TMAG 2019

Forgive me but I'm still reminiscing about my solo back pack trip to Hobart, Tasmania a month ago. On my third day and before I headed back to the airport, I went to TMAG or Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. It was just across the street from the YHA hostel I was staying. I've read that it is one of the best places to go for a museum experience including natural history, art, social, heritage, Antartica and Tasmanian Aboriginal culture. Best of all, entrance was for free except for their featured display.

So, off I went early in the morning.

There were a lot of people waiting to get in as well. It opened at 10 am and since I had a big bag with me, the staff asked me to place it in the lockers available. I had to insert a $2 coin to use the locker but I can get my coin back when I get my bag back.

There were tons of displays and here are just a few that caught my attention.

This is the Thylacine or the Tasmanian Tiger because of its striped back. It is extinct and the last known live animal was captured in 1933 and died in 1936.

A huge chocolate pan.

Different types of chairs. I love how unique the styles are and I remember a famous personality in the Philippines also collected different styles of chairs.

Interesting displays of art.

I love this colorful painting of Australia as Treasure Island.

Interesting stories and details about Antarctica. 

I love visiting museums ever since, all the more when it is free! Perfect time to cap my Hobart trip. Thank you for reading and 'til my next blog.

Logos Hope 2015

On our 5th day in Hongkong, my mother and sister caught their morning flights back to Cebu. Being alone in the big city made me scared a bit. I already planned way ahead on how to spend my day. I would locate Ocean Terminal and step on the floating library called Logos Hope.

Logos Hope docked at Cebu's port around 2 months prior. I saw a lot of my friends and previous workmates trooping to the ship and having their photos taken. I know they must have had a good time. I monitored where Logos Hope was to dock next and found out that they'd be in Hong Kong whilst I am there. The thought added more to my excitement.

Way back in 2012, I was able to visit the ship as well. I never thought I could get a chance to visit it again.

Google, as my friend, helped me a lot with my research. When I was ready and armed with my research, I checked out of our guesthouse and hopped on the train's Tsuen Wan Line towards Central Station. I alighted at Tsim Sha Tsui station and looked for signs and information on what the nearest exit to Ocean Terminal was. Getting lost was part of the adventure and after walking for almost 15 minutes, I successfully reached Ocean Terminal. I couldn't help being proud of my self for successfully getting there.

I had to get into Harbour City to find my way into the planks of Logos Hope. I did not find any left luggage service so I had to bring my stroller and my backpack with me all the time. I paid 10 HKD for the entrance fee and mixed with the crowd who were busy with what Logos Hope had to offer.

There were a lot of parents and their kids scouring through the vast selection of books. I remembered way back when me and my friends stepped onto those same floors. I missed that time and I was like walking back into memory lane but this time I am alone and in another country. Anyways, I enjoyed browsing at different books and their categories.

After I had chosen a book that I liked, I lined up to the counter. The line was so long that it took me about 20 minutes just to get to the counter. It would be safe to say that the ship received a lot of support from the people of this country.

After going past the cashier to pay, I passed on another area with more books and a photo gallery showing the story of the Prodigal Son. I overheard a staff guiding guests and telling them of this Bible Story.

Still the same as that from 2012:

I was tired and wanted to rest a little bit so I decided to sit for a minute or two on the benches directly after the gallery. There was a mini talk/ presentation from the crew to the kids. I stayed a bit to listen and also met a girl who was temporarily volunteering as a crew for the ship. She mentioned her job for the day was to just talk with people. In my mind, I was thinking it was a cool job and I would also have wanted to volunteer but my schedule cannot permit me.

There was a restaurant/cafe where tables were full of guests. Being tired and hungry from all the walking and bag-dragging, I decided to line up and get myself a cheesecake for take away.

As the tables were full, I sat on a bench and took a bite of my cake. Directly in front of me was a booth where kids can fit their heads to become a Logos Hope captain. The line was quite long but the parents patiently waited with their kids.

Browsing through my old photos, I was one of those who also lined up for something like this in the past, too!

It was indeed a trip to a floating library and on memory lane for me. I was very happy to achieve what I planned to do for that day. Thank you Logos Hope for letting me locate you while in Hong Kong. Thank you for your time and 'til my next blog!

Weekend at Phi Phi Island

So, I really missed going on a solo backpack and decided I can do it by going to another island. This time, I chose Phi Phi Islands.

This group of Islands is between Phuket and the west strait of Malacca. I booked for a return ferry ride to Koh Phi Phi Don, the largest and most populated of this group of islands. It cost me around 600THB for the return trip which also included land transfers to pick me up and drop me off from where I reside in Phuket. 

Upon arrival at the Rassada pier in Phuket, the van driver gave me a sticker to put on my shirt. This will signal to what boat or group I will belong to.

The ferry was full with most passengers bringing their luggage to the island. These bags were piled up outside while the guests can choose to be either in the air-conditioned area or outside and under the direct heat of the sun.

The journey to the island was about 2 hours. We docked at Ton Sai Bay, which was a very busy port. Right after I stepped out of the boat, I saw my friend, Jackie, who is working as a tour guide. Unfortunately, I can't be with her during her sleep aboard tour because I booked for a dorm room to stay in the island for a night. Maybe the next time I come, I will  try her tour.

Upon entering the island, guests were asked to pay 20THB. The ticket receipt says it is a fee for the parking or cleaning.

My dorm room was just a few steps from the pier and was not difficult to find. After settling my things and freshening up, I went to have a walk around. I went to the other part of the island which was Loh Dalum Bay. It is a quiet place with lesser number of boats. Stretches of white sands can be seen with only a few bars or restaurants. It was low tide when I went there, so it was not that nice.

At night, the area transforms into a lively place. There were fire dancers showing their moves. Drinks can be purchased either from the bars or at the nearest 7-11 stores.These can then be enjoyed while sitting on the sand. Here's a short clip.

The next morning, I woke up early and did some trekking towards the viewpoint. I decided to see the second viewpoint first. It was so hot and it took me about 40 minutes towards the top. But the view was rewarding indeed!

On the way down to the first viewpoint, I relaxed and took the cemented pathway. 

When I went back to town, there was no electricity and water at the dorm. It was so humid. I decided to eat brunch at one of the few restaurants that had a generator. These power outages are commonly scheduled and well disseminated throughout the island.

Before I went back to Phuket, I had time to chill and enjoy the sun at Long Beach.

I know I could have done more activities while in Phi Phi Don. I saw a lot of booths offering afternoon tours to Maya Bay and other small islets. Maybe I will be back soon. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog. 

My First Solo Backpacking Trip

I've read about articles pointing out that solo backpacking is fun. I was not convinced of this before. Travelling with a friend or two is what I am used to. And for me whose talking most of the time, I imagined it difficult to strike a conversation with complete strangers.

Browsing through Airasiago, I saw that they had a package price for return flights and 3 days 2 nights at a hotel in Hanoi. I was afraid to give it a shot but finally decided to book it. 

I arrived at Don Meuang International Airport at around 5am. Checking in was a breeze as I used one of the check in kiosks at the entrance. As it was still early, the immigration had only a few on queue. 

While waiting for boarding, I chatted with another passenger. He was travelling to Hanoi to refresh his Thailand visa. It was his second time to Hanoi. We went on discussing about what he was doing in Thailand and how was his previous Hanoi trip. He was kind to ask me if I already have a booked accommodation. I told him that I did have one and in fact arranged for a taxi to pick me up. 

Upon arriving at Hanoi, I looked for my name in the countless names being waived by taxi drivers. I looked twice and even thrice but cannot seem to find it. Finally, I went with my new found friend to catch the airport to town mini bus for 100,000VND (4.46 USD). 

My original hotel transferred me to its sister hotel as my room was still unavailable. Golden Time Hostel 2 was where I was assigned. They even upgraded me to a big room with private bath and toilet. It was too big for a solo backpacker like me but the comfort I had made me very happy.

The receptionist was very kind to me. He gave me a map of the vicinity and even told me where to get cheap local lunch. A few steps from my hotel was a small food joint where low tables and chairs were placed on the walkway. The tables were joined together and so it appeared long. Here I was with my seatmates who gamely posed for a selfie.

I just asked the lady vendor for chicken and rice and a peach drink. 

Suddenly, a guy sat in front of me and ordered food as well. It was awkward eating with someone else at a very close proximity. While we did so, all of a sudden our tables were removed and we had to carry our dishes and drinks. I was utterly confused.

Next, we were all asked to give up our chairs and to walk a few steps ahead. What really happened was that the police came and reprimanded the owners for setting up the store in the walkway. Later did I know that space rentals were so expensive and this is why they rent the small space and place tables and chairs outside. We sat on a small store's stairs and continued to eat our lunch. Just had to take a selfie to mark this funny and confusing experience.

More of my Hanoi trip soon! Thank you for reading and 'til my next blog!