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Cheap Airline Ticket

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Whenever the summer season comes around, millions of men, women and children from all over the world start to daydream about their forthcoming vacations. For the majority of them, the break involves little more than a week or two of relaxation under a hot sun. This isn’t everyone’s idea of a good holiday, however, purely because some of us like to be a little more active, and like to explore our chosen destinations when we get the chance.

One of the best ways to soak up the sights and sounds of a holiday region is by experiencing it on foot. Hiking, whether as part of a larger group or with just one or two companions, is great fun and can be tailored to suit every individual. Even experienced hikers who are capable of covering large areas will tell you the journey isn’t a race – it exists to be enjoyed and savoured, so there’s never any need to rush.

Hiking is really fun on the Canary Islands. Photo courtesy of Javiersanp

Anyone who is planning to arrange a hiking holiday will be delighted to know there are dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of excellent destinations to choose from. Anywhere that offers spectacular views amid eye-catching landscapes is likely to be popular, but those in the know realise that few places can match the all-round beauty, not to mention the comprehensive diversity, of the Canary Islands.

A breath-taking view of Gran Canaria. Photo courtesy of Blinkingidiot.

Plenty of Organised Walks

Although part of the Kingdom of Spain, the Canaries are closer to Africa than they are to Europe. The local terrain is flat in places and hilly in others, making it ideal for walkers of all abilities. It goes without saying that the islands have been catering for travellers for many decades, so there is a robust tourist infrastructure in place, a fact that will come as welcome news to hikers who are in need of a comfortable base in which to start and finish their days.

There are plenty of organised walking tours available, but if you simply want to make your own arrangements that won’t be a problem. Some of the most spectacular trails will reward the walker with views of mountains to one side and seascapes to the other. Be sure to bring a camera with you because you will want to record these images forever.

A spectacular view of Gran Canaria that each and every island lover surely dream to behold. Photo courtesy of Javiersanp

Check out cheap holidays to Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote with Jet2holidays and enjoy wonderful hiking experiences without having to spend a fortune. If you’re on a budget, now is the time to book.

Imagine, you are in the United Kingdom to know or learn regarding its glorious history by different conventional events in London . Isn’t it exciting? I am sure you are full of enthusiasm and anxious to watch such momentous events.

London is famous for its enriching history that is known for hundreds of years. Lots of events in London are worth watching and should not be missed when you are in the multicultural city.

Following is the information for some of the important and must visit events .

1. Trooping the Colour – This is a spectacular and remarkable Parade ceremony by the Commonwealth Army and British Regiments dressed in colours by ranks done in the month of June to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday. This ceremony is performed since the middle of 17th Century. It started in the year 1748 and then regularly happening from 1760 when King George III ordered the event. In the Parade, which is accompanied by a 400-member musical band, the Queen accepts the salute and also inspects her troops.

Trooping the Colour, one of the most awaited events in London. Photo courtesy of http://www.london-attractions.info/trooping-the-colour.htm

2. The Lord Mayor’s Show – This show is first done way back in the 12th century. Every year in November at 10 AM, the newly- elected mayor of London leaves the city and go to Westminster to take the oath of loyalty. There are guided free walking tours at 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM. The event is concluded by enchanting and spectacular finale of fireworks on the bank of the River Thames.

3. State Opening of Parliament – This is also a centuries-old tradition done at the opening session of the new parliament, wherein, the Queen delivers a speech known as THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE at the House of Lords Chamber. The speech reveals the Government policies for the upcoming year. The main point to be noted in the speech is that, it is given in neutral tone and do not indicate any signal for the approval or disapproval of the policies. Normally visitors can approach the Hall of Parliament when the ceremony is finished. After the speech is over, the Members of Parliament (MPs) in both the Houses of Lords and Commons debate on the policies for five days and approve or disapprove the same by majority.

4. Changing of the Guard – This is the most admired of all the events in London among tourists and visitors. It is the event when official guards are changing their duties in both Buckingham Palace and in St James’ Palace. The duration of this event is around 45 minutes to one hour. Nowadays apps are available for information of changing of the Guard tunes, places and timings.

5. Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London – This is also a fascinating ceremony held every night at exactly 23:53 for a duration of 10 minutes and has a history of more than 700 years. The costumes of the warden with the lanterns of old style held in his hand and escorted by the guard is worth watching.

If you happen to visit London, be sure not to miss these major events. Believe me, you have not really visited the capital city of the United Kingdom of Great Britain if you have not seen the major events in London.

I was born, now lives and intends to stay within my lifetime in an island. I could be considered a veteran in sea travel nowadays but I can very much relate to the squeamish feeling that many people, especially first time sea travellers, suffer on board shaky boats or ships beaten by the waves. The reason is obvious as seasickness, which bears a rather pleasant and unassuming French term of MAL DE MER, was my way in the early parts of my life.

When I was still a child until my early adolescent years, I considered myself to be an islander with an unfortunate soul as I equated sea travel with misery. The moment the motor boat left the port, sleepiness started creeping into my eyes even with just the gentle rocking as waves started beating the boat. As the wave beating accelerated and the boat rocking getting hyperactive, nausea also started engulfing my psyche until I vomited to the extreme that I felt my intestine being expelled out while my mouth was savoring the bitterest of all tastes. Subsequently, dizziness, headache, pallor and cold perspiration took turns coming my way to make my travel day as miserable as can be. Hence, my being a product of an indigent family was a blessing in disguise as I could only travel, albeit hesitantly, from my home town of Socorro in Bucas Grande Island to the Surigao del Norte provincial capital of Surigao City in the Philippines during boy scout jamborees.

How I managed to overcome seasickness was an epic story in itself. Faced with no other means to earn income during high school breaks to fund for my note books and other school supplies for the next school year, I was forced to work as crew member of the passenger boat owned by a neighbor plying the daily route from our town to the commercial center of Siargao Island . To my surprise, after a few weeks bout of sea sickness amid daily travel across intermittent calm and stormy seas, I managed to become a seasoned sailor which turned out to be my strongest asset when I studied and graduated in college as a self-supporting student until nowadays.

A passenger boat bound for Siargao Island docking at the Socorro Port

Truly, I had endured the debilitating effect that seasickness have had inflected on my body, but I still consider myself to be fortunate enough for not experiencing the mentally irritating, if not annoying, feeling when everyone else around just goes on their gleeful way, perfectly comfortable and gay, in the same conditions that have reduced seasickness victims to utter misery.

I can still remember the situation when we, members of the Board of Directors of Siargao Electric Cooperative (SIARELCO), travelled to attend a joint meeting with the officers of the electric cooperative in a neighboring island province. A few minutes after we left Surigao City port, the passenger boat was shaking to the tune of the waves that started beating. Notwithstanding the situation, one of my co- Directors kept on cracking jokes that elicited laughter from other passengers. A woman in her late fifties, who was holding a rosary and reciting novenas in between her vomiting sessions, got irritated with the way her fellow passengers seemed to enjoy the trip. She loudly complained to the joke-cracker on his penchant to enjoy while she was calling all the Saints to save the trip. To such complaint, my colleague bluntly replied: IF YOU CONSIDERED THIS TRAVEL SITUATION SERIOUS, IT IS JUST NORMAL FOR US. THE WAVES THAT WE ARE WITNESSING RIGHT NOW ARE JUST EXACTLY THE SAME IN SIZE AND INTENSITY AS THOSE POUNDING AT THE PORT OF MY TOWN. Candidly, I sympathized with the lady-complainant who was forced to close her eyes and occasionally opened it in time that she would thrust her head out of the window to vomit.

Call it unfair or any other terminology but it is a fact that others are afflicted with seasickness easily while other segments of society are immune to that non-life threatening disease fortunately.

Aside from engaging in adventure travel, adventure-seekers including plain tourists kept rolling into festivals featuring religious, seasonal, cultural and historical themes considered as among the most sought-after events in the history of mankind throughout the world.

The reasons of course are obvious. Festivals are the best time of the year when, and the appropriate venue of the country where, devout congregations worship; the carefree merry-makers making as much fun as they can; the shrewd businessmen taking advantage of the well-wishers’ spending mood and; the government and non-government agencies grabbing the opportunity to serve their constituents through fora, exhibits and other civic actions.

Practically, the Gods and deities are honored, the cultural and historical events are recognized and the coming of seasons and start of harvests are celebrated generally by street dancing and other fun-filled activities in all countries comprising the continents of Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe and Australia but not, for obvious reasons, in Antarctica.

In Asia, the world famous Ati-Atihan, which literally means TO BE LIKE AETAS OR MAKE-BELIEVE ATIS, Festival kicks-off on the 13th and ends on the 20th of January, 2013 in the capital City of Kalibo, Province of Aklan situated in Panay Island, Philippines. Done to rejoice the arrival or gift of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus) by the Spanish-commissioned Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to the native Queen of the neighboring island of Cebu in 1521, the Ati-Atihan is dubbed as THE FILIPINO MARDIS GRAS. Considered as the wildest among the Philippine fiestas, the week-long festivity culminates with a street dancing with celebrants painting their faces and body parts in many different ways to make themselves look like the Aetas or Atis referred to in history books as the indigenous natives of the island. Wearing attractive and colorful costumes and donning indigenous weapons, the participants dance on the rhythms of the drums with the tourists joining the hyperactive merriment on the streets thereby resembling that of the Mardi Gras Celebration in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

Other festivals held in the first month of the year throughout the world are shown in the cool graphic guide below:

[Source: Flight Centre]

The Discovery

I hit two birds in one stone, so to speak, during my visit to the first marine-themed mall in the Philippines dubbed the Manila Ocean Park situated in the capital city of Manila. Not only did I found the place to be a perfect destination for people longing for wonderful underwater world experiences, but I discovered the venue to be an appropriate getaway especially for weary citizens looking for cheap spa breaks.

After my senses were through feasting on the Flow; the Reef; the Fishing Ground; the Living Ocean and the Deep sections situated on the first level of the oceanarium, I was wondering what fun are in store after I shall climb to this staircase. . .

The way up to the second floor of the Manila Ocean Park

As I stepped on the last stair tread, I was really ecstatic upon seeing the bold letters signaling that I was on my way to the Fish Spa with a cheap price tag of PhP 120.00 or roughly $ 3.00 for a 10-minute session . . .

The Fish Spa signage

I had sensed mixed emotions on the faces of the guests as their feet were being submerged on a tiny pool with scores of fish nibbling on their feet and lower legs . . .

The Fish Spa enthusiasts enjoying the fish nibbling session

Unable to contain my excitement, I rolled my jeans and dropped my feet into the water . . .

Scores of nibble fish feasting over the dead skin cells of my feet.

Candidly, a hard-to-explain feeling of rejuvenation had engulfed my body and soul as the schools of nibble fish, otherwise named as Doctor Fish, had feasted on the dead skin cells of the front, middle and rear parts of my feet up to the lower legs. Truly, the pleasant tingling sensation that I felt for the first time had really justified the long-held belief of the Romans and carried forward nowadays worldwide that Sanus Per Aquam (SPA), which literally means HEALTH BY OR THROUGH WATER, could heal aching bodies.

The Day Spa

I was then thinking that if the fish doing the tricks of foot spa can satisfy weary travelers like me, how much more of the humans equipped with facilities performing the task. Hence, on my return home to Surigao City on the northeastern-most part of Mindanao Island, I searched for a day spa business establishment that can really cater to the needs of customers wanting to spend luxury spa days and found this one at the heart of the city. . .

The facade of the Victoria Spa

As I went over their checklist, I found out that the establishment was offering a wide range of services for spa and beauty treatments.

Checklist of services offered by Victoria Spa

Eager to make a comparison between a fish spa done by the nibble fish and a foot spa handled by expert therapists, I told the front desk attendant of my desire to avail of the foot spa service. But to my surprise, I was showed with a long list of customers queuing ahead of me. Since I am in a hurry going home to Bucas Grande Island, I just opted for the Body Massage with Aromatherapy . . .

Gearing for the body massage session. . .

Savoring the sensation of foot massage . . .

Not only that the one-hour session had rejuvenated my body but it had shifted my paradigm on the life of the therapists. While my not-so-fidel male friends kept telling me not-so-good stories about their encounter with therapists, but my experience at Victoria Spa had made me realize that those ladies were performing a decent job with a not-so-modest income. Hence, I offered Gina a decent tip for a job well done plus a promise that I shall return for the aborted plan for a foot spa session.

Me and the Victoria Spa therapist . . .

Final Thoughts

While battle-weary Roman legionnaires in the ancient time found their way to recover from their military wounds and ailments through springs and baths, I accidentally found my own means of healing my weary feet, thanks to the nibbles of the Doctor Fish. My 10-minute encounter with the creatures that I initially thought to be good only to fill the stomachs of the homo sapiens and other dominant species on earth was really worth-remembering, which I recommend experiencing for themselves especially for busy travelers aching for sense-stimulating and soul-rejuvenating cheap spa breaks like you.

The Spectacular Airport

The Suvarnabhumi (su-wan-na-poom) International Airport, located 30 kilometers east of Bangkok, is the first place that amazed me most in Thailand not only for its capacity of handling 76 domestic and international Thailand flights per hour but for its spectacular airport terminal building with a three-ply membrane roof.

The pinched jet lag that I felt courtesy of the two and a half hour Manila to Bangkok air travel had vanished immediately as I stepped beneath the sheds on the north side of the airport terminal. Candidly, a feeling of reverential respect mixed with wonder had engulfed my psyche as I watched over the roof membranes consisting of glass fiber coated with Teflon, an inner membrane coated with the same substance and the transparent polycarbonate sheets conveniently attached on a steel cable with opaque fritted glass fitted on a mesh structure.

While my eyes were rolling at the Bangkok night landscape as our tour bus was plying the airport expressway, my ears were glued to the tour guide’s story of his prime boxing career with a boast that Manny Pacquiao, who holds the Philippine National Fist, is very much lucky to have been born ten years younger than him, otherwise the golden boy from General Santos City could have tasted a Thai knock out. He was such an expert story teller that I did not notice that we had reached the Khurana Inn situated at Rajparop Road, which is my home for my three-day stay in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Cooperative Lesson

The first stop of the 40-man Mindanao cooperative leaders’ study tour was the Klong Chan Credit Union (KCCU) Limited at No. 1 Soi Sereethai 7, Klongchan Bangkapi, City of Bangkok.

The palatial head office of the Klongchan Credit Union

It was in that palatial building that I experienced for the first time the Thai tradition of retaining the footwear at the door step and roam the building interior on bare foot.

The piece of information I got from the Chief Executive Officer of Credit Union League of Thailand (CULT) was really a big surprise . . . that Thai cooperative leaders learned their first lessons in cooperativism from the SEARSOLIN in Xavier Heights, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

A photo opportunity in front of the Head Office of the Credit Union League of Thailand in Sukhapiban 3, Bangkok.

Joining the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise along the Chao Phraya River was not only enjoyable but memorable as well. While enjoying the sumptuous dinner amidst the pleasant sound of the live band, the lovely lady singer with a powerful voice sat beside me and said: KUMUSTA KABAYAN? (HOW ARE YOU BROTHER FILIPINO?)

A souvenir pose with the Filipina member of the live band playing on board the Chao Phraya River Princess Cruise...

A pose with a lovely Thai usherette super imposed on the Chao Phraya River Princess Cruise boat. . .

Capping the third day of our study tour was a visit to the Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperatives in Thailand situated in Nonthaburi Province as well as a travel to Samphan Nakorn Pathom Province for a visit at St. Peter’s Credit Union (SPCU).

Beaming with pride that I had visited one of the Most Outstanding Cooperatives in Asia, the St. Peter Credit Union Cooperative, Limited.

The Man and the Beast

But nothing beats my excitement and amazement when we witnessed the breath-taking crocodile wrestling and spectacular acrobatic elephant show in Samphan, west of Bangkok. Candidly, this crocodile wrestling stunt had astonished me most as the head of the crocodile keeper was fed into the mouth of the salt water crocodile while his right hand was waiving at the audience…

What amazed me most was the perfect timing such that the jaw of the beast closed just a split second after the head of the keeper was completely hauled out from the mouth of the salt water crocodile.

My Final Thoughts

Amazing Thailand had really affected me with great wonder. The Suvarnabhumi International Airport terminal building is architecture and engineering at its best. If you are planning to spend your next vacation to the country, Expedia hotels are a good choice for staying within your budget. The lessons I learned from the outstanding cooperatives we visited were superb but the fact that their cooperative leaders studied the basics of cooperativism from the Philippines and yet they produced largely successful cooperatives than we do is really mind-boggling.The dangerous play between a man and a beast had really sent shivers down my spine. But what endeared me to Thailand most is the fact that it is the only Southeast Asian country never colonized by a Western power and I love hearing the Thais beaming with pride that they were born in the LAND OF THE FREE.

The Chance to Visit the Great Wall of China

If you have not climbed the Great Wall, you have not seen China so goes the declaration of Chairman Mao Zedong . These were the words that kept reverberating in my mind when I was in Kunming City, Yunan Province, China participating not only in an ordinary study tour but attending the 2012 Asia and Pacific High Level Cooperative Leaders Roundtable on Business Cooperation. Hence, on the last day of the Kunming activity, when the bulk of the 35 delegates from 16 cooperative federations in 12 Asia-Pacific countries were heading home, I took a 4-hour Kunming to Beijing plane trip together with the 5 delegates from Indonesia. Like me, the Indonesians were able to have a prior arrangement with the host, the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives (ACFSMC), for a side trip to the capital city.

We were met by an amiable tour guide connected with the travel agency arranged for us by ACFSMC at the Beijing International Airport who ushered us to a 4-star hotel owned by a cooperative situated a few kilometers from the airport.

Actually, I aimed to hit two birds in one stone in Beijing. First of course was the Great Wall visit and second was the possibility of experiencing what winter is all about. But my childhood dream to have a bout with snow seems to be elusive as my travel to Spain in 2009 was made at the end of winter while my Beijing trip came at a time when winter had just started. However, it was my first taste of cold weather that I jogged to a shop near the hotel to buy a winter jacket with matching gloves and bonnet, lest my jaw seemed to lock up amidst extremely low temperature unfamiliar to my body.

We left the hotel at exactly 8:00 o’clock in the morning and it took more than an hour for our chartered car to reach the Joyungguan, which literally means Joyung Pass, section of the Great Wall of China situated 60 kilometers from Beijing City. As I stepped out of the car, I went for a pose at the Northern Gate of the Joyung Pass situated at the foot of the Jingui Mountain.

A pose for posterity at the Joyung Pass of the Great Wall of China

After paying the RMB 40.00, roughly PhP 270.50, entrance fee, I together with the tour guide and 3 of my new-found Indonesians friends entered the Northern Gate of the Joyung Pass as the others chose to remain at the parking grounds.

The outer portion of the Juyong Pass Northern Gate . . .

The Juyong Pass Northern Gate inner portion. . .

While standing in front of the Pagoda atop the North Gate, the tour guide made us to choose between the harder climb on the west winding up the 350-meter high Jingui Mountain or the easier climb on the east snaking through the 150-meter high Cuiping Ridge. I was about to declare my preference for the harder climb but the Indonesians explained their choice for the easier one as they had still very important transactions at the capital city. Hence, I hesitantly obliged . . .

In full hiking gear pointing to the Great Wall traversing through the Cuiping Ridge where I was about to climb...

It turned out that only me and one Indonesian about my age were decided to climb the great wall as the other 2 older Indonesians declared that they were not physically fit for a high altitude climb and the tour guide herself pronounced that she could not accompany us to the top. Hence, the two of us clasped our hands as we trained our sight to our next destination . . .

The first Watch Tower from the North Gate of the Joyungguan Great Wall...

Slogging slowly amidst the biting coldness brought about by the -14 Degrees Celsius temperature, I reached the ground fronting the First Watch Tower and these words carved in stone had caught my attention. . .

A European tourist reading the famous quote by Mao Zedong inscribed in stone: IF WE FAIL TO REACH THE GREAT WALL WE ARE NOT MEN.

In my walk towards the Second Watch tower, I noticed a number of locks lining up the side of the wall on a chain …

A close-up photo of Locks of Love on the hand rail as seen towards the direction of Watch Tower 1...

The Locks of Love chained on the hand rail as seen from Watch Tower 2 towards Watch Tower 1. . .

What I saw was a concrete proof that the ancient Locks of Love Chinese tradition for newly-wed couples to place a lock on the chain and throw the key over the wall representing everlasting love that cannot be broken, is still very much alive.

The Danger of Climbing the Great Wall of China

While I was pondering on the purity of the love of those who adhered to the Locks of Love tradition, my Indonesian buddy hurriedly walked past me and jogged upstairs towards the 2nd Watch Tower…

My Indonesian buddy in black back pack at the center jogging upstairs. . .

My Indonesian friend running at full speed while climbing the stairway. . .

I was thinking that my Indonesian buddy was an athlete back home, hence, his agility to speedily conquer the great wall summit. However, as I stepped on the ground fronting Watch Tower 2, I saw him at the edge of the wall vomiting profusely with a loud, hoarse voice in an effort to clear throat clogs and pounding his chest while catching breath.What surprised me most was the fact that despite a number of tourists around, nobody cared about him. Hence, I snapped the bottled water tucked in my backpack, offered him a drink and performed calculated compression on his chest. When his breath returned to normal, he decided to discontinue on his quest to reach the summit. Before his descent, I requested him to take this shot . . .

A thumbs-up pose both for the upcoming climb and the aborted cardiac arrest of my Indonesian buddy. . .

On my way up, I passed by two more watch towers until I reached the junction towards the Beacon Tower . . .

A Beacon Tower used in ancient times where smokes were used to warn the people against impending enemy attacks.

I kept trudging on and on until I reached the summit where the last tower is situated . . .

The tower at the summit of the Joyungguan Great Wall . . .

But the sense of excitement and fulfillment in reaching the top of the Cuiping Ridge turned out to be temporary as I started to gasp for air and found difficulty in breathing. My throat had dried up and the low temperature and high altitude combined had sent my lips on the verge of cracking. The bottled water that I tucked on my backpack was really meant for the situation but I gave it up to my Indonesian friend who needed it most. Feeling solitary to fend for myself, I sat motionless at the foot of the tower, closed my eyes in prayer and implored God to take charge of the rest.

Moments later, my body systems functioned normally and I started to walk again. I shouted, I conquered the Great Wall of China in victory as I reached the dead end …

The dead-end of the Joyunguan Great Wall on the Cuiping Ridge. . .

Climbing the Great Wall of China- Final Thoughts

My ascent and descent of the Joyunguan Great Wall was really one of the most, if not the only, fulfilling trips of my lifetime. As I stepped on every inch of the wall top and on every step of the stairway, I felt sorry for the more than two million dead bodies of the workers buried within the walls in more than a hundred years of building the greatest construction ever made by man. The experience itself was extremely great…Great Wall…Great Staircase… and almost Great Cardiac Arrest of China for my Indonesian buddy and me.

Modesty aside, I can beam with pride and shout to the whole world that I had visited China because I was able to climb the Great Wall.

While the service vehicle we were riding was cruising the national highway from Bancasi Airport to Butuan City in Mindanao Island, Philippines, my daughter Aliyah Eimereen chanced upon a roadside signage showing the way to Delta Discovery Park, offering among other services, dual zipline, horseback riding and others. Exciting to know what are in store to be discovered in the place and how does it fare with the more popular Dahilayan Adventure Park, I acceded to the plea of my daughter to visit the spot.

Upon reaching the Butuan City Sports Complex, we turned right on a paved road leading to Barangay Bonbon. We were having a smooth travel then until we reached the gravelled road, majority portion of which were turned into wallowing mud courtesy of ten-wheeler trucks plying the area en route to and from the gravel quarry site. After an approximately 4-kilometer bumpy ride, we finally reached this area . . .

The Delta Discovery Park Reception Center

The reception staff then showed us the menu of the adventures available at the Delta Discovery Park with the staff acknowledging that such menu needs updating as the 1.3-kilometer single zipline for a fee of PhP 650.00 was not yet included . . .

The Delta Discovery Park Adventure Menu . . .

As I and my wife had already gone ziplining at Dahilayan Adventure Park, we just let our daughter Aliyah and son Ranjick to try the 400-meter dual zipline. After paying the fee of PhP 400.00 per head, we proceeded to the stairway leading to the zipline launch and holding area . . .

The stairway to the Zipline Launch and Holding Area. . .

Taking a break in the midst of the uphill stairway climb . . .

After hurdling the uphill stairway climb, you will be engulfed with the feeling of fulfillment as you could witness a panoramic mountain view with both the 400-meter dual zipline launch and holding area, on the left side portion, as well as the 1.3-kilometer dual zipline holding area on the right side portion conveniently sitting at the hilltop summit at the heart of the Delta Discovery Park . . .

The Delta Discovery Park Zipline Launch and Holding Area

Affixing your name, signature and ride preference (super man, sitting and others) at the registration booth is a must for zipline riders . . .

Aliyah and Ranjick doing the mandatory rounds at the Zipline Registration Booth . . .

After wearing the proper gears, you will then be subjected to in-depth ziplining orientation. . .

Aliyah and Ranjick listening intently to the zipline staff briefing . . .

After which, you will be ushered by expert staff for the zipline launch . . .

Get set . . . Fly . . .

Nothing beats the feeling of being on top of the world as you fly by wire. . .

Ranjick and Aliyah enjoying how the birds feel

For Aliyah and Ranjick, flying by wire is really fun . . .

A victory jump was then held at the foot of the stairway to celebrate the wire flying triumph of our two children . . .

Aliyah, Ranjick and Vanjie on their best wacky jump . . .

As we were heading back to the Reception Center, my son told me that he saw a tiny falls and a swimming pool on the ground while flying by wire. Instantly, the waterfalls fanaticism in me had came out as I hurriedly inquired from the reception staff where the area being referred to by my son was located and we were told to head this way . . .

This way towards the Delta Park Swimming Pool . . .

After a few minutes ride, we reached a place so close to my heart: a pond teeming with colorful fishes with a cerenderia and private cottages lining on its side. A few steps walk and my eyes were glued to this very serene spot . . .

The alluring Delta Discovery Park Swimming Pool . . .

We never lost time to pose  for souvenir shots . . .

A poolside pose for posterity . . .

A pose at another poolside angle . . .

After which I took one of the most beautiful photographs I have had taken in my entire life . . .

The panoramic view of the Delta Discovery Park Swimming Pool . . .

Delta Discovery Park – Final Thoughts

Delta Discovery Park is still relatively unknown, the fact that their longest single zip line in Asia, having a length of 1.3 kilometers, was just opened in September 18, 2011 while their 400-meter dual zip line was launched in May 2011. But it was not only the zipline that endeared the park to first time visitors like me but its hidden secret: the dainty swimming pool, whose serenity is only disturbed by the gentle splash of waters oozing out of a mad-made tree branch. Candidly, the beauty of the pool and the tranquility of its vicinity had stimulated my senses and rejuvenated my soul. The Delta Discovery Park is on its sure way to become the primary thrill seekers and adventure lovers destination in Caraga Region.

What do Oprah Winfrey, Eric Clapton, and Giorgio Armani all have in common? They each have winter homes on the island of Antigua.

Reportedly this is Oprah’s estate in Antigua

As you can see in the picture above, with that type of natural beauty, it’s obvious why the rich and famous come to this beautiful island nestled in the eastern Caribbean. But the good news is that you don’t have to be a millionaire to visit – it’s a perfect destination for everyone.

The island is 281 sq. km (108 sq mi) and has a population of around 88,000. The great explorer Christopher Columbus himself is who named the island on his second voyage in 1492 – “Antigua” means “ancient” in Spanish.

Map of Antigua

Part One: Getting there (and getting around once you arrive)

In the city of St. John’s is V.C. Bird International Airport, which is the only public airport on the island and where you will be flying into. The major airlines that have flights to/from Antigua are: Delta, American Airlines, US Airways, United, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways.

Once your plane arrives, there are around a dozen places to rent a car. But as someone who has visited the island, my recommendation would probably be to get around by taxi and tour buses instead. Why? Because the roads are rough, the drivers aren’t the best, and you don’t want to pay for damage to a rental car. But make sure you have cash on hand, because the taxis probably won’t accept credit cards.

Part Two: Choosing a hotel or resort

So which hotel is best? Well, the answer depends on what you’re looking for. There are dozens of places to stay, ranging from affordable to high-end luxury hotels. As examples, here are two places that Fodor’s recommends:

• Siboney Beach Club – On the corner of Dickenson Bay, this is a lower cost option. There are no TVs in the aging rooms – but then again – with a beautiful beach why would you want to watch TV?
• Curtain Bluff – For a luxury hotel (with a high-price) then you may wish to consider this resort, which is also ranked 5 stars by Trip Advisor. There are tons of activities on the property, ranging from tennis courts to scuba diving.

Curtain Bluff

In addition to pricing, you also will want to take into account what amenities are nearby your hotel.

Part Three: Things To Do

1. The Beaches

First and foremost, the beaches are where you should be spending the majority of your time. Their motto is “365 beaches, 1 for every day of the year” so there are plenty of them for you to visit!

It’s hard to pick out the “best” because they’re all so stunning, but if you read reviews online you will see that the Galley Bay Beach is perhaps the most famous. It’s on the western side of the island. Sea turtles are often known to lay their eggs there and many say this beach has the best surfing waves on the island.

Galley Bay Beach

Another noteworthy beach that should be on your list is Stingray City, where you can swim with real stingrays!

2. Historical Sites

The island has a rich history – you can view buildings and other historical sites spanning several centuries.

Among the top spots on your list should be Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, which offers some of the most stunning views in all of Antigua.

Nelson’s Dockyard

Betty’s Hope in St. John’s is a sugar plantation, founded in 1674, that was operated by slaves. It has been setup as an historical site and is definitely worth checking out. While you’re in St. Johns, Fort Barrington is another must-see attraction, as it was built by the British in 1779 for protection against the French. So you can understand the history better, before you see any of the historical sites it might be wise to visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda (also in St. Johns) so you can learn all about the island.

3. Shopping

If you’re up for some shopping, there are plenty of places to go. According to the island’s official website, “the best deals are to be found at Heritage and Redcliffe Quays.”

The local currency is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD). To give you an idea of the currency conversion, about 1 XCD = 2.7 USD. Credit card acceptance will be limited to Visa and MasterCard (sometimes American Express) at the larger retailers and restaurants. If you plan on paying with a plastic, a no foreign transaction fee credit card might be a good idea to avoid the costs of currency conversion.

However at the smaller and independent merchants, credit cards won’t be accepted and you will need to have paper currency available. Many will accept US dollars too, so don’t feel the need to convert all of your money to the local currency.

4. Natural Landmarks

The beaches aren’t the only natural landmarks to see!

Devil’s Bridge is the name given to natural limestone arches which were formed through erosion from the saltwater. Although it may look beautiful, it has a dark history as it is rumored to be the location of mass suicides by slaves centuries ago.

Mount Obama (which was named after President Obama in 2009) is the highest peak on the island. It is located on the southwest side and will require an hour hike or so to reach the highest location.

Mount Obama

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Mike reviews the best hotel credit card offers on his website, CreditCardForum.com. Even though he specializes in hotel credit cards, you will also find see him analyzing travel and airline cards, too. He’s been to Antigua once and is looking forward to another visit in the future.