Busan: Taejongdae's Lighthouse & Observatory

"Dynamic Busan"

May 27, 2012.

Taejongdae natural park is one of the places you shouldn't miss when you visit Busan. If you look at the map, it can be very far - around 45minutes via private car on normal days.  How much more if you are taking the public transportation going there.  But, I really suggest to come here and visit here (I don't have any connection with them).  I was just really fulfilled when we hit this place. You will miss the chance of you won't come here.

Breathtaking view from Taejongdae Lighthouse

As my friend told me when we went here, "This is, by far, the best place we visited in Busan." From her statement, it is even better than Haeundae or Gwangalli beach.  But I think because of the scenery and nature. But take note, you cannot swim in this place. It's more on sightseeing than interactive activities like swimming or beach sports type. 

TAEJONGDAE ENTRANCE

I said earlier that the travel time is around 45minutes by private car in ordinary days.  But when we went here, we travelled for 2hrs 30min because it was holiday in Korea and at the same time it was Buddha's Birthday and there are two temples inside the Taejongdae natural park.  But we didn't give up  because we want to see the magnificent cliffs facing the open sea. At first, we were wondering whether it was worth it or not because we didn't have prior information the place aside from the picture we found when we went to the Busan Tower.  In the end, it was all worth it.  From the original 1hr 30min allotted time end up 3hrs 30min going around and just resting in the cliffs with the beautiful ocean.  

The Entrance Stone

Busan: Downtown Beaches & APEC House

"Dynamic Busan"
May 25 - 26, 2012.

When you mention about Busan, the first thing people would think of are the beaches: Haeundae beach overseeing high-rise buildings & 5-star hotels, a very famous beach for foreigners and locals, Gwangalli beach in front of Gwangalli bridge, the longest bridge in Korea (6.5kilometer), Songjeong beach where you could catch the sun rising each day, and Songdo/Dadaepo beach where the sun sets every night. Yes, it's all about beaches! It would all depend on your interests.

For us, due to time constraints, we only walked through the entire shorelines of Haeundae beach and Gwangalli beach but we can safely say that we visited both beaches.

HAEUNDAE BEACH
Our first encounter with the beach was around midnight when we decided to see the beach at night.  Surprisingly, hundreds of people are still on the beach swimming, jamming with music, drinking with ice-cold beer on an 18ºc cool breeze, chatting with friends or simply sitting down looking at the calm ocean with lights coming only from the ships dock miles away. By the way, the other side of the beach, as I mentioned, are 24/7 office buildings, restaurants, establishments and hotels.  Travel Tip: There are a lot of hostels, guest houses, 5-star hotels and even jjimjilbang / sauna within the area so accommodation is not  a problem within the vicinity. Just google it and you will find numerous blogs talking about it.

Haeundae Beach at night

And that's the shoreline!

Korean's jamming by the beach

The 24/7 office buildings and establishments

Busan: Its Busy Streets & Landmarks

"Dynamic Busan"
May 25 - 27, 2012.


My days in Korea are already counted.  I barely have 5weeks left in this technology-driven, industrialized nation that was once the poorest country in the world by the end of the Korean War in 1953.  Because of this, I started planning for another great adventure.  Next Stop: Busan.  I've been to Seoul and its tourist spots for the nth time already and I don't want to spend my 5-day long weekend to that place again.  However, I have one very important transaction in Seoul hence I need to pass by the capital before my great adventure starts.


And so I decided to avail the KR Pass - a KTX train pass for frequent inter-province train users.  I weight on the pros and cons about this decision because the ticket can be expensive if not used properly (I hope to post about KR Pass soon).

KR Pass: 7KTX rides in 5days

Seoul Station: 2nd KTX Train from Seoul-Busan (2hrs 36min)

My KTX Train seat.

World EXPO 2012: Yeosu, South Korea

"The Living Ocean and Coast"

June 6, 2012.

As the days are counting before we leave the country, the ASEAN and Zimbabwean students in Daejeon University had a field trip in World EXPO 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea. We went there to witness the ASEAN Culture & Tourism Fair 2012 sponsored by the ASEAN-Korea Centre at the same time see with our very own eyes the 2012 Yeosu Expo.

To start off our trip, we need to travel around 3hrs by to reach to the Expo and so we left Daejeon University 7:00am sharp. This is one of the field trips that no one was late even just for a minute! It seems that everyone is very excited! Who's not? It's one of the biggest festivals in Korea these days. Everyone charged and prepared themselves for this very long day. It's just a day trip so we are scheduled to arrive home around 10:00pm.

By the time we reached Yeosu, we all have full of energy and immediately posed for a group photo even just after we alight the bus. Like this:

Just after we get down from the bus

Another one!

Japanese Life: Notable Experience

While looking at my old photos in Japan, I found several unique, distinct and noteworthy experiences that are definitely worth sharing. It can be the things that caught my attention while traveling around the beautiful city of Nagano. Or the activities I did with my foster family. It might also be Japanese actions or cultures that, in one way or another, contributed to their country's success. It might be nothing for us but its really something for them.


SELF SERVICE GAS STATION:
Have you ever imagined a well-respected corporate employee wearing coat&tie gassing-up and washing their own cars in the gas station? Well, you will find a lot in Japan. Self-service gas station are a little cheaper than gas stations with gasoline boys. However, looking it long-term, if you finish one full tank in a week, one can really save hundreds of money in a do-it-your-own station.  Just lower your pride a little. I also had my share of becoming a gas-boy fueling our car while preparing for the following day's big activity: Tokyo Disneyland trip.

Filipino Gasoline Boy

Waiting for full tank

Fashionable Japanese cleaning their cars

HeadStart 2012: Kinga Shinnen!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It was January 1, 2012.

I woke up with renewed self for the coming year but I still could not understand my feelings. It was New Year. It was already 2012. But I'm not with my biological family. I'm with my foster family. I was not in my dormitory. I was not in South Korea, where I study for a year. I was not either in the Philippines. I was in a different place. I was in a house. I was in Inasatomachi. I was in Nagano City. I was in the Land of the Rising Sun when the sun first rose on 2012 or Hatsuhinode (the first sunrise of the year).. Yes, I was in Japan! I was wondering whether it was a dream or reality? Then.. It was definitely a reality!

Yes, it's really Japan

Japanese Custom: New Year's Day Postcards
I went down from "my room" (I call it my room because it's a spare room I used during my visit so I own it. hahaha) to the living room to greet everyone 'A Happy New Year!' And in return, they gave me New Year post card. My foster mom prepared it around 3am, when we arrived from our long-tiring transit (I will post about this soon).

My New Year Gift

My Happy New Year 2012 Postcard

They received hundreds of postcards and even the children received their own postcards from their classmates, friends, relatives or their own acquaintances. The Japanese have a very special custom of sending New Year's Day postcards to their friends and relatives (Nengajo / 年賀状).

Some of my foster family's New Year postcards

Ski Experience: 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics

Iizuna Ski Kogen Resort
"Ski the Heart of Japan"
January 6, 2012.

It was my 2nd to the last day in Japan but there were still a lot excitement and memories to paint. I was slated to a whole new experience: SKIING!

We went skiing at Iizuna Ski Kogen Resort, one of the Ski resorts used during the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. By the way, Nagano was the south most city that hosted Winter Olympics.

Iizuna Ski Kogen Resort: Used during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics

Tokyo Disneyland: Electrical Parade

January 2, 2012.

A nighttime parade full of lights! The Disney stars covered in colorful sparkling lights! This gorgeous parade turns the Tokyo Disneyland night into a radiant world of sparkling lights and Disney music. It is a dream world of a million of lights sparkle in this grand nighttime parade. Starting next to the Haunted Mansion, the parade flows past Cinderella Castle and exits beyond Toontown.

Have a Magical Day!

Tokyo Disneyland: Jubilation Parade

January 2, 2012.

The magic of Disney in daytime! The Jubilation Parade is a live performance with dreamy princes dancing with their princesses, forest friends frolicking in the woods, the mysterious jungle, the wide open sea. This parade is filled with the dreams and wonder you'll find throughout Tokyo Disney Resort. Let your Disney friends invite you on a journey of discovery through all your favorite Disney scenes.

Let us enter the joy-filled world of Disney! Delightful scenes from Disney films and the enchanting world of Disney come to life in front of your very eyes for a truly jubilant time. With every float bearing Disney characters, the Park resounds with the Guests' jubilation and cheers.

Have a Magical Day!

Tokyo Disneyland: Minnie! Oh! Minnie!

January 2, 2012.


This is the first live performance we watched in Tokyo Disneyland. 


Minnie! Oh! Minnie!
It's dance time at Theatre Orleans!  It is a cute show starring Minnie Mouse. After Goofy, Donald, Chip 'n Dale, and others get the show started with a vibrant performance, the star of the show, Minnie, takes the stage! Followed by Mickey! This high energy performance features lively Latin music and colors.


When Minnie takes the stage, she whips the show up to its exciting finale, and the audience is invited to join the fun and dance along. You'll leave the show with a hot Latin beat in your steps.


This is a clip of the show:

Have a Magical Day!

Tokyo Disneyland: Mickey and Friend's New Year's Greeting!

January 2, 2012.


Mickey, Minnie and Friends welcomed the guests of Tokyo Disneyland. They wore Japanese traditional clothes: Kimono!

Have a Magical Day!

Tokyo Disneyland: A Whole New World

January 2, 2012.


As I mentioned in my previous post, one of the priorities in visiting Disneyland Parks are the live performances. And this includes the Disney Parades, Disney Shows and Disney Fireworks display.


In my case, when we went to Tokyo Disneyland, I was able to watch the following:
Click on the link to watch the videos.

• Minnie! Oh! Minnie!
• Mickey and Friends New Year's Greeting
• Tokyo Disneyland's Jubilation Parade
• Tokyo Disneyland's Electrical Parade
• Tokyo Disneyland's Disney in the Sky

In fact, as a youth, I would prefer watching live shows and parades than queuing for an hour or so just to ride a 3minute Disney attraction that are usually for really young kids. In my opinion, live performances are "a must" in any of Disneyland theme parks. It's not just because they are very good in performing but because they Disney Characters are live in action.  You will see for real what you just see on televisions. Yes, the actions and emotions of Disney Characters and Princesses are definitely like what you see on the screens.


Travel Tip: Check out the schedule of the live performances. Depending on the show, there might only be  few shows during the day and some are overlapping with other performances so plan out. Some shows have limited number of seats, make sure to grab one!


At around 9:00am, we watched the first live performance: Minnie! Oh! Minnie!

Minnie! Oh! Minnie!

Tokyo Disneyland: In Detail

When you talk about Japan, it's all about technologies, gadgets, well-developed infrastructures, vending machines, earthquake, disciplined Japanese and a lot more.  If you would come to look at it, it's all about adults.  How about the kids in Japan?  They are nowhere to be found with the population getting older and one of the lowest fertility rate in the world.

But little did we know that they have one of the best themed parks in the world.  They have Tokyo Disney Resort: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. If you are traveling in Tokyo, you should not miss this beautiful and majestic Disney Resort.  I believe it is one of the must-visits in Japan, most especially you have your kids with you.  You cannot enter both parks on the same day (unless you pay 2x) so you need to a lot at least 2days.  In fact, if you have luxury of time, I suggest you visit each park for 2days with a total of 4days remembering your childhood memories.

Tokyo Disneyland is a 46hectare (Tokyo Disney: 71hectare) theme park located in Uyarasu, Chiba, Japan.  It is the first Disney theme park that was built outside USA (California & Florida) in 1983. There are 7 themed park areas: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Critter Country and Toontown.

Tokyo Disneyland Entrance

Tokyo Disneyland: Where Dreams Come True

January 2, 2012.

It was already a dream come true for me when I got the chance to visit Japan once again. But it became truer when I came to visit Tokyo Disneyland. It was definitely a magical playground. I don't mind going back to Disneyland theme parks for the nth time.

This day was simply a blast.  We were out for this journey for 22 hours. Yes, 22 hours including travel time from Nagano to Tokyo to Nagano.  We started our journey 4:00am to be in the theme park at around 8:00am just in time for its opening at 8:30am.  We just had a stop in a 7-11 convenience store to buy our breakfast  and off to the long road trip.

Now, let's discover Tokyo Disneyland through the following photos.

Even though we were very excited, we still slept during the travel. Save some energy for this big day! Travel Tip: Like all journeys, you need to have a good rest. But you should get extra rest for this one. It's a very long day with thousands of people fighting to be the first.

During the 4hr road trip

The Tokyo Disneyland Map:
Travel Tip: Make sure to get your map at hand and plan your route inside the park. You don't want to waste your time by doing back and forth because of the attractions not visited when you pass the place. Make sure to consider live performances as well!

Tokyo Disneyland Map

Family in Korea Day 10: Departure

Sunday Mass / Family's Departure
Sunday, April 15, 2012


This day was like any other day back in the Philippines.  My family had to do early morning rush to catch up for the 10:00am Mass.  This time, it's not in the Philippines, and it's not the usual 5-minute walk from our house to the church, but in Korea and approximately 45-minute travel time (walk-bus-walk). I finally attended mass with my family again after almost a year.

Gimpo Catholic Church

We attended the Mass at Gimpo Catholic Church. Too bad I can't give any information because I deleted it already in my notes.  But one thing for sure, it's very near from the bus stop.  If you have GPS, you can easily detect the place.

Inside Gimpo Catholic Church

Family in Korea Day 9: Cherry Blossom Festival

COEX & Yeouido Park
Saturday, April 14, 2012.


This is just another day in Seoul.  But it's quite special with Cherry Blossoms coming our way.  It will be our first time to see Cherry Blossoms.


We first went to COEX, to see the biggest underground shopping market in Asia, located in the basement of Korea World Trade Center in Gangnam, one of the shopping districts in Korea.  There are hundreds of apparels, gadgets, food and other items you might need there so you don't need to worry about anything.  Also, the signboards are in English, Korean and sometimes Japanese and Chinese so it is very foreigner friendly.  And the concierge can definitely speak English!

Inside the COEX Underground Shopping Mall