Would you make sure you see the landmarks the city/place is famous for? Would you rather go shopping or malling? Or maybe just spend the night with friends in a nice night spot/bar? What will make you enjoy your trip?
I just came back from a company-sponsored trip, and since it's company sponsored, it means work and not pleasure. It's my first time to go to one of the key cities in the southern part of the country, Cebu City. I was looking forward to see the city's famous landmarks - Lapu-lapu Monument, Magellan's Cross, and the Cebu Cathedral. Unfortunately, the work schedule was so hectic it ate up all my time, and before I knew it the 2-days training was over and it was time to go back to Manila (the country's capital city). I didn't have the time to visit the places I've been wanting to see, and I was kind of disappointed. Imagine I was already there, but still I didn't see those places? It was like - they were so near, yet so far. Good thing I was able to go to one of the malls on my first day there, at least I saw one famous place (among the locals).
[question posted by doryvien]
responses and comments:
Girls and pretty women. When travelling i usually close my eyes when the bus is passing through forest areas and lonely places because there are no one on the street. When busy places come i see for beautiful women just for relaxing my tired eyes haha [preethaanju]
Hi preethaanju, Oh yes, pretty girls are among the best sights you guys would always love to see. Well in that case you don't need to go places to find them, they're everywherehappy. What kind of creature is that on your avatar? Is that a native in your country? I definitely would like to see a real one like that when I get the chance. Cheers! [doryvien]
I'm on my own as far as my profession goes so there is no option of travelling during work.I travel with my family and i enjoy going to places with natural beauty like beautiful beaches, hill resorts and the like .After i accumulate money i want to go to exotic sea resorts, snow clad mountains,all over Europe,U.S and places like Egypt and South America.After sight seeing and shopping the whole day i'd like to make friends and enjoy a quiet drink at the bar. [picjim]
Hi picjim, One of the places I have always wanted to visit is Egypt, I wanna see one of the best creations of humans - the pyramids. I wanna see the mummy toolol. So you wanna do them all, see places, shop and go out at night to have a drink. That's cool I hope that you will be able to visit the places you want to see in due time. And traveling with the whole family makes it more exciting and memorable. [doryvien]
The watch.I always take a look at my watch every few minutes.The time passes slowly.I Besides,I want to see belle.Belles in cities are quite different from one to another.lol. [mickly08]
Hi Mickly, You guys never seem to get enough of them lol. You got me thinking there, I used to think girls around the world are the same, but yes, you're right, women vary depending on where they come from. Maybe it's the way they dress, how they talk, the way they carry themselves - some are conservative and some are "all-out". And I must agree with you, beautiful women are always good for the eyes . [doryvien]
Dear doryvien, It is all right, God will bless you another trip to Cebu with your family, then you all will see more places and spend quality time together happy I love to travel, I prefer to see places than shopping. I like to see the culture, architectures, lakes, mountains and everything from history to foodwub. I will try to cover the places either by group tour with specified itineries or by our own with pre-planned itineries, this way we can cover more places, enjoy more sight seeings and try their local delicacies. You can read more on our trips at my blog (older posts), thanks! [Iriene88]
Hi Iriene, Good to see you here! Yes, I have actually planned to go back there with my kids, this time I'll make sure I'll get to see those landmarks. I've seen your blog, and I realized you are a well-traveled person. I wish I can get to visit those places too. Like you, I'm more interested in the culture of the place so as much as possible I want to see personally the "living proofs" that tell about its history. I also like to see the natural beauty spots like the mountains, lakes, beaches and rivers. Thanks for sharing! [doryvien]
When I travel I really enjoy seeing the native wildlife. In Cape Town I saw penguins at Boulder's Beach. At a game reserve on the Garden Route it was lovely to take my toddler son on a safari for two and a half hours. We saw lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos and crocodiles. When I went to Belize whilst snorkeling I saw nurse sharks and sting rays. I went on a boat trip to see protected manatees. It is so exciting to see wildlife and take photos of all the lovely animals. [maximax8]
Hi Max, Next to Egypt, the Garden Route, South Africa is a top choice on my list of places to visit. I'd love to bring my kids there to have close encounter with wildlife, there are interesting species there that can't be found in other countries, not even in the zoo. Indeed the native wildlife will tell us a lot about how people live their lives on that part of the globe. Thanks for dropping byhappy. [doryvien]
I usually love to travel when its drizzling when the climate is not so hot and not so cold.Would watch beautiful trees, flowers, fields, mountain, rivers, people, shops on the way,rain,other vehicles passing by, costumes of people,etc. Mostly in my travel i would be searching for things that seems to be funny and different. For they only remain in our minds for long. [sweetshalini]
Hi sweetshalini, Welcome to myLot! Hope you find your stay here worthwhile just like most of us. I agree with you, it's more pleasant to travel when it's not too hot nor too cold, you get to enjoy your destination more without the hassles of feeling irritated because of extreme weather. Funny and different things we encounter during travel make the trip all the more special and fondest to remember. [doryvien]
i like looking at the green vegetations and the animals which are roaming around in the forest, i like to see the beautiful country side in general, i dont like sleeping while travelling, i enjoy saying hi to other travellers and even when they have problems i like to help them out in my own capacity [tundeemma]
Hi tundeemma, Green scenery and animals in their natural habitat are always a nice view particularly to those who spend most of their life in the city. Like you, when I travel I don't want to miss anything on the road so I make sure I don't sleep. Traveling also opens an opportunity for meeting new friends, and you never know when the ones you meet turn out to be your soulmate. Thanks for sharing! [doryvien]
I think about the different knife shops and if i can find some exotic knife to show off. [gothicskaterpunk2000]
Hi gothic, Welcome to myLot! May I advise you to drop a longer post when you respond as you may not earn from this one. You get to earn from posts of about 3-4 lines with quality content.(I hope you don't mindhappy). I have a swiss knife, it was given by my brother-in-law when he went to Switzerland on a business/pleasure trip. I carry it with me all the time, it's attached to my car keys. I know of some who love to collect knives from different countries, but I hope it's just a hobby and not intended for some gory purpose w00t. Happpy myLotting! [doryvien]
When I travel, I tend to enjoy the things I do rather than the things I saw. Like when I go to visit my relatives in L.A., I love going to the amusement parks. It's rare that I'd enjoy going somewhere just for the sight-seeing. Like, when I went to New York one summer, I actually fell asleep during one of those bus tours, and it didn't really seem like a big deal to me seeing the Statue of Liberty in person; I mean, I've seen it before in pictures and movies. The only exceptions would be if I saw something really really cool, or animals. [strikezero86]
Hi strikezero, Of course, girls and gals of your age tend to get excited more about the activities that go with traveling, and not so much with sight-seeing. And yes, animals do get your attention too, so I do understand. When I was at Los Angeles, CA my relatives convinced me to go with them to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm (both theme parks), but since I didn't have my kids with me and I know I won't enjoy without my kids, I politely declined. But I was so happy to see the old buildings in downtown LA, the Union Station in CA (known as the last of the great railway stations), and the Griffith Park. I haven't been to New York yet but I wouldn't want to miss seeing the great Statue of Liberty when I get the chance. Thanks for sharing your experiences. [doryvien]
I have that same problem on company trips. You get sent somewhere cool but you work the whole time so you don't see any of it anyway. However, I have been trying to make it a point to see something that that specific city is known for. On our last trip we went to San Francisco, CA and we were able to get down to the Ghiradelli factory (it was closed but they still have a shop there) and see the Fisherman's wharf. We of course also rode in a trolley car, so we got a little experience. I am also a people watcher so I pay attention to people quite a bit. [savvymel]
Hi savvymel, Welcome to myLot! It's always refreshing to meet new members. Now here's someone who can really relate to how I feel. You get to visit a nice place for free, and yet you're there to work so it's not actually as nice as it appears. I'm not complaining though, it's part of my job and I just have to be thankful. Hey, I was in San Francisco back in 2006, I get to cross (of course in a car lol)the famous Golden Gate Bridge, and had some pictures taken at Fort Point. Did you see the Alcatraz? I didn't, one of the things I regret. Yes indeed, watching people is a good past time too. Thanks for sharing! [doryvien]
Cebu City? That's so cool;wub I've never been there before. Looks like you have really enjoyed yourself there.. When I travel, I love to check out the scenery; this is important to me. And I would always, always opt for a resort stay. This is just my style of unwinding and I could do it anytime; anywhere. I love a travel idea of like having a resort where everything is inside and I don't need to really get out of the resort to get things I want. So that's why I would prefer a top-notch service, with a high reputation hotel or resort stay. All activities inside, and I don't mind not much sight-seeing as long as I could just rest and relax. Ha.. weird, right. But that's just me.. blink [zed_k4]
Hi Zed, I wish it was a pleasure trip, then maybe I would have enjoyed it just like the way you want a travel to be. Well, I did enjoy the food and the people. While it's one of the country's key cities, it has maintained the ambience of a province, less pollution and boasts of many firsts (first hero, first Catholic mass, the country's first city, etc). The people there have a reputation for being "malambing" meaning sweet. And indeed they're very sweet and welcoming. BTW, our friend Neil (on response no. 12) is from Cebu. Still, I'm not over the disappointment at not seeing their famous landmarks cry. Thanks for dropping byhappy. [doryvien]
you mean have been here in our place for two days? if i only knew you were coming, i had toured you. happy [neildc]
yes dear doryvien. if we had just met when you came, i should have toured you around. anyway, here's one place that you should not missed, the lapu-lapu shrine. hey, letran, you should visit me here one day. lol [neildc]
If I travel, I want to see the real sea. Because till now I have not seen any sea yet. [woshixiaomaomao]
Hi woshi, I don't understand, is it all land in your country? I know your country is big, but there is the China Sea, and it's too big for you to miss it... and you haven't seen any sea yet? I love going to the beach, not so much to swim (I prefer the pool for swimming) but just to appreciate the quietness and peace the sea offers. I like sitting on the sand and see the rhythm of the water's movement, the sound it makes is sweet and relaxing... Oh woshi, you're missing a lot! Anyway, welcome to myLot! I hope you'll be able to see the sea, and other beautiful places in the future. [doryvien]
Hi doryvien, definitely I should watch the famous landmarks of the places I visit. It would be a fool's errand if visiting a country without sightseeing of the peculiar or unique construction of the place. lol it's nice to take photos around the landmarks. Besides the beautiful landscapes available there, I love to visit the local morning or night market. It's so interesting to watch the local people buying and selling all kinds of stuffs there. I think this is the right place to understand the real locality lifestyle. I like to taste the different types of foods served there. Sometimes we could get the genuine stuffs with much lower price compared to those from the stalls in the hot tourist sites happy If I could I would like to visit more places like the shopping malls and outlets. It's nice to gain more experience and information visiting more places which I have never been before Have a nice day and happy posting! [lkbooi]
Hi doryvien, I feel really happy to have your further comment leaving on my response here. I did visit different places of Thailand before, as well as Bangkok. I do gain some extra info after reading it with great pleasure. I haven't visited your country yet. As far as I know there are some world famous natural beaches. I hope I would have chance to visit them in time to come. lol Almost all of my friends who like travelling love eating and shopping. Most of them are great Shopaholics when visiting the local bazaar with tons of stalls. They are excellent in bargain as well. I like buying things in a group together with them. I would buy what I favorite only after they had made the bargain rasp We felt really happy and excited, and couldn't help but sharing the trophies once we had got in the tourist bus. Everyone tried to be the first to brag how smart she or he was to get the items with rock-bottom prices. Later, the items would then pass around in the bus then. Anyway no one cared much about they are only imitation! This is the great joy and fun to have a trip with a bus of good friends. I like the leather and stainless products available in the local bazaar in Thailand. I had visited the biggest local bazaar in Istanbul in Turkey end of last year. It was the biggest bazaar I had ever visited before. There were over 4 thousand stalls and kiosks available inside the single story huge building. It's one of the popular landmarks which tourists like to visit. Btw, I would like to express my gratitude here for giving the award happy Have a nice day and take care! [lkbooi]
I would definitely make it a point to visit the famous landmarks in the city/place.I will make sure i have a good set of people with me while visitng these and make sure the trip is all happier.Shopping mall, well I may/may not visit and it depends on what i think at that point of time.Thanks! [UltimateAsoka]
Hi UltimateAsoka, That's the whole point of traveling, right? Well, unfortunately, not in my case. I was there to work. This is the reason why I felt so disappointed, I should have moved heaven and earth to go to those places, they were just a stone's throw away from my hotel... Yes, traveling is more fun when you're with friends. Not much with shopping eh? Well there are shopping malls everywhere so it's okay to miss them. [doryvien]
I like to see the historical places and spend time with the locals. i do not like organized tours. That is too bad you didnt get to see what you wanted to see. [laglen]
Hi laglen, I haven't been on an organized tour, but I'm thinking it would also be good joining one, the way I understand it they have a tour guide that gives information about the places that they visit, that would help the travelers to have more details about the place without doing their own research. Yes, it's really bad that I wasn't able to go to those historical places, it would have been a wonderful experience. I promise to go back there with my family some time. [doryvien]
Hi dory! Ohh i love Cebu! I was there during my college days a field trip with my literature class (Prof. Tan, know him?), like you I don't remember dropping by those majestic places you've mentioned. I would definitely visit Cebu again but I don't know when, maybe when we finally settle going back home for good. I do love taking snapshots and posing myself with the historical places and famous landmarks of a place i've never visited yet. The first country we've traveled is Hongkong, we've toured around Disneyland and Ocean Park, enjoyed sightseeing at the central district of Hongkong and it's street night markets. It wasn't an organized trip and time was limited that we missed a lot of spectacular views like the Victoria Harbour, Giant Budha, ferry rides and cruises. Anyhow, I promised myself coming back to Hongkong and a tour to Europe when my son grows a little older so he can appreciate and enjoy with us the wonders of travelling. Cheers! [seanbryan]
Hi Sean, It's good to see you here! So I'm not the only one who was able to visit Cebu and didn't see the city's famous landmarks? Well that makes the two of us. I do remember a Prof. Tan in our school, but I'm not sure if we're speaking of the same person. Hongkong offers a lot of activities, they have famous theme parks, and they say it's one of the best places to shop, but due to the economic crunch things are getting more expensive there these days. Europe, particularly Venice and Rome, are among my top 10 list of places to visit. Thanks for dropping by. [doryvien]
Shopping is usually part of the itinerary, though not the most important one. I prefer to visit the cultural and historical landmarks, old building and ancient sites. And of course food - I enjoy places where they have local food; so far I've enjoyed most of the local food in the countries I visited. [lazeebee]
Hi lazeebee, Cultural and Historical landmarks should be part of the destination when traveling. Of course, food is very much a part of the culture of each country/race. You know when food is chinese, japanese, american, mexican, filipino and so on, each has a distinct taste and appearance. Me too, I like to try the native foods of each place that I visit. Thanks sharing your thoughts. [doryvien]
when i travel, i look for all the local food. i love to sample all the food that the country has to offer. i just returned from a road trip to my neighbouring country today. i went to a few states there and tried their food. some i enjoyed a lot, others i didn't really liked. so far i've traveled to a few countries. japan, china, thailand and malaysia. i've enjoyed my stay in these countries as they have got really great food. i hope to travel to more countries and try the local food there. cheers w00t [applefreak]
Hi Apple, Oh yes, the food! Food tells a lot about the people, and what better way to get to know them but by trying the native food they serve? Foods vary from place to place, country to country, they do have distinct tastes that are uniquely theirs. Even the spices used vary depending on what is abundant in that country. It is best to have a taste of them all and it's a shame to miss any. Thanks for sharing! [doryvien]
Yes, many a time I was similarly in a spot just like you. I do not like to see temples in my schedule. If its one or two, it is alright. But strings of it for two days? Forget it! I would like to firstly see historical places and then resorts. Shopping is last on my preferences.I wanted to see Cebu back in the 1980s when I was in Manila. It didn't materialize. [jonjee0203]
Hi jonjee, Oh you've been here in the 80s? So much have changed since then. As I've said, next to Manila, Cebu is the next best place to be. You should come visit the country again, and this time head for Cebu, nice place. Like you, I always look forward to seeing historical places and have a glimpse at the way of life of the people there. Resorts - yes they are a good destination too, specially if you love the water activities. It's okay for me to miss shopping, I normally don't go visit a place just to shop. [doryvien]
I like to see natural attrations and landmarks that are unique to that particular area! Something wonderful and different that you cannot see anywhere else! I try to keep out of shops and stuff as they are similar wherever you go! It is a shame that you did not get to see those things that you wanted to, you will have to return now to see them next time! I was fortunate enough 11 years ago to travel around the world and my trip was planned around some of the most amazing natural and man made attractions on Earth! I saw things such as The Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park and Niagara Falls in the USA, Stonehenge, Loch Ness and The Tower Of London in the UK and The Great Wall Of China and Tianenmen Square in China! There were many other things that I wanted to see in these countries, but time and money did not allow these visits at the time, so I know how it feels to be so close, but so far away at the same time! [RawBill1]
Hi RawBill, You've been to the best places in the world, that makes you a travel guru ! Seeing the famous natural beauty spots are the among the best experiences a traveler can have, and I think you're one of the most blessed people who were able to see them. I have only read about them in books and features on TV (National Geographic Channel), and they are really astonishing and magical. I hope I can bring my kids to these places before I'm too old to join them lol. [doryvien]
There's always a pity when we finish our trip.I believe thats the excuse we can go back to the place if we really want to.I dont mind visiting the same place twice or even more.The most thing I want to see in a city is whatever city is famous for.Besides,I would also like to know how local people live.Cheers! [sweetyethot]
Hi sweety, Agree with you, I want to see the things that make the place famous. When I haven't done this(just like my trip to Cebu) I feel like I've never been there. It makes me want to go back... Knowing the locals is a good way to understand their culture. Thanks for dropping byhappy. [doryvien]
Hi doryvienhappy Nice to hear about your experience in Cebu City. So, it's a company sponsored. Hope you can do more travel sponsored with company! hehehe,,it can save money! I haven't worked yet, so I travel with my family. Our travel destination not vary, just travel in some islands, mountain and sea/beach area. Actually, I wanna travel in other country and the thing that I really want to see most is its traditional food!drool Yep! I love food, wanna taste food from different country. I'm sure it will be a nice experience! The next thing is visit famous place in every country! Hope we can travel anywhere we like! [ChrysanTflower]
Hi Chrysan, Company sponsored are good in a way that you get to see places at no expense on your part at all. The downside is, you're there to do some work, I mean, really work, no time for sight seeing, socializing, shopping even. And you work by the clock as the company ensures that they get their money's worth - well, I'm speaking about mine, I don't know about the others. You're young and you must have a lot of energy for travel, so if you have the time and resources this is the best time to see places. Agree, I love trying native foods of each place that I visit, it's fun and good for the tummy. yum yum yumdrool Thanks for dropping by. [doryvien]
It it's somewhere tropical that I'm on holiday, then I love to see the beaches and/or rainforest of the area. I also love discovering new food. I'd rather watch where the locals eat, rather than heading to a 'tourist' spot. I do also enjoy shopping in another country, but prefer market/stall shopping to going to a shopping centre or mall. If there's an 'artist' area, then I'll also try to go there and buy something locally made to take back home as a momento. [kriszelunka]
Hi krisz, Like you, most of the respondents here like to try native foods first and foremost. I do like trying them too, and I even go as far as finding out how they are prepared so I can try them at home. As to the memento, I like keychains, peuters, or other small souvenirs native among locals. Thanks for sharing. [doryvien]
Mine is a mix-up. I love looking at the landmarks. Such as I went to Rome, so of course I did the Colloseum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, etc etc. However, that was my first really big trip and I found that I love finding out about the hidden treasures that locals know. We got to go to Villa D'este which is a gorgeous garden with hundred of fountains that were made before modern fountain technology was created. It is absolutely amazing to see and I so wish I could go back. [HansonFan]
Hi Hanson, So you have traveled to some of the world's most famous and historical places. I'd like to see those places too, I wanna see them with my family. It seems almost all countries have hidden treasures stashed somewhere, even here in my country, some still embark on digging the ground or mountains in pursuit of "hidden treasures". But nobody knows if they really exist... Peace! [doryvien]
When I travel I like to see the famous sights or landmarks. I am interested in art and architechture, and I like to visit the art museums and the galleries. I also like to look at the different buildings and read about their history. I enjoy visiting some of the other museums, because it is a way to learn more about the country that I am visiting. I also like to visit the parks,the lakes, the forests etc. If there are any islands in the country I like to visit them, too. [Porcospino]
Hi Porcospino, Famous landmarks, old buildings, museums, and the natural beauty spots of any country are good sources of information about the place's history and culture. Even public parks have their own stories that when told, make us admire the people behind the artwork. [doryvien]
hi doryvien!^^ that's a bummer! i have been to Cebu back in 2003 and 2004 and i've seen all those famous landmarks you mentioned. too bad you didn't get to see them. those places were really beautiful and there were a lot of souvenir shops. it was actually an educational trip which was a part of our curriculum and it was kind of our professor to gave us enough time to see those places. i always make it a point to see the landmarks in a place i go too. and if possible, take a picture. it's really disappointing to miss such chances. well, better luck next time to you.^^ [secretbear]
Hi Secretbear, Oh yes, too bad for me. So you've been there, lucky you. I like joining educational trips because this is where the history and other important events attached to a certain place are thoroughly discussed. I'm really hoping to go back there this time with my kids so we can enjoy the place together. Have a great day! [doryvien]
Hi, doryvien, as a resident in a busy city like shanghai, I long greatly for natural scenes with abundant fresh air, green tress, wall falls, etc. In overseas travel, I also like to see the alien architecture, esp. the various museums. Being exposed to different cutures and peoples is great fun to me, as well. Travel is good way to learn. [zhuhuifen46]
Hi Zhu, Shanghai is one of the famous destinations of my fellow Filipinos when they go to China, and I've heard a lot of good things about your place. Nature and architecture tell so much about the place's history, and they are a good way to learn and enjoy. Sadly though, for those who live in the city, natural scenes and fresh air is more of a luxury than a necessity. Thanks for coming here. [doryvien]