I love Japan

by Regin Reyno

One of the countries I desperately wanted to visit during my stint here in Beijing is Japan. (The others are Mongolia, Tibet, and North Korea). So, I can’t believe when I finally landed in the Land of the Rising Sun on that hot, humid summer day of 2015. It was just a dream. And, that dream just turned into reality.

Tales about this hi-tech country that I’ve heard ever since I was young, stories-shared by my fellow travel bloggers-on the internet made me desperately wanted to visit this country. The quest to explore the unknown, to have a different experience, to be blown; these are the reasons why we travel. 

Geisha

Russian Rail Travel Part II

by Regin Reyno

The train was speeding as I push the buttons to open the doors between cars. It reminded me of my train rides in Germany and Norway; the quality of the train, the smell, the compartment full of blondes. It’s because we were in Europe, but this time the northern part. A country that’s part Europe, part Asia. 

We left Saint Petersburg on a cold, cloudy, winter day. The majestic, artistic buildings, frozen rivers, old churches, grand palaces, will be greatly missed. A city that is more like a huge theme-park. I just wished we can stay longer in Saint Petersburg. 

Russian Rail Travel Part I

by Regin Reyno

The sun hasn’t shown its face yet when we departed our hostel in Moscow. We were headed to Leningradsky train station. The station in Moscow for trains departing for Saint Petersburg. Our train departs at 5:40 am. And, being in the northern part of the globe in the winter means late sunrise. 

We groggily got in our taxi, ordered at our hostel, thanks to uber. Having slept late at night means a pain in the ass to wake up early. But, so what? We’re headed to Saint Petersburg. One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, built by Peter the Great to rival Europe’s most beautiful cities. And, we are taking a comfortable train.

Debating whether to get breakfast at the train station or eat on the train, I opted for the latter. I want to fully experience, once again, European rail travel. Comfortable trains, and of course, dining on the dining car/restaurant car. 

My 2016 Travels

by Regin Reyno

And just like that, 2016 is ending. I want to end this year by looking back at my travels. This is one of the benefits of buying memories/experiences instead of things. You can always look back and remember those wonderful times, experiences, lessons learned, and people met along the way. 

As an experientialist, I treasure and invest in experiences over things.

2016, again, has been a blessed year full of travel experiences. Although no new country has been added to my list, I was able to visit new exciting destinations, traveled with family, saw old friends, and experienced 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Join me as I revisit my travels in 2016!

1. February 2016: Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China

Mode of Transportation from/to Beijing: Air China

Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. Hunan, China 

One of the most beautiful natural scenery I have ever seen; so majestic that sometimes it’s overwhelming. Camera can’t capture the beauty of the place. The scale, the atmosphere, the grandeur, can only be fully captured by the naked eye. This is the inspiration of the Floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie, Avatar; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

2. March 2016: Bukidnon, Philippines

Mode of Transportation from/to Beijing: Cebu Pacific 

Dahilyan Gardens and Resort. Bukidnon, Philippines

El Nido, Palawan Tour C

by Regin Reyno

El Nido is a coastal town in Palawan, Philippines blessed with many islands in its vicinity. It is part of the Banana Pancake Trail: a well-trodden backpacker trail in Southeast Asia. Many travelers flock to this place-almost all year round-due to its islands and beaches. 

Beautiful limestone islands, white-sand beaches, wonderful corals, friendly locals are what attract the tourists. And in coming to El Nido, there is one activity that you shouldn’t miss; and this is what most visitors do in going to El Nido: Island hopping. 

With its many beautiful islands and lagoons, this is the number one attraction and activity in El Nido. It’s really crazy and unimaginable if you’re in El Nido and don’t do this. It’s like going to Cuzco in Peru and not visiting Machu Picchu or going to Xi’an, China and not going to the Terracotta Warriors. Especially, as El Nido Town proper has little to offer. (The beach there is crowded with boats, bars, and restaurants)

Terracotta Warriors

by Regin Reyno

Together with the Great Wall of China, The Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an is on top of my list of places to visit while in China. I’ve been dying to see this amazing site ever since. And just last week, that dream became a reality. I was able to see the famous warriors. It is the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century. It is also considered the 8th Wonder of the World. And, of course, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I love history. And, to be able to see with my bare eyes, these historical, marvellous works of mankind, I felt really fulfilled.

Dahilayan Gardens and Resort

by Regin Reyno

A hidden gem in the province of Bukidnon in the Philippines is Dahilayan Gardens and Resort. Wonderful vacation houses located in the mountains. It is a peaceful place, a tranquil environment perfect for relaxation and family vacation.

In March 2016, we had our yearly family vacation in this beautiful place. It was one of my favorite family vacations, ever. And I think, the most relaxing. It is because of the location of the place and the vacation house that we stayed in.