Archive for September, 2010
Americans are in for it now!
By Tony on September 23, 2010 | No Comments »
In a baffling move of mind-blowing idiocy, the American government will now start charging a $14 “entry fee” for tourists who qualify for visa-free entry to the United States. Why? Because they are going to use the money to help promote the United States as a tourist destination. What the hell?!?!? Do we need some basic logic lessons here?
Not surprisingly the European Union, which has a reciprocal visa-free agreement with the United States, is not amused. Americans can expect the retaliatory entry fees to start popping up across the world not only making international travel more expensive but also much more complicated and confusing.
Think I’m wrong? Post-9/11 American visa antics (including high, non-refundable application fees) have already caused Americans to be singled out across the globe for higher visa charges. Just since we started Contemporary Nomad, I have paid significantly higher visa fees in China, India, and Laos. In one Indian consolate, I was actually called into the back and lectured for 30 minutes on how ridiculous the American visa process has become. Sorry India, I don’t make these rules.
For prospective visitors to the US, this new fee is an addition to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). If you wish to visit the United States under the visa-waiver system, make sure you have completed the ESTA process in advance. If all this annoys the hell out of you and you decide to spend your vacation somewhere where they don’t make you register online, pay an “entry fee”, scan all ten fingers, and enter your face into the facial recognition database, I fully understand.
Philippines: What a Dollar Can Buy You
By Thomas on September 23, 2010 | 8 Comments »
There’s a reason why we haven’t encountered as many backpackers in the Philippines as we have in other parts of Asia. The island nation, caught between the developed and the developing world, can definitely break the bank especially if you want to engage in many of the activities the Philippines is so famous for: island hopping, caving, volcano trekking and, above all, scuba diving. If you want to have fun in the Philippines, you pay for it.
Kikiam
Generally, there are no super-great bargains to be had in the Philippines, and many other countries in Asia are a much better value for money, especially when it comes to accommodation. Having said that, we did find some special treats in the 2-3 dollar range. For this amount, you can see a movie, get a 1-hour massage or eat a Big Mac meal. But be warned, these little bargains add up quickly! If you happen to be on a tight budget, you had better stick to the $1 deals. And here’s what you can get for around a buck:
- 45 kikiam (fried fish snacks)
- 1 men’s hair cut
- 9 lumpia (vegetable spring rolls)
- 28 Marlboro cigarettes
- 1 large freshly-brewed coffee at 7Eleven
- 3 AA batteries
- 2 fancy Halo Halo (shaved ice treat with cheese)
- 2 hours of Internet access
- 4 custard-filled donuts from Mr. Donut
- 2 km taxi ride
- 4 liters (1 gal.) of drinking water
- 3 pounds of rice
The Visayas
By Thomas on September 21, 2010 | 4 Comments »
From coral-hewn churches and underwater coral gardens to age-old traditions and jungle-covered volcanoes, the islands of the Visayas are a paradise for nature junkies and culture lovers like us. For the last ten weeks, Tony and I have been snorkeling, hiking, diving, and beach hopping spending as much time under water as we have above. And, of course, we’ve put the highlights in a short 4-minute video.
If you are wondering about the Latin-themed background music, it was meant to emphasize the lasting Spanish colonial influence.
The Name Game
By Tony on September 19, 2010 | 7 Comments »
In the Philippines, the name game is always fun. We’ve heard quite a few doozies here, some of which have really left us scratching our heads.
Filipinos love double names, such as Jayjay, Jojo, and Monmon. Even less flattering double names like Dodo seem to go over well here. Names which sound like bells are even more popular, like Tong, Tatong, Bong, Bibong, Bongbong, Dong and Dingdong. Apparently, phallic associations are no problem. Just ask Dingdong Dantes, the famous actor, he’s gone far with his most unfortunate name.
There are many names which sound vaguely familiar, such as Diday (D-Day), Kulit (Cool it), and Laygo (Lego). Occasionally, these familiar names take a darker turn. Poor Talabong and Recto really didn’t stand a chance. » Continue reading this post »
Muck Diving in Dauin
By Tony on September 17, 2010 | 3 Comments »
Harlequin Ghost Pipefish
Muck diving doesn’t sound like much fun… but it is. Usually an exploration of sloppy shoreline shallows and decaying piers and pilings, muck divers forgo the glamours of brightly colored reefs and blue-water sea mounts for an underwater world of sand and seagrass littered with abandoned tires and rusty car wrecks.
‘Why?” you ask.
It turns out that a lot of very difficult to spot undersea life has a tendency to hang out in these areas. Muck diving is to scuba diving what bird-watching it to wildlife viewing. It is not for everyone. It is for people with patience who thrill at the discovery of smaller, hard-to-spot creatures. And Thomas and I are hooked.
In the Philippines, muck divers head straight to Dauin to begin the hunt. It is considered » Continue reading this post »
