"My Wandering Feet" - Kawaii Japan

CLICK ME for an INTRODUCTION to this BLOG Series.

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Tuna Auction at the Tsukiji Fish Market 

The tuna bidding or auction appears on every tour guides, to do list or must see in Tokyo, Japan. It's in my bucket list for sometimes now and tried several times to do it. Unfortunately,  I was unlucky to catch this world-famous attraction. 

With the news that the Tsukiji Market will be closed soon and relocated somewhere, I am compelled to find a spot in this activity during my latest visit in Tokyo.  In my previous failed attempts, we arrived past 3 am and the 120 slots were all taken.

The Notice at the Entrance: Registration starts at 3 am

In order to make sure that we get a share in the much coveted slots, we wake-up very early (or shall I say, we didn't sleep!) to be at the gate very, very early. Daring the rain and a temperature of 12 degrees centigrade, I thought we will be first in the line. But lo and behold, more people are there before us!

After lining in the rain for more than an hour, we were ushered to a room. Luckily, we were included in the first group to view the auction.

The guard handed a colored jacket, then required us to sit on the floor. This was the most uncomfortable part of the journey. The time (more than 2 hours) in the waiting room was challenging. The 120 people were cramped in a small unheated room. Although it's fun watching people from around the world, in the end we all feel the aches and pains of sitting upright as leaning on the wall is not allowed.

Is it worth the efforts: waking up too early or not sleeping, queuing, challenging waiting room, etc.?  Well, it depends on your interest! As for me, I always go for the uniqueness of every place I visit! Seeing tuna auction in the oldest and largest fish market in the world is definitely a great experience. 

Please watch the the following videos. Although the original videos I recorded are much longer (Blogger allows uploading of not more than 100 MB video file), these were trimmed down.

Tips when you really like to see the Tuna Auction

Be at the gate the latest 2:30 am; first come, first serve basis. No reservation allowed.

Prepare yourself for the long wait; standing and sitting upright positions.

Dress appropriately; slippers/open shoes are not allowed for safety reasons.

Bring something that will entertain you (read, write, game, etc.). As for me, I wrote this blog while waiting and did some reading.

Although eating and drinking is not allowed, I noticed that most of the people are nibbling something.  I guess, you can bring something to eat/drink in small portions but be discreet.

Try to get in front of the queue to get a better view, especially if you are not that tall like me.

Flash photography is not allowed.

Be alert! Follow the rules and regulations.  Just remember that you are in a very busy market place and that everyone is conducting their own business.

The best part: Entrance to the tuna auction is free!!!

#wandermoretheworld

"My Wandering Feet" - An Adventure to the "Land Below The Wind"

CLICK ME for an INTRODUCTION to this BLOG Series.

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Island Hopping
"Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Parks"

Sabah, located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo is the easternmost state of Malaysia. It is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo and known as the second largest state in the country. Sabah is often referred to as the "Land Below The Wind", a phrase used by seafarers in the past to describe lands south of the typhoon belt. The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, which is the gateway of our journey.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is composed of 5 fascinating islands.  Each island is marked with sandy beaches and crystal clear water.  There are a variety of water sports  (snorkeling, parasailing, banana boat, etc) but due to our conditions, we were not able to undertake any.  Anyway, we enjoyed the views and just lying in the sand.

The islands comprising the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Parks

The Entrances

My "Wandering Feet"

Manukan Island

Sapi Island

Gaya Island

#wandermoretheworld

"My Wandering Feet" - An Adventure to the "Land Below The Wind"

CLICK ME for an INTRODUCTION to this BLOG Series.

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Kampung Nelayan
"Fishing Village"

Sabah, located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo is the easternmost state of Malaysia. It is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo and known as the second largest state in the country. Sabah is often referred to as the "Land Below The Wind", a phrase used by seafarers in the past to describe lands south of the typhoon belt. The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, which is the gateway of our journey.

Kampung Nelayan means Fishing Village in English.  We went to the place for Dinner with Cultural and Variety Show.  The performances showcase the music and dances interpreting the cultural traditions and customs of the different ethnic groups of Sabah.  The show offers a rich multi culture diversity of rituals, songs and dances.  The traditional costumes of the various ethnic group are unique as well as colorful.

The Dinner is also something worth to remember.  The food are fresh and taste good.

The Entrance

Live Seafood

Dining under the Moon

food... food... food

The Show

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"My Wandering Feet" - An Adventure to the "Land Below The Wind"

CLICK ME for an INTRODUCTION to this BLOG Series.

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Mount Kinabalu
"The Highest Mountain in Southeast Asia"

Sabah, located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo is the easternmost state of Malaysia. It is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo and known as the second largest state in the country. Sabah is often referred to as the "Land Below The Wind", a phrase used by seafarers in the past to describe lands south of the typhoon belt. The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, which is the gateway of our journey.

The gateway of our climb to Mount Kinabalu was the Kinabalu Park.  Declared as World Heritage Site, we enjoyed the weather and the amazing views of mountains as well as the diverse species of plants and birds.  Some of these species can only be found at the Park according to our guide.

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia and is one of the most popular mountain to conquer by mountain climbers.  The views are picture perfect; it's easy to be mesmerized by the ecological richness around you. The memories of the trek will certainly last a lifetime.

But don't be deceive by the advertisements that it is supposed to be an easy trek.  As far as I am concerned, the trail is one of the toughest trek I've ever encountered.  It is rugged, but with a well defined trail with countless wooden stairs, bridges and rocks.  There are several trails to reach the summit.  We went through the Timpohon Trail which has been estimated to be completed within 6 to 8 hours depending on the fitness of the trekkers.  It took us almost nine hours to finish!  Fortunately, we still have food at Laban Rata.  Reaching Laban Rata, I was so tired... all I wanted is to dig in to our room and sleep.  I also felt lightedness in my head and a little dizzy.  

Anyway, we were scheduled to start our ascend to the summit at 2:30 am (after a few hours of sleep; if you can sleep at all!!!).  We took our a snacks (they call it supper!) and started the ascend.  Within 15 minutes to our ascend, I felt again the lightedness (like walking in the cloud), dizziness and I felt my head was like exploding.  I decided not to pursue the ascend because of the risk to my health (I am by the way, asthmatic and suffering from vertigo!).

Reaching "Laban Rata" is already an achievement and I have to give myself a hard-earned pat on the back.  It even higher compared to the highest mountain in the Philippines.  I've heard from the Guides as well as read in the Internet that some trekkers could not even reach Laban Rata.

While descending, I was asking myself and my fellow trekkers, how I was able to survived the trek going up..... It was so tricky!  Within 3 days after the trek, I can't imagine the soreness of my body... I can't even walked straight! With every movement I made, I almost cried :(

With every mountain I climbed and the soreness of my body that I felt afterwards, I always tell myself not to climb another mountain again.  Will I be back again to Mount Kinabalu to conquer the summit or climb another mountain in the near future?  Well.... the answer lies beyond!

pictures.....  pictures.....   pictures.....  pictures.....  pictures.....

Hello, Mount Kinabalu!  Be kind to me :) 

The Map

Some Views of the Trail

The Summit from Laban Rata

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"My Wandering Feet" - An Adventure to the "Land Below The Wind"

CLICK ME for an INTRODUCTION to this BLOG Series.

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Mari-Mari Cultural Village
"The Pride of Kota Kinabalu"

Sabah, located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo is the easternmost state of Malaysia. It is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo and known as the second largest state in the country. Sabah is often referred to as the "Land Below The Wind", a phrase used by seafarers in the past to describe lands south of the typhoon belt. The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, which is the gateway of our journey.

Kota Kinabula in Sabah, Malaysia is more known to many as the location of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. There are however other interesting places to see in Kinabalu. One of these is the Mari-Mari Cultural Village, which shows the cultural diversity of Malaysia. It will surely take you back in time; savoring the soul of Sabah. It showcases the different homes built by the architectural skills of the various tribes. Through the demonstration of the traditional way of intricate living of each tribe, you will learn many things: blow piping, fire starting, rice wine making, etc. Each featured tribe will offer their distinct food for tasting. 

A cultural show that will let you see, hear, taste and feel the uniqueness of what Sabah truly is being staged at the end of the tour..... music, dances and eventually the dancers will teach you one of their popular cultural dance.

As a remembrance of your journey, a local villager will give you a tattoo. Here are some of the pictures taken during our visit.

Sampling the local delicacies

The "Art of Tattooing" 

My own tattoo

The cultural show

#wandermoretheworld

"My Wandering Feet" - An Adventure to the "Land Below The Wind"

CLICK ME for an INTRODUCTION to this BLOG Series.

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1Borneo Hypermall
"The Biggest Mall in Sabah"

Sabah, located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo is the easternmost state of Malaysia. It is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo and known as the second largest state in the country. Sabah is often referred to as the "Land Below The Wind", a phrase used by seafarers in the past to describe lands south of the typhoon belt. The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, which is the gateway of our journey.

Our first day in Kota Kinabalu took us to the biggest mall in Sabah, 1Borneo.  Well, at least we went not for shopping but for finding a restaurant to eat.  We ended up with food tripping and punctuated our day with a good massage.

Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken

Tried the White Coffee Hazelnut and the Kaya and Peanut Butter Toast --- Good Taste and Pairing!

Good: Steamed Fish and Penang Fried Kuey Teow

Familiar Western Food with a Hint of Malaysian Taste!

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LEDO - Live Everyday Die Once

LEDO is a journal of the "everyday of everything" in my life that is worth remembering ...... to remind me that each new day is a chance to explore new things, to enjoy life, and to thank God! I always believe that we live everyday and we die once!

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My Wandering Feet: Vacation More

Day 22 of 2016

An article in fortune.com  discloses that several studies had found-out that taking vacations  and living near large park area have health benefits.

The studies conducted by “Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies with the Global Commission on Aging and U.S. Travel Association” and “University of Exeter Medical School in Britain” revealed that:

• Taking vacation lowers the risk of heart attack and depression; and
• Moving closer to green spaces/large parks improves mental health immediately and is sustained over long periods of time.

The findings of these studies are critical inputs for urban planners in the design of living spaces.  They should advocate the introduction of green spaces, urban forestry and green designs and buildings as these could provide long-term and sustained benefits for the whole community.

Not only that large park provides better health, but also increases the property values around or near them.  At the same time, overlooking a vast and colorful park would be an exhilarating and refreshing experience.  The Central Park in New York, USA is a great example.  Did you know that the apartments/living areas around the Central Park are the most expensive ones if not in the entire world as well as in the US?

For better health, let us take MORE VACATIONS and stay in any of the flats around Central Park!

***** Daily Barometer:  Vacation Time!

"My Wandering Feet" - A Secret Beauty Hidden in the North (5 of 5)

CLICK ME for an INTRODUCTION to this BLOG Series.

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Not so many people (including me!) are familiar with what Cagayan has to offer.  At the thought of Cagayan, aside from the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSZFP), I can easily recall four (4) things: (1) Enrile’s; (2) Port Irene; (3) Callao Cave; and (4) Casino.  

But when I went to Tuguegarao for a business trip, I didn’t expect that I have more exciting to do than to attend a meeting.  My Wandering Feet suddenly felt prickly and invigorated to move fast to match my adrenaline rush.  Well, who can blame My Wandering Feet! …..  The backdrop of secluded coves with pristine white sand shimmering with clear and blue waters, longest and widest river in the country, rugged terrain, virgin forested mountains, thick and lusty mangroves, mysterious caves, and picture perfect landscapes simply took my breath away.  In a nutshell, I sensed that there was only ME, NATURE and an ULTIMATE ADVENTURE.

Cagayan Province

"Palaui:  A Dream Island"

Aside from the numerous paradise islands mentioned in the previous issue, there is this one that can be considered as an ultimate dream island. Ranked by CNN as the 10th among the Top 100 beaches in the world in 2013, Palaui Island is a ‘raw beauty’ to behold. The highlights of this island are its secluded and scenic tropical shores/coves, a charming 18th century Spanish lighthouse on top of the hill, wonderfully azure underwater excellent for snorkeling, and breathtaking vistas and sceneries.

Palaui Island is a National Marine Reserve as well as Protected Landscape and Seascape.  It is part of the CSZFP and considered as a model for ecotourism development.  Palaui became known to the world when it was used as the site of the Blood and Water episode of Survivor US.

Enjoyed the massage at the Nature Village provided by the women of Punta Verde.  Punta Verde is the only inhabited portion of the island with an estimated household of 100.  The guides and the workers come from these households.

Overnight accommodations are offered at the four cottages donated by the producers of “Survivor”. The crew stayed six months on the island for two seasons of the show.

The Trekking Trails

Lagunzad trail, a two- to three-hour trek through the forest and seaside is the longest. It is recommended for beginners. 

Leonardo trail, which cuts through the island’s thick forests and steep climbs, is more difficult.

The Siwangag Trail is the shortest and ends at the west side of the island. But if you are going to the Cape, choose either the Lagunzad or Leonardo.

The Trekking Adventure: Lagunzad Trail

The breathtaking scenes along the trail.

The views while climbing up to the Cape.

The lighthouse, Cape Engaño is declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum.

The lighthouse has the best view in the island. You can gaze at the rugged mountains, white beach with crystal blue water, bird's-eye view of nearby islands of  Dos Hermanas, and catch a glimpse of Camiguin and Batanes.

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