Travelogger

We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.

Cities Party People SHOULD Go To

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You probably know a little bit about me by now – I don’t like partying or going to a new city just for the night life. I do realize, however, that there are countless people out there who travel to a new place and yearn to get a sampling of the party scene. If you are one of those people, you ought to check out Lonely Planet’s list of ultimate party cities.

Some of the featured cities were not really a surprise. Buenos Aires, Argentina, for example, has long been known to offer the most exciting night activities one can ask for. After all, this is the land of tango!

But, did you ever think of going to Tel Aviv to party? According to the travel experts, this city is filled to the brim with bars and clubs, which start getting crowded by midnight. That should let you know that the partying doesn’t stop till the early morning hours. Oh, and yes, Tel Aviv is very outgoing and open to most everything.

If you want to get a natural high, head on over to La Paz in Bolivia, which is 3000 meters above sea level. That means that you will get a buzz going way before you normally do. And yes, the people of La Paz love to party!

Cape Town, South Africa also made it to the list. With the 2010 World Cup fever infecting practically everyone in the city, the parties never stop. Have the best of both worlds here – the beach during the day and the clubs at night.

For the full list, visit the Ultimate Party Cities article.

Itching To Discover Saigon

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In less than an hour, I shall be on my way to a country that I have never been to before. I have always wanted to visit Vietnam, if only for their food. Friends who have been there have said nothing but nice things as well. And, apparently, this is one place where I can be a millionaire – at least for a day or two. There aren’t many places where the Philippine Peso has a strong purchasing power, and Vietnam is one of them! For a mere PHP10,000, one call himself a Vietnamese millionaire!

So why am I itching to see Saigon (now called Ho Chi Minh City – HCMC for short – by the way)? As I said, Vietnamese food is to die for. Fresh spring rolls, the famous pho (noodle soup), and banh mi (French baguette with all sorts of stuffing). I am fairly new to their cuisine, so we’ll see what else I will discover! Oh yeah, I shall let Anthony Bourdain’s Vietnam feature guide me for a week.

I also read this article in the New York Times about “following the beer trail in Vietnam.” I didn’t know it, but Vietnam has quite a good selection of beers, many of them local! I wouldn’t call myself a beer connoisseur but I can appreciate a good brew anytime! Now I have printed out the article and will go around HCMC looking for some of the best beer in the city.

Of course, there is shopping. From what I hear, I can find tons of shawls, bags, and other apparel for dirt cheap.

I seriously am beside myself with excitement now.