 Edward Adrian-Vallance - EdVallance | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 20th December 2009 emerald d.eleuterio | the place where i left before - From: The Tao't Batu - cave dwellers of South Palawan im a woman with a simple ambition for my self and for my family i grew up in sicud rizal palawan i studied in elementary up to secondary on that place. but when i graduated high school i my family that i will contenue my college degree in manila im so sad cos im sure that i cant see the place where i started to grew up after how many years i going back in sicud rizal palawan im amaze my place coz its improving now they have a electricity ang improving sorrounding and very refreshing place and beautiful spots you can found it like taot bato, sidang sidang and many more... in taot bato they have a lot of indigenous people its familliar to call [PALAWAN a native people] thay so nice and friendly but despite of that the status of there living is so poor and they needs a lot of things especially medicine..and im giving my sympathy for them.. i want to help those people... maybe they have a person who can help me also to pursue my purposes to be able to help them....and i want also to avoid a descrimination for those people who lives peacefully in the mountain.we share our blessings to them...godbless and love our invironment and also to all indegenous people i adore you...... |
| 17th December 2009 NASIR | ati people - From: The Ati, Negrito people of Panay you can clearly see the ati people are of african decent by there frizzy hair and facial features mixed with some asian if every one realy wanted to know where they came from stop with the myths and take dna i am sure they will trace there roots to afrira i am sure some one thought of this before me or is it that nobody want to knowledge them being from africa. |
| 2nd December 2009 Mell | - From: Metro Zombies Being in the Moscow metro is one of my travel fantasies. But the fantasy up until now has been about crystal chandaliers and marble, and excluded beggars, babuskas, drunks, militisia.... But, I am always interested in human life, so they will add an extra dimension to the experinece when, I finally do get to Moscow. ''Of course, the darker your skin the more often you will be stopped. Who can blame them, however, when their salaries are barely more than the cost of renting a room?'' I can and do blame them. The dark skinned people likely earn less in Moscow than the Militsia do. '' Each one of these newly-grinning people was thinking the same thing: how nice that these children are not old and jaded like us, how nice that they relish a new experience and dive head first into it, how nice it would be to be able to laugh like that once again.'' Nice that somebody can see the joyful side of children. I often wonder why people so often only see the noisy, messy aspect of children. I as a parent often dispair about how modern societies view children. |
| 28th November 2009 Dorothy | head hunters - From: Headhunters turned armed warriors of Kalinga Head hunters? I am one of the Kalinga people, head hunters is just applicable before 1960s but now its not. generally kalinga people are peace loving citizen as they have their own way of solving tribal conflicts (please read the Pagta d bodong, its nice). others may not understand and i think thats normal because of cultural differences... |
| 20th November 2009 Ria | - From: Winter approaches Moscow "Greasy food does wonderful things for the mood on a cold, horrible day". I know that kebab always works for you;-). I now can imagine your daily life in Moscow. Thanks. As a tropical creature I am always excited and overwhelmed to see snow. But you succeeded in making me think, "Perhaps it is not as good; could be bleak, depressive and gloomy too," Just for comparison, so is the sun. In England people told me lucky because I have summer all year long. But let's put sun together with flies, mud, rubbish, fish market, blocked drain, lots of people, humidity and cigarette smoke. I've been there before (no wonder I love winter =p). Did you read a lot about Russian history? You wrote such a good story about Russian aristocrats and peasants toiling etc. Thumbs up. |
| 18th November 2009 AdrianaIna | - From: Winter approaches Moscow Nice blog. I like your take on the everyday aspects of life in Moscow--a more in-depth look than most travel blogs. |
| 18th November 2009 Vinovat Sudarynya | - From: Winter approaches Moscow Great blog, as always. What part of Moscow do you live in? Any chance you could blow the snow this way, it's just grey and tepid here! |
| 10th November 2009 EdVallance | - From: Metro Zombies thanks for the kind words guys! |
| 9th November 2009 Paul-and-Emma | - From: Metro Zombies The best story I have read on travelblog by far. thank you. |
| 9th November 2009 liliram | Incredible..... - From: Metro Zombies Ed, you never fail to amaze me. For such a simple plot such as a metro station, you surely can write!!!! I certainly enjoy "simple experiences" loaded with all the interesting details such as this blog. Reminds me too of some of Jonathan C's blogs on simple plots, loaded with details. Sorry for the comparison. But you, Jon and Jason (aspiring nomad) surely top my list of fav bloggers. |
| 9th November 2009 Vinovat Sudarynya | Отличный блог! - From: Metro Zombies Yep, sounds about right! Moscow is a fascinating city but every day there made my head hurt. Your 'angle' on the commute is spot on: you describe the unappealing parts without whinging and throw in the beautiful bits at just the right moments. |
| 9th November 2009 travel addicted female | Time is the best healer, always. - From: The bizareness of home after 2 years away I know how it feels...I can relate to you....Each time I come back from a trip, short or long I think I will be productive and work hard, but the only think I think about is my next trip and how dull is to be back! Life is unfair for travellers, it's like we are not part of the real world even though we are the ones who really see it . Time is the best healer, always. X Milena |
| 8th November 2009 EdVallance | hi! - From: The Bicycle Diaries - from Lithuania across Belarus into Russia hey Ria! thanks for the comments. Actually I found Belarussians to be very friendly and interested in foreigners in general. However, in some of these ex-Soviet countries there's a tradition of people who work in shops and restaurants being extremely unfriendly to everyone, foreigner or local. It's called "Soviet service". Hope you're well! How have you're plans progressed? |
| 8th November 2009 Ria | - From: The Bicycle Diaries - from Lithuania across Belarus into Russia Guess you're back completely (from the attack). Congratulations. It's an achievement. I'm glad this time you had a good bike, not broken shoes=)! I have one stupid question by the way, why some Belarusian seemed so averse to foreigner? If it's not tourist destination, it usually has more interest in foreigners. Or that's how I thought. It's nice to hear the complete version of your story. Last time I heard was after the Lithuanian immigration asked you, "Where do you live in Lithuania?" and you said,"I don't know, but I remember the bus stop," |
| 8th November 2009 anonymous | Kudos! - From: The Bicycle Diaries - from Lithuania across Belarus into Russia Good for you for succeeding in your ambitious goal... I just completed a 65km bike ride around the Sea of Galilee in Israel, and then got home to read of your amazing cycling feat. My piddly bike ride doesn't seem like so much by comparison :) Much respect! |
| 8th November 2009 Heart | Asking for permission - From: The Bicycle Diaries - from Lithuania across Belarus into Russia Dear EdVallance, I'm Heart, from Vietnam. I'm the admin of Wata website, which offers English learners a place to practise speaking English. You can check it out here: www.watavn.org Besides, I also manage a magazine called Walkie Talkie Magazine (deliver for free). Readers may read it online or download it (for free) to learn the writing styles, as well as to learn others' experience. All is for the mere educational purpose. One of the column I'm about to make use of is: Travelling. I pass by your blog in here, and I love to use your travelling writing to publish. Is it possible if you can allow me to use it? Is there any chance that I can have your email so that we can discuss in details? Thanks for your kind attention. And for further contact, pls drop me a note at: hung.hathe@gmail.com Regards, |
| 6th November 2009 Cinders C | Just..chill! - From: The bizareness of home after 2 years away Hi Ed, sorry to hear (or read even) that you're obviously feeling down at the moment. You've learned a hell of a lot about life being on the road for 2 years, no one's expecting you to immediately be able to adjust back again. As another Berkshire dweller I know what you mean about the complacent way of life here, petty neighbours, everyone having too much money to really care about the outside world, and all that crap. You don't even need to 'adjust' back, you just need time to think. Everything else, like the book, can wait. All the best. |
| 6th November 2009 TinNiE | Cheer Up :) - From: The bizareness of home after 2 years away Nice to see a new entry from you. Ohhhh, I miss England ^^ Whatever you're up to at the moment, hope you're feeling better :) |
| 6th November 2009 NomadAdrift | all too painfully true... - From: The bizareness of home after 2 years away yo bro, fantastic blog! what horrible truths and disappointing realities we come from which few realize... unless they step outside and look in. i return in two weeks after being on the road for 18 months... i wonder how long it'll be before i'm off again. "wandering re-establishes the original harmony which existed between man and the universe." -- anatole france. if wandering re-establishes the harmony, what then maintains it? (i wonder) until before you are off again... welcome home! there's no place like it. |
| 6th November 2009 Krista Lundgren | I feel ya... - From: The bizareness of home after 2 years away I returned home in June after only a year of travel and I feel exactly the same way. It's nice to know I'm not the only one... Broke and unemployed after my extended trip really doesn't help with the transition. Good luck adjusting and welcome home! |
| 6th November 2009 anonymous | - From: The bizareness of home after 2 years away Ah, those post-travel blues! Know the feeling! In time things return to some semblance of normality, and you just have to except that while you've changed, the place where you live and everyone else you know has not! Ultimately there's only one cure available... get a job, save like buggery and hit the road again! Travelling can be tough at times, but ironically nowhere near as tough as settling in back home! Fourteen years on, I'm still loving it, and not looking forward at all to going home (again!) next month, even if the home I'm going back to is on the other side of the world from the one I left all those years ago. But at the end of the day, you've got to remember It's All Good. Enjoy! |
| 5th November 2009 Daniel | what is "home"? - From: The bizareness of home after 2 years away Hey Eddy, I've also come home recently after 2 years in China. And alone, since I can't bring my wife with me to Canada. So far I can't find a job doing what I like. . and living in my parent's basement. It doesn't do much for the self-esteem. I guess I do have the motivation to find work since I know it's the only way I can hope to sponsor and bring my girl over here. .but yeah coming home is tough! Sorry to hear about the breakup. She was a great travel companion and probably saved your life by being there for you when you were sick. But I'm guessing she wanted to settle down..all girls do at some point. Don't start writing a book until you feel the time is right. I think your adventures are not over yet because you still feel restless! Keep up the journals, that alone will make up most of a book if you do write one. keep on keeping on! Daniel |
| 30th October 2009 reu | mindanao - From: Wars, weddings and horse fights in Mindanao there are a lot of beautiful places n mindanao.....only that only few were able to witness them |
| 29th October 2009 Mell | - From: Through Mindoro's interior with tribes and rebels Check this out. :) http://www.travelblog.org/Topics/21112-1.html |
| 28th October 2009 Mell | - From: Through Mindoro's interior with tribes and rebels Great blog! :) |
| 22nd October 2009 Dymphna | Close call - From: Through Mindoro's interior with tribes and rebels Wow - do you always work your guardian angels so hard? |
| 22nd October 2009 Dymphna | Close - From: Through Mindoro's interior with tribes and rebels Wow - do you always work your guardian angels so hard? |
| 15th October 2009 tr3x | hoax - From: Psychic surgery and healing with a double-edged sword dont be inclined to think that the actual psychic surgery is real. like WHAT TINNIE had said it is probably the belief that you are healed of an illness you dont even have (lol) through faith that you are going to be cured thru this ridiculous practice. |
| 11th October 2009 key | - From: Wars, weddings and horse fights in Mindanao nice work.. thank you for visiting Mindanao.. |
| 11th October 2009 key | on war - From: Wars, weddings and horse fights in Mindanao I'd like to tell the world that the existing war in Mindanao is not a matter of Christian-Muslim rival. its is the result of the greediness of "SOME" previous and reigning leaders, and of course the lack of respect in individual differences. it is not that Muslims are bad, Christians are good or vice versa issue. I keep hearing from the media that Mindanao is in trouble, is a dangerous place because of the bombing and kidnapping issue. Let me tell you guys, there are only few PLACES in Mindanao that are affected by war not the whole Mindanao. if you guys would only see the real an hidden beauty of Mindanao, you would say its a living yet suffering paradise in the Southern Philippines. |
| 28th September 2009 Ria | - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" It's a nice piece of writing, Eddy. I want to hear more about your travel, so please keep writing. I still wonder a bit why the diagnosis came passably late. Your symptoms were very typical of conventional malaria. You were very good example for case-report lol (sorry, it's not very tactful of me). In Indonesia, Papua in particular, you would be sent directly for RDT - test for malaria. But even if the test isn't available, in here with your symptoms we are allowed to treat patients with quinine and antibiotics. The decision relies on clinical signs and symptoms. I'm pretty sure there was hardly any malaria in Mongolia, so it doesn't come as the first differential diagnosis. Anyway, your near-death experience must make you be more aware of being alive. Reading yours, I can empathise with patients' agony through attacks. We saw too many severe malaria patients that it just becomes mere job. Thank you for sharing. |
| 14th September 2009 jean-Louis LAVIGNE | hotel in Jinhong - From: Fire breathing, dragon boat racing and, er, splashing water: the Dai New Year festival in Xishuangbanna Thank you for the text and beautiful photos. I expect to go to jJinghong next april. Do you know a hotel and restaurant where I could go and if I can make a reservation from France. Do you know the dates of next water festival in April? Thank you for the answer Jean-Louis Lavigne |
| 14th September 2009 jean-Louis LAVIGNE | Hotel in Jinghong - From: Fire breathing, dragon boat racing and, er, splashing water: the Dai New Year festival in Xishuangbanna Thank you for this very interesting article. I expect to go to Jinghong next april for that festival, may be you know about a hotel i could go and if I can make a reservation from France. May be you know exactly the dates of next festival. thank you for answer Jean-Louis |
| 8th September 2009 Flowerice | - From: Around and about on the Burmese border hey,i live on ruili city.next time when u come,just call me:)i will show u around |
| 8th September 2009 TinNiE | pain - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" just got to read the second installment today. wow, i can almost feel the pain. great way of writing about the experience. hope you're all good in Moscow! |
| 23rd August 2009 Mell | - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" I wish you would refer to certain individuals as the father of the house or the man of the house, rather than the head of the family, even if they do have old fashioned ideas in those parts or all parts of Mongolia. Great blog as usual though! :) |
| 23rd August 2009 Some Mongolian | - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" It is no wonder the mongolians had no Malaria drug in the state hospital as we have no Malaria here. I, myself contracted Malaria in India and know the trauma. glad that you are ok. |
| 19th August 2009 His Dudeness | A bit late.. - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" Am I the only one here who already knew the outcome :) I saw your previous blogs and knew and was waiting for this horrific climax...I know it is terrible, but hey, I it is human nature, wanting to witness and hear other peoples suffering... There is a psychological explanation to it all, but I can't remember it now… By the way, I distinctly remember a blog stating that you were finished with going to the ends of the world to find exotic tribes? It was after the Philippines as I recall… So what went wrong ;) |
| 18th August 2009 JP: www.conwayconfidential.com | Travel Preparation - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" Hello Ed, Malaria is a common disease among tropical countries. Granting you have traveled (visited) different countries before the signs and symptoms of Malaria, it could be possibly prevented if there's a vaccination that ranges from TB, Flu, etc...including Malaria. The best next option is to carry with you medicines for common diseases based on the country you visit. It's a very challenging point when you travel and at the same time being sick with Malaria. In any case, you are still very lucky......looking forward to read more of your travel blogs. God bless! |
| 18th August 2009 JP: www.conwayconfidential.com | Travel Preparation - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" Hello Ed, Malaria is a common disease among tropical countries. Granting you have traveled (visited) different countries before the signs and symptoms of Malaria, it could be possibly prevented if there's a vaccination that ranges from TB, Flu, etc...including Malaria. The best next option is to carry with you medicines for common diseases based on the country you visit. It's a very challenging point when you travel and at the same time being sick with Malaria. In any case, you are still very lucky......looking forward to read more of your travel blogs. God bless! |
| 18th August 2009 Byron | http://www.roadtraveledless.com - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" Great writing man! These are the kind of travel experiences I enjoy reading about....unusual things in unusual parts of the world where not many people go. |
| 18th August 2009 Byron | http://www.roadtraveledless.com - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" Great writing man! These are the kind of travel experiences I enjoy reading about....unusual things in unusual parts of the world where not many people go. |
| 17th August 2009 Rana | You must be a bit of a nutter - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" Well done on an emotion filled blog that captures the essence of what you went through. |
| 17th August 2009 Vinovat Sudarynya | Thanks. - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" "The cold within me intensified, taking me into new dimensions of pain I had never before experienced" - I felt pretty similar during French lectures at Exeter! I hope Moscow is treating you well. I'll write more when I have more time and a clearer head, but in the meantime, thanks for a well-written and memorable blog. J. |
| 16th August 2009 EdVallance | - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" yeh I flew home after Bangkok and spent 2 months there. Then did some traveling in Lithuanuia, Belarus and Russia which I'm gonna write up when I get a chance. Am now in Moscow about to start work as an English teacher. It definitely hasnt put me off traveling, just made me realise I need to be more cautious and take better care of myself! |
| 16th August 2009 EdVallance | - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" The doctors said I definitely did not pick up the disease in Mongolia as the country does not have the disease. It was most likely to have been in South West China or the Philippines |
| 16th August 2009 NomadAdrift | wtf?!? - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" jesus! dude, that's a hell of a story - a near LIFE experience i'd say. i just had an unexpected hernia operation myself in mongolia which went fantastically well - a mere trifle compared to the maddening events you survived. well done... may you never have to repeat such an experience ever again! |
| 16th August 2009 Marie | Malaria Attack - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" I read your description of a malaria attack with interest as my husband contracted malaria in Jordan, a country that is supposed to be malaria-free. He too suffered terrible attacks but they came about one every few months after he got over the first one and left him weak for weeks after. He had the ridiculously high fevers, chills and shakes, body aches and also vomiting, etc. After seven years we finally were able to get malaria meds from overseas and after taking them, he has been great. I hope other travellers can read your blog and be saved living with this awful disease. |
| 15th August 2009 Daniel | Wonder where you got it. - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" Hi Eddy, After reading your harrowing experience I looked up malaria on Wikipedia.. says it can take 1 or 2 weeks from time of the mosquito biting you. But this kind of mosquito that can carry it is usually from hotter sub-tropical climates. . I doubt it would be in Mongolia. . . so I wonder where the infected mosquito bit you. . I may have even happened in Beijing given the time range. We definitly had lots of mosquitoes in my apartment until I finally got around to fixing all the window screens. You are more likely to get it in South China. .but that was quite a while before you started showing symptoms. Anyhow I'm glad you had good health travel insurance coverage and are still alive! You know that area looks just like depictions of Native Americans in what is now Canada. . but 700 years or more in the past. . It's really like going back in time.. I wonder if you retired from your travels after the Malaria or plan to do more voyages. D |
| 15th August 2009 Lucinda | Oh my God!! - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" That's absolutely horrific!! My experience with sickness in rural China was nowhere near as bad as yours, thank God!! I sincerely hope your health is back to normal now! Such a shame because it sounds as though your time with the Dukha nomads was amazing.. |
| 15th August 2009 Donna and Neil | Hope you are fully recovered - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" That was one scary experience for you, we hope you are fully recovered now - are you back home? Have you been able to figure out where you caught the malaria or is that a mystery to you? It was a good job you weren't travelling alone and you had Lizz there to help you out with getting doctors etc. All the best to you and for the future...hope it hasn't put you off travelling for good. Take care! |
| 15th August 2009 boristhegreat | Scary stuff! - From: My battle with malaria, part 2: shamanist reindeer-herding nomads, a near-death experience and "the best hospital in Mongolia" It's fascinating to hear you describe the emotions you were going through, as of course we could only look from the outside at the time - only imagining what you were experiencing. Sounds pretty scary and to be honest, I'm amazed that you carried on as long as you did - had it been me, I would have coaxed us back to civilisation long before with the symptoms you describe! Fine writing as always....... take care. Lee & Caroline |
| 4th August 2009 Cinders C | - From: Tribes of Laomang market Hello! Just to say I've enjoyed reading your blog. I've just come back from Yunnan though my trip was sadly cut short, I will definitely be going back in the near future - hopefully to the places you have written about! I think maybe these people here are the Lahu? I only say that because in contrast to other ethnic groups in Yunnan Lahu tend to dress in black. All very interesting stuff! |
| 24th July 2009 TinNiE | correction - From: My battle with malaria, part 1: the beginnings of an illness that nearly killed me ... i meant non-english speaking places ... i'm a sissy! hehe |
| 24th July 2009 TinNiE | part 2 - From: My battle with malaria, part 1: the beginnings of an illness that nearly killed me actually looking forward to a more detailed story about how you dealt with malaria. I really hope you did not get that in PI (which I doubt). love the china blogs too liliram and yours too ed! i'll probably make use of those when i go visit someday ;) non-english places just makes me very hesitant |
| 23rd July 2009 EdVallance | - From: My battle with malaria, part 1: the beginnings of an illness that nearly killed me thanks liliram, am considering writing a book, right now am in england though and finding myself plagued by a bout of writer's block, back on the road in 9 days' time though so hopefully that will put me back in the writing frame of mind! Loving your China blogs by the way! |
| 23rd July 2009 EdVallance | - From: My battle with malaria, part 1: the beginnings of an illness that nearly killed me no, the medical facilities were awful as you'll see in part 2! In the best hospital in the country I was left for 4 days in a filthy little cell, freezing, starving and malarial before my insurance kicked in and i was taken out of the country on an air ambulance. And as Mongolia itself doesnt have malaria they're also unable to treat it properly. |
| 23rd July 2009 liliram | What a scare... - From: My battle with malaria, part 1: the beginnings of an illness that nearly killed me Ed, you never fail to amaze me. Or scare me. The things you do, the tribal communities and remote places you visit, I couldn't even imagine myself doing. Take care, and safe travels. And Tinnie's recom about the book is a brilliant idea. |
| 23rd July 2009 Mell | - From: My battle with malaria, part 1: the beginnings of an illness that nearly killed me Great blog! I had the same thoughts when I was in Kyrgyzstan, about how beautiful the environment was, even though I could not quite figure out what was so beautiful. It was quite sparse, like the way you described Mongolia. I suppose what made me marvel at it was that it was just so pristine. But Malaria in Mongolia would suck! I can't imagine there being well equipped medical facilities there. |
| 22nd July 2009 EdVallance | - From: My battle with malaria, part 1: the beginnings of an illness that nearly killed me hehe thanks Tinnie, I'm definitely considering it :) |
| 22nd July 2009 TinNiE | stories - From: My battle with malaria, part 1: the beginnings of an illness that nearly killed me a book will be great ed! let us know once you publish one ;) |
| 22nd July 2009 TinNiE | nice story ... - From: Couchsurfing a ger in Ulaanbaatur good to see a new blog from you. |
| 21st July 2009 Vinovat Sudarynya | Thanks again. - From: My battle with malaria, part 1: the beginnings of an illness that nearly killed me Ed, I don't know if I should say that I 'enjoyed' this blog, but it certainly made an impression on me. It's well-written and as always accessibly informative. Have you thought about writing a book about the world's remote communities? I'm guessing you're writing from Moscow - nu, kak ty tam? |
| 20th July 2009 around_the_world | - From: Yuanyang rice terraces and another market Hi Edward! Thanks for your comment on my latest blog and glad you enjoyed so much this part of Yunnan too! Great pictures of minorities you got there! Photographer paradise indeed...Cheers |
| 20th July 2009 Vinovat Sudarynya | Thanks. - From: Couchsurfing a ger in Ulaanbaatur Absolutely stunning blog: well-written, good pictures and good information about modern and ancient Mongolia. I guess conversations with people like Begz are what make travelling so rewarding. You know how much I envy your travels, one day we'll find time for a joint blog. J. |
| 14th July 2009 tony | amazing - From: Malekula, Vanuatu Great story, I hope one day I can do something similar. I may be moving to Port Vila soon. |
| 9th July 2009 famez | good idea' - From: Animism and Christianity mixed among the Bukidnon of Panay ,..so very good that's place because they have so many idea how to make theme in person to be unite with eac other god bless |
| 16th June 2009 Nicola | Oleg Sakharov? - From: Wars, weddings and horse fights in Mindanao Are you the same Oleg Sakharov that was chief of the Bellinghausen base in Antarctica? - if so, Na sdarovia!!! from the kiwi girl... would love to hear from you. |
| 6th June 2009 Dawn | amazing - From: Yap and its Outer Islands, Federated States of Micronesia I felt as tho I was right there with you. You had a wonderful adventure and I was very happy to see the ending turn out so nice. |
| 4th June 2009 Rasmi | Excellent Post On Travel - From: From Guizhou to Guanxi Thanks for shairing!! http://www.limousineorlando.com/ |
| 4th June 2009 EdVallance | - From: Tribes of Lao Zhai market It's true that I travel predominantly to meet people, experience a new culture and way of living. My blogs and photos probably refelct that and don't do the landscapes or the architecture of the places I visit enough justice :) |
| 3rd June 2009 liliram | You gave yourself away, Ed - From: Tribes of Lao Zhai market Your blog, especially the photos, showed your genuine interest in people. All but one photo are people photos - giving us , the readers , a glimpse of humanity in that side of the world. Well done, as always, Edd. Safe travels. |
| 26th May 2009 TinNiE | Colors - From: Tribes of Huang Cao Ba market those bright colored clothes :) P1010790 -> are those actually hair for sale?! wow ... |
| 5th May 2009 Vinovat Sudarynya | Thanks. - From: Menghan market Another excellent blog! |
| 3rd May 2009 TinNiE | no english please - From: Menghan market i can understand how frustrating it can be ... i guess i really need to do my mandarin lessons ^^ more luck to you! |
| 2nd May 2009 bl | wrong track - From: Headhunters turned armed warriors of Kalinga Kalinga now a major marijuana producer By Vincent Cabreza Northern Luzon Bureau First Posted 23:02:00 01/08/2009 Kalinga has become the chief supplier of marijuana in the country because tribal conflicts there insulate it from intensified police operations, he said. "[Police] have been unable to penetrate three mountainous districts of Tinglayan, Kalinga, occupied by the Butbut community because of fears that clan members would instinctively protect their relatives when we make arrests," Apalla said. |
| 28th April 2009 EdVallance | - From: Shanghai to Kunming: first impressions of China I'm guessing from the bitterness of your tone that you're the same person who left a comment on my blog about the Burmese border area. I agree that all my observations in this blog entry are superficial - that is the whole point of the blog - first impressions based on a couple of days and with no ability to speak Chinese. But are you really trying to deny that the government in China calls itself Communist? Or that the Chinese people refer to it as Communist? Or that the rest of the world refers to it as Communist? Get real. Of course it is not ACTUALLY Communist, as in it doesn't attempt to follow Marxist ideals any more and is in fact pretty capitalist, but that's not what I'm talking about in this blog. |
| 27th April 2009 TinNiE | Ganja - From: A small dose of China without too much China I'd assume Ganja would be marijuana? The place sounds like Amsterdam? =) |
| 26th April 2009 D'Arcy | Burma/Myanmar - From: Around and about on the Burmese border You're quite right that many Burmese people refer to their country as Burma (when speaking English) or Bama (in the Burmese language), and your critic above is not correct in insisting on the name 'Myanmar'. Myanma (with no -r) is the country's official name in the Burmese language, but Bama is the colloquial name widely used in conversation. Burma and Myanmar (with an -r) are both English names for the country. Burma was universally used until 1989, when Burma's military junta decreed that the English name should be 'Myanmar'. This military junta suppresses almost all dissent and wields absolute power in the face of international condemnation and sanctions. Therefore, Burmese people who are pro-democracy do not recognise its right to change the name, so they still use the old name, Burma, when speaking English. The Muslims you spoke to would use this name too because of the junta's persecution of ethnic and religious minorities. Also many governments, including the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, do not recognise the name 'Myanmar', according to Wikipedia. I believe the BBC continues to use 'Burma' as well. |
| 26th April 2009 boristhegreat | I couldn't agree more - sadly - From: A small dose of China without too much China It took a few similar experiences of similar places in China for me to realise, despite China's supposed 5000 year history which they love to brag about, all too often this is what Chinese historical towns wind up becoming. I ended with this conclusion - come to China for many things, but unless you're willing to really hunt for it, don't come for history - you'll only be disappointed! |
| 26th April 2009 parden me | where is the communism? - From: Shanghai to Kunming: first impressions of China ok , here is your story in short....u took the flight to SH and then walked around the city and then took a train to KM....and you are telling ppl China is a combination of Communism and efficiency??? I mean , come on, get real. I didn't see anything communism from your superficial observations. The only 'Communism' is from your mind and mouth. You have this biased point of view of China being a state of communism, which is just simply wrong. In the global recession, China is probably the best capitalist in the world. |
| 23rd April 2009 EdVallance | - From: Around and about on the Burmese border As I said in the email I sent you I didn't give any opinions about Burma, I just reported what I saw and the conversations I had. Any information in my blog about Burma comes from quotes from other people. And they all referred to it as Burma. Please refrain from writing such unconstructive, ignorant and unhappy comments on my blog or anywhere else in future. |
| 23rd April 2009 Edward | myanmar or ruili - From: Around and about on the Burmese border It appears that you did not in fact spend any time in the country of Myanmar which you happen to write a lot about. I'm impressed that you have such an abundance of knowledge on the present conditions in the country, without ever visiting it. I was in Myanmar (not Burma) for over a month in the summer of 2008 and visited 10 different cities including Mandalay and Yangon. I have written about my personal experiences from an eye witness perspective. It is misleading the readers on Travel Blog, to write about countries that you have not visited, and experienced what is really going on in Myanmar. Please refrain writing about subjects that you have little direct knowledge about. Thank you |
| 22nd April 2009 not in ks anymo Toto | Thanks - From: Around and about on the Burmese border This is very interesting. Thank you! |
| 21st April 2009 Vladimir | Hi from Moscow! - From: Shanghai to Kunming: first impressions of China Hi Edward! Glad to see you in China)) Have a good journey! |
| 18th April 2009 Daniel | Good decision - From: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu I think it was a wise decision not to tell where this village is. Let happy people be! I wish we knew more about their spiritual beliefs. Maybe the secrets of happiness are a life free of worry, freedom of choice, living for the moment, and time to play and laugh with each other along with awe or worship of Nature. Enjoying your travel blog, really hope you two can stay at my apartment while you are in Beijing! |
| 18th April 2009 TinNiE | English - From: Shanghai to Kunming: first impressions of China another symptom that you're in a non-english speaking country is when you start forgetting about english grammar and starts talking like "how much this?" ... "one this and two that" ... "where this?" ... hahaha ... it's a fun challenge but it's not fun when you're all tired and all you want is to be where you need to be...All luck to you! |
| 18th April 2009 liliram | hi there! - From: Shanghai to Kunming: first impressions of China so you are now in china! just got back from my trip, actually stopped over in shanghai, and reminisced about it reading your blog. looking forward to your future blogs! stay safe. |
| 18th April 2009 Gary Winnick | Gary Winnick - From: Through Mindoro's interior with tribes and rebels Nice post Gary Winnick. I like your blog. |
| 13th April 2009 TinNiE | China - From: Sagada - an end to six months in the Philippines Just got home from the Chinese territory. Goodluck! |
| 11th April 2009 bill | pintaflores - From: Pintaflores Festival, San Carlos, Negros wonderful time in san carlos, u can feel the excitement of the city. i was there last year 2008 . u got to c the parade, it is truly one of a kind. |
| 8th April 2009 Pepe | pump boats - From: Tablas to Mindoro by pump boat - just don't do it. I was thinking about taking a pump boat from danao to camote islands. After reading your story, will stick to the ferries. Thanks, nice read |
| 7th April 2009 dlcvrys | thank you! - From: Sagada - an end to six months in the Philippines Thank you for visting the Philippines. Your adventure is truly an eye opener even to Filipinos like me. Hope to see you again here soon. |
| 6th April 2009 liliram | Great job! - From: Sagada - an end to six months in the Philippines So, you're moving out of the Philippines? Am still in China but have kept myself updated with your very interesting blogs about my own country. Got to say.......great job, Ed. Good luck to you! |
| 4th April 2009 Oleg Sakharov | What was in November - From: The Tao't Batu - cave dwellers of South Palawan Ed, hi. Thank you for your answers in comments! What was between October and December 2008? You still were on that island? Did there something interesting happen? The description of Takukang was great! Really admiring person. |
| 3rd April 2009 Oleg Sakharov | Moscow - From: Wars, weddings and horse fights in Mindanao Amazing that Filipino people dreaming about Moscow. It's too far from them, however they read Dostoevsky. I'm really ashamed that I know nothing about Philippines. |
| 2nd April 2009 TinNiE | survival of the fittest - From: Headhunters turned armed warriors of Kalinga wow. this is kinda heavy...sad. corporal punishment is somewhat related to our Spanish colonization history. during that time, it was tolerated; a way to "discipline" children. ..apparently until now. my dad used to tell us how his parents beat him and his siblings with a stingray tail when they were just kids. he's not bitter about it though - sort of part of the culture back at those times (and i do love my grandparents :) they've grown old to be the most gentle people). decades long of family/tribal wars are still true at several places too; mostly because of land ownership issues. |
| 2nd April 2009 Rob | For the Attention of Ann - From: Headhunters turned armed warriors of Kalinga Ann, I know this blogger from here and from his posts on the Lonely Planet's Thorntree Travel Forum. He often writes about places that few other travelers visit. I've read most of his blogs and I can say for sure that they are all very well written and truthful and give a good picture of the place he visits. Just because you would never go to a certain type of place doesnt mean no one would. |
| 2nd April 2009 EdVallance | - From: Headhunters turned armed warriors of Kalinga Ann sorry, i only just read the ridiculous title of your comment. You think I WANTED to see any of that stuff??!! If you'd read the blog properly or any of my others then you'd understand that I went there looking for traditional tribal culture, not a miniature Texas, and actually I was pretty disappointed and shocked by what I found. Nothing is imagined as you suggest although I do try to use colourful language to convey what I saw to the reader. |
| 2nd April 2009 EdVallance | - From: Headhunters turned armed warriors of Kalinga Ann have you ever been to Tanudan? The place is wild, not my imagination. Actually I hate action-thriller novels. |
| 2nd April 2009 Ann | People see what they want to see... - From: Headhunters turned armed warriors of Kalinga You surely have a wild imagination. I can tell with your style of writing you're into action-thriller novels. It's a good read nonetheless :) . |
| 30th March 2009 Daryl | I miss them tau't bato - From: The Tao't Batu - cave dwellers of South Palawan I went there on July 2008 I dont know if the Tumihay you're talking about is the Pastor "Lumihay" that i met. But I'm going back in June and hopefully we get to go to Tau't Daram. Did you go into the caves? It was beautiful there the streams and stuff. Anyways I'll let you know if there really is a Tau't Daram. |
| 30th March 2009 evelyn | paano kumuha ng cultural minority - From: Through Mindoro's interior with tribes and rebels paanu po mag apply ng cultural minority for the height waiver |
| 29th March 2009 EdVallance | - From: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu Yes, the place was so special and the people so peaceful that I didn't want to cause streams of other travelers to go there and change their way of life |
| 29th March 2009 EdVallance | - From: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu Sorry, this is the second time I replied to your question Oleg as I mixed up the blogs last time I replied :) I speak 6 language well enough to have a conversation, and a little bit of Tagalog (national language of the Philippines) as a 7th. With this tribe in Espiritu Santo I spoke to them in Bislama. It's the national language of Vanuatu and a few of the men in the tribe knew it. It was easy for me to communicate because Bisama is a pidgeon form of English that developed in the days when lots of different Vanuatu islanders were working together as slaves on the British plantations and had to find a way to talk to one another and their British masters. Examples: we = yumi. I have = me got! my house = haus blong me. Didnt carry a laptop with me, used internet cafes. Carried 24 of the highest power batteries for my camera that I could find, a set of 4 usually lasted a week. Then when I got out of the jungle, back to a town with electricity, I'd recharge them. |
| 29th March 2009 EdVallance | - From: Malekula, Vanuatu The people in that area had been Christians for about 20 years. Missionaries had converted them and then ordained some local tribal people to act as priests after the missionaries left. He was one of them |
| 28th March 2009 Oleg Sakharov | Better than any book - From: A journey through Manila Ed, I was kind of regretting at first time when I arrived to Australia that I have only one book that I brought with me from Moscow. I thought I couldn't find anything interesting to read. Now I really think that I spent my day for nothing if don't read one of your posts. It's much much better than any novel! You definitely has the talent! Write! Please, don't stop. I'm more than sure that all who read your stories want now to visit all that places that you described. It's so amasing to know that some of your friend has such an extraordinary and inspiring experience. Thank you for that! |
| 23rd March 2009 xam | colorful - From: Yap and its Outer Islands, Federated States of Micronesia Nice description of Jesse! Got it on the money...lol |
| 22nd March 2009 Oleg Sakharov | - From: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu Why have you replaces all village names with X, Y and Z? You don't want another curious travelers to bother that peaceful place and that kind people who live here? Do you? When I was reading your post I felt exactly the same feeling with that when I first time was reading The Lost World written by Conan Doyle. Thanks for that. |
| 22nd March 2009 Oleg Sakharov | - From: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu Can't stop read your blog :) How many languages do you speak, Ed? What language did you use to talk with the people from that tribe? Was it easy for you to understand them and for them to understand you? How did you charge your camera batteries and laptop during these traveling? How many additional batteries did you carry with you? More I read, more I want to travel too :) Thank you for that inspiring tale! It's fantastic reading. |
| 22nd March 2009 Oleg Sakharov | - From: Malekula, Vanuatu Ed, you mentioned the priest who was traveling from one village to other during that time that you were here. Does it mean that Western countries still send missionaries? Or he acts on behalf of some local Church that is nearby that place? |
| 22nd March 2009 reina | mangyan tribe - From: Isolated tribal community receives first visit from outside world EdVallance.. certainly, you gave the most detailed account/story of the mangyan tribe's culture. though i am from the Philippines, i have never been in that place before. reading your story let me imagine that i just came from that place. i am also a travelbogger. |
| 21st March 2009 William | Fascinating Story ..... - From: Isolated tribal community receives first visit from outside world which is exactly what your posts have been. I am an avid traveller and I must say it does take something special to travel to the difficult parts of the Philippines. It ain't an easy thing to do, red tape, superstiion, fear of outsiders, rebels, health problems the list goes on. The Philippino government will make sure these people are not exposed in the same way that the hill tribes of North Thailand were, the regulations are very tight on this. You were lucky to get through. Thoroughly enjoyed all your posts and wish you the very besy on your next adventure. Well done and thank you Ed. |
| 21st March 2009 Oleg Sakharov | - From: The Nenets - nomadic indigenous reindeer herders of Arctic Russia The most amazing adventure I've ever heard about from the people I know. Edward, you are a real hero in my opinion! Living in Moscow I had no chance to find out what is the live in distant regions of Russia. Thank you for your travelling experience that you share with us. |
| 19th March 2009 mark and chrissie | Simply amazing! - From: Isolated tribal community receives first visit from outside world An amazing community and an equily unique and memorable experiance for you. Thanks so much for sharing it. Mark |
| 18th March 2009 Eva | - From: Isolated tribal community receives first visit from outside world But JC how to protect them and make sure they are not wiped out (for example by mining activities) if people do not know they exist or even deny their existence? |
| 18th March 2009 EdVallance | - From: Isolated tribal community receives first visit from outside world I had thought about this a lot. Anyone who wanted to follow in my footsteps would have to go to SERIOUS efforts to do so. It took me 2 months to organise that trip. No tourist guide or anyone at all would take anyone to this area because they simply aren't allowed to. Anyone who wanted to go there would have to be screened by the Church and the Alangan leaders first. If anyone tried to go independently they would have a very hard job of it because the Batangan area is absolutely enormous. If they somehow did find out the right area to go to, the most accessible, Christian, cloths-wearing communities they'd have to pass through on their way to the isolated ones might allow them in but they certainly wouldn't allow them any further. I deliberately did not mention any place or area names in my article. |
| 18th March 2009 Richard | Thank you for being respectful - From: Isolated tribal community receives first visit from outside world Thank you for being respectful with this community and for sharing it with the outside world. Your film and pictures are truly a treasure. Its good to know that there are still people living in a more traditional society. In a way, exposure to us will be like eating them. |
| 18th March 2009 TinNiE | Stone Age - From: Isolated tribal community receives first visit from outside world I never realized there are stilll people stucked in Stone Age somewhere. This is a beautiful story. And mining does pisses me off, i hate what it does to the community and to the environment ... instant money for a few, prolonged ordeal for the rest ... greed, that's what it's about! |
| 17th March 2009 JC | Moral Obligation - From: Isolated tribal community receives first visit from outside world Although I have enjoyed reading your educational blog, I can't help but to worry about the safety and maintenance of peace of these primitive people you just exposed on Travelblog worldwide making them a potential tourists attraction. If the Batangan are afraid of the outsiders, would rather keep to themselves and isolate themselves from the civilized world, then wouldn't it be your moral obligation to help protect them and their culture ? |
| 17th March 2009 Evadne | - From: Isolated tribal community receives first visit from outside world Thankyou for this most extraordinary account Ed. I am sad in a way that this is the end of a chapter. But I have no doubt that the next will be just as exciting! |
| 10th March 2009 mark and chrissie | Amazing! - From: Psychic surgery and healing with a double-edged sword A fantastic blog and what a fascinating experience! Well done ofr giving it a go, very brave I think! |
| 9th March 2009 the soul cultivator | A gripping read! - From: Psychic surgery and healing with a double-edged sword This is my kind of blogging, I have been captivated from start to finish, incredible story and fantastic pics. Cant wait for the next one! |
| 9th March 2009 TinNiE | - From: Psychic surgery and healing with a double-edged sword That was brave to try it. Although i should say it's a bit unsafe. Such things have been the topic of several tv documentaries here in the philippines and no one could prove that it's true...i myself is too skeptic regarding such things. But faith, I believe, actually can do mircles... |
| 6th March 2009 TinNiE | - From: The Nenets - nomadic indigenous reindeer herders of Arctic Russia wow, seems that they got a really tough life in there ... |
| 6th March 2009 Gary Winnick | http://www.winnickfoundation.com/ - From: Tinker, tailor, soldier, rebel, Mangyan, tourist, miner, priest Nice sharing. And you have really good memory. |
| 5th March 2009 Johanna | Mining and Mudslide disaster - From: Tinker, tailor, soldier, rebel, Mangyan, tourist, miner, priest Years of mining operations in the province of Southern Leyte has been blamed for the mudslide disaster that burried a whole village causing major damage and as many as 1800 souls perished 3 years ago. Although torrential rain is said to be one of the obvious cause, the locals and environmentalists believe that it was the deforestation and mining activities precipitated the disaster.... I wonder if this is what Tinnie is also talking about....cheers ! Johanna |
| 5th March 2009 TinNiE | NPAs and Mining - From: Tinker, tailor, soldier, rebel, Mangyan, tourist, miner, priest Back in my hometown, there's lots of talks about NPAs but I haven't seen one, or wasn't aware that I was already seeing one. It's true, you'll really never know which one is which but I'm sure there's lots of them back home. This also reminded me of a Mining site we visited back in high school. It had cost alot of troubles in the community, and people had been killed because of that Mining operation. I hope I'll get to visit there again so I can write about it ... or help a bit ... |
| 5th March 2009 EdVallance | NPA - From: Tinker, tailor, soldier, rebel, Mangyan, tourist, miner, priest Hi Johanna, thanks for your comment. I'm very sorry you had to live through such hard times. Yes there are still NPA in many provinces in the Philippines. It's particularly bad in Mindoro and remote parts of North Luzon and Panay. Although they were theoretically given amnesty many of the ones who believed this and came down from the mountains were assassinated, so the others are scared to come down. Also, the amnesty does not cover rape, torture, human rights violations, even if claimed to be committed with a political aim |
| 4th March 2009 Johanna | New People's Army (NPA) - From: Tinker, tailor, soldier, rebel, Mangyan, tourist, miner, priest I am deeply moved by your interest in our culture and injustices done to the native people of the Philippines. Since you're curious about the NPAs, I would like to share with you a personal story. My very own grandfather who used to be a barrio captain was killed by the NPAs when I was just a baby. My uncle's father in-law who was a barrio captain as well back in the 80's also shared the faith as my grandpa. Any government officials who doesn't bend to their rules and wishes gets killed. The NPAs were very active in the province where I grew up. I even attended funerals of my schoolmate's brothers who got killed by the military because they were NPA supporters. I still remember the sheer horor living through a couple of nights of an all out gun battle between the NPA and military. I clearly remember lying flat on the floor with my hands covering my ears. Our neighbours who lived in flimsy nipa huts took shelter in our home because it's made out of bricks and concrete. I'm very surprised that the NPA are still active to this day because when the corrupt government ruled by a dictator Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown back in the 80's, the new reigning president Corazon Aquino gave the NPAs amnesty and urged them to come down from the mountains and go back to their normal life. |
| 4th March 2009 liliram | How do you remember all these? - From: Tinker, tailor, soldier, rebel, Mangyan, tourist, miner, priest Amazing how you are able to remember all these details such as the places, names and the conversations! Been following your blogs and your interest in our local tribes, but I bet some people here would think you are a CIA spy! Lol. |
| 4th March 2009 TinNiE | quite educational ... - From: Through Mindoro's interior with tribes and rebels hope to go someday... |
| 4th March 2009 EdVallance | - From: North Palawan - El Nido, the Bacuit Archipelago and the Calamian Islands Unfortunately my photos for that trip really didn't come out well. I lost my good camera just before I arrived in the Philippines and my back up optical camera is a bit temperamental. Still as of late february I have a new digital one so there should be no more probs with pics! |
| 4th March 2009 EdVallance | - From: Through Mindoro's interior with tribes and rebels Yeh, taught me a lesson that trip did :) Won't be making the same mistakes again |
| 3rd March 2009 liliram | Still waiting........... - From: North Palawan - El Nido, the Bacuit Archipelago and the Calamian Islands Ed, we are still waiting for your photos! |
| 1st March 2009 liliram | What a scare! - From: Through Mindoro's interior with tribes and rebels Wow, Ed, you put me to shame. Here I am, a local, learning from you. (Thanks!) Even knowing what you did and still do, I do not think I have the guts to join you in any of your adventures. I can imagine how your presence in those remote villages made them curious. I pray for your safe travels. Take care :) |
| 26th February 2009 Jane | great!! - From: Tablas to Mindoro by pump boat - just don't do it. I really love touring around, and Mindoro was a wonderful place. Thanks for the information :) |
| 25th February 2009 grantcorp | A great read to ponder on - From: Yap and its Outer Islands, Federated States of Micronesia A very informative and likeable narrative from one of those seemingly out of reach places on the blue planet. I know how you feel about wanting to return and yet somehow days turn to months, months to years and only the nostalgia remains. I do hope you will be able to return one day. I harbour some romantic notions about disappearing among nondescript faraway Pacific islands myself, but it remains a pipe dream for now, apart from a brief stint to Guam I did a few years ago. The development of Guam into a miniature America with luxury hotels, shopping malls, gun shops and massage parlours stands as a somewhat dystopic vision of the things in store for the pacific islands. Anyway, job well done, keep up the sightseeing! |
| 25th February 2009 wmpopper | Interesting information.... - From: Tablas to Mindoro by pump boat - just don't do it. and well written too. Thank you for posting it here. I would think that your written narrative would be of interest to some travel editors out there. Travel by ferry boat by visitors in that region should receive the proper attention and circulation, as a informational alert to other travelers. Thank You for taking the time to submit your interesting and well written narrative. |
| 25th February 2009 EdVallance | - From: Tablas to Mindoro by pump boat - just don't do it. yeh you're thinking of Apo Reef and Pandan island. Spent a week there too and it was really awesome (spent a month total in Mindoro but left 10 days ago) |
| 25th February 2009 TinNiE | sounds tough - From: Tablas to Mindoro by pump boat - just don't do it. I hate travelling through the sea, it makes me sick. But i wanna go to Mindoro. I don't think the part of Mindoro I'm thinking of is the one you went to. There's a couple of great diving sites out there; maybe one day i'll be able to go ^^ |
| 22nd February 2009 EdVallance | Reply to Liliram - From: The social food chain from top to bottom on Sibuyan Island Yes, it really is a very sad situation. But I wouldn't say it's poverty that corrupts people, I'd say it's power. The poorest people I've met in the Philippines are the best and most honest, whereas many of those with power are the most corrupt. It's the fact that much of the population lives in poverty and has no time or doesn't know how to complain that allows them to get away with being corrupt. The Philippines is indeed unfortunate in this respect but very fortunate in others. Filipinos have managed to retain a deeply spiritual side to their culture which has been almost completely lost in the West, as well as having the ability to laugh and joke even when circumstances are so bad that they would drive most Westerners to suicide |
| 22nd February 2009 liliram | Breaks my heart........... - From: The social food chain from top to bottom on Sibuyan Island I am from here, and I'm in shock too. And helpless. If the tentacles of crime and corruption have reached the remotest islands here, we're in big trouble. Poverty corrupts, but I put more blame on those who corrupt and take advantage of our poverty and seeming helplessness. Those vampires should be put behind bars, yet it comes as no surprise that not too many are willing to come forward and point the accusing finger. Your blog breaks my heart, Ed, but it is the sad truth and I know you wrote it with as much compassion towards our land and people. |
| 22nd February 2009 liliram | Breaks my heart........... - From: The social food chain from top to bottom on Sibuyan Island I'm from here, and I am shocked too. And it is the kind of shock mixed in with feelings of helplessness. If the tentacles of crime and corruption have reached the remotest islands in our country, abetted by local politicians who are motivated by power and greed, we are truly in trouble. Drugs (shabu) in Sibuyan? These people have no conscience. I put as much, if not more blame to those who corrupt and take advantage. Poverty corrupts, more so if there are vampires lurking around. Sob........( i emailed ur blog to as many Filipinos) |
| 8th February 2009 liliram | you got me there! - From: A journey through Manila A very unexpected ending........now I want to know what happened. But really, I am from Makati and reading your "adventures" with all its details got me nodding throughout the read. You have an eye for details. And I am now suddenly made more aware of how life truly is in this part of the world. |
| 6th February 2009 Sonia | - From: Armenia Hi Eddy, I really enjoyed reading about Armenia! It refreshed a lot of things in my memory. I like the way you describe nature and people, the photos are very beautiful and reflect the spirit of Armenia. They made me Armeniasick. |
| 3rd January 2009 phaedrus | Excellent blog - From: The Tao't Batu - cave dwellers of South Palawan I enjoyed reading this blog. It refreshing to read about the remote villages that hardly no one writes about. Keep up the good work. |
| 3rd January 2009 julie | - From: The Ati, Negrito people of Panay The detail of the origins and practices of the different cultures is fascinating. It is shocking that what to us is such a small sum is beyond people's means to educate their children. How do the people who can send children to secondary school manage to do this? Is it something that everyone would aspire to or is it not thought particularly worthwhile? |
| 3rd January 2009 julie | - From: Wars, weddings and horse fights in Mindanao This is really interesting and all the detail in the descriptions and dialogues make it compulsive reading. What did Christie, Anthony and Grace do for a living? It would be very nice to be able to find someone to invite the Tboli dance troupe to perform, as repayment for all the kindness that was shown to you. I will see if anyone has ideas that might help. |
| 4th December 2008 Sunny Hapolsi | Pintaflores Festival History and Culture - From: Pintaflores Festival, San Carlos, Negros Been there also in San Carlos City for the Pintaflores Festival way back in 2006 and it was fun. Here is the added information about the festival in this url http://www.etravelpilipinas.com/events_festivals/pintaflores_festival.htm |
| 13th November 2008 Vinovat Sudarynya | Thanks. - From: The Nenets - nomadic indigenous reindeer herders of Arctic Russia An informative and charming story - thanks. J. |
| 6th November 2008 Mell | - From: North Palawan - El Nido, the Bacuit Archipelago and the Calamian Islands What a fascinating blog. :) |
| 6th November 2008 Loumer | GLAD TO HEAR YOU ARE ENJOYING THE PHILIPPINES!!! - From: North Palawan - El Nido, the Bacuit Archipelago and the Calamian Islands Hey Ed, You don't know me and I do not know you (well, I feel like I do as I have been following your travel journals) but I thought I'd jot down a few comments regarding your travels around the Philippine Islands. I know I am probably in the minority here amongst Filipinos, but it is extremely gratifying to hear unbiased comments from "REAL TRAVELLERS" like yourself!!! I have lived in Brighton for the last 12 years, and although I love Britain and I call Brighton home, there is that little thing missing. I miss the Philippines dearly and you have made me even more homesick!!! :( Anyway, Keep posting fab blogs and I look forward to viewing your pictures!!! Take care and nice knowing you HERE @ TRAVELBLOG LOUMER |
| 5th November 2008 julie | - From: A journey through Manila I printed this out and read it sitting in the park on a damp, grey English November day. I was instantly transported to another world and absorbed in the details of your journey. What happened at the end is brilliantly described - so completely unexpected! |
| 5th November 2008 EdVallance | - From: North Palawan - El Nido, the Bacuit Archipelago and the Calamian Islands The photos will be up in a couple of days! |
| 4th November 2008 Luis | - From: North Palawan - El Nido, the Bacuit Archipelago and the Calamian Islands fotos!!!!!! |
| 2nd November 2008 EdVallance | - From: Port Vila, Vanuatu was feeling down, depressed, just couldnt be bothered. Looking back on it perhaps I should have stayed inside - who knows! |
| 2nd November 2008 EdVallance | - From: Malekula, Vanuatu lots and lots of research, a bit at a time, over a period of a year! |
| 31st October 2008 jullie | - From: Yap and its Outer Islands, Federated States of Micronesia How did you remember your conversations in such detail? The dialogue and the information it conveys is absolutely gripping. The photos are beautiful. |
| 31st October 2008 julie | - From: Port Vila to Fais - Eight Days, Seven flights, Five countries What a different pace of life from your travels in Vanuatu but the details are so interesting, what the people you met say and feel. |
| 31st October 2008 julie | - From: Port Vila, Vanuatu Did you mean to go out when the cleber asked you not to or did you just forget? Do you think she might have supernatural powers? I liked the philosophical ending, perhaps it is true. |
| 31st October 2008 jullie | - From: Ambrym, Vanuatu The first paragraph is such a good way of opening your description: it captured my attention right away and drew me into the story you had to tell, as though I was reading a novel. The ending left me looking forward eagerly to the next instalment! |
| 31st October 2008 julie | - From: Malekula, Vanuatu I have really enjoyed reading this. I like the way you have interwoven information about the history and geography of Vanuatu with descriptions of what you saw and how people live and behaved towards you and your thoughts on everything. It makes compulsive reading. The tiny details that you describe are fascinating. What kindness the people showed. How did you acquire your knowledge of the history of the area and the customs, and know where the traditional tribes you were seeking were likely to be found? |
| 20th October 2008 Luis | wow - From: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu wow dude, nice writing! isnt the net great? I can follow you now, hehehe cuidate boludo Luis |
| 18th October 2008 John Nicholls | The real Vanuatu - From: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu My wife and I have lived in Vanuatu for 8 years now, starting with 3 years setting up and operating the White Grass Ocean Beach Resort on the island of Tanna, and now living in Port Vila ( the capital of Vanuatu on the island of Efate), using this as a base in order to run our Vanuatu travel business . I have the task of "having to" travel regularly to the other islands in order to update our website information plus expand our accommodation and tour operators inventory in these islands. What I look for the most is (after the pleasure of been reunited with numerous village friends made on past visits), is the ability to find and add new indigenous operators to our site. These guys have no other means for travellers to book them except via our website www.vanuatu-hotels.vu . I too have to wonder if they are only happy to see me because I can send travellers to them or because they are genuinelly happy to see me again. As I knew many of them before I gave them business I am to the opinion that they are my friends regardless. Having read many books on my adopted country, I can say that Ed Vallance's account of the people of Vanuatu is the most insightfull and honest I have ever read. His travel report is so good that I am linking it to our site under "essential reading" and advising anyone interested in the real Vanuatu, not just the "westernised" version to take the time to read it. Thank you Ed for writing a "warts and all" account of Vanuatu. I have found it to be true, but am only capable of photographing it as I dont have your gift. Hope you never stop writing! If you ever come back our way, you have a home in Port Vila. John Nicholls. |
| 15th October 2008 Evadne | - From: Port Vila, Vanuatu Really beautiful! |
| 15th October 2008 Evadne | - From: Ambrym, Vanuatu Superb description. Beautiful, sad, with a sense of foreboding. |
| 15th October 2008 EdVallance | - From: The Nenets - nomadic indigenous reindeer herders of Arctic Russia I think it's snow-free for 2 or 3 months. They don't use anything to navigate - they just know the tundra. I guess they just use landmarks. The chum is for sleeping, cooking, everything! |
| 15th October 2008 Julie | - From: The Nenets - nomadic indigenous reindeer herders of Arctic Russia I have read the blog several times. It is really interesting, especially with the photos to illustrate what you are describing. It was a surprise not to see deep snow in the pictures as I hadn't realised that the Arctic could be snow-free at some times of the year. Do you know how much of the year the Nenets spend in green pastures? A couple more questions: what do they use to navigate and are there chums for sleeping as well as the main one for cooking and drinking tea? |
| 4th October 2008 EdVallance | - From: The Nenets - nomadic indigenous reindeer herders of Arctic Russia The Nenets have their own language. For people over 30 it's their first language, whereas most people under 30 don't speak it. This at least is the case in the NAO; I think the language is much more alive on the Yamal Peninsula. |
| 4th October 2008 Lizz | - From: The Nenets - nomadic indigenous reindeer herders of Arctic Russia What language did you speak to the Nenets? I assume they all speak Russian, but do they also have their own language or dialect? |
| 1st October 2008 Lizz | - From: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu Does the language of the tribe has any similarities with Bislamo or its totally different? Also you said they don't eat any meat a part from beatles. Are there no animals around, or they just don't hunt or fish? And when you got ill did they try to heal you with some plants or other traditional means? |
| 25th September 2008 Lizz | - From: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu Its so facinating, it really made me feel like i was there too and my eyes were filling up with tears when i was reading about your departure from the village! Sounds like the most genuine experience one can ever have! |
| 22nd September 2008 john nicholls | Photos of the pentecost jump - From: Pentecost, Vanuatu If you want to see my past photos of the Pentecost Jump go to http://www.vanuatu-hotels.vu/photo and in feb 2009 I will be back on Pentecost to coordinate with the local people the 2009 tours itineraries. Anyone interested can contact me through the site. Tropical regards from Port Vila, Vanuatu. |
