I am but a traveler
Much as 2010 was the Year of Stability, it was also the year of travels, here and abroad. I’ve traveled to various destinations last year more than I ever have my entire life. There are a lot of new places, and there were also old places revisited (Hello Singapore, which some people say ginagawa ko lang Quiapo). Most of these travels were for work, but I always try (try being the operative word-as in try to get out of bed) to squeeze in some exploration in my free time.
Here’s a rundown of all the places I’ve been to in 2010:
March 2010 - Phuket, Thailand.
It was my first time in Phuket. We hit Patong Beach, where the red light district was. The beach wasn’t so nice, but getting immersed in all that culture and, well, prostitution, was an eye-opening experience.
May 2010 - Singapore.
Second time in the lion city. Was able to roam around a bit, and get a taste of local delicacy. Was able to visit Universal Studios, too!
June 2010 - Back to Singapore!
Spent a whole week this time. Also, went with my boss (pictured here). Roamed to places I’ve never been to before, such as Vivo City and Sentosa Beach. Rode a bus! Stayed with Micah after my official engagement.
July 2010 - Malaysia.
Attended an Intel press briefing. Stayed at the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Wasn’t able to go to the Petronas Towers (sadfez). Was billeted at such a weird hotel (with pyramids! And a giant sphinx head!)
August 2010 - Boracay. Stayed at the infamous (and uber-sashal!) Discovery Shores. Second time in paradise. Bad, bad weather. But still enjoyed the beach!
September 2010 - Cebu with my One and Only. :) Four months in the making! (parang baby lang, haha) Went far up in Cebu, to Bantayan Island. Swam at the pristine beach. Ate good food. And most of all: sumemplang sa motor! Haha. Also, braved our fears at the Crowne Regency Hotel’s Edge Coaster; bought danggit at Tabo-An Market (which we geekily located through Foursquare and Google Maps); and toured the entire city.
October 2010 - Enchanted Kingdom! Time travel back to childhood. Rode almost all the rides, except Anchor’s Away (someone’s tummy didn’t want to. Boo!) Rode the new EKstreme, which is like an elevator freefall. Discovered that I was afraid of the topmost part of the Wheel of Fate (see picture for reference!) Almost didn’t catch the bus back to Manila!
October 2010 - Singapore…yet again. Can you believe I didn’t take even a single picture during this trip? Haha. Our hotel was a bit far away from the city central, so I spent most of my time at the hotel.
November 2010 - Bangkok for the 2nd time around. Fell deeper in love with this lovely city! Walked the streets of Bangkok at night, went to a few night markets, took in the fresh (and quiet!) Thai air. Ate too much Pad Thai, too!
November 2010 - Coron, Palawan. Yet another city I fell in love with. Majestic limestone formations! Deep blue lakes and lagoons! Awesome beaches! School of Fish! Pawikan near the shore! Exclamation points!
December 2010 - Hong Kong. With my Love. The trip that almost didn’t happen, thanks to an incompetent PR firm. Love love love the uber-cold, jacket weather! Roamed around Hong Kong Island and Mongkok ‘til our feet bruised. Visited the Giant Buddha. Went to Victoria Peak. Spent a lot of time riding the MTR! I love Hong Kong! Bring me back there! I have yet to see Disneyland and Ocean Park.
How about you? Were have you been the past year? :)