Luminous Festival Video: Sydney Opera House in Living Colour!
29 June 2009
Like Tutubi, you may be used to seeing the Sydney Opera House in its natural color but an event was currently ongoing in Sydney when Tutubi got there when the sails of the iconic Sydney Opera House were lit by kaleidoscopic colours projected from the Rocks across Sydney Cove and Mrs MacQuarrie's Point across Farm Cove
Sydney Opera House during the day
Short video of the Luminous Festival: the Lighting of the Sails:
Sydney Luminous festival schedule of activities were handed out to visitors on the days of the festival.
It's nice to see the Sydney Opera House with your own eyes, but it's better to see it in living colour at night!
Read more after the jump!
Sydney Opera House during the day
Short video of the Luminous Festival: the Lighting of the Sails:
Sydney Luminous festival schedule of activities were handed out to visitors on the days of the festival.
It's nice to see the Sydney Opera House with your own eyes, but it's better to see it in living colour at night!
Labels: Australia, Beyond Asia, Sydney
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:19 PM,
, links to this post
Basaan: San Juan Fiesta's Water Splashing Tradition
24 June 2009
Ever aware of the Manila Day's non-working holiday's historical error, Tutubi passed by City of San Juan en route to Makati but was met by closed roads particularly N. Domingo where he passed by everyday in order to avoid EDSA. It was only when he saw people on Araneta Avenue after SM Centerpoint that made him remember that it's the dreaded "free water" and "free car wash" in San Juan celebrating the feast of San John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista) that gave birth to the water splashing tradition.
On knowing he can't turn left on N. Domingo to get to F. Blumentritt going to Kalentong and Shaw Boulevard, Tutubi didn't try to turn right to N. Domingo to get to F. Manalo and instead made a U-turn to get back to Aurora Boulvard which was also slow moving. What Tutubi for the first time with his own eyes were "rabid" celebrators of the tradition that doesn't distinguish people who actually don't want to be delayed with their official business.
It's a good thing that Tutubi always has a camera ready with him, this time his trusty old Canon Ixus 30 that he was able to take a few pictures (thru the car dash dashboard) of San Juan residents splashing water on hapless and sometimes unsupecting passers-by to the wet world of San Juan.
The west-bound lane of Aurora Boulevard where fiesta people wait for their victims on-board open jeepneys and buses to splash water. (it's quite dark due to the coming typhoon Feria) plus the shadow of LRT 2)
an unsuspecting motorist stopped by San Juan residents "armed" with pails and laddles, who waited for their prey near Lambingan Bridge. Tutubi saw the rudeness of some people in front of his car. A news reported was there to document the event.
Someday, Tutubi can document the event more using his waterproof Olympus camera and when June 24 will fall on a weekend :P
Traffic Advisory every June 24 (the feast day of San Juan bautista):
Avoid the streets of San Juan unless you want to join in the festivities. There he saw people who would be going somewhere got wet. Truck drivers with windows lowered got wet at every corner, some people even tried to board buses (or G-Liner and RRCG) from Cainta going to Quiapo but were ready for them. Tutubi's officemate who lives in San Juan didn't report to work for he can't come to the office in dry clothes.
Lastly, every the last Sunday of January, the streets of Paete, Laguna also celebrates a similar water-splashing festival in honor of the Sto. Nino but people there distinguish revelers from onlookers and passers-by, unlike the people of San Juan.
Related Post:
Manila's Foundation Day
Read more after the jump!
On knowing he can't turn left on N. Domingo to get to F. Blumentritt going to Kalentong and Shaw Boulevard, Tutubi didn't try to turn right to N. Domingo to get to F. Manalo and instead made a U-turn to get back to Aurora Boulvard which was also slow moving. What Tutubi for the first time with his own eyes were "rabid" celebrators of the tradition that doesn't distinguish people who actually don't want to be delayed with their official business.
It's a good thing that Tutubi always has a camera ready with him, this time his trusty old Canon Ixus 30 that he was able to take a few pictures (thru the car dash dashboard) of San Juan residents splashing water on hapless and sometimes unsupecting passers-by to the wet world of San Juan.
The west-bound lane of Aurora Boulevard where fiesta people wait for their victims on-board open jeepneys and buses to splash water. (it's quite dark due to the coming typhoon Feria) plus the shadow of LRT 2)
an unsuspecting motorist stopped by San Juan residents "armed" with pails and laddles, who waited for their prey near Lambingan Bridge. Tutubi saw the rudeness of some people in front of his car. A news reported was there to document the event. Someday, Tutubi can document the event more using his waterproof Olympus camera and when June 24 will fall on a weekend :P
Traffic Advisory every June 24 (the feast day of San Juan bautista):
Avoid the streets of San Juan unless you want to join in the festivities. There he saw people who would be going somewhere got wet. Truck drivers with windows lowered got wet at every corner, some people even tried to board buses (or G-Liner and RRCG) from Cainta going to Quiapo but were ready for them. Tutubi's officemate who lives in San Juan didn't report to work for he can't come to the office in dry clothes.
Lastly, every the last Sunday of January, the streets of Paete, Laguna also celebrates a similar water-splashing festival in honor of the Sto. Nino but people there distinguish revelers from onlookers and passers-by, unlike the people of San Juan.
Related Post:
Manila's Foundation Day
Labels: Fiestas, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, San Juan
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:21 PM,
, links to this post
Araw ng Maynila: Manila's Foundation Day is NOT June 24, 1571
23 June 2009
Popular history is taught to Filipinos that the City of Manila was "founded" on June 24, 1571 by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi after defeating Rajah Soliman's forces and proclaimed Manila the capital of the archipelago. The city was later granted by the King of Spain a coat of arms and the grandiose title: "The Noble and Ever Loyal City ".
Was Manila really founded on June 24, 1571? History will answer this question that what was founded 438 years ago was the walled city of Intramuros by Legazpi over the ruins of Maynila. Manila was already a thriving community at the mouth of the Pasig river and Manila bay even before the coming of the Spaniards so why celebrate the "foundation" of Manila on June 24?
What about the Nilad tree? Ambeth Ocampo asserts that there really is no nilad tree, rather a nila tree. Maynila was so named because of the presence of the nila tree in the area. Nilad tree is just a legend as well as Maynilad only for misinformed souls.
It is also noteworthy that Manila's coat-of-arms under the Spaniards used a symbol of the merlion, a half-man, half-fish, icon on the seal symbolic of Manila's marine lion beginnings. The Merlion symbol use thus preceeds Singapore Merlion for about 400 years and yet the image is now synonymous with Singapore.
the Coat-of-Arms of Manila during Spanish times.
The present seal of the City of Manila still feature the merlion symbol unknown to most people of Manila and Filipinos. Will Manila ever regain the recall of the merlion symbol it once owned or forever lurk in the shadow of the now more popular merlion of Singapore, now the popular icon of the Lion City conceived only in 1964?
Today, Manila is now part of Metro Manila, a conglomeration of cities and a lone municipality. Rajah Soliman (Sulayman) is honored mostly for the park named in his honor in Manila's Malate district.
A calesa on Roxas Blvd in front of Rajah Sulayman Park
Tutubi is not one with the people of Manila in celebration of Araw ng Maynila for he does not approve of the date of celebration. June 24 is a non-working holiday in Manila but not in the whole country. The day is marked with celebration and schedule of activities all over the historic city but Manila denizens (of which Tutubi was once one for ten years) should know that they're really celebrating a historical error.
As Carmen Guerrero Nakpil puts it, June 24 should not be Araw ng Maynila but rather Araw ng Kastila!
Read more after the jump!
Was Manila really founded on June 24, 1571? History will answer this question that what was founded 438 years ago was the walled city of Intramuros by Legazpi over the ruins of Maynila. Manila was already a thriving community at the mouth of the Pasig river and Manila bay even before the coming of the Spaniards so why celebrate the "foundation" of Manila on June 24?
What about the Nilad tree? Ambeth Ocampo asserts that there really is no nilad tree, rather a nila tree. Maynila was so named because of the presence of the nila tree in the area. Nilad tree is just a legend as well as Maynilad only for misinformed souls.
It is also noteworthy that Manila's coat-of-arms under the Spaniards used a symbol of the merlion, a half-man, half-fish, icon on the seal symbolic of Manila's marine lion beginnings. The Merlion symbol use thus preceeds Singapore Merlion for about 400 years and yet the image is now synonymous with Singapore.
the Coat-of-Arms of Manila during Spanish times.
The present seal of the City of Manila still feature the merlion symbol unknown to most people of Manila and Filipinos. Will Manila ever regain the recall of the merlion symbol it once owned or forever lurk in the shadow of the now more popular merlion of Singapore, now the popular icon of the Lion City conceived only in 1964?Today, Manila is now part of Metro Manila, a conglomeration of cities and a lone municipality. Rajah Soliman (Sulayman) is honored mostly for the park named in his honor in Manila's Malate district.
A calesa on Roxas Blvd in front of Rajah Sulayman ParkTutubi is not one with the people of Manila in celebration of Araw ng Maynila for he does not approve of the date of celebration. June 24 is a non-working holiday in Manila but not in the whole country. The day is marked with celebration and schedule of activities all over the historic city but Manila denizens (of which Tutubi was once one for ten years) should know that they're really celebrating a historical error.
As Carmen Guerrero Nakpil puts it, June 24 should not be Araw ng Maynila but rather Araw ng Kastila!
Labels: History, Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:37 PM,
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How to Get to Pasig City Hall: Commute and Directions
22 June 2009
Information for those souls looking for information on how to get to Pasig City Hall for the Araw ng Pasig grand parade on July 2, 2009, or for other business for other business.
Note: Tip to motorists on July 2, avoid EDSA particularly the EDSA Ortigas area due to expected heavy traffic. Watch out for advisories and traffic re-routing.
The only picture of Tutubi taken at Pasig RTC (after filing a case against an uragon) using a crappy phone camera. You can see Ortigas Center in the background
Interactive Map of Pasig City:
marginheight="0" marginwidth="0"
src="http://www.openstreetmap.org.ph/widget-view/14.561362356257812/121.08019351959229/16/500/500/"
style="border: 1px solid black">View the href="http://www.openstreetmap.org.ph/map/all+of+philipppines">Map of
All of Philipppines or visit href="http://www.openstreetmap.org.ph/">Philippines Open Street
Map
Pasig Regional Trial Court (Pasig RTC, behind Pasig City Hall)
Pasig Civil Registry for those requesting for birth certificates (as
well as death, marriage et al is at the 3rd floor of Pasig City Hall
Building)
Note: Pasig City's official government website sucks. Not much
information that the public is more interested to know. it's just faces
of abominable politicians to be blamed for such a terrible website. You
can't even find important telephone numbers to call there :(
Interesting Places to See in Pasig City (Tourist Spots):
Ortigas Center (CBD, Central Business District)
Tiendesitas
Pasig Rainforest Park with public swimming pool and butterfly garden
How to get to Pasig City Hall:
Commute to Pasig City Hall is easy, from Quiapo or MRT Shaw Blvd
station, board jeepneys with signboard Pasig/Palengke that will take you
right there.
Driving Directions to Pasig City Hall:
From Makati, head towards C5 (Eulogio Rodriguez Ave) and turn right on
Pasig Boulevard extension, cross Julia vargas Bridge, turn right on Dr.
Sixto Antonio Avenue (the so-called Pasig rotonda; landmark: Jollibee
(right) and 7-11 (left)) then left on Caruncho Avenue (you'll see Pasig
Simbahan (Immaculate Conception Parish) and Pasig Catholic Cemetery).
Pasig City Hall is on Caruncho Avenue. There's available parking for
your car at the corner of Caruncho and F. Manalo as well as at the Pasig
Mega Parking.
Read more after the jump!
Note: Tip to motorists on July 2, avoid EDSA particularly the EDSA Ortigas area due to expected heavy traffic. Watch out for advisories and traffic re-routing.
The only picture of Tutubi taken at Pasig RTC (after filing a case against an uragon) using a crappy phone camera. You can see Ortigas Center in the backgroundInteractive Map of Pasig City:
marginheight="0" marginwidth="0"
src="http://www.openstreetmap.org.ph/widget-view/14.561362356257812/121.08019351959229/16/500/500/"
style="border: 1px solid black">View the href="http://www.openstreetmap.org.ph/map/all+of+philipppines">Map of
All of Philipppines or visit href="http://www.openstreetmap.org.ph/">Philippines Open Street
Map
Pasig Regional Trial Court (Pasig RTC, behind Pasig City Hall)
Pasig Civil Registry for those requesting for birth certificates (as
well as death, marriage et al is at the 3rd floor of Pasig City Hall
Building)
Note: Pasig City's official government website sucks. Not much
information that the public is more interested to know. it's just faces
of abominable politicians to be blamed for such a terrible website. You
can't even find important telephone numbers to call there :(
Interesting Places to See in Pasig City (Tourist Spots):
Ortigas Center (CBD, Central Business District)
Tiendesitas
Pasig Rainforest Park with public swimming pool and butterfly garden
How to get to Pasig City Hall:
Commute to Pasig City Hall is easy, from Quiapo or MRT Shaw Blvd
station, board jeepneys with signboard Pasig/Palengke that will take you
right there.
Driving Directions to Pasig City Hall:
From Makati, head towards C5 (Eulogio Rodriguez Ave) and turn right on
Pasig Boulevard extension, cross Julia vargas Bridge, turn right on Dr.
Sixto Antonio Avenue (the so-called Pasig rotonda; landmark: Jollibee
(right) and 7-11 (left)) then left on Caruncho Avenue (you'll see Pasig
Simbahan (Immaculate Conception Parish) and Pasig Catholic Cemetery).
Pasig City Hall is on Caruncho Avenue. There's available parking for
your car at the corner of Caruncho and F. Manalo as well as at the Pasig
Mega Parking.
Labels: Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Pasig City
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:22 PM,
, links to this post
Ruins of the Old Fort of Barcelona, Sorsogon
20 June 2009
Just across Barcelona Church facing the Pacific Ocean and Gubat Bay stands the stone ruins of a Spanish fort and a lighthouse that guides firsherman at night to shore of the tranquil town of Barcelona, Sorsogon.
old stone ruins of the fort, one of two sets of fortifications facing the sea
the north ruins facing the sea
the southern ruins and the lighthouse
There's not much information aboout the history of the fort but it may be tied with the church of Barcelona's history (even if during the Spanish times, churches were built with two purposes in mind: places of worship and refuge/fortress against invaders/pirates that's why they're always facing the sea)
Barcelona was named after Barcelona, Spain said to have similar toporgraphy as the Spanish city.
From a brief photo-op, Tutubi went on to visit Mount Bulusan and a trek around the green waters of Lake Bulusan
Related Posts on Sorsogon:
Barcelona Church
Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Guide
Just click on the Sorsogon Label below for more posts on Sorsogon ;P
Read more after the jump!
old stone ruins of the fort, one of two sets of fortifications facing the sea
the north ruins facing the sea
the southern ruins and the lighthouseThere's not much information aboout the history of the fort but it may be tied with the church of Barcelona's history (even if during the Spanish times, churches were built with two purposes in mind: places of worship and refuge/fortress against invaders/pirates that's why they're always facing the sea)
Barcelona was named after Barcelona, Spain said to have similar toporgraphy as the Spanish city.
From a brief photo-op, Tutubi went on to visit Mount Bulusan and a trek around the green waters of Lake Bulusan
Related Posts on Sorsogon:
Barcelona Church
Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Guide
Just click on the Sorsogon Label below for more posts on Sorsogon ;P
Labels: Bicol, Sorsogon, Spanish Forts
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:20 PM,
, links to this post
The Sails: Sydney Opera House History and Trivia
15 June 2009
On a trip initially scheduled to Melbourne in Australia's Victoria state, Tutubi requested the trip to be moved to Sydney and just visit Melbourne if he has the time. There were many reasons why one of them is for him to be able to see for himself the iconic Sydney Opera Hour, also known as The Sails
Pictures of Sydney Opera House from various points:
Sydney Opera House from the Rocks from The Rocks across Sydney Cove
Sydney Opera House from Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Opera House from Sydney Harbour Bridge with Hyatt Park Hotel on the foreground
Sydney Opera House from a ferry out of Circular Quay
Sydney Opera House History and Trivia:
Originally planned in the 1940s and finished in 1973
Designed and built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon
The Opera House was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 28 June 2007 for its outstanding architecture of the 20th century.
The Luminous Festival held during mid-year involves the lighting of The Sails of Sydney Opera House at night in vivid colours.
There are guided tours of Sydney Opera House including a glimpse of the interiors. Tutubi just opted for the DIY free tour of the marvelous facility due to lack of time.
Related Post:
BridgeWalk: Sydney Harbour Bridge
Read more after the jump!
Pictures of Sydney Opera House from various points:
Sydney Opera House from the Rocks from The Rocks across Sydney Cove
Sydney Opera House from Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Opera House from Sydney Harbour Bridge with Hyatt Park Hotel on the foreground
Sydney Opera House from a ferry out of Circular Quay
Sydney Opera House History and Trivia:
Originally planned in the 1940s and finished in 1973
Designed and built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon
The Opera House was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 28 June 2007 for its outstanding architecture of the 20th century.
The Luminous Festival held during mid-year involves the lighting of The Sails of Sydney Opera House at night in vivid colours.
There are guided tours of Sydney Opera House including a glimpse of the interiors. Tutubi just opted for the DIY free tour of the marvelous facility due to lack of time.
Related Post:
BridgeWalk: Sydney Harbour Bridge
Labels: Australia, Beyond Asia, Sydney
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:08 PM,
, links to this post
Jose Rizal: "Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?"
12 June 2009
Filipinos all over the world, as in every corner of the world where Filipinos are dispersed, celebrate the Philippines' 111th Independence Day.
It's a national holiday in the country and all sorts of celebration particularly at the Rizal Park (formerly Luneta) in Manila.
Even Google congratulates the Philippines this day for becoming Asia's first republic.
But why the title of this post?
(this is a rant post, continue reading if you so desire)
The subject is a quote from Jose Rizal's second novel El Filibusterismo, from the words of Padre Florentino, talking to the dying Simoun, "Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?" at the end of the classic novel that inspired Andres Bonifacio to form the Katipunan and take up arms against the tyranny of Spain.
History tells that it was Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo came to declare the short-lived independence from Spain which was stolen later by the Americans.
Tutubi feels the country is not really free. He laments the Philippine government's subservience to foreign powers highly evident in it's words and actions (need he cite cases?) as well as the Filipino people's bondage to the yoke of poverty.
Just sometime ago, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1109 (HR1109) that seeks to turn Congress into a Constitutional Assembly, paving the way for changes to the Philippine Constitution, even without the Philippine Senate, counting on a "loophole" in the Philippine Constitution that they think they can do it alone sans the oppositionist Senate.
Those who voted for the resolution argued the country really needs to amend the charter to add provisions like allowing foreigners to own lands. They were able to approve the controversial measure in a marathon session and yet the pending Land Reform Law still can't see the light of day.
Congressmen really don't know much about history when history tells us too many revolts in the past were fueled by Filipino's desire to own the land they till. Allowing land ownership by foreigners, in the guise of economic development, will further drive up the price of land, already out of reach by most Filipinos.
This ignominious resolution will also pave the way for various insertions such as term extensions, shift to parliamentary and/or federal form of government et al
Tutubi is not against charter change but it's not the end all and be all of improving the lives of millions of Filipinos. It's the change of government that's the key, a government devoid of self-serving politicians-- the trapos; decentralization and recognition of the right to self-determination. The timing itself of the resolution is really distrustful (less than a year away from national elections) fueled by speculations that the numerous trips of PGMA to her home province will pave the way for her election as the representative and later as prime minister in a parliamentary Philippines, thus perpetuating the much-hated regime next to President Marcos.
Jose Rizal's words were relevant then as they are now.
But even in these times of hardships, in spite of various opportunities to leave the country, an opportunity not available to everyone, Tutubi still prefers to stay behind.
Long live the Philippines! May you someday attain true independence!
Read more after the jump!
It's a national holiday in the country and all sorts of celebration particularly at the Rizal Park (formerly Luneta) in Manila.
Even Google congratulates the Philippines this day for becoming Asia's first republic.
But why the title of this post?
(this is a rant post, continue reading if you so desire)
The subject is a quote from Jose Rizal's second novel El Filibusterismo, from the words of Padre Florentino, talking to the dying Simoun, "Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?" at the end of the classic novel that inspired Andres Bonifacio to form the Katipunan and take up arms against the tyranny of Spain.
History tells that it was Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo came to declare the short-lived independence from Spain which was stolen later by the Americans.
Tutubi feels the country is not really free. He laments the Philippine government's subservience to foreign powers highly evident in it's words and actions (need he cite cases?) as well as the Filipino people's bondage to the yoke of poverty.
Just sometime ago, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1109 (HR1109) that seeks to turn Congress into a Constitutional Assembly, paving the way for changes to the Philippine Constitution, even without the Philippine Senate, counting on a "loophole" in the Philippine Constitution that they think they can do it alone sans the oppositionist Senate.
Those who voted for the resolution argued the country really needs to amend the charter to add provisions like allowing foreigners to own lands. They were able to approve the controversial measure in a marathon session and yet the pending Land Reform Law still can't see the light of day.
Congressmen really don't know much about history when history tells us too many revolts in the past were fueled by Filipino's desire to own the land they till. Allowing land ownership by foreigners, in the guise of economic development, will further drive up the price of land, already out of reach by most Filipinos.
This ignominious resolution will also pave the way for various insertions such as term extensions, shift to parliamentary and/or federal form of government et al
Tutubi is not against charter change but it's not the end all and be all of improving the lives of millions of Filipinos. It's the change of government that's the key, a government devoid of self-serving politicians-- the trapos; decentralization and recognition of the right to self-determination. The timing itself of the resolution is really distrustful (less than a year away from national elections) fueled by speculations that the numerous trips of PGMA to her home province will pave the way for her election as the representative and later as prime minister in a parliamentary Philippines, thus perpetuating the much-hated regime next to President Marcos.
Jose Rizal's words were relevant then as they are now.
But even in these times of hardships, in spite of various opportunities to leave the country, an opportunity not available to everyone, Tutubi still prefers to stay behind.
Long live the Philippines! May you someday attain true independence!
Labels: Jose Rizal, Philippine History
posted by backpacking philippines @ 6:07 PM,
, links to this post
Bridgewalk: Crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge
09 June 2009
Days before Tutubi's "historic" trip to the "Land Down Under," he was asked by his excited officemate who's going with him what they're going to do in Sydney to which he simply replied: "Let's cross the bridge when we get there."
And on landing in Sydney Airport one chilly Sydney winter morning, hurriedly dropped their bags at the Metro Hotel on Pitt, walked towards Circular Quay and historic The Rocks district of Sydney near Sydney Opera House and crossed the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge
The first glimpse of Sydney Harbour bridge from Circular Quay in front of Museum of Contemporary Art
Northern end of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge from Milson Point
A Sydney Harbour Bridge history marker states Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened for traffic on March 18, 1932. On May 28, 2000, more than 250,000 people walked across the bridge in support of reconciliation and a million more in months that followed.
Want to know the way to Cross Sydney Harbour Bridge?
From Circular Quay, you need to walk towards Museum of Contemporary Art, continue towards Argyle St then turn left just before entering Argyle cut (looks like a tunnel) then right up a flight of stairs, cross the street where you'll see the entrance to the pedestrian walkway of the bridge that leads to the other side. Tutubi got there by finding the way as he didn't find the signs leading to the stairs but at least he found it.
If you're quite adventurous and with money to burn, you can also do the more daring BridgeClimb where you can climb the bridge for a fee of course. A lesser adventure by climbing one of the pylons where a view is offered plus a museum (entrace fee/admission price apply) about Sydney Harbour Bridge's history can be viewed. Tutubi opted for the free tour of Sydney Harbour Bridge just by walking across it.
warning: Don't believe online travel guides that crossing the bridge takes only fifteen minutes; Tutubi took about an hour just to cross to the other side-- delayed by taking too many pictures of Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison and the bridge itself.
Sydney harbour Bridge is listed as one of the "1000 Places Before You Die" book by Patricia Schultz. It has a pedestrian walkway on the eastern lane, a bike lane to the west, a train track and several lanes for vehicles.
This is the start of a new series on Beyond Asia detailing Tutubi's first adventure outside of Asia. Will go back to regular programming later
Read more after the jump!
And on landing in Sydney Airport one chilly Sydney winter morning, hurriedly dropped their bags at the Metro Hotel on Pitt, walked towards Circular Quay and historic The Rocks district of Sydney near Sydney Opera House and crossed the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge
The first glimpse of Sydney Harbour bridge from Circular Quay in front of Museum of Contemporary Art
Northern end of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge from Milson Point
A Sydney Harbour Bridge history marker states Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened for traffic on March 18, 1932. On May 28, 2000, more than 250,000 people walked across the bridge in support of reconciliation and a million more in months that followed.
Want to know the way to Cross Sydney Harbour Bridge?
From Circular Quay, you need to walk towards Museum of Contemporary Art, continue towards Argyle St then turn left just before entering Argyle cut (looks like a tunnel) then right up a flight of stairs, cross the street where you'll see the entrance to the pedestrian walkway of the bridge that leads to the other side. Tutubi got there by finding the way as he didn't find the signs leading to the stairs but at least he found it.
If you're quite adventurous and with money to burn, you can also do the more daring BridgeClimb where you can climb the bridge for a fee of course. A lesser adventure by climbing one of the pylons where a view is offered plus a museum (entrace fee/admission price apply) about Sydney Harbour Bridge's history can be viewed. Tutubi opted for the free tour of Sydney Harbour Bridge just by walking across it.
warning: Don't believe online travel guides that crossing the bridge takes only fifteen minutes; Tutubi took about an hour just to cross to the other side-- delayed by taking too many pictures of Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison and the bridge itself.
Sydney harbour Bridge is listed as one of the "1000 Places Before You Die" book by Patricia Schultz. It has a pedestrian walkway on the eastern lane, a bike lane to the west, a train track and several lanes for vehicles.
This is the start of a new series on Beyond Asia detailing Tutubi's first adventure outside of Asia. Will go back to regular programming later
Labels: 1000 Places To See Before You Die, Australia, Beyond Asia, Sydney
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:17 PM,
, links to this post
Hong Kong Airport Rude Staff and Swine Flu Paranoia
07 June 2009
Tutubi just came back from an overseas trip down under via Hong Kong and encountered paranoid people wearing face masks as if the mask can really help them against the novelty swine flu/Influenza A(H1N1) virus (according to WHO, face masks can't prevent infection against the virus but helps an infected person from spreading it)
At HKIA, it's mostly Chinese people wearing masks and no single Caucasian, probably because of the stigma of Hong Kong people who experienced the deadlier SARS and avian flu (H5N1) virus a few years back.
Even flight attendants of Cathay Pacific wore face masks!
On his fourth time in HKIA, Tutubi again encountered rude people at the security checking from arrival to transfer area (E2 exit). The airport staff yelled at Tutubi and others to queue at an X-ray machine with no people but the line was blocked by a family with children. He was held on his elbow by the staff manning the queue at the security x-ray, something Tutubi didn't like but didn't protest just to avoid an incident in a foreign country that may put him at a disadvantage.
On exiting the security after putting his laptop back in his backpack, he looked back at his companion still on queue at the X-ray but the attendant shooed him away like a child and shouted "Go! Go!" without a trace of proper courtesy.
Such rudeness he encountered again, Hong Kong is a nice place to visit but it would have been better if HK people knew proper respect and etiquette.
Note:
Swine Flu now known as Influenza A(H1N1) is cureable; the people who died from it already had pre-existing medical problems and would have died even with seasonal flu. HK and the Philippines hyped about the virus that's why people are reacting in an overkill kind of way.
Lastly, Tutubi's holed up in his own room at home for self-quarantine but doing his work with pay. :P
Read more after the jump!
At HKIA, it's mostly Chinese people wearing masks and no single Caucasian, probably because of the stigma of Hong Kong people who experienced the deadlier SARS and avian flu (H5N1) virus a few years back.
Even flight attendants of Cathay Pacific wore face masks!
On his fourth time in HKIA, Tutubi again encountered rude people at the security checking from arrival to transfer area (E2 exit). The airport staff yelled at Tutubi and others to queue at an X-ray machine with no people but the line was blocked by a family with children. He was held on his elbow by the staff manning the queue at the security x-ray, something Tutubi didn't like but didn't protest just to avoid an incident in a foreign country that may put him at a disadvantage.
On exiting the security after putting his laptop back in his backpack, he looked back at his companion still on queue at the X-ray but the attendant shooed him away like a child and shouted "Go! Go!" without a trace of proper courtesy.
Such rudeness he encountered again, Hong Kong is a nice place to visit but it would have been better if HK people knew proper respect and etiquette.
Note:
Swine Flu now known as Influenza A(H1N1) is cureable; the people who died from it already had pre-existing medical problems and would have died even with seasonal flu. HK and the Philippines hyped about the virus that's why people are reacting in an overkill kind of way.
Lastly, Tutubi's holed up in his own room at home for self-quarantine but doing his work with pay. :P
Labels: Hong Kong, Travel Warnings
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:29 PM,
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