The dork goes backpacking in Siem Reap, Cambodia

FIRST STOP

First stop in our Southeast Asian jaunt is.... Siem Reap Cambodia!!!! Just when I thought I've seen it all (in blogs), it continued to surprise me by the minute. It was far more amazing, awe-inspiring, and picturesque in fleeeesh. No wonder why it is swarmed with tourists and why many backpackers are passionately  in love with Cambodia drawing them for more. There is so much more about Siem Reap, Cambodia outside its temples ruins.  

We planned and waited for 4 grueling months to make this backpacking trip happen, and arriving in Siem Reap was no disappointment. From start to end, it has been nothing but an awakening to live not just a happy life, but a meaningful one. What a single person, rich or poor, can do to make a difference. How far a smile can go, and how many daily miracles we witness every single day. 

HONG KONG 101

Heya people. This could be a tad bit too late, but my Hong Kong hangover isn't over, and I'm not done divulging about it quite yet. =p My family and I are planning our trip to HK and I can't hold my giggles!!! :) To see the kids' big doll eyes in awe of Disneyland? PRICELESS. I'm going back to Hong Kong!!!! 11 months to go, too early for a countdown? Yes? The preparations and excitement is getting all too familiar therefore brings me back to my HK memories.

I could stay for a week in Hong Kong do nothing but shopping, and some massive chopsticks action a.k.a pig out chinese style. Hiyaaa! The retail variety is so extensive, enough for me to make a separate post about it. There are however still quite a number of things to enjoy in Hong Kong for non shopaholics, aka normal people. But before I keep beating around the bush, here are things you ought to know for Hong Kong first timers, and desperate returnees like me! Going over travel forums can be quite daunting, but here are the basic things you need to know, and a couple of hits and misses.

Photowalk: Club Balai Isabel

Phew, I have not written anything since my dad passed away but I just could not welcome 2013 without an entry at least. I lost my blogging rhythm,  but not traveling. I haven't been anywhere the past month so I really appreciated this mini getaway from grieving, coping and a couple of getting used to. It was just a perfect getaway before I jump start 2013. 

New beginnings.

An open letter to a 54 y/o, grumpy old man-- my dad.

An open letter to a 54 y/o, grumpy old man-- my dad.

Daddy,

Hi, Dad. This is your "bunso" writing you a love letter. Something I wish I could have done, at least a day before today. I must admit though, that I am in complete denial that this is all but a bad dream that I'll wake up to with your 80's music that you injected with oppa gangnam style just because Marikit danced to it everytime she hears it.

How to save for your travel fund?

Almost always, people make the mistake of thinking I have loads and loads of cash to burn like an rk to fund my (future) travels. To be honest, I don't. My source of fund is limited neither do my savings multiply on it's own like kisses when you put alcohol.(Or was that a myth?)


"I don't have money" That is by far the most scratched excuse not to travel. Please don't tell me you don't have money when you're in Starbucks at least twice a week, and you've been shopping every pay day. Don't buy yourself that cheap excuse, and sacrifice things that you can do without.

"I don't have the time" Combined your VL's with your sick leave and rest days, and tell me you don't have the time. Don't shut the door of opportunity before it's even open. Don't wait till you're married with kids, and miss the chance to explore with your girlfriends. Don't wait for you to guess the right lotto combination that will magically transport you to Hong Kong or wherever. Do it while you're young, and not wild, but free.

It sure isn't easy. It takes a lot of practice, patience, and will power to pull off this strategic way to save. Nothing worth it, comes easy. As much as happiness is the consequence of our efforts to be happy. 

How do I do it you ask? 

On US visa, and why the wind blew towards a different direction.

In  famous tagalog saying "Nag iba ang ihip ng hangin". 

I've always said NO to the idea of leaving for US, for vaca or for good. It was a fat No, with the gate closed, doors locked, and the windows shut. But I guess,  life has it's crazy twisted turns and that one thing we loathe the most, is the next thing we'd fight our might with. My mom was stunned when I told her about my plan about going to US next year, she didn't even ask what changed my mind, how long, and why. She already knew without asking that I am not leaving with anyone in my family, I guess she knew that's how I wanted it to be.

Hi, I'm Diane, the wandering dork. This is my journey towards finding myself, one country at a time. I am a stone throw away from going broke, but not broken nonetheless. In all of my trips, this by far is the most costly. Airfare alone will cost me a whole lot moolah, but the ability to save for it is the ultimate fulfillment. This is my big leap towards poverty liberty. 

With a new door opening for possibilities, I am overwhelming with joy and fear altogether. Allowing beautiful things unfold itself in a timely fashion. 

US VISA

I'm a single, broke, wandering dork, with a Philippine passport. My credentials say, I am a perfect TNT candidate. If I apply today, It's a whopping no from the consul. Therefore I must prepare all the necessary documents to re-label my credentials and snag that US visa. This can only mean loong preparation and a daunting one at that. Thank God I have my Mommy's financial moral support. :)

No consul, I am not taking a No for an answer. Sorry i'm not sorry. Gimme it, or face the consequences. Jke

Are you a young, single, traveler planning to secure US visa too? Here are some pointers we'll have to take into consideration:

-A good job

- Strong ties with your family

- A reason to return

- No reason to return in US indefinitely

- Enough moolah to fund your trip

- Prove that traveling to US isn't a strange concept. (Why ? Is it weird to travel to a 1st world country?)

-Financial support from Family (Highly applicable for the young, broke, but happy travelers like me)

-Your family members with US visa might help. 

-Travel history (Dear consul, please go over my blog, my itchy feet is dying to visit outside asia. Thank you.)

DORK IN THE CITY

I can already imagine walking ala Carrie Bradshaw in Manhattan with ate Hanna taking bajillion of pictures, Stalking DJ Mo Twister in Central Park and bond like Robin in Lily in autumn with my old friend Lai.

I have long moooonths of preparation, so wish me luck! :) 

When I'm away, I feel empowered. I feel like everything's changed and that I can do everything. #travel =) - @dianadayne

The P700 a kid for a day at Enchanted Kingdom challenge!

If we hadn't gotten lost, 3456787 times. We would have won the challenge. Boo. But I still consider us as winners! (= Congrats girls! You've won my kuripot like Diana challenge! (=