DREAM WORLD TRAVEL by Roland

New Normal: The Dawn of the Face Masks

2020-08-31T17:29:00.004+03:00

New Normal: Dawn of the Face Masks

Following the “The New Normal” seems hard for some of us but should be obeyed nonetheless if we want to be in the safe side, at least to avoid catching the deadly corona virus or the so called Covid-19.

Step outside your door without a face mask in Hong Kong, Seoul or Tokyo, and you may well get a disapproving look.

In recent weeks, many European nations have issued advisories to wear a mask in certain public settings, and in England the latest advice is to wear a face covering in "enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible", such as public transport and some shops.

Several US states have also given similar advice, and even the White House now makes it compulsory for all staff to wear face masks - though President Donald Trump still refuses to wear one.

Many people are still not wearing masks despite official advice though, and some governments remain unconvinced about the science.

Why some people embrace masks while others shun them is not just about government directives and medical advice - it's also about culture and history, a debate over evidence, and even about personal liberties (sic).

Article excerpts from BBC News:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-52015486

The Corona Virus Pandemic: How Long Will COVID-19 Last?

2020-04-01T10:32:00.004+03:00

How long will COVID-19 last?

That is the question that can only be answered by how obedient we are at obeying government rules of precaution and how much discipline we have at complying with them.

This may end up very soon or it could still be a long ride home. It is up to us! Please cooperate with the government’s guidelines so we could enjoy normal life again the soonest… with lesson learnt.

Stay protected and be safe everyone!

Also, please continue to pray. We cannot do this alone, we need the Almighty to take over!
May God be with us all!

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

- Philippians 4:6(KJV)

Hurry! The Ice is melting in Georgia!

2020-03-03T10:29:00.000+03:00

It is time of the year again or season rather, that the ski resort of Gudauri, Georgia has been busy in past few months and we cannot deny that it was hectic in this part of the earth.

Whether you would want to come for skiing, cable or motor riding or any of that fun sort of winter enjoyment, you should be hurry because the ice is melting as the country is gearing up for the next spring…

Pros and Cons of Solo Traveling

2019-02-06T14:56:00.003+03:00

Photo: Tagaytay, Philippines Jan2019

I for one love to travel solo as I don’t have to wait for others that causes delays in my travel calendar. Today, I bumped into this MSN article that I would like to share with you all about the pros and cons of solo traveling as this one speaks so much about me traveling alone often (see link hereafter).

http://www.msn.com/en-ae/lifestyle/travel/pros-and-cons-of-solo-traveling/ar-BBT45kV?li=BBqrVLO&ocid=iehp

The real beauty of this world is, of course, the world itself. We know that better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times. So, if you’re hungry to see the beauty of the world, pack your bag, and travel! Jobs may fill your pockets but the adventure you’ll have will be with you till the very last moment of your life. In the end, you cannot remember how much time you spent at your office, but you can clearly remember the adventurous moments of the journey we call life.

Pros of Solo Traveling

You may travel solo or in a group, but the more people you travel with, the more time you need to take any decision. Maybe you’d like to travel to Italy while your travel buddy wants to spend their vacation on the shores of the Maldives. If you dare to live the life you always wanted or see something you’ve waited for, just leave the group, try traveling solo for a change. You don’t have to wait for others. You can roam the world like a free bird and enjoy each and every moment of this tour. You’ll definitely cherish this trip’s moments throughout your whole life.

Traveling to different countries means you can learn different languages faster. A foreign language means a whole new vision. Highly developed critical thinking skills have a significant benefit on both mental and personal growth. This will always improve the memory; it’s like the brain gym that sharpens the memory.

A human being cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. Like the new oceans and the new shores, a new journey always helps you find new friends. In an unknown country, if you find a new friend, the stress of the journey will be minimized. Your new local friend can help guide you in the unknown destination. You’ll be familiarized with the food, lodging options, nearest view spots, historical places, and the culture of the country. Making and meeting new friends around the world makes you feel that we are all human beings from different parts of the world. Opening up the mind to people with different cultural backgrounds can change your mind for the betterment of yourself. You can make new friends, or you never know, you may find your dating partner, on Doulike.com.

Traveling solo is also beneficial for the personal growth of yours. Traveling with a group, on the other hand, decreases personal growth dramatically. Solo travel needs a significant percentage of bravery and courage. Facing your own struggles will be a piece of cake as solo traveling enhances your problem-solving skills. Once you master this, you’ll get this feeling that’s extremely empowering and overwhelming.

Cons of Solo Traveling

“Solo travel is not always pretty; it isn’t always comfortable. It can even break your heart sometimes, but the journey will always change you. It leaves marks in your memory; you take many memories with you,” says the renowned traveler, Anthony Bourdain.

Traveling solo for all day long may make you feel bored. Bourdain wrote about his travel experience, “It took almost four hours on the bed while lying and looking at 9,000 photos of the last three-year journey. I felt homesick at that time; I thought about quitting the journey.” It is true that traveling by yourself can be incredibly isolating. Whether the journey is for a short time or for a long time, you don’t have someone to talk with you, especially on the bad days. This deep sadness causes someone to head back home or seek comfort at the wrong places.

The more people with whom you travel, the less money you have to spend on accommodation, or the trip, in general; solo travel can be a bit expensive. A well-decorated room which you like is available for 4 people but you are alone. So you have to pay all the money yourself. Besides this, sometimes the trip’s cost is also reduced in case of a group. Also, you may miss human interaction while solo traveling. If you ever feel lonely during these times, these few tips can be helpful to avoid loneliness when traveling solo. Safety is also the main point that makes us question our need for solo travel. You may become sick on the road but you have nobody to take care of you.

However, twenty years from now, you will regret the things you haven’t done more than the ones you did. So that the reality is thrown off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails, explore, dream, discover yourself, and also discover a new place of joy and happiness.

Travel Quote

2018-09-25T16:51:00.001+03:00

We are all tourists and GOD is our travel agent

who already fixed all our

routes, reservations and destinations.

So trust Him and enjoy the trip called LIFE.

Do Not Mess with the Charging Bull!

2017-12-27T15:53:00.000+03:00

My recent visit in the United States was awesome even if I was alone, but my walk down the Financial District in Manhattan, New York was all fun. For one, the Wall Street Bull was intriguing. People or shall I say tourists are very interesting to watch for doing a lot of things around the bronze statue. They would do selfies, groupies and riding at the back of the bull as if they were cowboys. But the most fun to people watch at all is how they touches the balls of the bull then take photos. I never understand that, rather than those gestures looks fun until one friend told me a myth saying that touching the bull’s balls makes someone lucky. I never believe that of course but I went back the next day to experience touching those balls, of course just for fun! So I could have my own story to tell on how I messed up with the charging bull myself.

(NEW YORK CITY Blog Series)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2018!

2017-12-24T10:52:00.000+03:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

God Bless you always my visitors!

Remembering 9/11

2017-09-11T10:50:00.000+03:00

Re-post

The 9/11…

Remembering this day that was 16 years ago at the World Trade Center

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, New York City

(NEW YORK CITY Blog Series)

The Central Park - NYC

2017-06-19T13:03:00.000+03:00

CENTRAL PARK

Manhattan, New York City

(New York City Blog Series)

I love parks; I find joy walking in the park. It gives me sense of peace, whether I commune with myself and or to God. The first visit I made when I embarked to New York was the Central Park. It was a treat because it was snowy and sunny. The sunlight gives those icy surrounding with magical sparks; it was a lovely day in Central Park in Manhattan, New York City!

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ARTS

2017-04-12T14:39:00.000+03:00

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ARTS

National Historic Landmark

(NEW YORK CITY Blog Series)

If you love visiting museums and appreciate its arts, then The Metropolitan Museum of Art at 1000 5^th Avenue could be one of your best bet around New York City. My last visit made me in awe; the façade alone is already a treat. The wide stairways at the entrance provide a good sitting area for the tired and hungry. There are some Snapple and Hotdogs sellers out front!

65th Miss Universe - Manila, Philippines

2017-01-29T15:13:00.000+03:00

Perhaps this is the best time to promote Philippines to the world to help the Philippine Department of Tourism with its program in boosting the country’s tourism sector. Now that the country is dishing out with the popularity of the Miss Universe brand as it is hosting the event for this year’s pageant, let me have this opportunity to feature the undeniably famous beauty pageant in this travel blog as well confidently with a heart!

After staging the pageant successfully, the Philippines is expecting huge flow of tourist to visit the country from this day onwards. After all, there is no better way to spend your next trip other than the beautiful Philippines I guess. Make it on top of your list!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017

2017-01-09T17:45:00.001+03:00

Hello people! I almost forgot to greet everyone the very best for this new year...here's one for you.. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017 to all!!!

PS.

I will be traveling soon to the US of A, to bring you more exciting photos and travel stories...See you all soon!

Merry Christmas To All!

2016-12-22T15:57:00.000+03:00

What to do if your flight is cancelled or delayed

2016-12-21T09:47:00.002+03:00

What to do if your flight is cancelled or delayed?

Today I read an important article online from skyscanner.net which I find worth sharing and really helpful to everyone in case they get into situations like these ones. I am happy to share you the link below. Please read folks!

"Here's some info on what your rights and essential tips for coping with cancellations and how to get home quickly and safely".

When am I entitled to compensation?

If your flight to or from an EU airport is delayed for three hours or more, you are legally entitled to receive the same compensation as those people whose flights have been cancelled. Same applies if you are flying with an EU-based airline such as Ryanair or British Airways. If you have been informed that your flight has been cancelled at very short notice, airlines will normally compensate passengers for the inconvenience. However, the only circumstances in which the airline is not legally obliged to provide compensation is if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond the airlines control, such as a volcanic eruption, a strike or extreme weather. Depending on what airline you are flying with, you should expect a full refund or an offer of alternative travel arrangements, such as a seat on a different airline's flight to your destination.

How do I claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight?

If you are struggling to file a claim by yourself, you can get help from new startups like Get Airhelp which can make claims with airlines on your behalf.

Will I get any compensation if I'm waiting at the airport for a new flight?

If you have been issued with a new flight ticket and have to wait in the airport for over two hours for a short-haul flight or over four hours for a long flight, you should be provided with food and drink vouchers at the airport. If the delay is outside the airline's control, you may be able to claim on your travel insurance. Many policies include payouts for missed, delayed or cancelled flights, depending on what company you have purchased your policy with.

Who pays for my food and accommodation if I have to stay extra days?

Food and accommodation is only paid for by the airline if you are flying with an EU-based airline or are departing from an EU airport. While non-EU airlines should also refund you or try to accommodate you on an alternative flight, they may not provide you with food and drink. You can, however, try to claim these expenses on your travel insurance. Accommodation is provided on a case by case basis, depending on where you are from, where you are stuck, for how long and if you have any friends or relatives nearby that can take care of you.

What can I expect from my airline if my flight is cancelled due to a strike?

If you have a flight delay because of a strike, your airline has an obligation to offer you assistance if the delay is expected to go beyond a certain point. This may include refreshments and accommodation. However, they are not obliged to offer compensation following a strike because strikes are usually considered to be 'extraordinary circumstances'.

If I miss a connection will a get a refund?

Unfortunately, if you book two flights on separate airlines and miss the second flight due to the first one being delayed or cancelled, you will not be able to get a refund for the second flight. This is why booking flights with the same airline can prove beneficial in the long run, even if it is a little more expensive.

Where can I find more flight information?

Check the Departure/Arrival tab of Skyscanner’s Airport pages, which give live flight information for all airports in the world.

https://www.skyscanner.net/news/flight-cancelled-stuck-abroad-top-travel-tips-get-you-home?utm_term=article-143b72f1e4004b50b9aa1df6fb09c8cd&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=uk-2016-12-21&associateid=eml_tra_00161_00001&utm_content=newsletter&utm_medium=email

https://www.skyscanner.net/

The Hospitable TAMARINDI GUEST HOUSE

2016-11-02T17:12:00.005+03:00

My Georgia Trip (Blog Series 3 of 3)

Perhaps, this is one of the best month to travel to Georgia. If you already planned a trip to this part of Europe and have never decided on where to stay yet, Mtskheta is the place to be. It could be a good start of your journey before heading to the capital Tbilisi… or the other way around. Whichever you planned to visit first, I am sure you were looking for a great place in Mtskheta. Well, look no further, I recommend you to stay in TAMARINDI GUEST HOUSE. Where you will experience a great service of all Mtskheta, being run by a hospitable, kind and lovely Georgian family, it is also one of the safest, cleanest most affordable and comfortable place to stay even for a few days or beyond. You would love to go back in Tamarindi Guest House over and over again.

Taking it from my personal experience, it will feel like TAMARINDI GUEST HOUSE as your second home!

http://www.hoteltamarindi.com/2014/07/contact.html

https://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/tamarindi-mtskheta.en-gb.html?aid=818933;sid=c0bda6bd791eada60762e025fc4b437e;checkin=2016-11-01;checkout=2016-11-02;ucfs=1;soh=1;room1=A,A;soldout=0,0;hpos=1;dest_type=city;dest_id=-2328893;srfid=61059f275ef736f96ef9dd1199c86c0e991db64aX1;highlight_room=

WORLD TOURISM DAY

2016-09-27T08:35:00.003+03:00

Let us all celebrate the World Tourism Day!

Today, Tuesday 27^th September.

Get out of your comfort zone and act like a tourist for a day!

"Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide".

-Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Tourism_Day

Georgia On Our Minds

2016-07-12T16:45:00.000+03:00

My Georgia Trip (Blog Series 2 of 3)

When I was in a mall here in Doha a few days back, I overheard a group of friends talking about their recent trip to Georgia and how they liked it… and seems talking of planning to go back. And again from another group of people who were talking about the same. And again another group whose planning for a trip soon. It is not my habit to listen to other people’s conversation but I just accidentally heard them talking about Georgia at different occasion. As I myself have been to Georgia just recently, I can vouch to the testimonies of those who have been to the place. We can only say good words about that Eastern European country. If you have been to that place, you could have thought of remembering the good times there. And I cannot help but think of the song written in 1930 popularized by Ray Charles “Georgia On my Mind”. Though, the song is not pertaining to the country but the US State of Georgia probably. I am sure by now everyone reading this could think in unison about Georgia on our minds.

Whether you are taking your journey to the capital Tbilisi to walk on the famous Bridge of Peace, to stroll its downtown in Rustaveli Avenue, to visiting its popular baths and numerous century old cathedrals, to taking a dip to its medieval architectures to get a whiff of its rich history and or later go up-country from its capital; Georgia has something to offer for everyone… the possibilities are endless!

So, when are you planning yours? It’s going to be worth the trip!

Just one warning though, beware of the panhandlers in the streets (beggars) mostly kids; they could be anywhere and could be so assertive. They would even grab you in the leg and cling there until you give them some Lari (1GEL that is). For me, that is the only one problem tourists could be beleaguered on with their otherwise safe stroll in the city of Tbilisi… the juvenile delinquency.

Travel Quote by S. Orman

2016-05-31T17:22:00.000+03:00

"It's impossible to map out a route to your destination if you don't know where you're starting from."

- Suze Orman

For illustration only/theage.com.au

Gudauri: Greater Caucasus Mountain Range

2016-04-25T14:43:00.000+03:00

My Georgia Trip (Blog Series 1 of 3)

One Magical day with so much of exciting magical moments for someone like me who hails from a country different from this one. Surely there are a lot of other countries that has the same sceneries, but I have not been there yet though… here is where I got to experience it first… The Gudauri, where the snowy mountain alp called Greater Caucasus Mountain Range is situated in Georgia… the country on the crossroad of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

The mountain is in so high altitude that makes it capped with snow all year round. Any holidaymaker will enjoy its slopes. It is great for any skiing activities paralleled from what you can get in Switzerland. Just remember to bring your own equipment because renting one at site could be expensive for some and not to mention the trainer that teaches basic skiing, he could be so pricey for an hour lesson. Well, it could also be not much for an experience, some people are willing to pay the price for that once in a lifetime indulgence.

The Gudauri alp, a sight to behold and remember!

TITANIC: The Legendary 104th year!

2016-04-12T17:12:00.000+03:00

Are you always intrigued by the legendary Titanic? The infamous ship is now 104 years old to be exact by April 15, 2016 dating back from its maiden voyage.

I am as intrigued as you are! Well enough to satisfy my curiosity, I visited the Merseyside Maritime Museum in Liverpool, England to see what’s of remains the shipwreck (at least, the least thing I could do). ‘Got photos of some of the items collected from some of their expeditions.

Today, researchers are still mapping the Titanic debris field hoping it will provide new clues about what exactly happened the night 100 years ago when the superliner hit an iceberg and plunged to the bottom of the North Atlantic.

True enough, who couldn’t be interested than these generations of different film production outfit that made it into TV and movies? The most famous though was the latest from James Cameron that has come out again, in 3D in time for its 100th anniversary in April 15.

The film is not short of intrigues itself, I remember a British woman friend of mine once told me that she was saved from food poisoning from the location shoot in Mexico when she finally decided not to come up for the shooting as crowd extra. The catering company commissioned for the shoot seems mishandled the services.

Tidbits:

The Titanic movie actor's (Billy Zane) dialogue once said: “Even God Himself cannot sink this ship!” They thought it is unsinkable, well then, it sunk!

But one of its contemporaries also once said: “Only God can sail this ship!” Well then, it is still voyaging up to this day, the MV Doulos (former name SS Medina in 1914), the oldest active ocean-faring passenger ship. The ship like no other!

Travel back through time looking at these photos below:

Come and visit this place!

Nostalgic over larger than life 3D version of the Titanic movie? I do, as for me, this is the greatest movie of our time ever made!

Travel Well

2016-03-01T16:41:00.000+03:00

“You don’t have to be rich to travel well.” – Eugene Fodor

Garden Wedding

2016-02-10T15:49:00.000+03:00

Are you planning to tie the knot soon? You are probably on the lookout for that perfect location - may it be in a church, in a civil wedding hall or a much grandiose garden wedding. Well, look no further! A garden wedding is so much in demand these days, so much so with a garden wedding by the beach side. It is not only literally refreshing, it also gives you a feeling of bliss on that important day, because, I’m telling you, that bliss will be so missed when you are on a family way real soon after.

Of course, you got to find a perfect month for that perfect weather. You also got to have an alternative location to keep at close should there be a sudden change of weather forecast in a flash. I am talking based on experience, this was when I attended a niece wedding by the Marina Bay in Sydney, Australia when suddenly an outpour of rain on an unexpected strong wind course ruined the supposedly perfect garden wedding day. A close beach club venue saved not only the couples important day but also the whole entourage and guests perfect outfit of the day! Well, we called that a drizzle of blessings.

So, whether you are planning for a grandiose or modest kind of tight budget, there are plenty of destinations to look from this time of the year. We in the Philippines do not run short of destinations to choose from as we are blessed with over 7000 (7,107 islands to be exact on low tides) islands in one nation to boast for.

Marinduque, Philippines Bret/Viber

An inquiry to a good one or two wedding organizer could do the magical trick. So here is one reputable name in the field that could take away the worries out of your mind - or your hands rather, suggested by a good friend Mr. Bret Pilapil whom all photos here in this particular post were provided by the way, please contact - The Wedding Planner Mr. Resty Montepieda. Just leave a comment below for your contact queries.

In case some of you are scouting a place for the same or just planning to hang out with family and friends, especially for those who live within the area and/or from neighboring provinces in Marinduque, Philippines, there are numbers of resorts around town. It is also noteworthy to feature here the beautiful South West Bay Resort (in photos) at Brgy. Bacung-bacung, Gasan, Marinduque, Philippines. Summer time is around the corner, so go pack your things ahead for that great holiday!

Happy Travel!

2016-02-07T17:50:00.002+03:00

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.

Travel Quote by Ibn Battuta

2016-01-19T15:24:00.000+03:00

Marinduque, Philippines

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Happy New Year 2016!!! It's A New Travel Year!

2015-12-31T09:28:00.000+03:00

Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.