I Choose CHICAGO: A Visit to the "Windy City" of America!

A mutlicultural city that buzzes with energy and excitement, that's how people define Chicago, Illinois. One of the international hub of USA (O'Hare International Airport being the second-busiest airport in the world), Chicago is the most-visited city in America's Midwest region due to its world-class dining, shopping, entertainment, accommodation and sports experience.

Traveler's Couch shares to you some of the major attractions of America's "Windy City".

Please click below photos to enlarge or view in high resolution.

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Hong Kong Transit Tour: Discover "Asia's World City" in 9 Hours!

Hong Kong is one of the major hubs in East Asia, having global connections to many of world's cities. When visiting Asia, one may have some couple of transit hours or short stop over in HK. As per Hong Kong Tourism Board: "It is no excuse to sit around the airport missing out on a taste of local culture".

Traveler's Couch will show to you some of the amazing points in the city that you can visit while in transit and escape being stuck in the airport for couple of hours!

PHOTO: Hong Kong Tourism Board in Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)

Upon arriving in Hong kong International Airport (HKIA), you may proceed to the "Hong Kong Tourism Board" booth (outside the arrival area) for some guide and tips on how to explore some parts of the city with convenience. (maps and other references will be provided in the booth).

PHOTO: Hong Kong Airport Express - "Same Day Return" HK MTR Ticket

The easiest way to get to the city center from the airport is to take the Hong Kong Airport Express - Same Day Return Ticket (HK MTR). This includes roundtrip transfer from HKIA to Hong Kong City Center and return trip within same day - 100HK$ (Adult) and 50HK$ (Child aged 3 to 11). Journey time from HK Airport to HK City Center is around 25 minutes, train is available every 12 minutes.

Here are some of the points you can possibly visit at the city center. Simply click the photos to enlarge and see high resolution copy.

PHOTO: Hong Kong's International Finance Centre (IFC) Mall

PHOTO: Hong Kong's Star Ferry Terminal

PHOTO: Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour

PHOTO: Hong Kong's Avenue of the Stars

PHOTO: Bruce Lee - Hong Kong's Avenue of the Stars

PHOTO: Hong Kong's Avenue of the Stars

PHOTO: The Clock Tower - Hong Kong

PHOTO: Hong Kong City Skyline at night

PHOTO: Hong Kong Symphony of Lights at night

Thank you for visiting Traveler's Couch!

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Manila, Philippines 2012: Skyline, The Heritage Hotel, SM Mall of Asia Arena and NAIA Airport

 I went to Manila last July 25-26, 2012 to process my Visa at the US Embassy in Roxas Boulevard, Manila (all expense travel by my company). I had Philippine Airlines flight PR 858, on a window seat with an overlooking view of Manila Bay (though a bit cloudy) and I could've witnessed a perfect setting of the Sun. (refer to below photos, click to enlarge)

 

I arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 around 5PM. The weather was fine that time.

 I went directly to The Heritage Hotel Manila, where I had my overnight stay (personal appearance at US Embassy was scheduled July 26, around 9AM). It's a 5-star hotel (as what I've read), situated in Pasay City (few minutes away from NAIA). Refer to below photos of the hotel (click to enlarge).

 And how about the room? Not bad at all, very relaxing deluxe room and it has a mini-bar (but opted not to avail, additional charge applies).

 After check in at the Hotel, I went out for dinner at SM Mall of Asia (MOA). It's been 2 years since I had my last visit here. :)

I went back to the hotel, prepared myself for the interview the following day and had a great sleep. But sadly, my application was denied due to weak bond or no concrete ties here in the Philippines (social, family nor economic ties) that will convince the consul to provide me a non-immigrant visa (B1 - Business Trip). Not so affected with the result actually, I grabbed the chance to explore the hotel's other side.

After which, I then check out from the hotel and went to SM Mall of Asia for a short strolling few hours before my flight back to Cebu. I was able to see this SM MOA Arena, which is already on operation (venue for UAAP & major concerts/events).

My flight back to Cebu was courtesy of Philippine Airlines via PR 863, had my check in at NAIA Terminal 2 (Domestic Departure).

I actually went back to Manila last August 13-14 for my US Visa re-application and this time, it's been approved. Here are the following photos taken during my 2nd visit in Manila with not-so-fine weather due to tropical storm Helen (click to enlarge).

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Feel free to post your comments below. :)

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Hello Davao City: A Samal Island Valentine Escapade

 

The very first city in Mindanao I've visited is its de facto capital, the well-known for Durian and the largest city in the Philippines: The City of Davao! As a traveler, me and a friend of mine managed to travel the King City of the South just for one day exploration last February 14, 2012 (Valentine Escapade). This was actually a week after my One Day Singapore Exploration. I had a 7AM flight departing from Mactan Cebu International Airport bound to Davao's Francisco Bangoy International Airport via Cebu Pacific Air (less than an hour flight).

PHOTO: Me at Mactan Cebu International Airport

PHOTO: Me at the Arrival Lounge of Davao's Francisco Bangoy International Airport

PHOTO: Me in front of Davao's Francisco Bangoy International Airport

PHOTO: People and Durian Monument outside Davao's Francisco Bangoy International Airport

PHOTO: Me at Davao's Francisco Bangoy International Airport's Durian Monument

From aiport, we then proceed to a port area to take a 10-minute boat ride that will guide us to the main destination: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island. This resort offers very affordable rate (much cheaper than those in Mactan Island, Cebu) for a Day Usage for both infinite pool & beach side. The weather went well upon visiting the island, the tranquility and peacefulness of the area is really fascinating, you'll gonna love the resort's ambiance, as well as their staff in providing quality customer service. Even though I wasn't able to try their waterpark facilities & activities, it was worth my visit to explore other parts of the place and Davao has always been an advocate of life, which I highly commend with the resort's effort to be an eco-friendly one (trees everywhere, refreshing place). We spent 8 hours in the resort (swimming, walking, taking shots, food tripping, etc.) and would really love to go back. You may refer to below shots taken during my visit there. (click photo to enlarge)

PHOTO: Me at Davao City Port heading to Samal Island

PHOTO: Davao City Port heading to Samal Island

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Mt. Apo View at Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

PHOTO: Blue Jaz Beach Resort & Waterpark in Samal Island, Davao City

We then left the place at 5PM and went to Davao City proper just to check what the city looks like. I must agree that it's one of the cleanest cities in the Philippines but on that time, the flow of traffic tested my patience, seriously. I wasn't really able to explore the city as planned since most of my time was spent riding a taxicab. You may refer to below shots taken, nothing much with the city.  (click photo to enlarge)

PHOTO: Famous Durian in Davao City

PHOTO: Busy street in Davao City

PHOTO: Billboard Ad in Davao City

PHOTO: Shop in Davao City

A bit afraid that we won't be able to catch up with our flight back to Cebu. Fortunately, we just arrived on time at exactly 8PM for check in and we had a 9PM returning flight to Cebu via Cebu Pacific Air. Refer to below shots of Davao City with its amazing city lights at night. (click photo to enlarge)

PHOTO: Departure Area of Davao's Francisco Bangoy International Airport

PHOTO: Departure Area of Davao's Francisco Bangoy International Airport

PHOTO: Departure Area of Davao's Francisco Bangoy International Airport

PHOTO: Cebu Pacific Air Crew demonstrating Airline Safety Precautions

PHOTO: Aerial shot of Davao City Lights at night

PHOTO: Aerial shot of Davao City Lights at night

PHOTO: Aerial shot of Davao City Lights at night

PHOTO: Aerial shot of Davao City Lights at night

PHOTO: Aerial shot of Davao City Lights at night

PHOTO: Aerial shot of Davao City Lights at night

But overall, the my Davao trip was a memorable one and promised to go back there soon. Well, actually I already have a roundtrip ticket for Kadayawan Festival this August and gonna party with you Davao! :)

Thanks for reading and comments highly appreciated! :D

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