Over the past few years, I’ve been frequenting Pampanga as I discovered Clark! I know that it should be common knowledge that this part of Luzon is packed with so many things to do. Let me remind you though that, yours truly is a “hardcore” introvert. Obvious as it may seem, Clark is relatively a new destination for me as I rarely go out anymore ever since the pandemic. Visiting Clark quite so often, it was a delight to find Hotel EuroAsia, a great value stay just right off the perimeter of Clark Airbase.
The hotel is conveniently located along the perimeter of Clark Airbase. To get there, you have two main options if you are coming from Manila via public transportation. First is to take any bus that will drop you off at SM City Clark. From there you can simply walk for a little less than a kilometer. You actually just have to cross the road from SM City Clark. Alternatively, you take any bus that will take you to Dau Mabalacat Bus Terminal. From there I recommend taking a cab for convenience. Otherwise, you can take a jeep and walk from the corner of Fields Avenue to the hotel.
Hotel EuroAsia offers very affordable rate, I’d say the best rates in the area given that it has a pool, airconditioned, and clean rooms. The location is also excellent if you wish to explore SM City Clark and the famous Angeles Walking Street. Parking though comes as a challenge for this hotel. While they do not offer guaranteed parking, there are plenty of roadside parking across the hotel which is just behind the Clark City Front Mall.
Of the at least three times I’ve checked in at Hotel EuroAsia, I have not encountered a badly prepared room. It smells good every time I enter their rooms the first time. Their bathrooms are also clean, well at least for me and I consider my self easily icked when it comes to bathrooms.
The beds aren’t the softest, but you know what, they are pretty comfortable. You know that feeling that when you wake up in the morning and your body hurts. That it feels like you have been carrying something heavy all night body pain? yeah none of that.
The best part that I love though why I keep on staying at Hotel EuroAsia is their pool! The hotel has a decent size pool where you can enjoy either soaking up under the sun or have fun with your kids! There also is a pool side bar where you can order drinks and food. The access to the pool is through the lobby where you will also find a small convenience store where you can buy some snacks.
I was not able to take photos, but here’s a quick room tour of what we booked. Please excuse the chaos as we’ve already settled in at the time of this video
And here’s the bathroom tour:
Hotel EuroAsia isn’t really a hotel that has all the bells and whistles. But for just about around $30 their clean rooms, swimming pool and location is just a value that is difficult to beat.
Hotel EuroAsia Don Juico Ave, Angeles, Pampanga Phone 09171371192 http://www.hoteleuroasiapampanga.com/ Check-in time: 2:00 PM Check-out time: 12:00 PM
So last 2019, before the pandemic, I brought my mom to Taiwan. She’s a person with a disability (PWD) and yes, it was just her and I! Having experienced Taiwan several times already, I noticed that there are so many PWDs who are able to go around the city on their own.
My mom on the other hand is an adventurer and traveler herself. I asked her to tag along and she thought that seeing Taiwan herself and experiencing the city that she thinks is PWD friendly would be an awesome idea!
From the airport we took a bus to Taipei Main Station then took a taxi to our hotel. The airport bus terminal was very PWD friendly as it was all level that even people in wheelchairs can navigate them alone.
That same day, we took the metro to Taipei Main Station to meet up with my mom’s friend. She explains that the Taipei Metro was full of accessibility features for people with disability such as tactile floors that help the blind navigate the subway.
This is the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. See those stairs they were not a problem, The same steps were inclined and acts as a ramp on its ends!
The museum also have the usual wheelchair access. There were plenty of ramps for the disabled.
Danshui Fisherman’s Warf Our next stop was Danshui’s Fisherman’s Warf. We used the MRT again all the way from the Museum. It was a good one hour in the train. You can see through the windows as the scenery become more relaxed compared to the capital.
Getting off the train and the station was a breeze with the series of ramps and elevators that is available to use. We started exploring Danshui (Tamsui) from the docks where the famous white bridge is. My mom’s friend who was wheelchair bond didnt get to climb the bridge though because it had stairs instead of a ramp. She enjoyed the view though from the warf.
Danshui Lover’s Bridge
Taking the Maokong Gondola
The next day, we were off to explore Maokong. We road the transparent gondola all the way to the top of the mountain. The same day that afternoon, my mom took the slow train to see her friend at the next county.
The huge damper to stabilize the Taipei 101 bldg.
This is Liberty Square and that at the top of the photo is the Chang Kai Shek memorial. We didn’t bother going there as it was about to close and it was starting to rain.
Going back to the airport via the Airport MRT
Checking in the scooter and mom getting wheeled to the departure gates.
So there, that was about three to four days of adventure in Taiwan with my mom. I wouldn’t say there were no issues going around like finding the elevators or the ramps but there are! Also, accompanying two people with disability was extremely tiring when in Taiwan. Not because you have to assist them all the time, actually they can be very well independent on their own. It was exhausting trying to catch up with two people on wheels and you on the other hand have to walk-run just to keep up! Hahahaha!
Anyways, if you have elderly on wheelchairs or just like me with a loved one traveling with disabilities, do not be afraid that their access will be limited. Yes there will be restrictions for them but I tell you, its going to be negligible.
You can also watch our Taipei vlog to see the full PWD in Taipei experience.
I have been a fan of Jjimjilbang since I experienced one in South Korea a few years back. Since then, I have frequented Lasema in Makati being the closest that offers a true Korean experience. Thinking about breaking the monotony though, I thought of Escaping The Metro To Gong Hang Spa Clark.
Gong Hang Spa is located inside Clark Freeport Zone, about a little over 90 km away from Manila. It offers a Jjimjilbang where you can spend 12 hours rest, a wet area with a barbershop, a gym, a cafe, a food store, massage, and other spa services.
I drove about 40 minutes from San Fernando, Pampanga where I went to church that day. It was a Sunday so the roads were pretty much free from traffic, so I used the city roads instead of the expressways.
They have enough parking spaces around the building so you do not have to worry about where to park. Their reception is on the side and it was so easy to check in. Upon approaching their front desk, I was given a locker key and number. They asked me if I wanted some uniform, which I did and it was of no extra charge.
The male lockers and wet area were on the right side, but before you enter you will have to leave your shoes in their separate shoe lockers.
Entering their wet area, I undressed and went to clean myself first before soaking in their hot tubs. Yes, you will have to be in the nude to enjoy the wet area. If it is your first time, it may feel weird at first, but you’ll feel comfortable eventually.
They have two hot tubs, two cold tubs, a dry, and a wet sauna, and their shower area where you can thoroughly clean your selves. They also have beds where you can lie down and get a good body scrub.
I soaked in their hot tub for a while before going to the massage area. Their massage is also reasonably priced given that it is inside a spa.
The massage area is inside the lounge area. I approached the lady at the desk where it seemed like where they take orders for massages. She then led me to a room where I waited. I took off my shirt when the therapist arrived and then lay down. He prompted me to take off my shorts as well. But I had nothing under so I was in the nude again. I am not sure though if they normally ask everyone to undress or if it was just because I was their lone customer at that time in a two-person room.
The massage was great. I asked the therapist to give it his best because I like it hard. I find it relaxing to feel the relief after that painful massage session.
After my massage, I headed back to the lounge area. I was just lying on the floor mats. It is how I actually typically spend my time in a jjimjilbang. Just doing nothing, as Julia Roberts said, “Dulce Far Niente!” I think I slept for about an hour or two. I woke up feeling a bit hot. I found that none of the air conditioning units were on. I don’t know why though, I did not ask, or maybe there was one but it was not enough.
Feeling a bit hungry, I approached the cafe counter and noticed they have one kimbap ready. I asked for the kimbap and order a sikhye to pair it up with. I took my time enjoying the dish, it was savory and I really appreciate every bite of it.
The prices of their food and services are very affordable yet the service is really excellent. I might be just one not-so-demanding kid but for real, comparing my experience from Seoul and this place is very much close!
I hanged out a bit more in the lounge area for the next couple of hours. It was awesome to find that the wall sockets have USB ports where I could charge, so no need to bring your portable chargers.
I checked out at about 5:30 PM as I had dinner plans that day at Patches Thai Restaurant. Overall the experience at Gong Hang Spa Clark was okay. If you want to experience authenticity, like how Koreans would experience it on a usual day, and not the touristy luxury type, come here! The food is great, the staffs are wonderful and the service is great! I had no regrets spending my birthday here!
Gong Hang Sauna Clark (공항사우나 마사지) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gonghangsauna.clarkpampanga Address: BLDG 7256, Claro M Recto Hwy, Clark Freeport, Zone, Pampanga Phone: 09171457755 Modes of Payment: Gcash or Cash only.
Disclaimer: Reception and Collage photos are from Gong Hang Sauna’s Facebook page. Gong Hang building photo is from google maps.
It has been a long while since my trip to Thailand, perhaps anywhere else beyond the Philippines. At this point, my curiosity and eagerness to experience new things are already bursting at the seams. I was just craving something familiar from the land of smiles. The great thing I discovered Authentic Thai Culinary Experience at Patches Thai Restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga.
I’ve been visiting Angeles a lot lately since I purchased my first car ever. It’s nothing fancy, just enough to take me where I want to go to. It was my birthday so I thought that I’d go out and treat myself. For dinner, it was Thai for me!
After a restful afternoon at Gong Hang Sauna inside Clark, I traveled the Malabaas road where Patches Thai Restaurant is situated. It is about a 7km, 15-minute drive from the Air Base. I arrived at the restaurant at about 6:30 PM just in time for dinner ahead of the coming crowd of diners.
I placed my order at their front counter, though I think you can also sit down and wait to be served. I ordered Padthai, of course, Papaya Salad, and the quintessential Thai milk tea. since I was alone they were able to seat me inside where there is airconditioning.
Waiting time was reasonable, and must I say worth it!
I had to hold myself from digging into my food immediately and waited for my Thai milk tea. I was hesitant knowing that Thai food can be a bit spicy.
Finally, I got my drink. I am now ready to dive in.
I have to say that the serving is quite generous that two persons can share one. The pad Thai was just as tasty as I remember it was. Patches Thai Restaurant also provides seasonings on the side with mashed peanuts being one of them. Back in Bangkok, I would add chunky bits of peanuts but having them mashed just brings out the best of the dish.
The papaya salad was just to die for!
It was an awesome marriage of sweet, a bit of spicy, and tangy tastes. The papaya was crunchy while the sauce was just refreshing! Though they asked me what level of spiciness I wanted, I was still quite hesitant to try it without my milk tea, knowing what medium and not so spicy in Thailand means! LOL! Thankfully though, their spice meter has been adjusted to Filipino standard so medium spicy does mean medium spicy! LOL!
As for the Thai Milk tea, it was just as I remember it having in Bangkok. Nothing special though, but if you want authentic Thai milk tea, you can count on Patches Thai Restaurant. To be honest, though, I actually like the 7-11 milk tea in Bangkok. But hey, the ones served at the restaurant is just how they do it in Thailand!
I spent about 30 minutes trying to finish my dishes but the serving was just too big for me. Remember to bring a friend, if you have one (LOL), when you visit Patches Thai Restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga. I had to ask the restaurant to put my papaya salad in a takeaway bag, it was just wrong to leave it there! When they got back to me, it was just a joy to see they made it just as local vendors in Bangkok do it!
I spent about a little over thirty minutes in the restaurant trying to consume everything and fail. Don’t get me wrong that’s actually good as the servings are generous. The interior was homie, with their brown vinyl walls reminding me of traditional houses in Thai telenovelas.
It was all good! I can’t wait to comeback and try their other dishes. I could only order so much since I got no one to Patches, I can’t wait to be back!
Patches Thai Restaurant 26B Malabanias Road, Angeles City, Philippines Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057026366895 Phone: +63 961 483 8823
So last 2019, before the pandemic, I brought my mom to Taiwan. After traveling alone for a few years, I thought of bringing my family along in my trips. Though one at a time at least I fulfill my plans of traveling with them.
Off we go to Taipei then!
In this first video, you see us fly from Manila to Taipei, Taiwan. We took separate planes, cause budget, to get there. She took an earlier Philippine Airlines flight and I had CebuPacific. Believe it or not, though, her flight was cheaper than mine! LOL!
She did wait for me a few hours at the airport since her flight is way earlier than mine, I on the other hand waited for several hours for my flight because I brought her to the airport. Both of us got a fair share of waiting, LOL! I did offer to send her to the hotel as soon as she arrives but she opted to wait instead.
It has been a year since I arrived back here in Manila from the US. Unfortunately, I can’t go back there yet since the embassy in Manila still is closed for B1/B2 applications. Yes, my visa expired already. It was such a bummer that my trip didn’t go as planned because of this whole Covid thing, which I cannot stress enough to be taken seriously. Hence, I am not moving from my home.
Remembering all the hoops and uncertainties that I had to go through that time made me think, should I write something about it? I actually thought of writing about that process as a waste of time and would be of no value to anyone since it was constantly changing every, single, day.
I was hoping that time that the government will come up with a clear, easy-to-follow process. That way everyone can be compliant and avoid confusion, especially in the airports where most of the action is.
Unluckily, the situation in the country has not gotten any better. Don’t ask why. So here I am a year later thinking maybe I should write about it. Maybe I should share `how I manage to stay on top of everything and come home in one piece.
My plan for the trip last 2020 was to land in Los Angeles, see a few sights then go visit my Aunt in North Carolina. After spending a couple of weeks, I intended to go to New York for a weekend. From New York, I wanted to fly to Mexico for the rest of my trip before flying back to Los Angeles and fly back to Manila.
Obviously, that didn’t happen since Covid did.
From The East Coast The West Coast
My plans for this trip only went as far as visiting my Aunt on the East Coast. New York was the epicenter of Covid in the US at that time. It was just plain stupid to push through.
From North Carolina, I flew back to Los Angeles. I chose to fly from OAJ rather than driving for hours going to Raleigh. The fares were dirt cheap as the number of passengers dwindled down because of the situation. Flight fares from OAJ or the Albert J Ellis Airport usually are expensive that a lot of people choose to drive to Raleigh instead. But like I said, the fares were so low that I just had to take advantage and save my relatives from the stressful drive.
An almost empty OAJ (Albert J Ellis) Airport
Given the situation, I was expecting that my flight won’t be full especially that it is a small aircraft and that social distancing needs to be observed. The flight was full! I was a bit concerned but thank God my aunt gave me a bunch of face masks that she made! Amazingly, it seems that many passengers weren’t concerned about what’s going on. A lot of them weren’t even wearing masks.
I had a layover in Charlotte, N.C. It is a bigger airport where they aggregate passengers who then Fly out on another plane. Since it was a hub airport, it was filled more than the OAJ Airport. It was a bit uncomfortable seeing a crowd in the airport. I was also surprised that the plane taking me to Washington DC seemed to be full also.
The ticket gallery they gave me when I checked in. 2 layovers in total.
Yes, it was a two-layover flight. But most of the flights were since there were not many people traveling at that time. So they had to shuttle and aggregate their passengers. It does make sense. From Washington DC it was a 6-hour flight to Los Angeles. It was tiring, honestly. Well at least I am already in LA, just a few days more and I will be back home. Or will I?
My plane from The Washington Dulles Airport to LAX
The Unexpected Angelino
I booked a hostel bed for a week near Hollywood Blvd at Hollywood Budget BnB GuestHome. I wanted to take photos of the nearby areas and the blvd. itself at night. I thought that it would be a nice addition to my portfolio. To my dismay when I arrived at the hostel, the manager told me that he was trying to contact me. To cut the story short (I’ll make another post for this) I think I was a victim of the bait and switch.
The pool at my first hostel (I don’t recommend this hostel)
Anyways a few days before my scheduled flight, Philippine Airlines informed me that my flight is canceled. I had to decide quickly where to transfer. It was a no-brainer, I didn’t want to stay at that hostel. So I checked out my options using Booking.com, Airbnb, and Agoda. Booking.com and Airbnb gave me the best options.
I chose to book with Airbnb, though they failed me numerous times already. They had the best rates.
walking around my new neighborhood in Korea Town (2nd hoste)
I tried to book the soonest available flight going back home. The soonest bookable flight though was a month later. So secretly with a happy heart, I booked my accommodation via Airbnb for a month! ^_^. I later thought that maybe it’s the universe telling me, “hey! you deserve to enjoy this trip even just for a bit! Stay for a while!”. Well, universe Thank You so much!
I honestly enjoyed living in Los Angeles. However, the reality is that it is not sustainable for me. I mean, my savings can support me for about a month or maybe two. Or maybe even rent out a cheap room. I know I can actually afford to live there, but of course, I have bills to pay in Manila and saving to build up. If I stay there, it’s just gonna go negative instead of saving.
The Rumi Hostel (Photo from Airbnb)
Trying To Get Back
EVA Air was really good at communicating the status of my flight. However, because of the constantly changing and worsening situation at that time, I keep on getting bumped off my flight. I kept on rescheduling to the soonest flights but it got to a point where I couldn’t afford it anymore. Taiwan, where I was supposed to transit, was scheduled to lift the transit restrictions for foreigners way beyond my authorized stay in the US. I could apply to extend my stay, but that would cost me $500 and another month in the hostel is about $400. It was way beyond practical.
Since staying in Los Angeles and buying a new ticket cost the same, I decided to book a new one. I thought that since it is based in The Philippines, I won’t have any issues with transiting in case of changes arise. So I booked one for about the same price as the round trip ticket I initially bought.
I was extremely vigilant in making sure that my flight was going through. I always check my airline’s Facebook page and my email for any announcements.
On the eve of my scheduled flight, uncertainty was prevalent within our Facebook group. There’s this announcement on the airline’s page that all flights will be diverted to Cebu, but no communication has been sent. Most of us were speculating that our flight will be canceled. True enough, it was. Still no email from Philippine Airlines.
I tried calling customer service but they couldn’t give an answer.
Just Keep Trying
Several hours after speaking with the airline representative, I received an email that night. It said that my flight for June 20th is canceled! I was honestly confused about what to feel. Thank God I was able to put myself together. I called Philippine Airlines really early in the morning. It felt inconvenient since they should have just rescheduled us automatically rather than having us call them.
Anyways, I easily got through their lines. I think I was this guy’s first call. I asked about the scheduled flight that night for Cebu that I saw on their site. I was so ecstatic as he informed me that I got a slot for that night’s slot!
I quickly went back to my room and to fix my luggage. I also informed one of the house managers that I am no longer extending my stay.
Pre Flight Drama
I spent my last few hours in Los Angeles buying some stuff that I can bring back home. I thought that with everything that has been going on, it’s gonna be a while before I can come back.
With my bags locked, I booked an Uber to the airport around 5 PM. My flight was not until 10, but I am not taking any chances.
I thought that I am really early. Then I remembered that I am flying with fellow Filipinos. That means, getting to the airport hours before your flight is normal. Yeah, knowing how Filipinos are with their appointments; your know, Filipino time? We are extremely cautious with airports and flights. Needles to say, there was a long line of people trying to check-in already when I arrived.
Tom Bradley Terminal
Checking in was fine. The only struggle was staying in the line for more than an hour. It was awesome to be in the Facebook group. There was a lot of support from people in the same flight and for those who are still waiting to get their new slots.
As I reached the check-in counter, I placed my carefully balanced luggage on the scale. They asked me about my quarantine hotel reservation in Cebu and my ticket. It was easy, except for the long wait.
My incredibly balanced luggage. All were right on the limit!
Flying Back To The Philippines
My flight boarded a bit later than scheduled. It was expected though. Having all these new protocols obviously can create confusion. So I try to stay patient.
Everyone was cooperative, no one trying to create drama.
waiting at the boarding gates
My ticket going back home
Upon boarding the plane, I learned that it was a full flight. There was no social distancing. Well, unless you want to pay extra for it. I wasn’t complaining at that point. I just wanted to get home. So I kept my mask on as I have been.
The flight went as usual. They serve meals and drinks while on protective gear. Though hidden behind the new uniform they are wearing, you still feel the warmth of the PAL flight crew. It was such a comfort being taken cared of by Filipino Hospitality.
After a few hours of sleep and wake cycle, I finally heard the pilot announcing that we are about to arrive. The flight crew then prepared everyone for the touchdown. My heart was racing in excitement.
Quarantine In Cebu
Since we were one of the few first Non-Expats (Overseas Filipino Workers) arriving in the country, we were fortunate that our quarantine wasn’t really full-blown isolation. We just had to take a swab test and contain ourselves in our rooms until we receive the result of the test.
Line for the immigration counterWaiting for my turn to get swabbed for covid testing.My specimen
The initial batches of results came in just a few hours after we checked in. Mine didn’t arrive until the following day. The good thing about booking a quarantine-hotel is that they provide all meals.
It was quite nerve-racking when I was one of the few left without our results. I had to email and call people just to get my certificates. I do not understand why it was so disorganized. But that is how it was.
It was almost lunchtime when I received my certificates. The people at Eloisa Hotel were just awesome. They offered, without me asking, to print my certificates.
The only problem now is that my flight to Manila is not confirmed yet. As I said, nothing was clear with the procedures. They didn’t tell us if we have to book it ourselves or they’d (quarantine officers/PAL) be booking it for us. There was just not enough instruction given. Some of my co-passengers said that we can go to the airport and they will just let us in even without reservations. I doubted that. I also have huge luggage so I didn’t want to risk going there only to be turned away.
Some of the people who did go to the airport were accommodated as chance passengers, some just were not fortunate enough. Since I was already in Cebu, I thought of staying for maybe a week. But watching the news on the TV wasn’t sounding a bit optimistic. So I just stayed a couple of days more and flew back to Manila on a weekend.
Way Back Home
Finally, the day came. I stayed in an Airbnb just right off the airport for convenience. Believe me, though, it was not easy to find a hotel or Airbnb. Most of them were shut off or are asking for a minimum of one month’s stay. My bookings were canceled one after another. It was just frustrating because Airbnb didn’t do their part in making sure that their listings are actually active and accepting just like how it shows on their website.
Anyways, my flight back to Manila came and everything went smoothly at the airport. Everyone wore masks and face shields (which I still disapprove of). I also bought some chocolates at the Mactan Airport, cause I ate many of the ones I bought at Ralph’s in LA! lol!
Bye Cebu!
Socially Distanced Flight at last!
Line for baggage claim
My brother picked me up, he was way too late. I was the only one at the airport that seem to be ghost town-like. But then I am grateful. This is the first time someone is picking me up. No one ever offered and I don’t want to be an imposition.
So there, that was how challenging getting home at that time was. I was just thankful that I got home before my authorized stay expired. Getting stuck in Los Angeles was also bearable because of the people I met in the hostel. I hope I get to meet them again in the future.
As of this writing, things have been complicated already. The government seems not to know how to go with their quarantine policies. Vaccines are already rolling out, albeit, not enough for everyone. At least though we are moving. I also hope that traveling across provinces, regions or localities would be standardized. They do allow movement for the most part. However, learning how complicated it gets to visit other places makes you just want to give up your plans.
Till the next time, we actually get to travel. I hope soon before I go insane.
It was my first time in Los Angeles in more than a decade. Things have changed since, of course, and I was pretty confused about how I can get to Hollywood where my hostel is. I really didn’t research how I could get out of the airport, to be honest. I was feeling a bit adventurous and confident at the same time. I felt like I should know this, this feels like home. It was challenging. I learned things the hard way, but that was fun no regrets at all. So let me share with you the ways I found how to get out of LAX.
Booking Uber isn’t really a convenient straightforward option for LAX. You will have to get to the pickup area where all ride-sharing cars take riders. To get there, take the shuttle bus that circles around all the terminals and brings passengers to the pickup point. I paid about 60 USD from LAX to my Hollywood hostel. Also, carpooling with other passengers is disabled if you are coming from the airport.
Taxis are also found at the pickup point which they fondly call LAX-it, maybe it’s like a play of word from Exit? I don’t really know. Again you can take the shuttle or maybe walk if you don’t have any luggage. It’s just right beside terminal 1. Flag down for taxis as of writing is $2.50, I found something online though that says they can service you for about less than $50.
If you have a number of bags and luggage, and putting them on a bus tugging them to LAXit is just unimaginable, you might want to hire a private car for yourself. They can just simply wait you at the parking and pull out to pick you up at your terminal when you are ready. There’s a good number of private cars that you can hire, but of course it’s gonna cost more comparing it to Uber or Lyft.
The cheapest way though to get out of LAX though is via the LAX Flyaway bus. It shuttles passengers from LAX to Union Station in DTLA (downtown L.A.) for just $9.75. From there it’s around $11 to Hollywood.
Keep in mind though that the bus, like I said, is a shuttle. it does not make any stop. So if you are going to nearby neighborhoods such as Inglewood, where I first stayed, it would be best to just either hire a car or, book an Uber or Lyft.
Got better ideas how to get out of LAX? Share it with everyone in the comments section!
So I am writing this during the time of the Corona Virus Pandemic that originated from China. Whew, that sounds biblical! Anyways it is those times and almost no one is reading about travel. Why? coz no one is able to travel leisurely at the moment as borders of countries closed up because of the virus. So I thought to share a quick tour we did around Siem Reap a couple of years back when I kidnapped my dad on a 14 day Indochina Trip.
Anyways I just want to share with you some places that you can go around Siem Reap on days that you are not raiding the Angkor Wat complex. These are pretty much free locations that you can spend time and wander.
1. Prom Rath Pagoda
One of the important pagodas in Siem Reap, the Wat Prom Rath Pagoda features a sculpture garden that depicts Buddha’s journey to nirvana. Inside the temple, the inner side of the walls exhibits a mural of Buddha’s life from birth to death. A very interesting place to learn more about Buddhism.
2. Pub Street
Siem Reaps most famous street. Drown yourselves to 50 cent beers and dance the entire night with wonderful people (well mostly white lol) from all over the world!
3. Angkor Arts Market
Cambodia is just full of talented people, especially with visual arts. Just look at the Angkor Wat. The Angkor Night Art Market is one place that you can visit, just right across the Siem Reap river to find authentic Cambodian arts and handicrafts.
4. Apsara Dancers
There are quite a few restaurants in Siem Reap that have shows showing traditional Cambodian culture. We dined at Koulen Restaurant. They charge $12 for adults and $6 for children. It includes a buffet and a cultural show. The show consists of some traditional dances and Apsara Dancers. Apsara is the ancient ballet dance of the Khmer empire. The buffet at this restaurant isn’t really the best. However, since we came there for the show it wasn’t so bad at all. There are other restaurants that offer the same, with good food selection and great deserts. For sure you can find one that would fit your budget.
5. Preach Ang Chek
A small temple by the Royal Independence gardens. Preach Ang Chek is said to be a shrine for 2 Angkorian princess. The statues were moved around the city until it found it’s current place in 1990. I like the open layout of the shrine where people can freely walk in and out. You can also see the statues from the outside. The trees at the adjacent parking lot also houses a cool group of animals. If you look up and stare just long enough, you will notice that the black things hanging at the top are not part of the trees but are actually huge flying foxes!
Los Angeles is one of my favorite cities in the world. I’ve always thought of spending a lot of time in LA meeting new friends and just enjoying the city by the sea. It may be because of too much TV but Los Angeles really has never lost its charm to me. So, let me share with you 7 things I really love about Los Angeles I realized on my last visit to the city.
Beaches
Eons ago, lol, when I was a kid I used to always watch Baywatch. Yes, that bikini running, David Hasselhoff starring hot hot hot show shot in California. I’ve always fantasized about having an amazing body with six-pack abs and just walk shirtless at Venice Beach. Spoiler alert: didn’t happen. LOL. But that fantasy also has given me the fondness of living near the beach. A few years back, I even attempted relocating at Subic Bay, though I horribly failed, at least I tried. I also just bought a plot of land near the beach in Batangas! Anyways, I am getting a bit off the topic. L.A.’s beaches is absolutely #1 on my list because of that.
LA’s (and its nearby Orange County) beaches are absolutely picturesque. Not just Venice, Dockweiler and Manhattan beaches, but if you go down south at Huntington Beach it just gets better. I absolutely love the beach culture of LA. How people respect other people’s rift with their beach thing. It’s just awesome. The sand may not be as fine as Boracay but it’s just the culture that makes it so different and beautiful.
Everything Has Labels
Way back in early 2019 I weighed about 70kg, I’m 5’6″ so I was pretty thin. I’ll put a photo below for those who can’t imagine how thin I was. I gained weight towards the end of that year and through 2020 due to many factors. It was really a struggle to watch what I was eating when I was staying with my aunt in North Carolina. I mean, how can I say no to the awesome food my aunt and uncle cook every single day! When I moved to Los Angeles after a couple of months with them, I was able to watch what I eat since I buy my own food. I buy my food good for a few days from the neighborhood grocery, Ralph’s. The best thing about doing grocery is that there are labels on how many calories each serving of food there is. I can just mix and match without worrying about exceeding my daily caloric intake targets!
Amen to ZERO Calories!
Mix and matchin’ my proteins for dinner.
Transportation
The first time I was in Los Angeles, was ages ago. At that time, we were pretty much confined to the house and hotel where we were staying at. I was too young, didn’t had a car, and didn’t know how to drive. Public transportation at that time was next to inexistent. Don’t even ask about Uber or Lyft when computers back then, were still running on WindowsXp. Today, Los Angeles may not have a metro system as fancy as the big cities but their buses do run 24 hours. Paying the fare is also really easy, just get yourself one of the metro cards that you tap in and out. The local train-bus network even reaches as far as Huntington Beach, Anaheim and New Port or even farther. They will get you to where you need to be. A bit of warning though, they don’t smell that good especially the train. LOL.
Groceries
Many of us are under the impression that the US is an expensive country to travel to. That’s somewhat true. However, if you try to be a thrifty traveler and focus on the things that really matter to you grocery stores are a great place to get your supplies! I was stranded lived in LA’s Korea Town for a little over a month. And a couple of blocks off from my hostel is Ralph’s. This grocery store, which I think is owned by Kroger, has almost anything that you need, including a bank! I could always go to Ralph’s at any time of the day (it is open 24 hours) and pick up one of the zero-calorie iced teas whenever I am craving for it. They have baked goods, flowers, a pharmacy, eye clinic, meat, and poultry section, it was a really well round-off store. So next time especially when you are on long-term travel in California or anywhere, do not forget to give the groceries in your neighborhood a visit. my local Ralph’s store in Korea Town. (screenshot from google maps)
Creativity
Los Angeles is just overflowing with great talent. This city will truly change you and affect you especially if you are a creative person. I myself, though not a truly creative person, felt this effect when I lived there for a short while. Since I was living in a hostel, I met so many people trying to make it out there in Hollywood. There were actors, musicians, and visual artists. I especially got involved in a creative project with a rap artist called LateAfter. I was honestly reluctant and doubtful to say yes. I only had a cheap Sony A5000 camera and a gimbal for my travel Vlog. But yeah he saw so insistent that I just said yes to it. I tell you it was something that I could have not experienced if I did not meet people that are artists like LateAfter8. Here’s the video we shot that night.
Electronics
If you are someone from a country who, like The Philippines, taxes two to three times the price from the country that Export it. So buying straight from the source and bringing it back to your home country as personal property (as it actually is) saves you a lot of money. Imagine I got a Surface Pro 4 from Amazon for just about bought my dad a cool soundbox for $99!
Mexican Food
With its population made up of at least 59% Latino, Los Angeles is an awesome place to taste authentic Mexican food. I lived in Korea Town for a little over a month. My favorite place to go to for some late snacking was at W 8th and Irolo. I discovered the area on one of my few exploration walks in the neighborhood. I found a bunch of small Mexican food stalls that set up late in the afternoon, just in time for the workers going home to buy food. Oblivious if the prices were cheap considering that this is Los Angeles, I asked one of my hostel friends. She said that $5 for street food was pretty cheap already. Throughout Los Angeles, you will find many places with trucks and stalls that offer Mexican food. If you, however, are the restaurant type; expect to pay more for your food plus tips!
Real taquitos baby!
One of the Mexican Food Trucks in my neighborhood.
Amen to ZERO Calories!
Mix and matchin’ my proteins for dinner. 
my local Ralph’s store in Korea Town. (screenshot from google maps) 
bought my dad a cool soundbox for $99! 
