Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Out of Town

I was recently out of town for a much needed break. Me, my lover, and another gay couple plus another friend who went solo went to Taipei, Taiwan just last week. This is the same bunch of guys I go out of town with because we really enjoy travelling together. Come to think of it, thanks to Cebu Pacific Promos, we have been out to most of its routine destinations from Shanghai to Siquijor, from Hong Kong to Bohol, Kuala Lumpur to Palawan to name a few. It's really a great experience, and of course lots of fun, to go out of town with a bunch of guys who really get along well in the first place. Aside from covering each other's backs, we all help out in making decision, its also a give and take when considering others preferred interest whether in shopping or nature tripping , an adventure or a cultural experience. Plus we all know when not to push ourselves of our limits, so we always end up having a good time.

I normally arrange for most of the details of the trip on line, from the date, to the hotel, even arranging airport transfers and usually booking a half day city tour just so we can get an immediate feel of the place. I know some experienced travelers hate to go on these arranged tours since part of the deal is ending up in some tourist traps, but for us, the standard city tour gives us a feel of the city and more importantly it gives us a bearing of the locations we would venture on in the next few days.

As soon as we fly in, exchange our money to the local currency, get picked up from the airport, dropped off at the doorstep of the hotel, and checked-in to our rooms, its just a few minutes of freshening up and off we go immediately outside. We are not big on shopping, we are adventurous eaters so usually we zone into places where food is sold. Aside from the sights, the sounds, and the climate of the place, the part I personally enjoy most in exploring a new city, especially in a different country is the food.....especially the street food!

From each city we've discovered, new sights and sounds we've experienced, new food we've tasted, new photographs we've taken, new souvenirs we've brought home, I must say that an added bonus to all of these, is bonding the old friendship we guys have through the memories we keep on these travels we ventured.