Travel
Philippines and Vietnam

Philippines

A lot of people avoid the Philippines due to security issues. Don't. Be sure to visit there sometime soon. It's a beautiful country with the friendliest people in the world. I was there for 2 months in 2006 finishing a book project. I was working in a Starbucks in Manila every day. Within one day everybody knew my name and I knew theirs. Smiles all around. And on my birthday, they even brought me a token piece of birthday cake. I have nothing but fond memories of the Philippines.

In terms of travel, if you're in Manila and longing for a beer by the beach, head to Puerto Galera on Mindoro Island, just south of Manila. You get on the bus at 8:30 AM in Manila, and by lunch you're sipping icy beers on the beach.

Bohol was also gorgeous. Famous for the Chocolate Hills, the place to stay is Alona Beach on Panglao Island. Maganda!




Writing by the beach typifies my life outside of Japan.


Head to Puerto Galera if you want some R&R from Manila. This shot was at Big Laguna, just down from Sabang Beach.



The Chocolate Hills of Bohol. You can do all of Bohol in one day trip. It's worth every Peso and more.


A sunset off Alona Beach, Panglao Island in Bohol. Click here for more pics from my blog.

I did only one dive in the Philippines. It was incredible. Unfortunately, I had another ear injury during the dive, so I haven't been since. Nevertheless, I plan to do a dive to see manta rays and whale sharks. I might go deaf in one ear, but if I can do this, it will be worth it. Maybe in Okinawa next time.

But this is the secret of what draws me to the tropics. A cold beer as the sun sets over a gorgeous beach panorama.

And just off Sabang beach, there's a floating bar. It's a great way to spend the early evening as the sun sets. You row out in a boat, get juiced up and all ready to enjoy the restaurants and bars on the mainland. Ahhh, how I love the beach!

Vietnam

You must be tired of me saying, "I love this and I love that," but I really DID love Vietnam. It's more colorful than any SE Asian country I've visited. The food is wonderful. The people are friendly and resourceful (but watch your wallet if you are on the streets). And almost every place you go you feel it's the perfect place for a photo.

I spent most of my 2 week trip in Saigon. I felt lucky to be there -- if for no other reason than I'd gone there on the day of the earthquake/tsunami that hit Asia on Christmas (after having turned down a trip to Phuket on that same day).


Yes, I have skipped the Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) pics and gone straight for a shot from my window by the beach. More pics in my blog.

Saigon is an amazing place. I've never seen traffic like that. The nightlife is great, and the Pho Bo (beef noodles) is always cheap and delicious when you are tired of partying.

I also spent 2 days north of Saigon in Mui Ne by the beach. See more pics here in my blog. I also did two day trips. One to the Mekong River and one to the Cu Chi tunnels. If you've never been to Vietnam, now is the time to start planning a trip.


My favourite dish in Vietnam: Pho Bo...beef noodles. I love this stuff. For me, it's like Hakata Ramen in Japan. The best of the best!

A photo taken while having breakfast in December


And if NASA ever runs out of rocket fuel, they can always use Vietnamese coffee. WOW!


When in Mui Ne, take the dunes tour. The walk along the red sands in stunning.

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