Monday, February 28, 2011

BLAME IT ON THE WEATHER

Sorry, I haven't updated my blog for a while, I am not feeling well and I'd say that physically 'am tired and weak.
Just wondering why it's different from the sicknesses I used to have. Couldn't breath normally 'coz my chest and my back were aching and I was gasping. My boss brought me to the nearby clinic & the Doctor couldn't see anything wrong on my body but prescribed me a certain medicines that would help to ease the pain and it did. However, my body is still weak and I can feel inside that I can't managed to teach and be stressed by the pupils.
Friends back in the Philippines diagnosed me of having a Psychosomatic, being stressed of thinking too much that cause of my ill - it can be true.
However, my housemate here in Poland said I have SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder or in layman's term "Winter Depression". It's honestly my first time to hear such term winter depression.


Because I was doubting of the term used, I searched it right away. According to my research, "Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression or winter blues, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter.-Wikipedia)

Another website gave me a clear explanations about SAD :
This is the season when most people leave for work and return home in the dark, temperatures plummet, heating bills soar and even the most optimistic individuals are prone to prolonged bouts of grumpiness.

As the amount of sunlight decreases and the days grow shorter, almost everyone suffers a certain amount of depression. But for millions of Americans, these darker winter days trigger the onset of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a clinical condition that affects their ability to work and results in depression.

Over the past 20 years, there have been numerous studies on the causes and treatment of seasonal affective disorder. Clinicians and researchers now believe that SAD is a cyclical illness prevalent in the fall and winter months that is directly related to the amount of light that is absorbed through the eyes.

This winter depression is caused by a connection between the optic nerve and melatonin, a chemical in the brain. SAD is triggered when the brain releases too much of this chemical at the wrong time, specifically during short dark winter days when bright sunlight is at a premium.

For most people SAD is a mild condition that is generally referred to as the “winter blues.” But for others SAD is a seriously disabling illness that prevents them from functioning normally without continuous treatment.

Seasonal affective disorder occurs throughout the Northern and Southern hemispheres and is extremely rare in those living near the Equator, where daylight hours are long and extremely bright.(Source:http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/3952854-423/ideas-to-treat-seasonal-affective-disorder.html)

Well, as a Filipino sayings; Bawal Magkasakit (Not to get sick)....rightly true, who would take care of me 24 hours a day? nobody, I couldn't force my housemates to look after me and leave their work. Now, I know that winter could be so depressing, too much cold and enduring it for three months till Spring is no longer funny. I thought seeing snow and playing on it could be fun,well, it is at least but it makes people so lazy to move.
As a first timer on winter experience is a lot of fun and could be an answered prayer. Now, I fully understand why western people hates winter (not all, but at least 90%) they get sick, they don't like to go around and most of all you really have to suffer the bath and shower of your life and I mean it 'coz I refused to do it for at least 3 to 4 days 'coz it catches u cold easily and when you get out of the house though you shower of boiling water still it freezes you & frost you.
With that, I miss the sungligth the hot weather in the Philippines, because I am no longer happy of my situation now.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

SWEDISH STYLE RENEGADE

Charlie is a fashion guru of his own, an Asian-Swedish born lad has so much ideas in terms of expressing himself in fashion.
He was featured once in my blog because I like his creativity & invention, I mean the styles he created just as these pictures that I posted here. His style is not boring and he's adventurous with his clothing.
This guy knows how to play it up without overlapping.

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JOURNEYING with JAMES

James Betia is the author of the blog Journeying James. It was him who influenced me to join Couch Surfing online community site for backpackers, and among of the backpackers who inspired me to travel more in a budgeted and less expenses and why traveling light is right ( I used to bring my whole closet in the trip, as if I could use them all, after all my back aches).

One of the blog sites that I've added to my lists of my must read. I check his blog and follow his twitter everynow and then just to get the recent & a birds eye view about backpacking in the Philippines.
He's not just an ordinary blogger but mind you one of his entries was posted in Mabuhay magazine(the official magazine of Philippine Airlines),isn't that amazing?

Well, here is my brief interview with James about his passion in backpacking.


1. what's the farthest place you have ever traveled?

-I've been abroad twice only, I've been to Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia. So I guess Cambodia.

2. Name the top 5 places both local & abroad that you like?
-Local:
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Coron, Palawan
Guimaras Island
Batanes
Bohol

-Abroad:
Angkor Wat Complex
Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
Esplanade, Singapore
KLCC and Twin Towers, Malaysia
Train ride from Saigon to Hanoi


3. If there's one tourist place in the country that you could recommend to a lone traveler where'd it be and why?

Hands down Palawan. The crystal clear beaches, the underground river, the stunning karst, lagoons, diverse flora and fauna and the chillax life- its like paradise on earth.

4. How long will you backpack?

Until I die or until I visited all countries of the world.

5. If you could treat yourself in style by traveling what country do you wish to visit and why?

I want to travel in style to Europe and NYC! I wanna be like the models in London Milan, Paris, Rome and New York City.
Better yet, I wanna visit all the New 7 Wonders of the World.



6. Backpacking isn't much a lucrative to every Pinoy, how would you encourage everyone and promote backpacking?

I'm planning of doing the cheapest 100-day backpacking in the Phils (maybe P500/day or lower budget), then blog about this and hopefully write a book about it.

7. What Not to bring (on) backpacking?

-Judgemental heart. Also, if you think you will need it, you actually won't.



As James said, he won't stop traveling till he reaches the four corners of the world...hmmm sounds like we have the same passion for that. I guess every backpackers wishes that.
You can also read his other blog at: http://running.journeyingjames.com (running stories of journeyingjames


This is an excerpts from the interview of Flipnomad to James:

How did you discover your passion for travelling?
“I have been travelling a lot since 2003 but it was year 2008, when I was in Kabayan, Benguet when I met a Vietnamese backpacker. We had a simple talk about what we do in life etc. After the chat, I was so ashamed of myself that he has been almost everywhere in the Philippines for only 2 months and I’m stuck in Manila and Luzon. I said to myself, I don’t want to be a foreigner in my own country. After that, I did my first backpacking trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.”
What’s the most horrible experience that you’ve had on the road?
“I just crossed the border from Singapore to Malaysia and was about to go to Thailand. When a man pretending to be police told me that I have drugs in my backpack in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Turns out he is a holdaper. He got my travel money, borrowed camera and worst, my passport. I was stuck in Malaysia for a week without money and any friend. Detailed story can be accessed here.
What’s the best travel experience that you’ve ever had?
“My recent 14-day Solo Backpacking trip to West Visayas where I challenged myself to spend only Php250/day (all-in food, transpo and accommodation).”
What’s the biggest realization that you’ve got out of travelling?
“The wonders of God’s creation both the nature and the people are amazing. Take care of nature and she will take care of you. Respect the people and they will really love you.”
What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?
“Challenges and an unending lust to explore new territories. Curiosity and the love for learning.”
This is a silly and hypothetical one. If you would be given a chance to travel with a popular person or a celebrity, who would it be and why?
“A lot: Les Stroud of SurvivorMan, Janet Hsieh and Bobby Chin of TLC and Bear Grylls of Man Vs. Wild. Lastly, Keira Knightley of Pirates of the Carribean would be a great companion for Round-the-World Cruise.haha”
Where’s your favourite place in this planet and why?
“Easy! Palawan. I live there for almost a year just because I love the island.”
What do you think about yourself?
“Self-proclaimed backpacker. I appreciate God’s love through the beauty of his creation- human kind and nature.”

Monday, February 21, 2011

A GLIMPSE OF THE OLD TOWN (CITY OF WARSAW)

Last Sunday (Feb.20) I was in Warsaw again with my housemate to get a full glimpse of the city's pride the Old Town. As it was also my housemate's desire to see the Old Town, I toured her around in the midst of a snowy cold Sunday.
I thought, there'd be few visitors on that Sunday around the Old Town but it was filled with both locals & foreign visitors.
















Saturday, February 19, 2011

Uncertainty Over Actual

After I celebrated my birthday just this Valentine(honestly I didn't celebrate it), I was awakened by a great realizations that I am no longer young in the sense that I need to be financially stable and have my own family (as my own). A stable job that I could proclaim "that I love it and enjoying it for life", like without worrying about what I am going to eat tomorrow, to wear, just like the same worries everyone is concerning about.
Because of that, I checked the website of my church and went to the Prayer Request area, shared all my cares to all my churchmates around the globe to pray for me.
The prayer request's staff responded with a bunch of verses in the Bible that could possibly helping me of worrying not.
I know, we have the same worries just let me share these verses I have with the hope you'd be enlighten just as I do.



Dear Eric,

Thank you for your request. We will pray for you.

You indicated that your prayer request is for yourself or someone else who is worried. We can find the promises of God to be trustworthy. Here are some promises that you may find to be helpful during this time.
1. The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. (Psalm 9:9-10).
2. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.... I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:1-3,4).
3. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7).
4. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. (Psalm 46:1-3).
5. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22).
6. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. (Psalm 91:15).
7. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (Isaiah 32:17).
8. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:8).
9. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30).
10. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:41-42).
11. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28).
12. We are trouble on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
13. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7).
14. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19).
15. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Thursday, February 17, 2011

CITY OF WARSAW

Warsaw is not a pompous and grandeur city comparing to Krakow. Never been to Krakow yet but I heard a lot of side comments that Krakow is better than Warsaw. In fact, according to a British travel magazine; Warsaw is the ugliest city in Europe.
Well, can't give a comment on that since I haven't been around Europe, which the truth is there's nothing much to see around except the Old Town that is being preserved.


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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

FLIPNOMAD BUDGET TRAVEL

Among of the travel blogsites that I read is http://flipnomad.com/about/ of Flipnomad. I learned so many things of his travel specially on budget trip 'coz I am a poor traveller or let say a budget traveller.
He posted his infos that we could use especially to those who travel, backpacks for the first time.
So here's what he wrote about his backpacking and the answers to your possible questions:


"Flipnomad.com is a compilation of my travel experiences around the Philippines and as well as other countries. I’m an ordinary and a typical guy who started traveling when I was a kid, together with my grandma and other relatives around Luzon, Philippines. I then ventured outside of my usual destinations when I reached the age of 25.
When I was younger, I thought it would be impossible for me to travel to far flung places. But as time passed by, I realized that I shouldn’t stop believing in what I could do but instead stay positive and optimistic that I could achieve whatever I put my mind into.

My way of traveling kept on changing, from going to the usual resorts when I was still in school, to going to nearby provinces when I started working. Then I started backpacking which changed my life forever. It opened my eyes to a lot of other cultures. It gave me a chance to meet interesting people that have interesting views in life. It even led me to the wonderful world of blogging.
We’re all travelers regardless of where we go. Traveling starts when we close our eyes and open our minds to all the possibilities in this journey called life. Let go and trust your instincts and don’t forget to have fun.
Smile and everything will just be fine and you’ll be surprise to where your feet will lead you to.

FAQs
When did you start travelling outside the Philippines?
I started travelling when I was 25 years old. I went to Singapore with my friends and then to Thailand.

Do you often travel alone?
Nope. I’ve only tried it last March – September 2009 when I backpacked for six months and I liked it. It gave me more freedom and flexibility in travelling.


Do you also travel locally?

Of course, I do enjoy going to different places. Actually, the destination is now just an excuse to keep on moving. I do enjoy travelling (going from point A to point B) regardless of where it is.

Why do you like travelling?
I just don’t like it, I love it. Travelling is the only thing in this world that makes me feel alive. It’s also fun!!!

Do I need a lot of money to travel?
There really is no absolute answer for the amount that you’ll be spending on a trip. It really depends on the choices that you’ll make. You could fly out on a promo economy ticket with a low cost carrier or you could fly Business class. You could even stay for free by camping out or staying on local people’s houses or you could pay $1000 room in a very exclusive hotel. The amount that you’ll spend depends on the choices that you’ll make.

Will I die out there?

First, everyone dies anyway right? And there’s a lot more scary things in this world than travelling. But of course there are some risks involve especially if you go to a place that you’re not familiar with or a place where people don’t speak your language. You might get lost every now and then but that’s what makes it fun and memorable. Take necessary precautions and exercise common sense when you travel.

Is it sad to travel alone?
Exactly what I was thinking when I first traveled alone. But based on my experience, I could say that you will never be alone when you travel by yourself. There are thousands of individuals travelling on their own and most frequently than not, these individuals meet each other along the way and sometimes travel together. There are also plenty of locals to hang out with. I’ve travelled with people that I just met on the road, I even shared a room with some of them to save money and a few of them became my friends that I still keep in touch with.

What would be your advice to first time travellers?
If you really want to travel, go out there and have fun (really). Life’s too short to risk it not doing the things that we love. If we couldn’t do it continuously, at least do it once. Let go and lose yourself for a moment. You’ll be surprise on what travelling can do with how you see things and even the way you live your life. Travel with an open mind and an open heart (but at the same time take necessary precautions and exercise common sense, but don’t overdo it). Enjoy! – Flip"


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Monday, February 14, 2011

MY SECOND BIRTHDAY ABROAD

14th of February is my birthday and I am celebrating it now while updating my blog today. This has been my second birthday abroad, the first one was in Thailand and in Europe. As usual, I didn't celebrate it that traditionally just as the other people would do like preparing a lot like a feast. I thought of going to Warsaw with my housemates, shops a little here and there, dine in style as a gift of sort for myself. I bought a sweater, two tee shirts. I ordered food in a Japanese resto and feast myself.
When I came home, my friend and I went to a bargain or thrifty store checking what we could see and buy. As part of my guilty pleasure, I was tempted to buy two winter bonnets, a sweater for spring, and winter socks without checking my budget at all. Right after, we went to an Egyptian diner to buy Kebab for lunch. That's how simple my birthday is, I don't indulge much in something that worries me what to prepare and inviting people to come.
I am the kind of person who's lazy to cook bundles of food, preparing in the kitchen, and washing endless dishes. While checking my FaceBook, I was catching a lot of greetings and wishes from very close to not so close and even to acquaintances. My fingers were so tired of typing and answering all the chat with friends who just remembered me on my birthday. With that, I am so much filled with joy though I am far from family, and friends, yet, the warm wishes keep me at home in a cold and far country.
Most of all, I thank God for the countless blessings that I have been receiving each day especially on this special day of my life..thank you so much, Lord.


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