The Misadventures of Farla and Daria

13 Jul 2010

Sanya

My flight to Sanya was on May 13, 2010, 7:35AM. But somehow, I overslept and woke up to bright sunlight streaming through my window and realized it is already 8 AM!!

Leapt out of my bed I did!! I quickly rummaged through my tickets and found the hotline for ctrip.com, but unfortunately, the English speaking customer service people are available at 9 o’clock. crap. So I checked my e-mail for ctrip’s confirmation and found another hotline, thinking I just have to make-do with speaking broken Mandarin with the customer service.

To make the story short, I was able to reschedule my flight to 12:55PM the same day, paying only 116RMB. Whew.

So kids, it’s not good to drink before a flight the next day!!\

Continue reading about Sanya in my blog here. (Sorry, I can't be bothered uploading another set of pictures, it takes a lot of time.)

7 Jun 2010

End up in jail? Here's Embassy Finder

Please choose a host country first

Step 1: Click the left-hand box and select a host country from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Click the right-hand box to select an embassy in that country and your listing will appear.

via the-diplomat.com

8 Feb 2010

5 Things that Work Best

For some unknown reason, I have a thing with making lists. And I am now in the mood to make lists about things associated with packing for travel. This one is about things that I've found to work best while traveling.

1. Soap Bar works best
I've learned that carrying a good soap keeps your pack light and spill-free. I use Doves classic soap bar as a body bath soap, good enough to be a facial wash and occasionally as a shampoo. And when needed as a laundry soap, keeps my clothes fresh smelling too.

2. Super absorbent towels works best
It pains me everytime I see people carrying around huge bath towels on their trips, to the gym, or even the pool. It bulky, weighs a ton when wet, and dries forever.

3. Mesh bags works best
Since I have a top loading backpack, mesh bags keeps my clothes and things organized. I have a cloth mesh for my tops, bottoms, undwerwear & socks. Rubber mesh for chargers and miscellaneous gadgets.

I bought the mesh bags for less than $2 each those "99c" type of stores. If you have the money, then packing cubes are probably a nicer alternative (and more sturdy).

4. Ziplocks work best
To keep the wet or dirty things separate, and to keep important documents dry. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, the ones bought form your local grocery works great and is dirt cheap at a few dollars for a pack of 20 pieces.

5. The Big, Brave Boo-boo balm works best

I use this as an antiseptic for wounds, also for skin chaffing, and insect bites.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_14iolwnINyk/SvJgd2Coq6I/AAAAAAAACxA/dyyrsFBJtB0/s400/boo+boo.bmp

5 Feb 2010

Necessary Evils

Stuff I need to invest on before I head out for the big trip:

1. Chargepod
The all in one charger that eliminates the need of bring all those cable chargers. They have an impressive availability of adapters, and the value pack is good enough to cover my needs.

2. Flip Ultra Camcorder
I'll be lugging around a dslr on this trip, and would probably leave the P&S at home, but I'd really be happy to get a ultra portable camcorder. 120 minutes on a built-in 4gb memory on a 640x480 resolution on 30fps. Not bad for its price and portability.

or

Kodak Playsport Video Camcorder
I have yet to decide which one would perform better, but this model would probably suit my need better as I could take it with me anywhere I go. Specially the water! Though the sites spec page is kinda vague, have to read more reviews.

3. Earplugs
From $1 polyurethane foam plugs to $300 noise canceling plugs, I figured this would be one of the most important things to pack when sharing a room with 4 possible snorers in the hostel as I easily wake up to the slightest noise.

4.Clothesline
I'd like to think I'll a light packer, so washing my clothes frequently is a necessary evil. I will probably get sick of wearing the same shirt every couple of days, we'll see how that works out.

5. Ipod
I currently own an iPod Nano 3rd Gen and am happy with it for the past 2 years. However, my taste in music changes so often that 4 gb worth of music is not enough to keep me happy on a 3-4month trip. I'm estimating hundreds of hours on the road and on slow boats so my best bet would probably be an iPod classic as it can also serve as an extra backup for my photos.

6. Daypack
Items to remember when purchasing:

Well-padded: As I will stash my precious camera gear in it, though it doesn't necessarily have to be a camera bag.
Big external bottle holder: I'd prefer something that will fit 1 liter bottles.
Thin shoulder straps: Nobody likes sweating in the pits because of lack of ventilation from thick shoulder straps.
Easy access: I hate getting hassled opening and closing my bad when I need to access my things quickly.
Lightweight

7. Diva cup
Sorry guys, you might to skip this part. Tampons aren't easy to get by in Asia (except in major cities), and who would want to be carrying boxes of it anyway? I have yet to try using this one, but the thought of how to use it grosses me out, so more on that next time ( or not).

8. Headlamp
A hand-held flashlight would've sufficed but I occasionally find myself looking for a place to hold it while keeping my hand free while working on something. So it's probably better to get one of these.

And the lists goes on.

12 Jan 2010

Buying knock-off watches at Silk Market

Went to Silk Market to buy knock-off watches, and I’ve managed to bargain from RMB 2,400 to RMB 400. That bitch, she looked shocked when I told her my price, such good actress. I’m not sure if the price I got them for is ok, but I overheard this Chinese guy bargain for a watch that’s priced at RMB 600 and the lady sold it to him for RMB 300.

So anyway, here are some tips on buying knock-off watches from Silk Market:

· If there’s a certain brand, model and make you want, it is best you print it out or save a picture of it on your phone. Saves you time from trying to look and explain to the salesperson the model you want.
· Visit at least 2 or 3 stalls before making a purchase – that way, you’d at least have a feel of the merchandise because sometimes there are other stalls who sell better-quality watches.
· There are two types of watches:

1. Class A - usually the more expensive ones are kept in a different metal case that’s stashed under or behind the counter. Other cheaper (but still Class A) ones are displayed on a glass shelf behind the sales people.

- Considerably heavier

- Smoother finish

- Transparent blue stickers to protect the metal clasps from scratching each other

2. Cheap Fake – these are the ones that are displayed on top of their stalls and are open for the customers to touch and see.

· Having said the types of watches - be weary that the seller might trick you into buying the Cheap Fake but asking for a Class A price. So as much as possible, hold both the fake and Class A and compare.

- Rolex watches have the crown logo engraved (see #3 here) on the bottom inside part of the glass face. Yes, that intricate, even for a fake.

- The face color is different

- The glass face is, according to them, scratch proof (yes, they used the tool against the glass scratch test).

· After purchasing, set the correct time and wear or put the watches in your bag where there is constant motion. Check them after 15-30 minutes to see if they are still working. It has already happened to me twice –the watch not working - you don’t wanna go home just to find out that the watch your bought is no longer working, no?
· If a stall doesn’t carry the watch you want, most likely they’d ask from their neighbors for available stock. That’s just how Chinese business operates.

This is based purely on my experience in Silk Market. I dunno how others bargain and buy watches from that place, and I’m not even sure if the price I’ve bargained for is the “acceptable” price. Any comments, suggestions or tips are greatly appreciated. J

Additional reads:

How to spot a fake Rolex

Silk Market official website

Bush on Silk Market

10 Dec 2009

Extended Coron Trip: Day 1 & 2

What was supposed to be a 4 day trip that turned into 6, with some unimaginative excuse to skip 2 days of work for the unnecessary extension, is probably the best lie I'd ever had to cover for. Albeit catering to a more upscale and foreign market, the fee I paid for was the best splurge I've paid for so far in my travels. I joined 2 other people for a 3 nights/4 days Safari tour with the following itinerary:

DAY 1

CYC Island

Public beach near the dock. We were served amazing seafood and fresh fruits, a perfect way to start our trip!

Twin Peak/Rocks

Approaching the islands of this area felt something like an episode taken out of an adventure movie. I've capture it on video, but just like a photo, personally experiencing it is an entirely different thing:

<p>Coron from Fat Charlie on Vimeo.</p>

We didn't stay long as we needed to save time for our next stop.

Twin Lagoon

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Here's the entrance to the lagoon, you're supposed to climb over the makeshift stairs during high tide, and swim right under during low tide. I wonder if I'll be able to swim under during high tide. heh.

By far, the best lagoon I've swam in. I sort of get the chills when I think back of how unique the experience was of swimming in the middle of the lagoons brackish water, enveloped by awesome rock walls. Too bad I couldn't bring the camera with me as we were in the water our entire stay.

I wonder though how bad I'd freak out if we visited this place at night time. It would probably be too eerie to even let my toes touch the water.

91 Beach

First night of sleeping out on the beach. The crew built a fire for us to enjoy and warm ourselves. I remember waking up at around 4am annoyed that it was already bright but still feeling tired. But boy was I stunned at the sight that greeted me as I turned to face the sea.

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Again, the photos doesn't do justice to the actual encounter.

The sight was hypnotizing. I thought I've seen great full moons, but having this one feel so close and so bright that it lit up the entire beach like those humongous halogen lamps used at outdoor parties.

I regret not having gone skinny dipping under the moon light! tsk!

DAY 2

Coral Garden

Finally, I get to try my hands on old school fishing. Presented with a nylon string with a hook at bolts acting as a sinker. I was instructed to throw it in the water and wait for the fishes below to take bait. After trying out several baits, the small shrimps seemed to work best.

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I got all giggly as I watched the fishes several feet below, swimming around my bait. Nipping, circling, biting. "Pull as fast as you can when you feel the fish bite!" and about 45 failed attempts later, I humbly accepted defeat and applauded the crew for catching about 10 fishes, all wish were gutted, dried then salted for next days breakfast.

Gun Boat

Ahh the ship wreck. I never got the specifics about the history of the wreck, but as soon as I saw the tip of the boat above water level from afar, I was ready to jump in the water and see how far and deep I could 'free dive' to investigate the wreck.

I tired out rather quickly as we didn't have any fins with us. But I enjoyed watching the crew dive about 15 feet down to set up bait for some small red groupers (which they caught

of course).

Lusong

This is where I successfully scooped up a clown fish in my hand, too bad my friend lost it when I passed it on to him. Not much to see though. I'm hoping I haven't been spoiled with the great sights of coral and marine life sight by scuba diving that I've given up appreciating snorkeling.

Calumbuyan

2nd night at the beach, we felt that staying in a cemented cottage house was a step down from the previous nights beach dibs! I Though the upside was that there were plenty of hammocks around the small island to bum around. And I felt like a kid again catching fireflies along mangroves!

*Will post a panoramic view of a sun set and moon rise video on a different post

Day 3 & 4 on the next post!

11 Nov 2009

POEA Part 1

I was supposed to fly to Beijing last November 5th, I was already at the airport about to check-in when lo and behold, I was required to get an Exit Clearance from POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration). Imagine me lugging a duffel bag on one hand, small backpack on the front and a 60L backpack on my back, which by the way, is just 17+ kilos together with the duffel bag, exiting the airport.

So to my frustration, I went straight to POEA from the airport (and paid 220Php and lugging my damned backapacks) to have my papers processed, thinking I would be able to leave the next day.

And guess how many times I've been going back and forth from Makati to POEA? 3 times, 3 fucking times!! And I'm still going back tomorrow.

1^st time (from airport) Nov 5, Thursday:

At first, I waited in line at Balik Manggagawa (Return Worker) section in hopes of having a faster process. But the lady at counter 4 found out that it was my first time, so I was sent to 2nd Floor Name Hire Section.

I took a number (47) and started waiting at 0830. My number was finally called at around 1400!!!! MY FUCKING WHITE EYEBALLS!!

So the lady evaluated my papers (visa, passport, work permit, contract in Chinese) and told me that she needed the contract in English.

So I asked my sister to search for a Chinese-English documents translator on the internet. She found one Jennevie Lo Shih, so I called her up and asked if she could translate for me. To make the story short, yes she did, and I paid Php 5,500.00 for the 13-page contract translation, it was done within 3 days.

2^nd time Nov 10, Tuesday:

I sent the translated contract to my employer via email on Nov 9, Monday. And I received the English contract thru DHL on a hot Tuesday morning. I immediately went to POEA thinking maybe I can finish all papers within the day.

I took another number (97) and waited from 1145 until my name was called at 1400 (Not bad for waiting time).

The lady looked at my papers and then signed some new papers and attached it to my folder and instructed me to schedule a PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) for tomorrow (!!!) plus have another medical checkup, since the checkup I had in Beijing was already 3 months past (even though it was good for 6 months).

Schedules for PDOS bound for Asia are scheduled at 1300. Bound for Middle East, USA and Canada are scheduled in the morning. Great, I had to go back again!

Since I had plenty of time, I went to Robinsons Galleria (mall) to have my physical checkup at Biomedix. Good lord, was I in for a fucking surprise.

Medical checkup (for China) was Php 1,050.00, then when I was doing the dental exam, the dentist told me that the pasta I had was already old and I needed to have it replaced. She suggested I contact my dentist (who is in the province) and have it fixed. I asked if I can have my pasta done right here, she said yes, so she quoted me with Php 2,200.00 plus free cleaning. Actually, I haggled with the dentist, I told her I’d just pay her Php 2,200 without doing the pasta shizzle and just sign a clearance for me; she didn’t budge. So within an hour, I had 4 new pastas and a cleaner mouth.

Other medical checkup includes (this is just Phase I medical checkup, there are other Phase II checkups that are required by POEA, probably bound to other countries such as Europe or USA):

X-Ray

Urine and Stool Sampling

ECG

Blood Sampling

Physical Checkup

Psychoanalysis

Since I can’t provide the clinic with my stool sample, I had to go back the next day (!!!) and submit my shit. Plus I needed to pick up my X-Ray reading results anyway.

I went home with a hugeass headache. The weather was fucking hot and I was sweaty.

3^rd time Nov 11, Wednesday:

I went back the clinic around 10 am to submit my stool and finish the rest of the checkup.

One interesting incident was the physical checkup.

The doctor (lady) asked the usual questions, then asked me to take off my shirt and bra, loosen my pants and my knickers and let it drop to my ankles, then she asked me to bend over, grab my ass cheeks, and pry them open to show my asshole. Hahaha fuck, I felt violated. But she didn’t touch me or anything, she just looked.

Another stupidity, when it was 1200, I realized I didn’t bring my PDOS sign-up sheet! I had to go home by MRT and it took me 30+ minutes! I just took the taxi to go back to POEA with 10 minutes to spare. I was sooooo sweaty and irritated because it was really fucking hot and humid!!! Plus I was wearing jeans!

About the PDOS seminar – basically the lady just read out loud the Microsoft PowerPoint they prepared a long time ago. The presentation included all the rules and regulations before you depart, at the airport and as you arrive in your host country. It took more than an hour for this seminar to finish. And they gave us booklets titled The OFW Guidebook. This seminar is important since they give you a certificate (that you attended PDOS; valid for 5 years) which is needed by the evaluator.

Another thing, the evaluator gave me a Compliance Letter that I scan or fax to my employer, so they can sign and stamp it (with the signature same as the signature found on the contract), then re-fax or re-scan and email it back to the employee (me). I am still waiting for this part, since the guy who signed my Compliance Letter wasn’t around today to sign it. If he had signed it today, I would have already finished all my requirements!! But noooo, I am going back tomorrow!! YEY!!! (insert sarcasm here).

From what I understand, the last steps would be, submit all requirements (medical, Compliance Letter, contract, copy of visa and passport, copy of work permit), pay the Cashier POEA Processing Fee 100USD, OWWA Contribution 25USD, PhilHealth Php 900.00) and then wait for the release of the POEA Exit Certificate!!!

7 Oct 2009

Farla is now a Verified Couchsurfing Member!

I think Daria’s been fretting over her Couchsurfing Postcard not arriving yet. It’s been a month? Yeah, I think we registered almost simultaneously. Mine just arrived yesterday! And I am a verified member! Wohooo!!

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So now, when I get back to Beijing, I’d have to register my China address so I will be able to host my couch and have couchsurfers stay at my place. Actually, I’m homeless when I go back to China; I left my stuff at a friend’s place.

Add me up! Click Here :)

~FARLA

6 Oct 2009

Applying for China Work Visa in Philippines

Oct 5, 2009

I woke 15 minutes before 6AM and hurriedly changed clothes. Today is the day, the day I go to the China Embassy in Makati to apply for my Chinese Working Visa.

I arrived at the World Center almost 7AM (we left around 6:15 from Binondo). Lo and behold, there was already a queue of about 10 people outside the building. Good thing the sun was blocked from the tall buildings and it wasn’t that hot yet. There were about 20 people in front of me.

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This guy in front of me left went to smoke a cigarette on the side and left his parcel on the ground to “stand in” his place in the queue (crap, I could always use the word “line”, but after a year in China, I am now used to the word queue).

Apparently, he is a travel agent. And I found out later on that that parcel held 2 slots.

So at 8AM, we were ushered in and we went up the stairs to the 2^nd floor where we had to tell the lady guard standing by the door what our business is (VISA Application; Passport Authentication or Cash Payment), and get a stub.

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This is your number 700.

I found out from the lady beside me that she was second in line;

she arrived at 6AM!! She was stub number 679!!

Oh my gulay (vegetable), I thought the Chinese Embassy will start processing by 8AM, but guess what, you have to wait another hour before they start!! Good thing there were enough chairs for everyone to sit on and it was air-conditioned inside the Embassy.

Tip: In case you haven’t had breakfast yet, there’s a Starbucks if you head out the back entrance, just a few feet to the left.

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Visa Counter 1-2-3

We are now serving number 679.

While I was waiting for my number to be ding-donged, I was feeling giddy, lightheaded and palpitating. Must be the Grande Starbucks Café Macchiato I had. I chatted the lady beside me, turns out she got a job in a PR agency in Dalian. Her name is Katherine, from Bacolod. Awesome, then maybe I’d snag a place to stay when I go visit Dalian! Just kidding ;) She was nice.

So when my number was called to counter 2, I submitted my application with my heart thumping like crazy! I was really nervous, what if I get rejected?! But anyway, counter 2 lady asked for my mobile number and she told me to go to the door on the left marked “Interview Room” and wait there.

So when it was my turn for interview, this friendly-looking old chap with spectacles and white hair smiled and greeted me in English heavily laced with Chinese accent “How are you?”, and then proceeded to review my application. Buzzing with too much caffeine, I chatted him in my broken Mandarin and said that I can speak a little bit of Mandarin, and told him that I studied for a year in China and found a job there and I have to go back. He smiled and told me, “Well, it seems you don’t have a problem with your application. We’ll just call you.” And that’s it!!!

I was out of the Embassy at 9:47AM.

So to break down:

06:00 – wake up
06:55 – queue outside
08:00 – go inside Chinese Embassy and wait
09:30 – line-up for interview
09:47 – done!

By the way, the Embassy called me up that night around 18:00 and told me that my application was accepted and asked how fast I want my application to be processed (3 or 4 days). Wohoooo!!!

~FARLA

6 Oct 2009

Why travel solo?

Among my circle of friends, traveling solo usually raises eyebrows. It brings up questions like, why would you ever want to go travel alone? Who will you talk to? What if something happens to you? How could you ever get being alone all the time? Who will take your pictures?

The default answer I give is: You should try it, it's actually a lot of fun.

But what I want to say might confuse them more. For instance, you are in total control of your time. You go at whatever pace you're in the mood for, if you feel like doing as much as you physically can in a day, you can. Or if you'd rather spend a bum day kicking it back with a book, then so be it. In fact I have a lot of good things I can think of that we should put it in an itemized form!

I eat what I want to eat, when I want to and where ever my cravings lead me to. Need I say more?
I decide when and where to go, and I can change my mind anytime.
I find it a great conversation opener with the locals and fellow travelers alike. I find that the locals are much more open to sharing with you insider tips when they know you are on your own - probably more applicable for women to women. (As to making assumptions on making this statement true, I'll leave that to you.)
It gives me plenty of time to clear my head and think over whatever needs thinking over. On all my solo travels, I've always gone back home happier, relaxed, with a well-organized mind.
Guaranteed to make more friends.

The cons?

More often than not, there will always be some group or solo traveler whom you could share the expenses with. But the uncertainty of this, plus the waiting and searching might eat up some time and money, if unsuccessful.
There would be moments where you'd wish your best bud or rowdy pack of friends are around to share on what could've been a classic fun memory, if only they were there. But fear not, it doesn't happen that often *wink*

I remembering going on a trip by myself for the first time a few years back to Hong Kong and Macau. It completely freaked my mother out. At first it felt so new and strange that I was enjoying being alone in a different country. Getting lost may seem daunting at first, but you'll be surprised at what pleasant encounters you may come across with it. Back then, I didn't understand or appreciate the world of independent traveling. But I'm sure damn glad I do now.

You ask why travel solo, I say, why NOT travel solo? =)