KSlBVR4FMFYMejpU2ArwratntZXL/s640/shin1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shinsegae Centum City</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4twrBO1kokwRqGjbp0TfoXrcgGZTEMCeiBaHt9OKXqjnycsFv_YjqTtKI-gvEYf-o60mEfFB8C0bwR_Jvy0HeqaWx0f8tBhPJ6PkzFLjdJzwy2W7Wrx5dBvPeqI3BkBwmqbIlBHRY93hp/s1600/shin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" osa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4twrBO1kokwRqGjbp0TfoXrcgGZTEMCeiBaHt9OKXqjnycsFv_YjqTtKI-gvEYf-o60mEfFB8C0bwR_Jvy0HeqaWx0f8tBhPJ6PkzFLjdJzwy2W7Wrx5dBvPeqI3BkBwmqbIlBHRY93hp/s640/shin2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next stop is Namcheon Cathedral which is also known as the Archdiocese of Pusan. In every places that I chose to explore in South Korea, I always searched for a Catholic Church where I can pay visit and thank God for guiding me safely throughout my journey. I read from my research that Namcheon Cathedral has it's unique architectural and interior design, uncommon for the usual Catholic Church.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgK47nG7TXnYuoTEwqh9zKSIoZEtxQuRNZLizPMMaz2PV3V9QK9tHN-P3AQXXrBSX78thyphenhyphenEJTUDzpXBiMjUT_zl8zZinNZHz_c5c4S6yb1jfoaOq0X4-ia8P8Orz4QYHCx1rVhbZuuQ9a/s1600/chruch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" osa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgK47nG7TXnYuoTEwqh9zKSIoZEtxQuRNZLizPMMaz2PV3V9QK9tHN-P3AQXXrBSX78thyphenhyphenEJTUDzpXBiMjUT_zl8zZinNZHz_c5c4S6yb1jfoaOq0X4-ia8P8Orz4QYHCx1rVhbZuuQ9a/s640/chruch1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Namcheon Cathedral</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Following the directions, from Centum City, I got off in Namcheon Station and walked towards Exit 2. There I gasped some air as I looked up at the highest stairways I've ever seen in South Korea's subways. The light that came from the top were like a beam of strenght that told me to keep going as I was on the right direction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From the subway exit, I kept on following the street signs, turning left until I saw this sign:</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus Loves You</span></strong></div>
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<br />It was heartwarming feeling that I felt a pinch in my skin - goosebumps! It has always been amazing how I am always guided while looking for the church. I had experienced the same in Beijing while looking for St. John's Church in Wanfujing on a Palm Sunday.<br /><br />Still unsure if that was the church, I opened the gate and walked further until I saw the uniquely angular-designed structure with KBS stations as it's backdrop. From my view, it looked like a lego puzzle piece attached to its perpendicular stand.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As I walked towards the entrance, I noticed the door is closed and seemed like the mass was going on and I was not sure if I can still enter. I decided to wait for the mass to finish and went around the vicinity. At the side of the church is a garden with a grotto and mini-chapel with stoned benches along the pathway. I took my seat at the front of the grotto and uttered my prayer.</span></div>
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As I waited, I looked in awe at the angular wall designed with stained glass in squares from the bottom to the top. The rays of sunlight strikes against it that make it looked like skylight roof creating a beam light that resembles the star when Christ is born. </div>
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After more than 30 minutes, I heard people coming out of the door. I then went inside. It was more beautiful in there! The light that I imagined outside creating the beam of light are actually providing the natural light. The spaces without the pillars are illuminating as if providing a spotlight to the altar.</div>
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It was so serene with some old folks gathering inside. I found my little space where I said my thanksgiving prayers. I was about to end my first solitary travel and I was blessed to have this dream fulfilled.</div>
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As the sun sets and so with my trip to Busan, I went on and took the subway to Jagalchi Station. In my list was to walk around the BIFF Square or famously known as the Pusan International Film Festival that hosted for several years since it was inaugurated many international film festivals.</div>
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More than just an establishment, the BIFF Square served as the lifetime memorabilia of the handprints of the actresses and actors. It is lively from day to night with its street market and variety of stores in every blocks. Anyone will enjoy just looking at various trinkets sold along the streets while munching some streetfood that are usually part of the scene in every K-dramas.</div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At some time, I joined the locals as they enjoy their food on the streets. The more people falling in line in a food stall, the more it was enticing to take a bite. But as the daylight went off, so with my body from being too tired, I decided to call it a day. That means, I have the reason to come again with my <strong>List of To Dos</strong> and <strong>Places to See </strong>that are not completely off yet of my bucketlist - <em>to walk along the trail of Yongdusan Park</em>, <em>seafood dining at Jagalchi Market</em>, <em>splurge on best buys at Nampo-dong Underground Shopping</em> and <em>stay for a night and experience public bath (jjimjilbang) at Haeundae Spa</em>. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Nonetheless, the on the spot itinerary on my last day in Busan made my solitary travel more fulfilling.</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Travel Tips:</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Getting to the places via subway:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Shinsegae Department Store (Line 206 Centum City Station Exit 1, 5 minute walk)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Namcheon Cathedral (Line 211 Namcheon Station, Exit 2 by taking the long stairs and keep walking and turn left at the intersection. It's beside the KBS Building</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">BIFF Square (Line110 Jagalchi Station Exit 7, 5 minute walk)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Jagalchi Market (Line 110 Jagalchi Station Exit 1o, 5minute walk)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yongdusan Park (Line 111 Nampodong Exit 1, 10min walk and then take the escalator)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">* Take the One-Day Subway Pass for a unlimited rides during the day of purchase for only KRW4,000.00</span><br />
<br />Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0Busan, South Korea35.1795543 129.0756416000000434.7642763 128.43019460000005 35.5948323 129.72108860000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-58239735877141273552013-07-28T18:24:00.001+08:002013-07-28T18:27:52.317+08:00A Glimpse of Busan on A Tour Bus (Part 2)<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A glimpse of something means to capture or take a peak at once but I realized I cannot just write about Busan City Tour in one post. So I made a Part 2 for Taejongdae Loop Tour while Part 1 is for<a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-glimpse-of-busan-on-tour-bus-part-1.html" target="_blank"> <strong><span style="color: blue;">Haeundae Loop Tour</span></strong></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I described my first tour bus experience through the Haeundae Loop Tour as having seen Busan's side where the sophisticated corporate scent and emerald seascape of the beautiful beaches met in the other half of the largest port in South Korea. <strong>Taejongdae is different</strong>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><em>It is discovering the outskirts of Busan, the loop that go around the southermost of the city</em></strong> - a glimpse of the normal weekday of the locals, listening to how the oldies talk and I somehow acknowledged the difference in their accent from the Seoulites, more fantastic ocean views, and seeing the reasons why this is called the largest port in South Korea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After a quick nap and somehow regained a doze of energy, I walked back to the departure point of the City Tour Bus to catch the 4PM tour. This time I decided just to remain onboard the bus and contented looking at the sights from the window. I didn't want to keep on looking at my watch for the 30-minute interval. Furthermore, I read that the tourist spots require more walking time and I might not able to complete the whole loop tour. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So for this post, I am posting more pictures as I completed the 1 hour and 40 minutes loop tour just inside the bus and without getting off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">First stop is the <strong><a href="http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TR/TR_EN_5_1_5_3.jsp" target="_blank">Passenger Ferry Terminal</a></strong>. Busan is the entry and exit point not only within the boundaries of South Korea like Jeju Island but also to the other parts of the world like Japan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Second stop is <strong>National Maritime Museum of Korea (International Cruise Terminal). </strong>This is the most distinct structure in the form of a ship. Busan offers international cruises and that makes the place romantic as well.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the only national maritime museum in Korea with open-air performance hall</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Third stop was the highlight of the tour - <strong>Taejongdae. </strong>I was itching to get off the bus because of the audio visuals played on the tv monitor in front of me. This is famous for its observatory and lighthouse overlooking the sea even as far as Japan's Tsushima island.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next stop is the <strong>75 Square. </strong>I would have loved to get off again when I saw the audio visuals where there's a trail going down the sea. It would really fun to take that trail and enjoy the view of the sea. And this is one of the many reasons why I would like to go back to Busan again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next stop is the <strong>Songdo Beach</strong> where people flocked for the late afternoon walk. It was more crowded than Haeundae Beach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We then crossed over Namhang Bridge and reached <strong>BIFF Square and Jagalchi Market</strong>. These are both famous for the international film festival and the fish market where you can eat what you ordered to be served. It was not enough for me to just see it from afar so I decided to see the BIFF Square on my own the next day. I spared the Jagalchi Market though as it was hard for me to eat alone in the fish market.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Going around Busan via Taejongdae Tour is like watching a 30-minute-travel documentary where you can only see a bit and pieces of the place. Being a certified DIY traveler, I am looking forward to explore Busan more but at my own pace where I can really know the place - its culture, its history and what experience and memories it can offer. The next day, for just half the day, I explored Busan via Busan Subway. It was more fulfilling!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here are some of the pictures that I took from the tour bus.</span><br />
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Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0Busan, South Korea35.1795543 129.0756416000000434.7642763 128.43019460000005 35.5948323 129.72108860000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-76391968326213071822013-07-27T23:32:00.001+08:002013-07-27T23:40:44.767+08:00A Glimpse of Busan on A Tour Bus (Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm not a fan of a tour bus neither a package tour. It limits my random travel plans at that very moment, my impulsiveness to just change my destination. It makes me bounded with time. And my attention is messed up with checking my watch from time to time rather than enjoying the place. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But in some circumstances like being in a place for just a day or two, taking a tour bus is the most feasible and convenient way to take a peak of the place.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Busan City Tour Bus Ticket good for two loop tours - Haeundae and Taejongdae Tour</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On the last major stop of my 10-day-solitary travel in South Korea with only two days to stay in Busan with scheduled side trip to Changwon Province (literally having a day to stay in Busan), I decided to take the City Bus Tour instead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Busan is named as South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul and the largest port in South Korea. It hosted Asian Games and FIFA World Cup in Year 2002 and APEC in 2005. Every year, it offers venue for the International Film Awards, worldly known as PIFF (Pusan International Film Festival).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.citytourbusan.com/citytour_2010/eng/02.citytour/01.asp" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Busan City Tour Bus</strong></span></a> offers two tours - Loop Tour and Themed Tours. Loop Tour is a hop-on/hop-off service that offers Haeundae Tour and Taejongdae Tour with the same tour duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes and 30-minute-intervals at every stop. It basically touring the Metropolitan City of Busan into two parts. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Themed Tours,on the other hand, offers specific tour on anyone's preference - History and Culture Tour, Haedong Yonggunsa Temple Tour, Eulsukdo Eco Tour and Night Views Tour. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Busan City Tour Loop Tour</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">With my stamina getting low from the cold weather and not having enough sleep and tiredness from the full-packed itinerary for the last 7 days in Seoul and Jeju with side trips to provinces in between, I chose the Loop Tour instead. As much as I want to experience the Night View Tour, I thought I couldn't bear the coldness of the late winter more at night as I've hardly bear it during the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">There are three types of tour buses - <strong>open-top bus, double decker bus and ordinary bus.</strong> Depends on the schedule, it's a luck if you happen to take the open-top bus, but at that late winter weather, I thought it's more lucky to take the double decker bus. And I was lucky! I took the double decker bus as my first Busan City Tour Bus.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Double Decker Tour Bus</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia;">At 12:oo noon, after I deposited my luggages at Pusan Inn Motel before the 2PM allowable check-in, I took a short walk towards Arirang Hotel at Busan Station Square, the departure point of the City Bus Tour. I took the Haeundae Tour first for one main reason that it has a stop at Shinsegae Department Store, Guinness World Record of the largest department store in the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After paying KRW10,000 for the hop-on/hop-off loop tour, I boarded the bus. I was the first one and chose the first row so I had the best view to take photos. It's not airconditioned (<em>of course</em>) but spaciously comfortable to just take a look of Busan in just two hours. The pre-recorded tour is in English and each seat has its own monitor where you can freely browse the places and learn a bit about it - eating is not allowed but at least a mobile web service if you have Korea simcard is good enough as an additional perk. As efficient as the passengers buses in South Korea, the tour bus left Busan Station exactly as scheduled with only me and two Japanese tourists (mother and daughter) on board .</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Tour Bus</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Haeundae Tour starts at 9:30AM in Busan Station and the whole day tour ends at the same place at 6:40PM. We were on the main streets of Busan for about 10 minutes before the first stop. Of course, the leave-less trees, pre-empting Spring lined along the streets, the less number of high rise buildings, presence of container vans make Busan exudes provincial feel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Then, the pre-recorded tourist guide in the bus plays the visuals for the first stop, B<strong>usan Museum. </strong>I settled with that and did not mind of getting off the bus. When nobody from the three of us went down to get off the bus, the tour continued. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the next 5 minutes, the tour bus passed through the streets taking a few turns until it reached the main road along the harbour with the sights of the beach. I was getting sleepy already and the sight of the beach woke me up! I looked at my bus tour brochure. Next stop was <strong>Gwangalli Beach. </strong>This time I thought of getting off the bus and explore the beach but thought of asking the driver first about the time he can stay. He told me for two minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I quickly got off the bus for a quick glance of the beach. There's a few people around and not so many things to see so I settled to take a photo and hurriedly board the bus again. (<strong>This is what I hate about tour bus).</strong></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the tour bus - with Gwangan Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view that made my heart alive at that moment!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gwangalli Beach</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The bus moved on to the next stop -<strong> <a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=495606" target="_blank">Nurimaru APEC House</a></strong>. It was intentionally built for the 2005 APEC Summit Conference and considered as one of the tourist attractions in the city after the historical event. The place is densed with pine trees overlooking Hauendae Beach and the beautiful landscape around Gwangan Bridge. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nurimaru APEC House (photo from <a href="http://www.visitkorea.org/">www.visitkorea.org</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Around that moment, the high-rise buildings, exquisitely sophisticated architectures and uniquely designed infrastructures that I can only see in person in Singapore and KL and only seen in magazines and internet reveal the hidden and fierce beauty of Busan. It left me in awe and wonder how it is to work in Busan where I can work in a corporate world while enjoying the perks of beaches and the charming provincial feel. This is where having two personalities can both fit in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I did not get off the bus when it stopped with the next stop in mind - <strong>Haeundae Beach.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Proclaimed as Busan No. 1 Beach, Haeundae boasts a magnificient seascape, the best subject for panoramic shot. It has long stretch of coastline beautified with the backdrop at both ends -<strong><em> the skyscrapers buildings</em></strong> and <strong><em>residences that colorfully covered the island</em></strong>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The beach is fine sandy, best for playing around in the sand and not for swimming though at that winter. I guess it's crowded during summer. I maximized the 30-minute interval in the beach. I enjoyed watching families, with parents running after their kids who ran after seagulls in the sand. I felt envy though watching couples standing near the water holding hands together. The place is a bit romantic for such a chilly afternoon weather.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Haeundae Beach also houses the famous attractions in Busan such as Busan Aquarium which is named as the largest aquarium in Korea. The 1Km long sandy beach is also filled with luxurious hotels and restaurants.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the couple by the beach</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After a quick but a bit unsatisfied thirty minutes in the beach, I went back to the city tour bus stop and waited for the next tour bus. I haven't had much of my time yet but had to keep going. It was already past 1Pm and I had wanted to check-in and took my much needed nap. ( <em>I woke up as early as 5AM and took the 6AM bus to Jeju Airport for my 9AM flight to Busan.)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The tour bus arrived at the expected time. This time, it's an ordinary bus (not double decker or open-top) with more tourists on board. It stopped in <strong>Haeundae Station, then at Shinsegae Department Store and Busan Museum of Art (Bexco). </strong>Though I wanted to see the largest department store in the world, my tiredness and sleepiness ruled over me. So I just stayed onboard and decided to finish the tour on board.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Then, the tour bus crossed over the Diamond Bridge named as "Gwangan Bridge" which I personally described as the gem of Busan as it offers the great view of Busan during the day and fascinates with its spectacular lights at night. I had the beautiful sights of Busan from the bridge. It was so beautiful that I told myself I should return and see more of Busan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The last tourist spot is <strong>UN Memorial Cemetery. </strong>It serves as final resting place of the UN soldiers during the Korean War.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My Haeundae Loop Tour ended in </span>Busan Station at around 3PM. It was a quick three-hour-tour of the other half of Busan - it's place where sophistication of the corporate districts and shopping malls and serenity and calmness of the beaches collide. This loop tour is the <strong><em>the city-ness in Busan.</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hurriedly, I walked past the Busan Station Park Sqaure towards Pusan Motel Inn where I checked-in and took a quick rest before I continued my next tour - <strong><span style="color: blue;"><u>Taejongdae Loop Tour</u></span>.</strong></span></div>
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Tour Duration and Time Calendar of Haeundae Loop Tour:<br />
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Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0Busan, South Korea35.1795543 129.0756416000000434.7642763 128.43019460000005 35.5948323 129.72108860000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-33781657500892213892013-07-20T02:43:00.001+08:002013-07-27T20:01:30.399+08:00My Lifetime Discovery of The Majestic Splendor of El Nido<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For the last ten years that I've been travelling around the Philippines and abroad (Asia in particular), I associated the memories with the people that I've gone with and the unforgetable experiences that I had but not the places that I've been to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The memories from traveling with my different group of friends were always about the crazy moments when we were together (<em>either about the different extreme adventure, embarassing moments, a little of scary and spooky experiences</em>), the unforgetable conversations (<em>some secrets shared when everyone's sober</em>) and the laughter that we shared together. Those are the moments that became unofficially the common topic when we get together again and can still share the same laughter all over again. And the pictures that painted our memories are fit for a "throw-back-thursday" or "flashback-friday" post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Traveling with my family is like extending our usual activities from home to another place where we just enjoyed being together playing majong, bingo or cards. Those are the moments where we strenghthen our bond as a family, getting out of the usual corners of our abode and just having fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My recent solitary travel to South Korea for ten days was all about a different experience - it was more <em><strong>about myself,</strong></em> asserting my self-confidence and independence, and somehow knowing my limits. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beach Front </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>However, coming to El Nido in Palawan is all about the place. The memories that I made there is having the connection with the place itself. For some reason, I found the calmness and the charm of El Nido that the any imperfections could not falter its beauty.</em></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">El Nido is the </span></em></strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>the living proof of the majestic creation of God. What a wonderful world we are blessed with that any wordly things are incomparable.</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>the view of El Nido Town from the sea</em></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I haven't been around the small town of El Nido during my short stay of three days and three nights neither did I talk a lot with the locals (<em>only with our tour guide Kuya Felix, our boatman Kuya Dodong and some of the staff in Marina Garden</em>) but having my personal space in the bamboo-made bench and native hammock at the beach front and the majestic view in front of me were just enough for me to say, <strong>"I shall return! I should be here every year!". </strong></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Panoramic View of Helicopter Island</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Coming to El Nido is very tough! It takes a lot of time and patience to reach this paradise. At some point I personally experience the literal meaning of "taking the bumpy road to reach the best destination". The six-hour-bumpy-curvy-zigzaggy journey to El Nido from Puerto Princesa and praying to arrive the town alive worth it all! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Peak of Matinloc Shrine</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Known a long time ago as Bacuit Bay, El Nido got its name when the flock of swiflets' edible nests (<em>or known as </em><strong><em>Nido in Spanish)</em> </strong>were abundantly found at the rift of the limestone cliffs. Like the rest of remote provinces in the Philippines, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">El Nido possess the same charm of simple lifestyle of locals. For people like me who have lived in the slow-paced province of Negros and the fast-technology-driven city of Bacolod and Metro Manila throughout my existence in this world, El Nido has both of these world and that make its <strong>grandeur.</strong></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect hue of blue and green at the Small Lagoon</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">During the day, you can enjoy sailing along the sparkling and calm water of Bacuit Bay while passing through the majestic rock formation, looking up in awe at the skyscraping limestone cliffs, snorkeling and finding nemo in its anemone at the most shallow water of the pristine beaches, taking a dip in cool waters of lagoons, climbing up the peak of limestone in a Shrine built in an island and got the best spot to look at the horizon of perfect hue of green and blue, discovering the secret lagoons and beaches, and most of all, eating lunch in an island you can claim as your own for the time-being. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the rock formations in Bacuit Archipelago that make El Nido the grandest of them all!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm a fish, not a dog!:-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello there, Nemo! :-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">when the beauty under the water is beyond indescribable</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our simple yet festive lunch at Star Beach<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">At night, you can stroll around the town for local seafood menus or go Italian with pizza, pasta and risotto in various selections of Italian-inspired restaurants. You can enjoy the ambiance of themed restaurants like an art gallery or the exotic charm where coming in barefoot is more inviting than wearing your footwear. Either you can have the Filipino fushion crepe after a sumptuous dinner or end the night along the shore with a glass of mojito while enjoying the sound of acoustic and country-style music. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09U2dPB_bbA0dv0byAGs-oNvi8ml2uVRf5JL07RuHo5lYUbYN2B8E-N3_kCOz-mKkprMEddBCyEu9Fq-1SRz3RwPl_z-E3CnPoKwKHSYprWa1WreOMG8GueydomYmXflunk68WUIHNDpw/s1600/elnido2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" iya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09U2dPB_bbA0dv0byAGs-oNvi8ml2uVRf5JL07RuHo5lYUbYN2B8E-N3_kCOz-mKkprMEddBCyEu9Fq-1SRz3RwPl_z-E3CnPoKwKHSYprWa1WreOMG8GueydomYmXflunk68WUIHNDpw/s1600/elnido2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My solitary moments in El Nido</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqU3k5TDrGztc5SUbxJIEkhEjbEKKSh_0ETlbORlRJNqSiWxLuhwsrzgTQCbGNMlh-kdVvSiihUpSbTK30bp83zeKHlaQfVHcIeTtCZXPWnCaNFGQqfW6HvRXO4wdhLv9esNvz0MsaHiw/s1600/elnido3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" iya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqU3k5TDrGztc5SUbxJIEkhEjbEKKSh_0ETlbORlRJNqSiWxLuhwsrzgTQCbGNMlh-kdVvSiihUpSbTK30bp83zeKHlaQfVHcIeTtCZXPWnCaNFGQqfW6HvRXO4wdhLv9esNvz0MsaHiw/s640/elnido3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My underwater experience</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em><strong>This is the place where someone from the city couldn't miss that little noise in the island, and, somebody from the province can still experience the simple lifestyle.</strong></em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWVA84vtKxDcBAYI686S029Ac7DKO0ivwtKYbO4NbJsyAr8hagrCnu0yc2N80mkAq46ULuRh7RUVXSR9-mHdw59Z-bG80kJj8Jni5HEgzO2tzGvswQDOAFPXc4_2Kt3qepBY3fUa35hSa/s1600/SAM_0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" iya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWVA84vtKxDcBAYI686S029Ac7DKO0ivwtKYbO4NbJsyAr8hagrCnu0yc2N80mkAq46ULuRh7RUVXSR9-mHdw59Z-bG80kJj8Jni5HEgzO2tzGvswQDOAFPXc4_2Kt3qepBY3fUa35hSa/s640/SAM_0553.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Up until this moment, it is still a wonder why El Nido is different from my experiences in Coron, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Bohol, Negros or even Pagudpud. What is this connection all about? What did I find there that I told myself I should come back. </em></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> That, I will continue to discover.</em></span></strong></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em></em></span></strong><br />
<strong><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em></em></span></strong><strong><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em></em></span></strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Credits: Special Thanks to Anna for arranging our trip. Here's the link of<a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/07/el-nido-puerto-princesa-5d4n-itinerary.html" target="_blank"> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">our itinerary</span></strong></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span>Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0El Nido, Philippines11.2097089 119.4622538999999510.7112849 118.81680689999995 11.7081329 120.10770089999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-51845958351686914402013-07-20T01:58:00.000+08:002013-07-21T23:48:43.064+08:00El Nido & Puerto Princesa 5D/4N Itinerary<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">El Nido and Puero Princesa Itinerary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">No. of Joiners: 4 (Me, Jesi, Anna and Khay)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Travel Period: July 11-15,2013 (5Days/4Nights)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><u>Day 1: Arrival </u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">07:35 ETD - NAIA 4 (Old Manila Domestic Airport) via ZestAir</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">8:35 ETA - Puerto Princesa Airport</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">10:35 ETD Puerto Princesa Terminal to El Nido via Eulen Joy Express (see links below)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">13:35 Stop-over at Roxas for late lunch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">16:00 ETA - El Nido Town Terminal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">16:30 Check-In Marina Garden Beachfront Inn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Dinner at The Alternative</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">*Upon arrival, we took the tricycle for a 10-minute ride to Marina Garden Beachfront Inn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><u><strong>Day 2: Island Hopping Tour C</strong></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">06:30 Wake up Call</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">07:30 Breakfast (complimentary of Marina Garden)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">09:00 Start of Tour C</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 1st stop: Hidden Beach (where you can snorkel at the shallow water)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 2nd stop: Star Beach (where we had our lunch cooked and arranged by our tour guide, Kuya Felix and boatman, Kuya Dodong)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 3rd stop: We're supposed to go to Secret Beach but the waves were too strong to continue sailing. <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(We found out the next day that there was an earthquake thus the unusual raging waves the other day)</span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 4th stop: Matinloc Shrine (where we climbed to the peak and got the best view of the horizon)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 5th stop: Kadlaw Lagoon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 6th stop: Helicopter Island (where we enjoyed snorkel that much and had to feed the fishes just to see them underwater and took a lot of pictures with them)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">17:00 End of Tour C, Back to Marina Garden Beach Resort</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> *while killing some time until dinner, enjoyed sitting at the porch, at the hammock or just sitting at the plastic chairs at the front of the resort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">20:00 Dinner at El Nido Art Gallery Boutique </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><u>Day 3: Island Hopping Tour A</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">07:00 Wake Up Call</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">08:00 Breakfast (complimentary of Marina Garden)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">09:00 Start of Tour A</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 1st Stop: The Small Lagoon (where you can swim from the main, small entrance to the lagoon)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 2nd Stop: The Big Lagoon (we did not stop actually but only a detour as the lagoon is not safe for an amateur swimmers like us. According to our tour guide, the water is as deep as the Barracuda Lake in Coron which we described as "bottomless".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 3rd Stop: Simizu Island (where we had our lunch. It is named after the two Japanese who attemped to make a tunnel at the bottom of the rock formation but eventually died due to lack of oxygen)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 4th Stop: Secret Lagoon and Secret Beach (it was so pristine and perfect for an overnight camping)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 5th Stop: 7 Commando Beach (a long stretch of shoreline perfect for swimming; there's a store there for a quick stop of coffee for us and beer and cocktails drinks for some foreign tourists. A resort/hotel is currently in construction)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">17:00 End of Tour A, Back to Marina Garden</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">19:00 Dinner at The Altrove (initially wanted at SeaSlugs but we're # 8 in queue for the food to be served)</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Day 4: Departure from El Nido</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">07:00 Wake Up Call</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">08:00 Breakfast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">09:30 Travel to El Nido Van Terminal to Puerto Princesa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">11:00 Departure El Nido</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">14:00 Arrival Roxas for late lunch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">16:00 Arrival Puerto Princesa Terminal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">16:30 Check-In Duchess Pension </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">16:30 Quick Tour for Pasalubong at Baker's Hill and Pasalubong Market</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">18:00 Dinner at Ugong Rock</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><u>Day 5: Departure from Puerto Princesa</u></strong>
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<br />09:35 ETD Puerto Princesa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">10:35 ETA NAIA 4 (Old Domestic Airport)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><em><u>Expenses:</u></em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0GRc3ocIIP5jbAInbAR1OtuqtUI5LRWoxGiEU4OOOr0kxFu4_eaf8fTkG82AKsJjcDzMTbCdMa9cIHmqyRYrQWuKzRk4E3Ul-pD5K6OCNFu-N16Rg8CsA-TYnpAno7hT71GYrcDrPuNG/s1600/elnido+expenses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" iya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0GRc3ocIIP5jbAInbAR1OtuqtUI5LRWoxGiEU4OOOr0kxFu4_eaf8fTkG82AKsJjcDzMTbCdMa9cIHmqyRYrQWuKzRk4E3Ul-pD5K6OCNFu-N16Rg8CsA-TYnpAno7hT71GYrcDrPuNG/s640/elnido+expenses.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><u>Contact Details:</u></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Travel Agencies: </span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Travel Mode Ventures (who arranged for our tour through Anna)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Contact: Mr. Vincent -Ray Hallig (09165033123/09998664046)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">La Tiara Tours (partner travel agency in Puerto Princesa, Palawan)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Contact: (048) 4342240/0917-8094509/0917-841-4510</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><em><u>Note:</u></em></strong> Pre-arranged package tour is advisable for group of minimum pax of 4. If less than 4, I suggest you arrange separately for your van transfers, accommodation and island hopping.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;"><strong><em>Accommodation:</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: black;">El Nido -</span> <a href="http://www.mgelnido.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: red;">Marina Garden Beachfront Inn</span></strong></a></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Puerto Princesa - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Duchess-Pension-House/136856866394478" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: red;">Duchess Pension</span></strong></a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;"><strong><em>Van Transfers:</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://eulenjoyexpress.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: red;">Eulen Joy Express</span></strong></a> - you can arrange on your own transfers from/to El Nido.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Contact Nos.: Booking Office (09399459888); Operator (09051052370)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Daily Trip From Puerto Princesa City Airport To El Nido</span><br />
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<em><u>Schedule</u></em><br />
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•1st Trip - 05:00 am<br />
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•2nd Trip - 07:00 am<br />
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•3rd Trip - 09:00 am<br />
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•4th Trip - 11:00 am<br />
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•5th Trip - 01:00 pm<br />
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•6th Trip - 03:00 pm (Depends on volume of passenger)<br />
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•Last Trip- 06:00 pm<br />
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<em><u>Van Rates - Van Transfer per person/pax</u></em><br />
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•Php. 500 - From San Jose Terminal Puerto Princesa City to El Nido Terminal and Vice Versa (Terminal to Terminal)<br />
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•Php. 600 - Pick - up Airport to El Nido terminal & Vice versa, (Airport to terminal or Terminal to Airport)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Credits:</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Anna for arranging the tour and to Khay and Jesi for the fun, laughter and pictures!</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxYLTGcw_Fg_obhV6oXbF4JZPKoJ5jgbc2GnnwbsjEFw1Pz0P0Qt_VRpXqGKfmYz80n3sm18gHRYQ6DJ-ESLGh0o7YmvQE82c7CytQ2ODzOiaS6Wj2CdJY0e2KFo3kGM_Z0Ga-_vGICwW/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" iya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxYLTGcw_Fg_obhV6oXbF4JZPKoJ5jgbc2GnnwbsjEFw1Pz0P0Qt_VRpXqGKfmYz80n3sm18gHRYQ6DJ-ESLGh0o7YmvQE82c7CytQ2ODzOiaS6Wj2CdJY0e2KFo3kGM_Z0Ga-_vGICwW/s640/group.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesi, Anna, Me and Khay</td></tr>
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Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0El Nido, Philippines11.2097089 119.4622538999999510.7112849 118.81680689999995 11.7081329 120.10770089999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-42886906774890586962013-07-06T23:29:00.001+08:002013-07-06T23:51:17.280+08:00A Morning Walk Along Seogwipo Harbour After A Rainy Birthday in Jeju Island <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ__DI1Q2WKHm0WdBZ8pPXsLjP55gG9atmx54SiyLjGsxXFVhc_wywFDfTJW-rZO6o5UsrT_ZrE2yNfcn7Qb8CoCXVbyxgsRmPTn0MvBKaBPKs8Hg9Nl1RqGpKALcN53aM6Xr9od5FN-rl/s1600/morning+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" oya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ__DI1Q2WKHm0WdBZ8pPXsLjP55gG9atmx54SiyLjGsxXFVhc_wywFDfTJW-rZO6o5UsrT_ZrE2yNfcn7Qb8CoCXVbyxgsRmPTn0MvBKaBPKs8Hg9Nl1RqGpKALcN53aM6Xr9od5FN-rl/s640/morning+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My morning walk along the Seogwipo Harbour</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I arrived Jeju on a pouring rain!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And that messed out my </span><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/04/in-gods-presence-in-seogwipo-catholic.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Jeju Solitary Birthday plans</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and stayed most of the time in Jeju Hiking Inn. Amidst the gloomy day, I kept the spirit high and believed that tomorrow would be fine.... No! It would be <strong>much wonderful, much better! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>And I have my full trust in God that it would be an amazing post-birthday experience! </strong></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtISGcencAA6Rt3ucpMrBx-MoQvbVGi_RqVoOrog75lDGlzu1JUkzDqNIxpVmkm3a7w8lqQf0q1sMDSx1dYazS_O_olgXjhm83YlivQ7edQBGsxoS887FKZaZHbJp8jHqaPLdLC3DMo37/s1600/IMG_2989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" oya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtISGcencAA6Rt3ucpMrBx-MoQvbVGi_RqVoOrog75lDGlzu1JUkzDqNIxpVmkm3a7w8lqQf0q1sMDSx1dYazS_O_olgXjhm83YlivQ7edQBGsxoS887FKZaZHbJp8jHqaPLdLC3DMo37/s640/IMG_2989.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 17, 2013 - Celebrating my Birthday in Jeju Island</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">With a bubble bath, a shot of Soju and funny Korean variety show, "Runningman" (<em>which I don't understand what they're saying actually but the actions are funny though),</em> I concluded my birthday in Jeju Island with that simple perks that fate or chances in life gave me. <strong>The fact that I was there matters to me the most at that moment.</strong></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hFAsVIXF4P_6yqnYQClE8tYmEDdQHvkoFOsUsMsomZeKbKtKaGbWX29YH2TzkqXV6r2CcRpm46wpv8HDRi1zODdexCgLBz8Pt11kbmVI34ftGf5Qzb7Din6DD3Z8aXsCCmGNVia7bZEZ/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" oya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hFAsVIXF4P_6yqnYQClE8tYmEDdQHvkoFOsUsMsomZeKbKtKaGbWX29YH2TzkqXV6r2CcRpm46wpv8HDRi1zODdexCgLBz8Pt11kbmVI34ftGf5Qzb7Din6DD3Z8aXsCCmGNVia7bZEZ/s640/IMG_2985.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A warm bubble bath with Soju and some good music</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">..and the night passed by and I can say my most peaceful sleep all throughout my 10-day solitary trip to South Korea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">With the beam of daylight passing through the window, I woke up the morning after more hopeful. The sun was coming out and I was sure the rain would definitely go away. I hurriedly fixed myself and headed out of my room for my early breakfast in the island. <a href="http://www.hikinginn.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Jeju Hiking Inn</span></strong></a> has a rooftop with the best view of Saeyeongyo Bridge in Seogwipo Harbour. I've wanted to have my breakfast there and enjoy my morning coffee with such wonderful view to see.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHX3DoOrkOAIhAXMr5xYRS8wntU9JFZldPbs8srq9E5LIfODxWKYE1CCl41_EyTnEO62aHustKmsBb4vN53BUhyphenhyphentUtPXGCj64rV0kajfIToDbsSEkQEeFLrCLi45RdCA3GwYdGxLC6IDq/s1600/IMG_2992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" oya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHX3DoOrkOAIhAXMr5xYRS8wntU9JFZldPbs8srq9E5LIfODxWKYE1CCl41_EyTnEO62aHustKmsBb4vN53BUhyphenhyphentUtPXGCj64rV0kajfIToDbsSEkQEeFLrCLi45RdCA3GwYdGxLC6IDq/s640/IMG_2992.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the rooftop of Jeju Hiking Inn with my breakfast of cup noodles, coffee and crackers with the magnificient view of Seogwipo Harbour.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Though a bit chilly with the morning dew of the night's rain and the ocean's wind brushing my hair, I stayed for awhile at the rooftop and savored my first Korean cup noodles and the free coffee from the pantry of the Inn. It was relaxing to feel the calmness of the nature around me. It was all <strong><u>EXCLUSIVE</u></strong> for me. Where would I enjoy such calmness and serenity that brings out the joy in a person - this is how life should be spent! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After awhile, I thought of walking from the Inn to the Bridge. It's not enought that I saw it from afar - I should see it much nearer, have a walk along the shore and probably touch the water of the ocean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I quickly changed to a more suitable wear with my camera and tripod and KRW 10,000 (in case I'd badly need it) and then went out and looked for the signs to the harbour. I walked down from the Inn, kept turning right at the intersections and kept on looking at the bridge as my landmark. Along the way, my plans changed as I saw signs directing to Cheonjiyeon Falls. There were few people on the road, mostly old men who were having their morning walk. It was just around seven in the morning and the street down the harbour was free of any cars and tourist buses yet. I freely walked on my own - felt like a local who know the place that well. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The signs to Cheonjiyeon falls</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After walking for about 20 minutes (it was faster as I was going down), I reached the falls which Korean Tourism Org site described as the "God's pond". The falls is quite small, not that high compared to those that I've seen seen in the Philippines but the construction of cemented road, the landscape that complimented the nature around the falls such as the streams, the trees, and the flowers make it more accessible to the tourists. Korea's tradition and culture are more evident with the presence of <strong><em>hareubang,</em> </strong>a statue that is commonly seen in Jeju Island which the folks believed as the gods offering both protection and fertility and if placed outside the gate means giving protection against demons.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me time in Cheonjiyeon Falls</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I had enough time roaming around the place and was walking back when flock of tourists arrived. It was a relief or else, I'd be having a hard time getting my shots clean with my tripod (<strong><em>and I'd be a bit shy to be posing and jumping with unwanted spectators).</em></strong></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was preparing a timed-shot with the hareubangs when this kid voluntarily joined himself for a photo-op.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From the Falls, I followed the road going to the bridge. Along the way were arrays of stalls, coffeeshops and restaurants. There were stalls selling souvenir items, street food like the grilled dried squid, traditional restaurant serving seafood menu from the fresh catch from the sea and many more. I stopped at Seogwipo Tourist Office to get some assistance on the directions going to <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/06/driving-around-udo-island-in-jeju.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Udo Island</span></strong></a>, which I scheduled to visit the next day. My research online from blogs and KTO were not enough that I had to make sure I can get there and the best people to ask are the locals themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After getting what I wanted from the tourist booth, I took the road to the bridge. It was a nice walkway with the sight of fish boats, ferries and some big ships that flocked the harbour. I saw some people started getting busy while I walked at my own pace watching them.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the sight of the Saeyeongyo Bridge from the harbour</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As I walked to the entrance of the vast and open parking space facing the Seogwipo Submarine, I saw the ocean and heard the sound of the waves. It's my sanctuary! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I walked towards the edge of the platform and then carefully went down and walked along the stones which was known as the "Shell" in Seogwipo Harbour to just be near the water. The waves were so strong but I wanted to play with them.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the Shell of Seogwipo Harbour</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I stayed there longer than Cheonjiyeon Falls - just sitting and watching the vast ocean in front of me. The horizon was so wide that my eyes couldn't stay in just one direction. It was so endless that the hue of blue skies seem like colliding with the fierce waves of blue water but still creating a balance of calmness and bravery. It was such a magnificient sight! A perfect painting of nature! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was with my sanctuary - the OCEAN</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">People (local and tourists) started to arrive to either take a glimpse of the ocean and quick photo-op while some just went up to the bridge. It was too beautiful and relaxing to walk away but I need to move on so I can catch-up with my itinerary for the day.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For a time, I felt ecstatic, excited and blessed! <span style="font-size: large;">This is the best birthday gift ever and I got it from God!</span> I wished to see the snow and the ocean and I got them all.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">When people kept on coming , I decided to leave and walked towards Saeyeongyo Bridge. The bridge is actually a pedestrian, the longest built in the Southern part of South Korea, that connects the Seogwipo Port and Birds Island. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the peak of Saegyeongyo Bridge</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Climbing up the bridge was difficult with the strong breeze of the wind bouncing back from the ocean at the peak of the bridge but I managed to cross over. At the other end before the trail to the Bird's Island, there's a resting place with four or five wooden bunks/tables (<em>which is known of a Korean's unique architecture commonly built in front of their houses - usually Hanok houses) </em>scattered in every corner<em>.</em> This is also known in my native language as "papag". For Koreans, it serves either as their resting area for small conversations or chitchat or a table to cook and eat.<br /><br /><em><br /></em>The place was somewhat filled with group of ahjjussis and ahjjumma (<em>old man or woman</em>) doing their morning stretching and exercise while some were sitting at the wooden table /bunk. The music that came from the megaphone that was nailed at the tip of one of the posts seemed like popular to the oldies as they either hummed or sang along with it. I assumed it was a folk song because of the rhythm and melody of the instruments. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the resting area of Saegyeongyong Bridge</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When the sun started to come out shyly, I started to get up and walked back to the arrays of traditional restaurants near the falls with one thing in my mind - <strong>I should try the Abalone Soup cooked in a pot, Jeju's famous cuisine.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My original plan to have a "tour around the world" in Soingook Theme Park for my birthday did not happen but the post-celebration can never be underrated. Full of trust that everything will be alright, I think I had pulled the law of attraction to its fullest - this is The Secret where everything is possible and nothing is impossible! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When you believe <strong><em>firmly</em></strong> of the things to come true, it will surely come to reality. Sometimes, not in our specified time, but in <strong><u>His Time!</u></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="font-size: large;">Additional Travel Info:</span></u></em></strong><br />
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Here's KTO link for the travel information of:<br />
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<a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1755181" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Saeyeongyo Bridge</span></strong></a><br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264588" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Cheongjiyeon Falls</span></a></strong><br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="font-size: large;"></span></u></em></strong>Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0South Korea34.240685491286889 126.3513357656249833.818058491286891 125.70588876562498 34.663312491286888 126.99678276562499tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-16636755985583621232013-06-29T02:32:00.001+08:002016-02-19T15:30:36.165+08:00Driving Around Udo Island in Jeju<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was around Christmas holidays in Year 2011 when I took a handful of guts and finally conquered the commuters' jungle in Metro Manila - EDSA. At that time, it had only been months since I learned the basic lesson of manual driving with an instructor or my brother in the passenger's seat but haven't tried driving alone yet. The culprit who left me no choice but to gather much bravery to drive was the crazy traffic in the metro that got heavier than ever even beyond midnight, when going home after a mid-shift was getting more difficult.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Moving forward first quarter of Year 2012, I took driving in full force! I live in the eastern part of General Manila Area where main roads are on uphill and where having your own car is much cheaper and more convenient than coming to work on public transport. Every day, I mumble a prayer as I drive up Batasan Hills on manual transmission - when I need to perfectly work on clutch, gas and brake trying not to bump the car ahead of me or hit the one behind me. I've always wished the traffic lights are always green!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Those were stressful driving days for me but was indeed a perfect training for me. I've proven that you only need enough bravery in driving! It's like making quick decision to step on brakes when the car ahead takes an abrupt halt or makes an unwarned left or right turn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By the time I scheduled my solitary trip to South Korea, I had much confidence that I can drive in Jeju Island too. I read from many travel tips and blogs that Jeju can be best explored via self-driving. I was about to take it but found out it was a bit expensive for a solo traveler like me. On top of that, I may not able to see the best places as I pass them because I need to focus on the road. So I scrapped if off from my list.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then, I learned about Udo Island.</span></strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">the ferry to Udo Island</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Udo Island is one of the islets surrounding Jeju Island. From Seongsan Port, it is accessible in a 15-minute-ferry ride. A day is enough to go around the Cow Island on bikes, ATVs or even on foot. So I nailed it down in my itinerary in Jeju Island.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The island is as charming as its name. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with lots of rental booths for bikes, ATV and bus tours. Fees vary as well. Bikes can be rented for KRW10,ooo, ATV and scooter for KRW20,000 and Bus Tour for KRW5,000. I could join the bus tour but I wanted to drive on my own. Having seen the landscape of the island from afar, there are lots of uphills too so I gave up biking and went for ATV. After all, it's still a driving experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After I paid KRW20,000 for my two-hour-ATV rental, the guy gave me a quick orientation on how to use the ATV -which to push, to start, to break and how to open the engine of the machine. It's quite easy as I've driven a scooter and ATV before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Udo Maritime Park offers a lot of places to go around the "Lying Cow Island" such as Udo Peak, Geommeolle Beach, Dongangyeonggul Cave & Sebin White Sand Beach. But living in a beautiful tropical country, Philippines,I have easy access to these so I just spent my half-day driving around Udo Island with my camera in a tripod, tied to my backpack that was safely trapped onto the net. (i needed a gopro!)</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's time to take that camera rolling!</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I went first to the area where I saw houses - to the neighborhood and villages. It was perfectly serene and seemed like a normal neighborhood for me. The houses were separated with piles of stones that served as fences. I just drove everywhere for more than half an hour until I decided to go around the route encircling the island. I stopped in any places I thought best for photoshoot - the yellow wild flowers, the Jeju women from afar, the scenery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From the island shores, you can see the women scuba divers of Jeju Island, their pride, who've known to catch the creatures from the sea as their means of living. Fresh from their catch, there are kiosks along the shore that serve food. I wish I tried but it was difficult to order without any menu to refer to.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Udo Light House</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">the many sights of Udo Island</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the women of Jeju - they're strong to scuba diving everyday</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">in front of one of the cafes in Udo Island - South Korea seemed like cheesy in love. I've seen a lot of this kind for a photo. For the time being, I sat on my own. Will see in the future if I can have somebody beside me.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">South Korea as haven of coffeeshops, Udo Island is also surrounded with many cafes. It was so relaxing to take a sip of coffee while looking at the calmness of the ocean, the sounds of the waves and chirping of the birds. They're of different themes too. I wish I could have stayed overnight in the island and just enjoy all the time in the world to just sit back and relax...and allow for the time to just go by.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">various stops for food fresh from the sea</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After two hours, I went back to the rental booth and returned the ATV. By that time, it was 12NN already and the next schedule of ferry back to Seongsan Harbour was at 12:30. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But then, I remembered one thing! I have to taste it's famous peanut ice cream!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Udo's peanut ice cream.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I took the ferry back to Seongsan Harbour for my next stop, Seongsang Ilchulbong. It was a bit difficult for me to leave the island. For some reason, I left my heart in there. I always love the sea, especially the island. It's my dream to have a resthouse in an island or at the top of the mountain where I can see the ocean. As I sat down inside the ferry, I told myself I will go back and stay for the night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">My driving experience via ATV in Udo Island is making another dream happen! Watch it <a href="http://youtu.be/YRDvYrl1VNI" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">here</span></strong></a>! :-)</span><br />
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<u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Additional Tips:</span></strong></u></div>
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<strong><em>Getting to Udo Island</em></strong></div>
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Take an intercity bus from Seogwipo or Jeju City or direct buses (Dongilju bound for Seongsan) to Seongsangri Port. Get off at Seongsalliipgu bus stop . From Seogwipo, I actually took the intercity bus at Jungmun Rotary and just asked the driver if going Seongsan Ilchulbong. You can see anyways the peak of Seongsan Ilchulbong for the Seongsalliipgu bus stop. Estimated travel time is 2.5 hrs. From there, take the taxi for a quick 10-minutes drive to Seongsan Harbour. Then, take the ferry to Udo Island. You may get one-way or return ticket. It takes only 15-minutes to get to Udo Island.</div>
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<strong><em>Activities:</em></strong></div>
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1. Bus tour via Udo Shuttle Bus when 30 minutes intervals for every designated stops. If you neither want to sweat biking around the island that will take much longer and have a driver license to rent ATV or scooter, this is the only option to go around Udo Island.</div>
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2. ATV or Scooter Rental - KRW20,000 for two hours</div>
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3. Biking KRW10,000 for two hours</div>
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<strong><em>Accommodation:</em></strong></div>
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There are a lot of inns and hostel around (some are on-going construction) but if you just wish to take a quick round and glimpse of the island, half of the day is enough and then spend the half of the day hiking up UNESCO Heritage, Seongsan Ilchulbong.</div>
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Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-20843472470958147212013-06-23T02:15:00.001+08:002013-06-23T02:28:35.592+08:00Not An Ordinary Eater in South Korea<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyGj8menfi1l7cIaioegdXCBHcrvzfjcDbZ89JpJkoAdEMdkbcpkksA8jq46OVgHjo6Igs3Lot-ydLQwc2sjyZjhwdZJHuazHLwBN434qUFWsLChiIPOCW1auE7WzVwG_1Vv7xQshPPE0/s1600/food1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyGj8menfi1l7cIaioegdXCBHcrvzfjcDbZ89JpJkoAdEMdkbcpkksA8jq46OVgHjo6Igs3Lot-ydLQwc2sjyZjhwdZJHuazHLwBN434qUFWsLChiIPOCW1auE7WzVwG_1Vv7xQshPPE0/s640/food1.jpg" width="640" wya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korean's Banchan (Side Dishes)<br />
My Traditional Restaurant Experience in Jeju Island</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've read many times from different K-bloggers how unusual it is for Koreans to eat alone in a restaurant. It's seldom to see a loner in a fast food either. If one has to eat alone, it's either in a coffee shop or tea houses. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Honestly, it was my concern when I decided for my first solitary travel. It's not about dining alone but more of how much I can eat. I know how food servings per order can be much bigger and more than enough for one and the cost might be higher too. It means my choices from the menu can be limited as well. I am used of ordering two or three menus and to eat alone may cost me higher. Indeed, after computing my travel expenses, big chunk of which was spent on <strong>food.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I didn't have a <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2012/07/south-korea-gastronomic-misadventures.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>good experience with Korean food</strong></span></a> from my last vacation in Year 2010 and coming again alone, I have to be prepared. Otherwise, I'd be eating noodles and bread for ten days. Prior to my trip, I've researched a lot on Korean cuisine, it's name in Korean and it's description, the ingredients and all. I was thankful to Christine of <a href="http://grrrltraveler.com/countries/asia/korea/kimbap-restaurants/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">GrrrlTraveler</span></strong></a> for sharing with me some Ipad apps on Korean cuisine. I've read a lot and save photos in my Ipad of the possible dishes that I can order. Should I failed to pronounce correctly, I can show the photos instead. :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Some of the dishes that I should try are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em><strong>Samgyeopsal </strong>(pork belly cut in thin pieces and grilled on a smokeless grill)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em><strong> Japchae </strong>(noodle dish mixed with marinated beef & vegetables in soy sauce, it's like Filipino pansit bihon)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em><strong>Bibimbap </strong></em>(<em>basically mixed of different dishes and food</em>), and </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Samgyetang </strong><em>(chicken stuffed with rice and boiled in ginseng, it's like Filipino's arroz caldo).</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In my ten days in South Korea, I found cafes and pastry shops as my comfort place. South Korea is a haven of coffee shops, of all sort (they have dog cafe, cat cafe, art cafe and more themed-cafes). I am planning to put up my own coffee shop five years from now. This is one of the reasons that I travelled to the province of Paju, South Korea on my second day and spent half of my day in </span><a href="http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=999429" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Heyri Art Village</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My trip was not all about coffee shops and traditional restaurants. I had my moments of joining the crowd in streets queuing for the food. If the queue is much longer, I thought it must be good! But at times, I just chose randomly. And it was, I think the most memorable ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So here I'm sharing my solitary gastronomic adventures in South Korea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><strong>Coffee & Pastry Shops</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>My comfort places where I just stopped for awhile and just looked around and did my favorite pasttime - people watching.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was a coffee drinker since the age of five, when kids should still be drinking milk. Since grade school, I had coffee with me when I reviewed my lessons at night. I usually stayed very late at night during exam days and coffee kept me awake. It evolved from a lighter one (where dash of coffee is enough for me as long as there's caffeine in there), then with milk or creamer until I liked drinking brewed. It's very common in the province that I even joined my grandfather at early mornings during summer to drink coffee from their favorite "kapehan".</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><em>Hello Kitty Cafe</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Kitty Cafe in Hongdae, Seoul</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Preferably the famous cafe in Seoul, I came to this coffe shop dedicated to the famous feline character in the world! My sister liked Hello Kitty so much and so with some of my friends and colleagues so I decided to see this place as well. The interior is full of pink and of course, all about Hello Kitty that her fans would be all over her. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneaking with people on dates</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In Hello Kitty Cafe, it made obvious to me that I was there alone. Tourists and locals came either in group or in two. I hurriedly finished my chocolate and waffles and then took most of my time taking pictures. I was more excited to wander around Hongdae than staying inside the cafe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Paris de Baguette in Hapjeong, Seoul and Busan Terminal</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It was a "stop and go" pastry shop for me. When there's nothing to eat and I don't want to think what to eat anymore, I just went to any Paris de Baguette shops for some pastries. It was my first stop in Seoul when I arrived. It was too early and I had to eat first before I kick-off my itinerary for the day. It's not all about bread but they have varieties of cakes and sweet treats too. I bought Tiramisu cake for my midnight snack at their branch in Busan Terminal too when I was in Busan.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best-seller sweets on White Day in Seoul</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I arrived Seoul on March 14, which was a White Day in South Korea. This is the day when boys give flowers/candies to girls in return for the Valentines Day where girls give boys some chocolates. I thought the shop was always that busy. Later, I just found out that it was for a White Day celebration in South Korea. They're such sweet folks! :-)</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cafe Rose in Heyri Art Village</span></em></strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe Rose, one of the coffee museums in Heyri Art Village</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Being in South Korea where coffee shops are just everywhere was a hurdle for me. Weeks before my trip, I was advised by my doctor to refrain from drinking any with caffeine due gastro pains. Coming to Heyri Art Village, which I just found out when I got there was actually a village of coffee shops or known to them as "Coffee Museum" , was like coming to Hell instead of Heaven. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I went inside Cafe Rose because of the signage "Coffee Museum" at the second floor but I restrained myself from further pain of not getting the "hand-grip coffee" that so famous being great in South Korea. Instead, I went around Cafe Rose as the interior was so beautiful, so homey, cozy and has the perfect ambiance to just chill and enjoy your coffee. It would be one of my inspirations for my coffee shop in the future.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Coffee Story in Sasang Terminal, Busan</strong></span></em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee Story in Sasang Terminal, Busan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is the cozy coffee shop inside Sasang Bus Terminal in Busan. I was supposed to go to the nearby Mcdo but the interior of the coffee shop was more appealing to me. So I bought my hot chocolate and some cookies from there before I get on the bus to Jinhae.</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A Twosome Place in Busan </span></em></strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Twosome Place for a OneSome me :-)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">A coffeeshop that is famous because of K-dramas, I decided to give this coffeeshop a try in Busan before I took the KTX train to Seoul.</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Culcom, just random coffee shop in Jongno</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was just killing some time before I left Seoul to Incheon for my flight back to my Manila and I was looking for somewhere to just chill and eat. As I walked along Jongno, I passed this coffee shop with inviting caption on their store, "Free Ipad". I checked it myself and found out they have actually Mac PCs for free of use and not for give-aways. The place is a combination of coffeeshop and a study center. They also serve buffet salad bar but it's more of a buffet of food which I labeled as main course rather than a salad. I went for it and for just KRW9,000, I had the best buffet in Seoul.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><strong>Pizza </strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I really like pizza - the four cheese and margarita! Having read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, it is my dream to try the Naples' pizza. So even in Korea, I looked it for myself.</span></strong></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizzeta at Bukchon Traditional Village</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For some reasons, I was craving for Pizza days before I went to South Korea. On my first day, I tried a lot to try the pizza parlor that I saw but there's no solo order. After having my bibimbap at Insadong, my first ever attempt to try Korean cuisine (which I was not happy at all, unfortunately), I had my pizza in Seoul.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Coming from Bukchon Traditional Village, it was amazing how I sniffed the smell of pizza from somewhere. Going dowm from the uphill Bukchon, I was like a kid running down when I saw this Pizza house in the main road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The place was owned by a couple who can speak good English. I ordered four-cheese-pizza and carbonara. They thought the pizza was for take out but I told them it was both for dine-in! They told me the pizza was a much bigger and seemed worried I was ordering too much for myself. I told them I can take out for some. It was a full day for me. I travelled to the province of Paju, two-hours from Seoul and then spent walking in Insadong where I had my bibimbap but not so happy with it. I spent more walking up and down the hilly Bukchon Village that I thought I deserved a <strong>PIZZA! </strong>Indeed, it was my first expensive meal of my trip. I paid KRW 29,000 (roughly around Php1,200).</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Streetfood</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Korean streetfood is part of their culinary tradition. In every K-drama, rich or poor always try their streetfood! I tried a lot of them when</strong><a href="http://chriene.blogspot.com/2012/07/south-korea-streetfood-experience.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong> I first came to Korea</strong></span></a><strong> and it had sustained me and was my surviving food when I was not into Kimchi then.</strong></span> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In PIFF Square in Busan,</span></em></strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the famous streetfood in PIFF Squre, Busan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was colder in Busan or my immune system just went low from previous trip from Seoul to Jeju! Yet, I went around Busan and braved the cold - so with their street food that is famous in PIFF Square. I tried the kebab which I thought will be grilled. But it was served with a spicy soup that made it spicier when it was sprinkled with chili powder. I coughed a lot when I took a sip that I was almost in tears. And it made me buy an ice cream amidst the 2C weather.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it was too much for the cold but i have to eat to lessen the hot spicy taste left in my tongue</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Korean Cuisine</span></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've been curious about Korean cuisine! Watching it over K-dramas how the actors and actresses are satiating over their meal, I become more interested.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bibimbap in Insadong</span></em></strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gigimbap, still not my favorite</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After my trip in Heyri Art Village in Paju, South Korea, I went back to Seoul and arrived Insadong past 1pm. I read from lots of K-bloggers that there are a many traditional restaurants to choose from for authentic Korean cuisine. I was so hungry from just having my free bread and coffee at Four Seasons House, so I decided to have some Korean cuisine for lunch. I stopped at "Good Restaurant" and ordered Gigimbap. I tried a little to mix first just to get comfortable with it but I found my mixture tastes weird. Instead, I opted to eat the rice with some side dishes along with the soup. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Gimbap in Busan Terminal</em></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was my Day 7 in South Korea - I was so tired with little sleep and it was cold! I arrived Busan from Jeju Island and did not have a good appetite at all. But I forced myself to eat, otherwise, I'd get sick. Thankfully, I saw a food chain in Busan Terminal where I was located nearby. There, I tried Gimbap, and it never failed being my survival food in South Korea. </span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ramen in Seoraksan National Park</span></em></strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soothing after the hike at Snow Mountain<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">I've never liked Korean noodles, especially the cup noodles. But I don't why, after I went down from my experience with snow at Gwonggeumseong Fortress, I had in mind to eat noodles already. Perhaps, it was the coldness of the snow that I wanted to soothe my tummy with hot, spicy soup. It was indeed a good choice!</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Black Seafood Noodles at Udo Island, Jeju</span></em></strong></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the "pointed" noodles in Udo Island<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">On my third day in Jeju Island, I took a ferry to Udo Island for a half-day trip. There I rented an ATV for two-hours and drove around the cow-head-shaped island. It was lunch time already when I finished my tour and I decided to eat the nearby restaurant near the ATV booth. The menu was all in Korean and there were no pictures to choose from. Looking around the other customers, I saw this black noodle where a man in military uniform was eating so good and he looked satiating with. I ordered the same thing by just pointing at the man's plate. :-)</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Jeonbok TTukbaegi in Seogwipo Port</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">I can say this is the best brunch I ever had in South Korea. A day after my birthday in Jeju Island, I took my early morning walk along Seogwipo Harbour. Fresh catch from the sea, I ordered the Abalone soup in hot pot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><strong><em>Griller Mackerel with Banchan in Korean Traditional Restaurant in Seogwipo in Jeju</em></strong></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mackerel complete with bancha (side dishes)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">It's brushing off my bucket list - to eat a full Korean meal! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">I had the most tiring yet fulfilling day in Jeju Island that I gave myself a treat. When I entered the traditional restaurant, I was ushered to the table but I asked if I can have in the traditional table instead. There are couple in the other side with their Soju and a group of families at my back but it didn't bother me at all. I was too busy taking pictures, adjusting my foot until I got comfortable in indian-sit and looked more happy when the food came. It was such a big serving just for me! </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">I had spent much on food but I loved everything about it!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">I never thought I would like Kimchi that much that I even bought one from Duty Free. Back in the Philippines, I'd occasionally eat in a Korean restaurant.</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA63Nii0mZhwEMp6McaRrYJPRksbw5k0-fyniWdceJfIBhYTU7R5pgBVzB1fiYGZnaJl8NYvmM2djV0Od59h9p0lrP8z5l1bav6GlsrpsdVgnD1Ffi1EWSOIUgrU2d020qhtoyqzsC3cXc/s1600/securedownload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA63Nii0mZhwEMp6McaRrYJPRksbw5k0-fyniWdceJfIBhYTU7R5pgBVzB1fiYGZnaJl8NYvmM2djV0Od59h9p0lrP8z5l1bav6GlsrpsdVgnD1Ffi1EWSOIUgrU2d020qhtoyqzsC3cXc/s400/securedownload.jpg" width="400" wya="true" /></a></div>
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Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-67115232323983721522013-06-01T20:06:00.002+08:002013-06-01T20:06:59.144+08:00Hi Seoul: It Was Like Coming Back To A Place I've Always Known<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-ZCCVYU-3A-WWMDIQ3mkp3aVPxWZJQRsGmLq9BubKsfjEjgmoIgA4rdxw8VTAw0c6cSncHTntTtP01IrgtHKusGv93owRZsyfAktoieNHg5lqZxX-hrTQKr8QvvIfY9XUsyIEAMntZ3v/s1600/door1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-ZCCVYU-3A-WWMDIQ3mkp3aVPxWZJQRsGmLq9BubKsfjEjgmoIgA4rdxw8VTAw0c6cSncHTntTtP01IrgtHKusGv93owRZsyfAktoieNHg5lqZxX-hrTQKr8QvvIfY9XUsyIEAMntZ3v/s640/door1.JPG" width="640" yya="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>I'm in South Korea! This it It!</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I uttered these words to myself as I got out of the exit door of the arrival hall of Incheon International Airport. The sting of cool air into my skin woke me up that I was indeed breathing Winter, the season that I chose to chase this time after<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-six-days-in-south-korea-barely-made.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">I barely chased Spring three years ago</span></strong>.</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I looked for the bus ticket booth for the Airport Bus to my hostel in Seoul - the very first thing that I cannot remember doing when I was here with some friends in Year 2010. We were issued tickets upon boarding the bus. On my way to Seoul, I hardly kept my eyes open as I was swayed from the tiredness of getting my reports done and directly heading to the airport without any sleep and even bath from all day's work. It was a bit uncomfortable not being able to freshen up and there I was traveling in this cold country on my own.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWQTx_LJUptqVGYLTZormLXuWNAmKTMn7nXjgwfzbLd5DvGXEEOxV4WhB6fyyZwRmKQp3BB32bpHC9YkKyHc6SQA3qlUktpVmM8q6fpfhhyCRFVu6Er26BP2TpKsqz5vqfpgnsG6LaX98/s1600/airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWQTx_LJUptqVGYLTZormLXuWNAmKTMn7nXjgwfzbLd5DvGXEEOxV4WhB6fyyZwRmKQp3BB32bpHC9YkKyHc6SQA3qlUktpVmM8q6fpfhhyCRFVu6Er26BP2TpKsqz5vqfpgnsG6LaX98/s640/airport.jpg" width="640" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ticket Booth outside Arrival Hall 12</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">But then, as the bus getting nearer Seoul, I saw some familiar streets and signs (either from my vacation in South Korea three years back or from my meticulous research). I felt like I'm coming back to a place seemed familiar to me - the transportation, the street signs, the establishments. The familiarity may either came from the Korean dramas that I love to watch or again, from my meticulous research. I missed my bus stop at Hapjeong but it was a great miss! I was obliged to take a cab and had<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2013/05/i-speak-in-english-they-talk-in-korean.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>my first conversation with a Korean</strong>.</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After I finally found my way to Four Seasons House, the warmest hostel I've experienced for my first three days in Seoul, I got back my confidence in going around Seoul once more, this time on my own. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I dropped my bags in the reception area (with check-in time at 2PM) and with a bit of excitement, I looked forward to this different experience, wanting to get off things from my bucketlist. I braced myself to kick-off my solitary travel.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KBgJK3x3XELGXNvycycQQ5HPTOFcsOlOw6k6E5OV5_pC8dvu-QevQIfUCKAIwfePCuqayAkddbxJPp0J0mYX21jTzzQ0D2yRgIoiPHJRHiDjCf-u_l1hT60Z5Iik5o7wA2Cct4XEiV9A/s1600/road1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KBgJK3x3XELGXNvycycQQ5HPTOFcsOlOw6k6E5OV5_pC8dvu-QevQIfUCKAIwfePCuqayAkddbxJPp0J0mYX21jTzzQ0D2yRgIoiPHJRHiDjCf-u_l1hT60Z5Iik5o7wA2Cct4XEiV9A/s640/road1.jpg" width="640" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KBS Station Main Road</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I spent my first morning in Seoul just idly sipping my hot chocolate and ham and sausage turn-over from Paris de Baguette near Hapjeong Station while having fun watching people passing by. It was eight in the morning, the rush hour in one of the ordinary Thursdays in Seoul, and, I found it fascinating just watching people walking fast on their stilettos, boots and rubber, walking shoes, wearing in different styles and colors of bubble jackets, stylish trenchcoats and winter jackets and presence of BB creams. They were heading towards Hapjeong and Hongdae - either those were professionals or students. At most, I can distinguish who are working in posh offices - <strong>through their stylish bags, trenchcoats and stilettos. </strong>Students have backpacks at their back that I found it too trendy that I bought one for myself. (Which I haven't found the same style here in the Philippines, <strong>yet)</strong></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_uMV-Cs_8ZilQYWzHgoFThRaagiCBNDAxeWybVCrKF6DjzFd84nr7aty3CZTwuvXG7fdYoDmj3plCvezReWiK2aaRKYENxCs4NgvSPjTjT9OBiaXaSP-TXQ9BtIgXiCD-CpZpwSTzvPj/s1600/securedownload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_uMV-Cs_8ZilQYWzHgoFThRaagiCBNDAxeWybVCrKF6DjzFd84nr7aty3CZTwuvXG7fdYoDmj3plCvezReWiK2aaRKYENxCs4NgvSPjTjT9OBiaXaSP-TXQ9BtIgXiCD-CpZpwSTzvPj/s640/securedownload.jpg" width="640" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paris de Baguette</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The sun was up but the temperature of 1C made me hesitant to join the bandwagon of Koreans and expats on their way to work, school or anywhere. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I ate slowly just killing some time before the clock hits nine, I browsed my self-made travel guide to my first destination in the list - <strong>KBS Exhibition Hall . </strong>Having worked in a broadcasting company, I was curious how KBS conduct their studio tours. From my research, the hall opens at 9:30AM. However, with stamina getting down from the lack of sleep and having difficulty embracing the sudden change of weather (from Summer in the Philippines to late Winter in Seoul), I decided to change my plans and went a bit slower - meaning not to go around but rather stay in one place until 1PM.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBZdJCC4BRe-cwDmcFLP5nvVmee1EUX8DpaJNMSx3icckrtUci10SerDY8w4P08OneSOGiG2BbMt7456BUgHV9A1dvR7Yej4uIqn9I8v2GaNONmKF4JnHyQOOIW4e9UFtJ9Bh-bkgNcIh/s1600/day+1+iti.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBZdJCC4BRe-cwDmcFLP5nvVmee1EUX8DpaJNMSx3icckrtUci10SerDY8w4P08OneSOGiG2BbMt7456BUgHV9A1dvR7Yej4uIqn9I8v2GaNONmKF4JnHyQOOIW4e9UFtJ9Bh-bkgNcIh/s640/day+1+iti.JPG" width="640" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Day 1 Planned Itinerary (and it was changed, of course!)</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> I just realized now that I should have stayed in Jjimjilbang (찜질방) and have taken a nap and moreso, a bath! I could have been re-charged and gotten off that one in my bucket list.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">But my first day was like getting a feel of the South Korea again. Amidst the difficulty coping up with weather and sleepiness, things started getting familiar.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Subway - Reading the Map and Knowing the Exits and the Transfers</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviamG6seLapS2z_asXbefkMpYQ0pGbiin_ygfFan6HXlZVuKYRgfQolR7IVRM2QR2ZcP21M8Z444iaWTsH1QM_2ytoKDaeDPNp3MIK34Yl7znIXUw2l-VToNLa03_h6QgH6waeHMTl6o0/s1600/road+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviamG6seLapS2z_asXbefkMpYQ0pGbiin_ygfFan6HXlZVuKYRgfQolR7IVRM2QR2ZcP21M8Z444iaWTsH1QM_2ytoKDaeDPNp3MIK34Yl7znIXUw2l-VToNLa03_h6QgH6waeHMTl6o0/s640/road+2.jpg" width="640" yya="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Seoul Subway and the key cities Incheon and Busan have the most sophisticated yet tourist-friendly subways - it's easy to transfer from one place to another but transfers can be tiring sometimes. It's like walking through streets and intersections underway. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Traditional Houses and the Familiar ClayPots </span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHV7yzO9SqO7Y2RZSW6JQ4iaPrKyfs4BXa1RD8Nj5786VdhWhTjHnu80J97ywarqdx-u16wh6w7sH6AcURsie1dHTa1SIvO8KNvuzPybFYgGi3kP8b5PCxHRZJ6_1voQOkEqVgBn-RnEp/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHV7yzO9SqO7Y2RZSW6JQ4iaPrKyfs4BXa1RD8Nj5786VdhWhTjHnu80J97ywarqdx-u16wh6w7sH6AcURsie1dHTa1SIvO8KNvuzPybFYgGi3kP8b5PCxHRZJ6_1voQOkEqVgBn-RnEp/s640/house.jpg" width="640" yya="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Korean architecture always fascinates me - from those stylish wall-in cabinets to wooden chairs, from the dressers to the charming decorations in any part of the house, and even the half-rounded bed that I saw from the Korean series, "He's Beautiful". The unique features of Hanok are always charming for me. It was always one of the most memorable memories in Korea - <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-traditional-dwelling-experience-in.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">my Hanok stay</span></strong></a>. I even thought of having it as an inspiration for one of the themed rooms in my bed and breakfast hostel years from now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">.. and more of these that I finally said, <strong>"Annyeong Korea! It felt great to be back!"</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Korean StreetFood</span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYqYEV78fXuxanh38nZT4_OBoCGDJho3mU2-hTnzpfosq3Qj8w-byakIN8tqHurSK7gi6685F5lB_Q-fWlqJiirv-T_tVU25FGcutk5yMok-f__oDwZRZ7ytrsiwoBwBAWnqti2Q4fZR4/s1600/SAM_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYqYEV78fXuxanh38nZT4_OBoCGDJho3mU2-hTnzpfosq3Qj8w-byakIN8tqHurSK7gi6685F5lB_Q-fWlqJiirv-T_tVU25FGcutk5yMok-f__oDwZRZ7ytrsiwoBwBAWnqti2Q4fZR4/s640/SAM_1642.JPG" width="640" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in one of the streets in Hongdae Area</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Cute and Cheesy Pairs of Socks</span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmF9gC6egkmn_FtsuWxrwpPtA5TVM51F9n6DpiQjbri6Hq9iZSuM2WFc67VZ1S1wyB6dmo1Fm-tkD0rsQYeuM82f4tC1r-PmHWA0zMe_XyPv7lkFmpUZYkOPWNGvCxKHXuuqidgg-WNmBz/s1600/socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmF9gC6egkmn_FtsuWxrwpPtA5TVM51F9n6DpiQjbri6Hq9iZSuM2WFc67VZ1S1wyB6dmo1Fm-tkD0rsQYeuM82f4tC1r-PmHWA0zMe_XyPv7lkFmpUZYkOPWNGvCxKHXuuqidgg-WNmBz/s640/socks.jpg" width="640" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I regret much that I haven't got one pair for myself.</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">K-Pop Idols and Drama Actors/Actresses Souvenirs EVERYWHERE!</span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2TLVBtI0UztUhzAjJmemeOj86LHYUq2Mvxow2JsH_37gaRiv9zdhC7cmpV0xZMrNOShjXVkOmFqTwSIO4QgSlMTmqPALRHlru8LiAGnvM_DDnOwaTZoHvY8VidWwHdAS5PhTXBON42qj/s1600/idols.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2TLVBtI0UztUhzAjJmemeOj86LHYUq2Mvxow2JsH_37gaRiv9zdhC7cmpV0xZMrNOShjXVkOmFqTwSIO4QgSlMTmqPALRHlru8LiAGnvM_DDnOwaTZoHvY8VidWwHdAS5PhTXBON42qj/s640/idols.JPG" width="640" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you guess who they are?</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Electronic Door Access </span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlAKcs-JlpzxEW8TayZpk6jtU31-B5-Ge5HEoFfMS2JllTTjkervYr3uEzUQVAsnph9B2ALxTTjYWhVBhRyr_p2dbZM1uspyaT1MYWam-eBpdUtGZgIikH5reV0xekMLQCgguu9Av2vMF/s1600/doorlock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlAKcs-JlpzxEW8TayZpk6jtU31-B5-Ge5HEoFfMS2JllTTjkervYr3uEzUQVAsnph9B2ALxTTjYWhVBhRyr_p2dbZM1uspyaT1MYWam-eBpdUtGZgIikH5reV0xekMLQCgguu9Av2vMF/s640/doorlock.JPG" width="480" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I happened to scramble the number combination on my 2nd night and I thought I'd be waiting outside for somebody to come. :-(</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Artsy, Homey, Comfy, CoffeeShop</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOReS127huQDrI9kiusSLqoZhq8m9cInZmcThT93ZIvataBfOFh6j3vmpTIepl_QyDCeaxJC5oUpU94HwNo-UJb1-UYFk7XyYQV491GS_aX9RMkkEKe03q_pIJvRh9cOtXMqzl_gGX8KF/s1600/coffesshop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOReS127huQDrI9kiusSLqoZhq8m9cInZmcThT93ZIvataBfOFh6j3vmpTIepl_QyDCeaxJC5oUpU94HwNo-UJb1-UYFk7XyYQV491GS_aX9RMkkEKe03q_pIJvRh9cOtXMqzl_gGX8KF/s640/coffesshop1.jpg" width="640" yya="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So after I checked-in and had my quick nap, I took my most yearning bath and found my steps along the road in Hongdae and had my late afternoon snacks at the coffeeshop of the famous feline in the planet earth, Hello Kitty.</span>Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-73898816085891263912013-05-07T22:45:00.001+08:002013-05-31T23:09:04.053+08:00A Prologue to My Solitary Travel<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My first travel away from home was going to Cebu when I was six years old, about to enter Grade 1. My older cousin, who was then a military sergeant, was really fond of me <i>(perhaps i was too smarty and cute when i was little :-))</i> and asked my parents if he could tag me along for a summer vacation. I can remember a little - playing with some kids amidst the differences in our dialects, going to the market, and taking the long bus trip. It was too late for my parents to realize why they allowed it to happen. I was just a kid and only in pre-school. But I cannot remember getting homesick. What I can remember was being afraid of the dark, as kids normally do, so I'd play with my watch in darkness until I fall into sleep. I think it was the first time that travel bug bit me, very deep that it stung into my blood and kept on running through my veins. The poison has never been cleared, <b><u>until now!</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since then, my summer and school vacations were spent either in my grandparents' house for months or in a relative that were far from home - where I traveled by land, by the sea, and by air. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_ltTN2M-GkaoL-sFiyb3_zRqRMW8SsNdx0batxvgxKGc6XzzCOnnmkZ-zsMv9tO38I6lrpvPn0xG_8Kncd_KA6W_fiZQKkj_f-5JpECpeNS6vqPACa6tEyzD0_SbqjESzi9dAcS556QW/s1600/travel-kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_ltTN2M-GkaoL-sFiyb3_zRqRMW8SsNdx0batxvgxKGc6XzzCOnnmkZ-zsMv9tO38I6lrpvPn0xG_8Kncd_KA6W_fiZQKkj_f-5JpECpeNS6vqPACa6tEyzD0_SbqjESzi9dAcS556QW/s400/travel-kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: www.mychildmagazine.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Travel, then, was all about <b>F.U.N!</b> It was when I played with new kids and met new friends (where I compelled them to write in my SlumBook). It was where from the eyes of a grade schooler, I learned the different facets of life. When I started to have crushes and had a my childish version of a <i>"long distance relationship".</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Summer vacations meant travel to me. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Fast forward.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A year after I passed the CPA Board exam, I applied for working visa to Canada. But as a newly grad, with less than a year of experience, I did not meet the required number of points. Years passed, as I ho</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pped from one job to another, I never stop trying. I applied for Singapore, Canada, US, New Zealand and Australia. But either fate or any other forces of nature was defying the chance. I've never been successful. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHKXU5HD7BiPVgNIskHSwaXZUS08VhWE_0tT2UiqovwPRaoextU_jw6c337ztgEFsbOyzhK3k1bvADHCxazeTLiBjXRlE2Mzdne4G-UlrlxPC88QqMO2yoeQQVOmrye-2jUkqsI_TaUFu/s1600/luggage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHKXU5HD7BiPVgNIskHSwaXZUS08VhWE_0tT2UiqovwPRaoextU_jw6c337ztgEFsbOyzhK3k1bvADHCxazeTLiBjXRlE2Mzdne4G-UlrlxPC88QqMO2yoeQQVOmrye-2jUkqsI_TaUFu/s400/luggage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I was on the verge of completely giving up after I landed with my current job where complete compensation package is already at par with Singapore's experience level, I got a call from Apple Singapore offering a job very much similar to mine. I did consider. I may get the same bucks with I was getting with the local one for a managerial post and with Singapore's as an analyst, its the experience that matters - </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to work abroad and learn how to survive away from the perks of comfort life (in all aspects) in my country, to live and work with other nationalities, to adapt to their cultures, to be just <i><u>independent.</u></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
But that opportunity also went away. So I retreat. It's not my destiny. It's not my fate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Eventually, I understand why. There's always a reason for everything!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
I can have the best of both worlds. I still have the comforts of my home but I have the time, the opportunity, <i>my created chances, </i>and most of all, the resources to explore the world <b><i>on my own - out of pleasure and not for the sake of living.</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrDS8fPbs4L3zBh82_kAo5rZYmz_Xn8XFi2FHsr8kDjF4qioTO9Gb9i4sKJw0tmU6Zl1iLdwt2MkLmCG3TFsn1gkv5XWFVfRcQuvtxENEeZhq38nuJRTRU1lPshMsP3onYvMmHzUK2WtH/s1600/IMGP0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrDS8fPbs4L3zBh82_kAo5rZYmz_Xn8XFi2FHsr8kDjF4qioTO9Gb9i4sKJw0tmU6Zl1iLdwt2MkLmCG3TFsn1gkv5XWFVfRcQuvtxENEeZhq38nuJRTRU1lPshMsP3onYvMmHzUK2WtH/s400/IMGP0029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to board Singapore Airlines - my first trip abroad</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have I landed a job in Singapore, I'm not too sure if I would have this pleasure of solitary travel... so with my family and friends. ;-)</span>Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-15707772757236092692013-05-05T00:28:00.005+08:002013-07-28T22:18:07.899+08:00My Heartwarming Journey to Snow Mountain in South Korea<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">To experience snow - scope a fistful of it</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- this is my ultimate birthday wish </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My diligent research helped me find a place in South Korea where snow has not melted yet by mid-March. Search engines in the net and various travel stories in the blogsphere directed me to Seoraksan National Park that serves as the gateway to Mt. Seorak, the highest mountain in Taebak mountain range. It's located in Gangwon-do Province nested in the eastern part of South Korea and can be reached via a two-to-three-hour-bus trip from Seoul. It is named as the Snow Mountain with "Seol" meaning "Snow" and "Ak" meaning "Big Mountain" because the snow would not melt for the long time. Indeed, it is the <b><i>Snow Mountain.</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt57uXIpjti0hK0yXdt29YhWUNFpPClfRGelbc5HQYfpG7cyC2y3MU77OmX1QvsqLZ1N6BvxdNd9NjRAXjBQa09rNqwIKrV05tCKGD1UkcsTyfKNvE6dkUUib8MfgI9HNGTqxo7htGwg9/s1600/mt+seorak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt57uXIpjti0hK0yXdt29YhWUNFpPClfRGelbc5HQYfpG7cyC2y3MU77OmX1QvsqLZ1N6BvxdNd9NjRAXjBQa09rNqwIKrV05tCKGD1UkcsTyfKNvE6dkUUib8MfgI9HNGTqxo7htGwg9/s640/mt+seorak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top of Gwongeumseong Fortress</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I took the 7:20 AM non-stop bus from Dong Seoul Express Terminal to Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal after I missed it's first trip at 6:20AM. Amidst the aching morning coldness of 2C degrees outside the holding area of the terminal, I opted to stay while carefully checking the bus signages with my ticket. The scheduled time was a bit confusing - one bus was showing 7:19 and the Korean characters looked like the same with my ticket </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">Sokcho’(속초)</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> but mine should be at 7:20. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr1QcOBcANphDj5axGJPuCBuPEB0kbhXhALzXX4cQU70dgGzCfVipQlyNVvjLu1EG93Sfn86QorNkgskefpgLFm_zy1JwBAl89ISxV7Xjcpsoksp8r2eLrlXuVvCLMqTD6aEQ4qCG8rRX/s1600/ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr1QcOBcANphDj5axGJPuCBuPEB0kbhXhALzXX4cQU70dgGzCfVipQlyNVvjLu1EG93Sfn86QorNkgskefpgLFm_zy1JwBAl89ISxV7Xjcpsoksp8r2eLrlXuVvCLMqTD6aEQ4qCG8rRX/s400/ticket.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my ticket and the bus to Sokcho City</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I got my confusion cleared-up when people started to fall in line to the bus with time indicated at <b>7:20AM. </b>I went up the bus looking for <b>seat number 5, it's on the window seat.. </b>and someone was occupying it. I was about to tell him that it was mine when her daughter from the opposite row said something and then laughed. She was seated beside her mother who also said something. He then figured out that he should be sitting on the aisle seat, that is, seat number 6. After I settled in my seat, I placed my backpack on the floor, took my bubble jacket off <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(buses in Korea are non-aircon for obvious reason that's its very cold outside but the lack of ventilation inside the bus make it suffocating instead), </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and just had my camera in handy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The bus left exactly at 7:20AM. Very efficient!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As soon as the bus started running, I kept on looking outside the window. In just a few minutes, we were out on the highway where patches of greenfields, riverbanks, houses, <b><i>lots of </i>tunnels </b>and mountains as the backdrop<b> </b>were part of my journey. After awhile, the man beside me nudged me gently and I turned to him. He was offering a cup full of cherry tomatoes. I looked towards the opposite row and his wife smiling and speaking in Korean with hand gestures seemed like telling me to take the cup. I shyly took it out of courtesy, uttered a "Thank You" and picked one tomato and with a constrained smile swallowed it. I do not eat fresh tomato unless served with a salad dressing or dipped into vinegar seasoned with pepper and salt. I sensed that the old man was observing me. He was not talking but his face exuded an aura of friendliness with his smiling eyes. I took another one and kind of like it. Then, I put the cup at the holder at my front.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9FGT5bu_hhUxg5iD8zfCfLN0m3lPytzF_BNGAf1nz0QSujRchukBsa_V5LFyzXkpDRYg-Xe73uF9rjfqjgAX6w6udO9Z7W1yDjb-mxhb5f_GT_ETMbgDjLE1-lwWN_-9kfuee2Yx6SLG/s1600/SAM_1836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9FGT5bu_hhUxg5iD8zfCfLN0m3lPytzF_BNGAf1nz0QSujRchukBsa_V5LFyzXkpDRYg-Xe73uF9rjfqjgAX6w6udO9Z7W1yDjb-mxhb5f_GT_ETMbgDjLE1-lwWN_-9kfuee2Yx6SLG/s320/SAM_1836.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my cherry tomato</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A few minutes later, the wife handed over an apple which she cut into halves and the husband gave me the other half. I thanked both of them looking at their daughter who was smiling too. They were so kind to me that I did not think of rejecting their presents. In the remaining hours on the road, I was like an orphan fed by this kind family of three. They offered me oranges after the apple which the husband himself peeled off before giving some to me.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlM-SccTA_U3wTFaGNn9WKMKb_BqHf_Q8KbGSfE_gfyxecwQbPZ21UbVcsTA7GfQ7nqyJLt7B9KQih9Kz8ey-Ydg8QVtKwCoyI21JC8u_u8IU9bblcfu94T3F9nkPsZfXMaKC31CgzSoMP/s1600/SAM_1842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlM-SccTA_U3wTFaGNn9WKMKb_BqHf_Q8KbGSfE_gfyxecwQbPZ21UbVcsTA7GfQ7nqyJLt7B9KQih9Kz8ey-Ydg8QVtKwCoyI21JC8u_u8IU9bblcfu94T3F9nkPsZfXMaKC31CgzSoMP/s400/SAM_1842.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Korean family who fed me inside the bus </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The picnic on the bus momentarily stopped when the wife and her daughter took a nap while the husband still awake and also looking at the scenery outside. How I wish he can talk in English or I can speak Korean. I was getting sleepy as well and a bit frustrated that nearly two hours of the travel time had passed but I haven't seen any signs of snow yet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While contemplating what to do should I found out that the snow has melted already in Seoraksan National Park, I saw the wife rummaged the picnic bag and took out a cup and poured something from the flask and gave it to his husband. I heard them talking again. Then the husband asked me, <b>"Kopi"?</b> I turned to the wife who was carrying the flask in one hand smiling. I shook my head and said, <b>"No, thanks!"</b> As much as I want to take it, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was advised by my doctor not to take any caffeinated drink nor coffee yet. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Three weeks before I left the Philippines, I was rushed to the hospital due to stomach spasm which attributed to either too much salty food, less water intake and too much coffee. But the wife only heard or understood my last word, "thanks" and she thought I was thanking them already.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She then took another cup, poured the dark liquid with sinful aroma and passed it on to her daughter, then to her father and handed it to me. I mumbled in prayer to spare me from any stomach pain. I should not get sick in this foreign land. Then, with the same cup full of cherry tomato at my front, I saw the message imprinted on the cup as I took a sip from it.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>"Love is likely to the wind. I can't see it but I can feel it".</b></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Vh6pX9j7gj1f52fODscA5JW3j9URnMsJxSh46GFn8-61H5qph9984pR-rfaNWeyqLbr31trWWlruhcKPivQj2TUlQ9GzHTd8u-cTs1hhivoQkDLnM5W0NffYOS7yA0-DwH1GZKTXIWxi/s1600/SAM_1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Vh6pX9j7gj1f52fODscA5JW3j9URnMsJxSh46GFn8-61H5qph9984pR-rfaNWeyqLbr31trWWlruhcKPivQj2TUlQ9GzHTd8u-cTs1hhivoQkDLnM5W0NffYOS7yA0-DwH1GZKTXIWxi/s400/SAM_1832.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I then surrendered to the thought that snow could be nowhere to find and I might not able to make my wish to scope a fistful of snow come true but I have received more than a fistful abundance of kindness from this Korean family. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>That would be enough for me and I'd be happy with it.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></b>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After awhile, I saw the mountain ranges covered in whiteness with trees brushing it like highlights of the painting. My face suddenly lit as my heart filled with excitement. I was nearing to the fulfillment of my dream.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDO0weHRHIWkBb-sWM9iv_yjrNrs2D8D0YSMfHyXUY_9tT39AeM4mCONGFOglrWgomCX_TA7YEIAshutBCJuRkUWRNnDdcJSb-WhTrAupL_mn-M_3X663zuACK-BAJypbfETT9DkobJYN/s1600/road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDO0weHRHIWkBb-sWM9iv_yjrNrs2D8D0YSMfHyXUY_9tT39AeM4mCONGFOglrWgomCX_TA7YEIAshutBCJuRkUWRNnDdcJSb-WhTrAupL_mn-M_3X663zuACK-BAJypbfETT9DkobJYN/s400/road.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taebak mountain ranges as seen from the road</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We arrived at Sokcho Intercity Terminal past 9:30AM and the family alighted from the bus ahead of me. I wished I brought some dried mangoes with me so I can return back their goodness. When I got off, I saw them waiting so I approached and thanked them again. I waved them good bye as they went out of the exit for the arriving passengers while I walked towards the departure boarding area to check the bus schedules back to Seoul. After taking notes of the time, I went to the exit of the terminal and looked for the tourist information booth. I asked for the bus stop to Seoraksan National Park and took some travel brochures as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Surprisingly, I saw that <b>family </b>in the bus stop as well. And the wife started talking with me in Korean and I only understood the word "country". I assumed she was asking where I came from so I answered "Philippines". She was again talking, ecstatic and I was hoping I could understand where the excitement coming from. Her daughter noticed the expression on my face and said something to her mom. I then looked at the bus stop guide to check whether that was the right one. The other lady who were then a witness of our early "conversations" asked something and pointed the bus stop. She might have hinted that I was going to Seoraksan. She asked me, "Seorak?". And I answered, "Yes". She pointed <b>Bus 7-1</b> printed on the board. The wife kept talking again and seemed like asking me about Seoraksan but I did not understand anything. Her daughter kept on telling her about something that I only managed to hear as "English". I was just happy observing them how her daughter explained that I did not understand what they're saying but she kept on talking while her husband had smiles on his face. I did not want to forget their faces so I asked them for a photo souvenir with me.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6K7SuX32gFQaZB0Gs_hzxc9g8dMEwcPg9JyopeYgnGBLHShuHiVK9_mkrFzq9xG8mZJU4ne9hj5den8es47ZO8k2pbWqAZFkJ6AvCg_H38yV0Xw5V8x17uix_-fYVyv_lBoIM5Tz6tft9/s1600/SAM_1885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6K7SuX32gFQaZB0Gs_hzxc9g8dMEwcPg9JyopeYgnGBLHShuHiVK9_mkrFzq9xG8mZJU4ne9hj5den8es47ZO8k2pbWqAZFkJ6AvCg_H38yV0Xw5V8x17uix_-fYVyv_lBoIM5Tz6tft9/s400/SAM_1885.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the wife and the husband with me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They were waiting for Bus 9-1 and when the bus arrived, they were saying goodbyes with the smiles on their faces. It was like I've known them for so long. It was such a heartwarming introduction. I saw then that Bus 7-1 was behind Bus 9-1 but the daughter turned to me before she got on, </span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Unni, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>(in Korean)</i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Bus 7-1" </i></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">while pointing to the Bus 7-1. I answered back while nodding so she'd understand me,</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Yes, yes, I saw it!" </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She then waved her hands and I still saw her smiling while saying her goodbyes to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-mB8PG9yxY6tEmhBHnJvdcfpeuPnnKuInT-ElO9dkEcEicKNHWOp6V51TbsRsWJOSnSAnlBgQ2OySIrOB2bMy2U-L6E3ulRSxsrxkl9eqpjK_KjfLOGlD79LGglOpV3T0JcIM23JvxMz/s1600/SAM_1886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-mB8PG9yxY6tEmhBHnJvdcfpeuPnnKuInT-ElO9dkEcEicKNHWOp6V51TbsRsWJOSnSAnlBgQ2OySIrOB2bMy2U-L6E3ulRSxsrxkl9eqpjK_KjfLOGlD79LGglOpV3T0JcIM23JvxMz/s320/SAM_1886.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the kind strangers, bless them with more blessings!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-48764684364017505812013-05-04T16:52:00.001+08:002013-05-05T11:36:56.069+08:00I Speak in English, They Talk in Korean<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I'm actually not a conversation starter, especially with strangers unless I have to ask something but I will only converse when one makes the move first. I always have hesitations contemplating whether I'd be trespassing unto one's privacy or alone time. When I started to write down my bucketlist during my prep days for my 10-day-solitary travel, I doubt if I can really make this happen.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>That is, </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Talk with a stranger, not just anybody but a local Korean.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I did! I had my most memorable conversations with Korean, the taxi drivers. They talked in Korean, I answered in English, but we understood each other. Amazing, right?!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><u>Conversation #1: The Fully Made-Up Lady Driver</u></i></b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I arrived Incheon International Airport at five in the morning from the four-hour-flight from Manila. Without enough sleep and bit uncomfortable for not being able to freshen up as I went straight to the airport from the office, I was having </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the difficulty not to fall asleep on the bus from Incheon to Seoul and not to miss the 2nd bus stop - Hapjeong .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was half-awake when I heard the bus announcement on the 2nd stop and I should have pressed the Stop button mid-way from the 1st stop to the 2nd stop. In South Korea, you have to press the</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stop button</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> as the bus approaches your designated bus stop station. This will give signal to the driver to stop at certain bus stops, otherwise, they will just pass-through it. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At that moment, I remained seated and looked back at the bus stop as if I left something or somebody behind. Suddenly, I got my senses back and listened attentively to the next bus stops but still did not lift my hand to press the Stop button. It was either out of shyness or I just wanted to go farther and familiarized with the main bus stops. Finally, after five announcements, somebody pressed the Stop button. I quickly stood up, picked up my bag and got off the bus too -</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to a place that i know nothing at all! </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">what I thought of , it was probably where taxis can pick-up passengers.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAvTaBXEAGaYTrWfNxfJxjooiLjopLP2FBK4wB9DxLZNnBrQiHcvrof_2ey9ugdABuPvOqysROBmHnDjrEWXKRnzu5zWpJXe2oUgQsS1GtE6dxVFnfYouXsfvRRKPCbi9BVM5tcAhOSXq/s1600/Driver+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAvTaBXEAGaYTrWfNxfJxjooiLjopLP2FBK4wB9DxLZNnBrQiHcvrof_2ey9ugdABuPvOqysROBmHnDjrEWXKRnzu5zWpJXe2oUgQsS1GtE6dxVFnfYouXsfvRRKPCbi9BVM5tcAhOSXq/s640/Driver+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Ajumma on the wheels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Right after the bus left, I saw a taxi approaching and I hurriedly hailed it. Surprisingly, the driver was a woman, probably in her early 50's, with full make-up, hair properly teased in a bun and decorated with pins of Swarovski crystals while I looked like I just got out of bed from the last night's hang-over. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>And these how my first conversation happened</i></b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Me: <i>Hotel Seokyo?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Ajumma : </b>In Korean (<i>while typing something on the GPS placed at the top of the meter)</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>GPS: </b>Also in Korean (and the taxi started to go)</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Me: </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Hotel Seokyo?</i></b> <i>(while gesturing my hand with an "approve" sign) </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ajumma : </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>In Korean again</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Me: </b><i><b>"Hap-jeong?" </b>(</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Worried painted on my face whether she got it right).</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Ajumma : </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Yeh, Yeh .. </i>(<i>and talked in Korean again and was pointing something in GPS like she was explaining the best route to take)</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Me: </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">"Next, Hong-dae?" </i>(<i>while gesturing my hand as if it's next to hong-dae).</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ajumma : </b><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;">Yeh, Yeh</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;"><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then felt relief and comfortably lean back to my seat. After awhile, the lady driver rummaged something from her purse and handed me a candy. It seemed like a peanut-flavored just looking at its wrapper. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Me: </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">"Thank you!" </i>(<i>smiling while making a vow).</i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't mastered <b>g<i>amsahabnida</i></b> yet <span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 38px;">감사합니다 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 38px;">or "thank you" in Korean. </span>I put the candy to my pocket.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ajumma : </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Talking again in Korean, smiling and sounds happy while holding another candy and looking at the rear mirror.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She must have been talking about taking the candy so I obliged myself and uttered my thanks again. She took my trash and turned her focus back on the street again. Along the way, I saw some familiar signages and knew we were on the right direction. After a couple of minutes, she pointed "Hotel Seokyo" and gestured her hand going to the left. She meant, she'll pull-over to the left and that's where I could get off. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My meter was only KRW6,400 so I gave her KRW10000. She gave me back my exchange of KRW3,600.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Me: </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">"Thank you!" </i>(<i>smiling while making a vow)</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ajumma : </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"<i style="font-weight: bold;">Byeee!!! </i>(<i>while waving her both hands)</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That was the only English word that she uttered but how amazing that we're able to converse well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><u>Conversation #2: The Unofficial Taxi Driver</u></i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On my 3rd day, my itineary was to take the 3-hour express bus from Seoul to Sokcho City for my other item in my bucketlist - <b>to personally experience the snow.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The first trip was at 6:20AM and I had only a day to explore Sokcho, particularly, Seoraksan National Park so I was up to leave my hostel at 5:30AM. I was not able to check the first trip of the train so the last option was to take a cab.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the main road after my hurdles of running and walking along the dark alleys from the hostel, I hailed the approaching taxi. It was not the right loading area, but I didn't know. Still, the taxi stopped and the driver opened down the window. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Me: </b><i><b>"Dong Seoul Bus Terminal?" </b>(while showing my Ipad with the snip-it of the address of the terminal with Korean characters).</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><b>Ahjussi Driver 1: </b>In Korean waving his hand.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Me: </b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Confused Look, Helpless Expression. </span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He must have been seen the confusion on my face.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Ahjussi Driver 1: </b>In Korean pointing his finger forward and I saw the taxi queue at the nearby intersection</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got it! The bus terminal was not his route or it was not allowed to pick-up passenger if not from the designated taxi area. I hurriedly vow and uttered my thanks to run. Then, I heard something like calling me and it was the driver honking to get my attention. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Ahjussi Driver 1: </b></i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In Korean gesturing for me to get-in.</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As if I understood, I got inside the taxi while he kept on talking in Korean. While we were approaching the taxi queue, he honked his horn and gave some instructions to the next driver. I was about to give him some Korean Won but he waved his hand and shook his head. I thanked him again and wish him well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><u>Conversation #3: The Long one with the Official Taxi Driver</u></i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next thing I knew, I was already passing over skyways, overpasses and through express lanes. It was 5:45AM already and the first trip was at 6:20AM. Can I make it? More than the time, I was too busy looking at the meter as it ran while computing it's equivalent to Philippine Peso. I thought I should have taken the train and I must have saved a few Korean Won.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9oUiAKkShifhD5rUvSH4PwKGWxohpiCYZ-bcVeRKZM-xXwD35Xnyia3eu93MEOEhnuDhzDMGoFLkpCkQv2XjiuUfbjQ1e6UYF-XRCb3c21jG9FUkWJ47bET9wvXvp3C6_Cb7H6tFcP_K/s1600/Driver+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9oUiAKkShifhD5rUvSH4PwKGWxohpiCYZ-bcVeRKZM-xXwD35Xnyia3eu93MEOEhnuDhzDMGoFLkpCkQv2XjiuUfbjQ1e6UYF-XRCb3c21jG9FUkWJ47bET9wvXvp3C6_Cb7H6tFcP_K/s640/Driver+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahjussi on the wheels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, the driver started the conversation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Ahjussi Driver 2: </b><i><b>From the Philippines?</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Me: <i>Yes! </i></b><i>Smiling</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ahjussi Driver 2: </b><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Holiday?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Me: </b><i><b>Yes! For 10 days. </b>(While showing my two hands)</i></span></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Ahjussi Driver 2: <i>What you like Korea?</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Me: <i>Cherry Blossoms and Snow</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Ahjussi Driver 2: <i>Like here than Philippines?</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Me: <i>Ah No. I like Philippines more, it's my home! I just like the weather here..and the people, of course.</i></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Ahjussi Driver 2: </b><i>Smiling. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He then suggested places to visit and see in Seoul - <b>Namsam, Myeongdong, Nandaemun </b>and the palaces. And I told him, laughing, that I've been there already. He laughed too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ahjussi Driver 2: </b><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How about Gyeongbokgung? </b></i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(And mentioned other palaces as well)</i></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Me: <i>Yes, I've seen those as well.</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></b>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Poor man, he seemed to be lost of places to suggest so I told him I was going to Jeju and Busan. He then suggested the places in Busan, what to eat and the good places in Jeju which mostly I have diligently made the research already and were included in my itinerary. But I did not spoil this kind Ahjussi's excitement. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After sometime, our topic changed to Kpop and KDrama.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Ahjussi Driver 2: "<i>Favorite idol?"</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Me: "<i>CNBlue"</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Ahjussi Driver 2: "<i>Who? The Leader?"</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Me: "<i>Yes, Jonghwa?"</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Ahjussi Driver 2: <i>"Ah, Jung Yong Hwa".</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Me: "<i>Yes, that's him."</i></span></b><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ahjussi Driver 2: </b><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"Movie?"</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Me: "</b><i><b>None </b>(while shaking my head) <b>Kdrama only. "</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mentioned some of the Kdrama that I knew but he seemed not to know them. It's either I mispronounced the title or the English title is different.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Ahjussi Driver 2: "<i>What is your name?"</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Me: "<i>I'm Claire".</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Ahjussi Driver 2: "<i>Cl..Cl..what again?"</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Me: "<i>Claire".</i></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He laughed as he struggled to pronounce the sounds CL & R but he managed to get it right.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Ahjussi Driver 2: "<i>Beautiful Name".</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Me: "<i>Thank you. And your name is?"</i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Ahjussi Driver 2: "Lee Seong Yong"</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried many times to get his name right too. He drove for a few minutes more and he repeatedly reminded me where to get off, take note of the subway station so I won't need to take the taxi back. He also wished me to enjoy my vacation in Busan and Jeju and to keep me healthy and safe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I arrived at the terminal at 6:05AM, beyond the cut-off for the 6:20AM trip so I took the 7:20AM instead - enough hour to have my breakfast. I might have had spent more than my budget on the train fare but my conversations with Lee Seong Yong had given me more confidence and trust in myself that my first solitary travel experience would be something worthy of my existence in this world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i style="background-color: yellow;">Also, it made me realized that conversations (communication) have no boundaries. It's not just about talking ; it's about listening and understanding the gestures and expression in spite the differences in our language.</i></b></span><br />
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Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-72183200569494426102013-04-20T13:02:00.000+08:002013-05-02T22:25:14.716+08:00In God's Presence in Jeju Island<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have so much to write about my 10-day-solitary travel in South Korea but don't know where, how and what to start. I'm contemplating should I write the itinerary-type-sort of travel trip to my "few" readers or just kick it off with the highlights of the trip - but <b>i got a LOT and haven't sorted out which is the best.</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to write something from the heart..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">something that I brought home with me..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">something that I know had made the difference in me..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">something that I can say that made that travel the most memorable one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...and i guess, this is the best way to start it off.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On my 4th day in South Korea, I left the early spring colds of Seoul that I hardly managed to endure during my first three days and landed in Jeju Island. On my way to the boarding area in Gimpo Internaltional Airport, I learned about the weather forecast in Jeju based on the flight board announcements - there's higher chances of rain but I shrugged it off, hopeful that Mr. Sun will be welcoming me with open arms of sunshine in Jeju. It's an island anyways and the sun could be boastful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But when I stepped out of the less-sophisticated Jeju International Airport than its neighboring airports in South Korea, Jeju welcomed me with drizzles and gloomy skies. It's not the weather that I was expecting to celebrate <strong>my birthday. </strong> I had it planned for nine months and only had one place in mind to spend my special day alone... <u><strong>only in Jeju Island</strong></u>. But as I was running to catch the Airport Bus 600 to Seogwipo City, the rain started pouring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a <i><b> mixed of all concerns and things to do. </b></i></span><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> it was raining - how can i get pictures outside?</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> </i><i>it was my birthday that I scheduled in my itinerary to celebrate by going around the world in Soingook Theme Park...</i></span><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> where's the bus stop to Jeju Hiking Inn...</span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I pondered on these thoughts, I consoled myself. I should not feel bad with this not-so-inviting-for-outdoor activities weather. I can still go around the world <i>(as planned at the miniature of famous landmarks of the world in Soingook Theme park) </i>the next day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can still get through the day - my special day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I then made a quick changes in my itinerary and considered spending the day indoor - in short, <b>museums</b>! While on my way to Jeju Hiking Inn, I juggled looking at the map and at the same time checking which of these indoor tourist spots can be the place to spend my <b><i>rainy </i></b>birthday. I thought of the choices around Jungmun Tourist Complex - <b>Ripley's Believe It or Not </b>(<i>but it's too smarty and it's not my kind of thing, i always get sleepy watching such on TV, how much more being in there), </i><b>Chocolate Land</b><i><b> </b>(</i> <i>i don't feel like looking at chocolates on display - sugar rush can't do anything right now)</i> or <strong>Yeomiji Botanical Garden </strong><i>(there's a lot in the Philippines too).</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a lot to choose from but nothing to choose as well. It was like flipping pictures of places that appeared like an animation of my power point presentation before I left the Philippines. I stopped browsing the travel guide and looked outside the window as I started to glimpse the sea from afar with the raindrops in between my sight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After more than thirty minutes, the bus announcement caught my attention as it mentioned the bus stops in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. I scribbled on the map all the bus stops so I'd know where to go around in the next days of my trip around Jeju Island. Finally, the bus stopped at Sunbeach Hotel and Resort and the driver pointed the direction to Jeju Hiking Inn. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun Beach Resort Bus stop in Seogwipo City</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From the bus stop, I pulled my luggage down the slope of the road with my backpack and with my green-pink-purple-bubble jacket as my only shield from the pouring rain. I was drenched and solitarily on the road while looking for the place to stay. From the drama's plot, it was so pathetic. But as I alternately pushing and pulling my <a href="http://www.chriene.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-won.html" target="_blank"><b>luggage</b></a> (thanks to my four-wheeled luggage, can maneuver it easily), I saw the Seogwipo Harbour and the Saeyeongyo Bridge. A bit of excitment kicked in as I knew I was just blocks to the sea. And I told myself, there's sunshine after the rain.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seogwipo Harbour</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I stepped in the entrance of Jeju Hiking Inn around two in the afternoon, just in time for the allowed check-in. Kevin, the receptionist, was seemed like expecting me already that he uttered my name before I handed over my printed booking confirmation. After providing me some guide tips around Seogwipo and Jeju City, I followed Kevin to the second floor's Room 206. He showed me where the sleeping pad heater, taught me how to use it and reminded me to keep my door locked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Alone in my room with the rain kept on pouring outside as if I'd be blessed more for the rest of my life, I turned on the heater, switched on the TV but alternately looking outside the window checking if the rain has stopped. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After like a forever-of-nowhere-thirty minutes, I got restless. I have to go out and just can't stay inside my room. <b>It's my birthday and I have chosen to celebrate it in Jeju Island. </b>Nobody and nothing can hinder me from celebrating my presence in this world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I looked outside the window again, I looked up the sky. There, I saw the<b> </b>tip of the <b>cross </b>exclusively towering the roofs. Then I thought I'm just nearby the church though am not sure if this is the right one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hurriedly, I checked the travel guide that I got from the Tourist Assistance Center at the airport and looked for the landmark of <i>that church. </i>I then browsed the Jeju pages of my self-made travel planner where I cut and pasted Seogwipo Catholic Church's address in Hangul (Korean). I had it handy just in case I need to show it to the taxi driver and bring me there. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Looking at the map, it seemed like it's just within the vicinity of Jeju Hiking Inn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I then mumbled in prayer, <b><i>"Lord, help me find you".</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With revived spirit, I grabbed my jacket, ran down the stairs and borrowed an umbrella from Kevin. As I stepped out of the Jeju Hiking Inn, I kept on looking up at the cross that I saw from my room. It was like the star guiding the the magi to find the manger. I know I can find it! I thought of going back to where I got off from the bus - it was on uphill and I'd surely see it from there. But a few steps from the inn while alternately looking up, I figured out that the cross was somehow along the main road. Then, I trailed the side of the street and there I saw the church.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Prayer answered in less than a minute!</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seogwipo Catholic Church<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">From the gate, I managed to understand the mass schedules and some engraved writings of the church history. Hurriedly, I approached the main door. It was open but seemed nobody's there. It was only three in the afternoon on a Sunday and a bit unusual for me for the church to be empty (<span style="font-style: italic;">Philippines being a predominantly Catholic in religion, the church can be crowded all throughout the day on a Sunday</span><i>). </i>As I stepped inside, across the door was like a seminar room set-up with wooden chairs and a whiteboard. Connected to it looked an office area as I took a peek from the glass wall. I was too cautious not to be mistaken of someone doing something fishy so I immediately went back to where I entered. On my right was a staircase with stained glass designs on the wall. The defeaning silence had the sound of the raindrops and my careful steps echoed inside the place. There was nobody to ask if I was indeed in a church or in a community center. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">A bit hesitant but at the same time my curiousity flows urgently through my veins. I climbed up the stairs slowly while looking at the stained glass of Jesus and Mary. I thought maybe the mass is celebrated in the second floors in Jeju and not the typical Catholic Church everywhereelse. As I ascended the stairs, I saw the large portrait of Divine Mercy of Jesus with the statue of one of the saints beside it. There's a long chest table with scattered prayer pamphlets at the top. Adjacent to it was a long wooden bench that maybe served as the waiting area or something to just sit down and have some reflections. On the left of the portrait was a half-opened door. Slowly, I approached the door and had a peek. It's the chapel! I slowly pushed myself inside - it was a bit dark without any lights on but only the illuminated red flame mounted at the right side of the altar. I figured it was an electric fan heater. I saw the same thing in Full House when I traveled in South Korea in Year 2010.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I felt a bit frightened but whisked it off. Why should I fear when I am looking for Him?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I walked a few steps to take the seat at the last row of the center aisle. I looked around quickly with undeniably fearful thoughts. I'm not afraid of ghosts but seemed like the devil is at work. I took a deep breath and kneeled down. It felt <b>different!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>It was so silently solemn that I cannot explain what it was like. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I haven't felt that before even in the most solemn recollection that I attended back in college years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Then, I started praying not silently but <b>with a voice that echoed within the four corners of the chapel. I was listening to my own voice.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>It was a monologue but seemed like a conversation...... <u>with God.</u></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">After my "short, heartfelt and sincere speech" while holding back the tears (<i>it's not the time yet to be emotional, I might feel homesick), </i>I took a seat and just breathe the solemnity of the place. I prayed on full mystery of the Holy Rosary, took a few pictures and promised to come again on the next day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Then, with indescribable feeling of inner peace and calmness, I went out and took the bus to Jungmun Tourist Complex and celebrated the rest of my special day with Mr. Teddy at Teddy Bear Museum.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I found the reason to celebrate there!</span></b></span></div>
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Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com3Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea33.4996213 126.5311884000000232.653545300000005 125.24029490000002 34.3456973 127.82208190000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-25007026516369646752013-03-08T23:35:00.002+08:002013-05-04T20:24:38.819+08:00Six Safety Tips That I Should Remember: My Countdown to 10 Days In South Korea<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">..it's my first time for a purely pleasure yet on budget trip on my own and gone are the perks of business class but less fun that official business trips provide.. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">one thing that I need to make sure -</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">KEEP SAFE</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaYwrxWZtWM-jaf-_Eov7d9QCdBWYHr8_au-oTY3qj1HUY_wLJQLtXKW7L_yJhhOw5lBr0MM4RmrO2-vq6UYK8kuVUI7Dt6pDSpFsJoS7W3-Au6yKkoPYfdxFL-7S6UhUcQ2t9SBJYy66/s1600/six.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaYwrxWZtWM-jaf-_Eov7d9QCdBWYHr8_au-oTY3qj1HUY_wLJQLtXKW7L_yJhhOw5lBr0MM4RmrO2-vq6UYK8kuVUI7Dt6pDSpFsJoS7W3-Au6yKkoPYfdxFL-7S6UhUcQ2t9SBJYy66/s320/six.jpg" width="320" /></a></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">six days to go and there are six safety tips that I <u>should remember </u>based from the posts of my two favorite bloggers: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Christine of</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://grrrltraveler.com/the-grrr/traveling-solo/inspiration/is-female-solo-travel-safe/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">GrrrlTraveler</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and Aleah of</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.solitarywanderer.com/2012/07/5-safety-tips-for-women-traveling-alone/#axzz2KUr5Iy00" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Solitary Wanderer</a></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1. Keep in touch with others every day! </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- with facebook, instagram, skype, viber and emails as my medium to update my loved ones, especially my parents, i won't make them worry that much about my solo travel for the first time. as shared by aleah, i will be sharing my itinerary with the contact details of the places that i will be staying with to my parents. i also promised to contact them every day. :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Show confidence as you explore the place but also listen to your instincts.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- knowing about the place beforehand make it more easy to familiarize so just like what i did in 2010, i prepared all the details of my destinations. this somehow could prevent me from getting lost but i'm sure i can sense people who are safe to ask for help. Of course, vigilance and being observant are the keys to be able to listen to your instincts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Avoid dark streets at night.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> - it's basically a common sense. and for sure, i won't be staying late at night outside except for my scheduled night shopping in seoul.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Keep extra copies of documents and IDs</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- i'd have all my IDs (Driver's, SSS) and Passport photocopied for extra copies if requested for my accommodation and save copies in my emails as well. i have saved copies of my tickets in my ipad fileapp as well.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Keep safe my money (don't bring much cash for each day's trip)</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- since i'm going solo, the more i should keepsafe my money. might as well carry my ATM and credit card which I should coordinate with my bank to ensure I could use them in South Korea.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Have the FAITH!</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- i always lift up my safety to God (while driving, while flying up air, while at work, anywhere) and i'm sure i will still be in His Safe Hands as I explore more of the world on my own.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306426673752981889.post-75937460894375484732013-03-07T22:40:00.000+08:002013-05-04T20:24:54.289+08:00Seven Shades of Winter: A Peek To My Sleeping Place in South Korea<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seven Days to Go... and I'll be sleeping in different places in South Korea</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">..i expect some adjustments, tossing around the bed just to get a good side to sleep but i'm sure i can have a good sleep at the end of each day with my fully loaded itinerary!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Finding Homey on My First 3 Days in Seoul : <a href="http://www.fourseasonsfriend.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Four Seasons House</span></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- On my first stop of the 10-day-South Korea Tour, I'll be staying in Four Seasons House in Seoul. A Homey stay run by a Korean family - fewer rooms than the usual hostel or backpackers place. Booked the "Winter Room" just to go with my themed tour.:-)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rxr_8oc8hQjzoUNlNcPO_s5cttZffKTXiaR57eZ9BOqjuMB4d3pDllCGDHqT350q7qItFwbC6m7F9hMrOdAfeTyFGDvq-_T_NBMKTeOWjcZj27SJhzE6J8X39jBt_fmVLMosqxWL9bBL/s1600/winterroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rxr_8oc8hQjzoUNlNcPO_s5cttZffKTXiaR57eZ9BOqjuMB4d3pDllCGDHqT350q7qItFwbC6m7F9hMrOdAfeTyFGDvq-_T_NBMKTeOWjcZj27SJhzE6J8X39jBt_fmVLMosqxWL9bBL/s400/winterroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sleep where Backpackers Sleep: <a href="http://www.hikinginn.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Jeju Hiking Inn</span></a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- My second stop will be at Jeju Island where I'll be celebrating my birthday! Booked for 3nights/3days, I choose to stay at a backpacker's inn. Though I'd be tagging my trolley with me and only a red backpack as my purse, I'd like to claim myself as "backpacker" in Jeju!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Will be staying in a single bed A type room and hopefully I could get one with a view of Jeju Port.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyAmVipavHT6zovySo99Ynifa2J6_cyEAbH2XSWn3q8TC_aDTyAzVlP7ualJXcZlvvjNRY4MM3ctjyEs-h0BOhFWLap8nej1isLXV-r3DIbkMeVbp9K4KXXLu19xP23XgDS1tiOb4_VXT/s1600/sngle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyAmVipavHT6zovySo99Ynifa2J6_cyEAbH2XSWn3q8TC_aDTyAzVlP7ualJXcZlvvjNRY4MM3ctjyEs-h0BOhFWLap8nej1isLXV-r3DIbkMeVbp9K4KXXLu19xP23XgDS1tiOb4_VXT/s320/sngle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Experience Motel in Busan : <a href="http://pusaninn.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Pusan Inn Motel</span></a></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- For my third stop in South Korea, I originally booked with Toyoko Inn Hotel in Busan because of it's location - convenient access to Busan Station for my KTX ride back to Seoul. It's quite expensive for a check-in of after 4PM. Fortunately, I accidentally browsed an office colleague's blog. She suggested Pusan Inn which is also near Busan Station and other nearby tourist destinations. Lucky me, I saved half of Toyoko's price. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I booked for a single bedroom type room</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Splurge in Seoul: <a href="http://www.ymca.or.kr/hotel/eng/index_eng.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Seoul YMCA Hotel </span></a></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- And finally on my last stop (and back to Seoul), I will splurge a little at YMCA located in Myeongdong. I chose this location because of my final itinerary - shopping! But this one is sort of business with pleasure. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">these places may not my real abode but i'm looking forward for a pleasant stay and wonderful experience in South Korea.</span></h3>
Wanderer Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09954462451456401793noreply@blogger.com0