Redwoods are amazing I also love the redwoods. Went to California last year and the redwood trees was one of many highlights of that trip. I envy you a bit that you got to see the LA skyline because we didn't get to see that. /Ake
Travel or possessions? You've made the same choice I've always made and have never regretted it! Congrats on getting a six-month visa--clearly, you're doing something right! Don't know if you'll make it down to my hometown, Santa Barbara, California, but we've got seals, sea lions, elephant seals, whales and dolphins, and avocados you buy in "honesty" boxes. I do hope you come down the coast by our Highway 1. Lots o reasonable YHA hostels in lighthouses, but otherwise, I've slept in my car in some of these outrageously expensive places. Happy travels, adventurer!
thanks Tara! Sta. Barbara is not on my list right now but I'll look into it. Spending most of my time in Cali in LA coz I've got friends there. But my visa is expires in 2024 so I can come back anytime as long as I don't overstay and my money can't last more than two months anyway. Cheers!
On eggshells Love your feeling of trepidation in this blog Harold...customs guy running his finger on the icing of your cake...border guards look mean...water too cold can only stare. But you like me spend your money on travel and not on your future. Reckon you therefore have reason to smile. After all...you are dead for a long time...and life is short. Adventures await you. Enjoy USA.
Languages vs. Dialect You are right communication is the key. The Philippines has so much to offer and looks like you found another great location. Looks like a great trip. Thanks for blogging.
Beach Bumming Your spirits seem to have lifted now you are home. Beautiful beaches. Yet I notice no wave tips or surf visible in the water in your beach pics. Is the area protected by a reef ?
Calaguas We were in Camarines Norte this February and seriously considered going to Calaguas. The reason we didn't is because we didn't fancy camping in the heat and carrying over all our provisions. Going for the day seemed too much effort considering how long it takes to get over there. Had we known there was a resort already we may have been swayed. I'm glad they're building more accommodation and restaurants there because the competition will bring prices down. I also hope they do it sustainably, because even though white beaches are dime a dozen in the Philippines, each and every one should be treated as the national treasure it is.
you can go next time! the resort is expensive at P4000 per day considering that it doesn't have air conditioning because their generator is not that powerful. I wouldn't camp if I had a baby either. cheers!
You can have it all Life is about balance. You don't have to give up travel to get married, have kids, buy and home and invest in your retirement. Each time we get paid we put money in a separate account for travel. We pay the travel account just like we do all of our other bills. No exceptions as we consider it a bill. It adds up quicker than you would imagine. In our case the thing that helped us most was becoming nurses which pays well and allows us to travel while we do our jobs. Picking the right career is key. Happy travels.
Sound of Music I like your song writing and I like the expression you used about your "life being a musical"... Here's an interesting piece of trivia for you. In the late 1960's, the musical 'Sound Of Music' was very popular in South Korea... So popular, that many theatre played the movie 4 and 5 times per day. There was one theatre owner in Seoul, that decided to maximize on profit making so he made the film shorter so he could play it more often... To make the film shorter, he cut out all the songs.... Cool fact eh! Great blogs by the way!
I did't want to sound gloomy but I don't know how to hide my feelings when I write. I wanted to be chipper but the happy words won't come to me. I know they are beautiful and that I'm so lucky to see them. I'm not really sure why I felt that way that day. All I knew is I was sad. Thank you for reading.
Reflections Another blog with an undercurrent of what it could have been. Yet your conclusion is not reflected in your fabulous photos and amazing sights seen. Maybe you are pining for home...reflected in your musings that you are not enjoying South Korea much. Maybe you specialise in the understatement. The lady talking to you on the bus knowing you could not understand her was probably delighted to have your company...embracing the moment...probably alighting with a smile on her face. Gotta say I enjoyed the blog...also put a smile on my face.
There's no place like home... Please don't torment yourself. See the contrasts of both countries and be pleased you now know them. That is what travel is all about, broadening your mind and re-energizing your life goals!
Jetting in & out I'm eager to know what happens next. Canada is a beautiful country and I can understand you're pining for it. I've seen Korea too and enjoyed many of its natural attractions last Autumn. Frankly, I was quite impressed how it has progressed in the last 2 decades and wished our country would have the same progress.
I was prejudiced I think I already prepared myself to not like Korea on my last day in Vancouver because I was so depressed to leave. Not fair for Korea.
I was prejudiced I think I already prepared myself to not like Korea on my last day in Vancouver because I was so depressed to leave. Not fair for Korea.
I've always meant to save money, buy cars, properties, raise a family, etc. But the world is too big and beautiful, and it calls me to explore! Until then, the usual go-to-work-pay-bills-then-die type of life will have to wait. Follow me on Instagram @HaroldBernal... full info
Ake Och Emma
Ake Dahllof and Emma Holmbro
Redwoods are amazing
I also love the redwoods. Went to California last year and the redwood trees was one of many highlights of that trip. I envy you a bit that you got to see the LA skyline because we didn't get to see that. /Ake