In Singapore for two weeks

Posted on 27. Dec, 2009 by Brandon.

We’ve enjoyed a very different type of Christmas this year in Singapore. Laying low and enjoying some downtime has been the key priority. Our wonderful friend who works at the Singapore American School was kind enough to offer her beautiful apartment just near Orchard Rd.

We’ve spend time in Singapore on previous trips, but never two weeks solid. I did forget it was the rainy season here, so the weather has been a bit drab, with a bumpy flight in. Novita’s sister, Nana, is also joining us and the two of them have been shopaholics, excited to see the pre and post Christmas sales. I will say that between Novita and I, I’m the one who spends much more money, so this trip is all about role reversal.

I’ve forgotten just how expensive Singapore is for things like food. A crappy pizza and distasteful pasta set us back over $45 SGD. We’ve become spoiled living in Jakarta and Manila all these years.

Besides walking around, shopping, and the zoo, what else do you recommend we try to do/see while in Singapore for still another 6 days?

Continue Reading

Elders of Banaue, Philippines

Posted on 18. Dec, 2009 by Brandon.

Elders of Banaue, Philippines (by javajive)

The woman on the left is 105 years old. The other two I believe said they were in their 90’s.

Banaue, Luzon – Philippines

Continue Reading

Banaue boy

Posted on 14. Dec, 2009 by Brandon.

Banaue boy (by javajive)

I’ve just returned from a week in Banaue in the heart of Luzon. I’ll post more stories and photos soon.

As I hiked up the trail to a waterfall high above the village of Banaue, this young boy jumped up onto a concrete post and just watched me for a moment. I guess we were both equally curious about the others’ activities.

After I took the photo, he jumped down and went on his way.

The sun’s glare actually gave a pleasant glow to this shot; almost a 70’s feeling to everything.

Banaue, Philippines
11 hour bus ride from Manila

Canon 5D Mk II
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM @ f/7.1 | 1/125 sec ISO 100

Continue Reading

Banaue Rice Terraces

Posted on 07. Dec, 2009 by Brandon.

“It is said that if the steps are put end to end it would encircle half the globe”

I’m leaving at midnight tonight for a trip to the Banaue Rice Terraces; a 10 hour bus ride heading into the heart of Luzon. I’ll be there for four days, hiking around and working with students in the indigenous schools. Really looking forward to the trip, but wish I wasn’t sick with a bad “Man Cold“. I’m not great at sleeping in moving vehicles, much less a bus, so I’ve loaded up the Mac with a bunch of documentaries I’ve been meaning to watch.

I stocked up on a couple of dry sacks in the event of rainy weather (which I’ve heard is the norm up there). Will bring my camera gear and hope to have a chance to get some shots. I’m always hesitant to bring the gear with wet weather, but the reality is, why spend so much on equipment if you never use it?

Here’s an excerpt from an article on Wikipedia regarding Banaue:

“The Banaue Rice Terraces are 2000-year old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to by Filipinos as the “Eighth Wonder of the World“.[1][2][3] It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1500 meters (5000 ft) above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometers (about 4000 square miles) of mountainside. They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces. It is said that if the steps are put end to end it would encircle half the globe.”

Continue Reading