Nami Island: A Travel Diary

Annyeong Yamisweeters!  I still sound Korean because of my travel hangover.  This is my Day 2 Travel Diary.

I'd like to share to all of you my photos at Nami Island.  But let me first introduce to you the island is all about.

  

"Nami Island is situated 63km from Seoul in the middle of the Han River.  It looks like a leaf floating gracefully on top of Cheongpyeong Lake.  The island has an area of 460,000sqm and a circumference of 5km.  Formed with pebbles and sand, there are no mountains in the island, but there are trees tall enough to touch the sky.  Wide grassy gardens where deer, ostriches, rabbits, squirrels, ducks and countless types of birds flourish.  Nami Island is a place where not only nature but also human beings can coexist.

Nami Island was named after General Nami, a notable figure in Korean history who courageously fought in battles but died at the age of 26.

Seasonal rain used to transform this land in an island, and with construction of Cheongpyeong dam, it is now and island all year long.  In 1965,  thousands of trees were planted by Mr. Byeong-Do Minn.
Today Nami Island is a place for rest and relaxation.  Human beings, animals and trees share peace, love and harmony far away from crowds and civilization." Source: Leaflets from the ticket Booth

What really thrilled me most at Nami Island was the autumn foliage.  I'd like to photograph the unique colors of leaves as well as the tall trees that you can see when you googled the Nami Island images during autumn.  It was an awesome experience for me.  The only thing that bothered me was the volume of people who wants to enjoy the beauty of the Island.  Sabi nga sa Batangas ay, "Anong dami ng tawo doown(in Batañgueno accent)!!!"  It was Saturday then and I noticed that Korean loves to do outdoor activities.  Most of the visitors of Nami Island are locals.  And mostly are families.  They do picnic, biking and nature tripping.

They have Shuttle Buses going to the Island.  Please see the following details:

Insa-dong/Jamsil-Nami Island(Mon-Sun)Adult Fee:KRW15,000(round trip)Child Fee: KRW13,000(round trip)(aged between 24 mos-12 years old)Bus StopSeoul Insa-dong-9:30(Nearby the West Gate of Tapgol Park)Seoul Jam-sil-9:30(At the front of Lotte Mart nearby exit4, Jamsil Station subway line2)Nami-Island-16:00(Parking lot in front of the ticket office)

Entrance Fees:Regular: KRW10,000Foreigner: KRW8,000Special:KRW 4,000(children aged 3-13 and visitor after 6:10pm(Dec-Mar) and after 7:10(Apr-Nov) Free Entrance:Child aged 36 months underRound Trip Ferry fare and tax included

We hired a Midi Bus from Funko.  They offer several travel service. 

 We just walked around the Island and took a lot of photos.  Please allow me to share some of my photos.  Enjoy browsing!

Thanks for dropping by!

Ramada Seoul Dongdaemun: Our home in Seoul

I'm back Yamisweeters!  Yeah, I'm still here. I want to continue my story about my recent travel.

I'd like to share our experience to our "home" during our stay Seoul, South Korea.  We stayed at Ramada Seoul Dongdaemun for three(3) nights.

Photo from Hotel's website

  Getting to the hotel from Incheon Airport is an easy travel adventure as I've mentioned on my Day 1: Travel Diary.

"This Hotel is member of Ramada International, Inc.  It is one of the worldwide hotel brands of the Wyndham Hotel Group." -ramadadm.com

The location of the hotel is very accessible because it is situated in the heart of business and shopping district of Seoul City.  It is near to top tourist attraction like Insadong, Itaewon and Cheonggyecheon. There are also several dining options around the area and a walking distance to train station.

Our stay in the hotel was so convenient and comfortable.  Free fast WIFI connection made my hubby na magdalawang-isip to stay at the hotel the whole day.(FYI, my hubby was not in travel mode, that's why!)  But again, he was under instruction, "iwanan ang trabaho, mag-unwind muna".

The hotel has a spacious lobby with very accommodating front desk officers.  If you missed to grab a tourist guide pamphlets at the airport, you can find a lot at the lobby of the hotel.  You're free to get and you can see the several ways to explore the Seoul City and nearby spots.

Beside the lobby is an elegant Coffee of Dream Cafe that offers cakes, pastries, smoothies, coffee etc. It's a nice place if you want some quiet time while planning for your pleasant tour and discover the dynamic city where the past meets the present.  Sadly, we did not experience coffeeing here because of our full-pack tour schedule.

Lift Lobby

I just love the drop lights.  It's so elegant.

Beside the lift lobby is the La Belleza Bar & Grill where they serve meals. 

Dyaaaarrrraaann! This was our room.  It's equipped with four single beds(pero kasya ang four couples dito haha!).  Very comfortable and cozy.  It has a 42-inch TV mounted on the wall and a coffee table that served as working table for my hubby.

This hotel is good for traveller because it has cabinets that will keep your things organize.  If you don't want to bring more clothes, you can wash it with the Samsung washing machine.  It also has an electric kettle for hot water and a fridge to store food and drinks. Since we were on a budget trip,  we shopped instant foods for our breakfast and midnight snack.  I love their spicy noodle soup.  Complimentary instant coffee and tea are also available.

Complete bathroom supplies like towels and toiletries were replenished everyday.  I also experienced here the automatic bidet and heater on the toilet seat.(haha! it's my first time experience in colder country, that's why kinda amazed ako, hihi!) 

It's the view from our room.  No much difference here in Manila.  Same same sabi nga ng mga Korean.

And this is my so-trying-hard #OOTD post in front of the hotel.

Staying here is affordable and worth the price.  We had a nice sleep throughout the nights and was able to enjoy the proximity to shopping district and tourist spots as well.  Staffs can speak English well.  We felt the comfort of our home.  So when you want to visit Seoul, South Korea, consider this hotel, it's perfect for your purpose.  Be it is business or pleasure trip.

It's all for now, watch out for more of Seoul, South Korea!

Think Positive Be Positive!

Travel Diaries: Day 1 #WUinKOREA

Hey there Yamisweeters! How are you?  I hope you're doing good as you click my post. hehehe!  As I write this post,  I am still looking for an inspiration on posting my stories.  Inspiration.....inspiration.....inspiration please.  Hindi ko alam pano ako magsisimula!!!waaaahhh

I'm not a travel blogger, I simply share experiences. And I love sharing so please bear with my composition and grammar.(Pagtyagaan nyo na!)  I wish this will entertain you  or maybe add more boredom(peace, if that is so!). 

We are group of 11 and handling big group is no joke.  Maybe I can share some tips if you want to travel with barkada or families.

We are the "Walang-Umay"

This group is my husband's classmates from high school plus three wives(including me).  We called ourselves "walang-umay or WU" because we never get tired of laughing, gossiping, traveling, photographing, eating, coffeeing, drinking(boys), and talking together.  As in, super happy every time we see each other.  Boyfriend/Girlfriend pa lang kami ni Macki, kasama na ako sa mga gimik nila.  Fifteen years na siguro!  And this trip was the latest of our get together.  Preparation was about a year.  I became so active with the bookings and preps.  I was really excited because it's a birthday treat for myself plus a first time experience in autumn weather.  Dreaming of a different color leaves and cold air makes me extra thrilled.  

Time flies so fast, it's already history now. A beautiful history of our friendship.

And this is my travel diaries with the amazing/"big-time" persons in my life.......

We got a seat-sale plane ticket at Air Asia going to Korea and by Cebu Pacific going back to Manila at a total cost of Php 8,071.76 last December, 2013. Like them on Facebook to be updated for their seat-sale and promos.

We secured Tourist Visa one-two months before our departure date.  Securing one is an easy-peesy procedure.  Physical appearance is not necessary, just complete the requirements, fill out the application form and attached photo.  Send somebody to submit it to the Embassy Monday-Friday 9:00-11:00am. Tadahhh! After 5 working days, you can travel to Korea within three months.   If you have US Visa, processing is a little bit faster, 3 working days are enough.  And one good thing, visa application is FREE.  So traveling to Korea is hassle-free.

We had earlier flight with the rest of the group.  

First Platoon

My Macki dear looked so haggard because he did not sleep a night before our flight.  He tried to finish his job for six days and not in a travel mood. huh! But, he was under instruction to go.(Iwanan ang work kasi birthday ko!) Lol! 

We had a smooth flight except for a noisy take-off.  We experienced a sunny shining blue sky above the clouds. Woohoh!

Jeju Island

Incheon Airport

We safely arrived at Incheon Airport on time.  After the quarantine section we go down to the 1st basement floor of the Concourse to board the shuttle train to passenger Terminal.

We passed the immigration, baggage claim and customs inspection orderly.  Since second platoon will arrive later that day, we were not in a hurry to go to Seoul.  We had our lunch at Mc Donald's and took some photos inside the Airport.  The airport is organize, clean, convenient, space-y and beautifully decorated with trees and flowers.

From the airport, they have several ground transportation to choose from.  Bus, taxi, airport shuttle bus and trains.  We chose to take bus going to Seoul.  The airport has approachable concierge counter to assist.  The bus fare is KRW14,000, about P590.00 and an hour travel.  We took Bus 6001 because our hotel is located at Dongdaemun and drop at Acacia Hotel stop(about 11 stops).

Buses arrived every 20 minutes and we missed the first bus because it was fully-loaded.  We were advised by the conductor to move to other stop.  But we opted to stay to avoid confusions.  There was a funny story about this bus adventure.  As you can see on our photos, we are three couples.  We patiently waited for the bus, and when the bus arrived, our luggage were boarded at the compartment and the first couple hurriedly went up the bus.  On our turn, the driver said, the bus is full and wait for the next bus.  The first couple was sitting pretty at the last row of the bus not knowing that we're not boarded yet.  Then the bus started to move and first couple were looking for us.  Then,  they saw us outside the bus.  I waved my hands, trying to say "see you at the Hotel".  I noticed the panicked face of our friend, buti na lang beforehand they asked me the destination bus stop.  At least,  they know where they will go even they are ahead of us. LoL!

 While waiting for the next bus,  my hubby captured my tired and haggard face with my #OOTD from Suite Blanco Denim-on-denim plus mix and match knitted jacket and scarf. The temperature was about 17 degrees and my clothing was just suited with the coldness.

They have a nice bus and organize stops.  It was a good experience.  How I wish Philippines can manage to do that way too.

Incheon to Seoul is more than hour travel plus traffic and stops.  We managed to sleep and do some rest.

Travel Tips:
1.  Research all means of transportation and choose the more convenient and budget-friendly.
2. If you are traveling with the group, be mindful with the details and itinerary of your group.  Or don't try to be away with the group leader.  Because you will never know what are some circumstances.
3. Secure a map and tourist guide pamphlets.
4. Make a working budget to control your expenses.  

That's all for now, stay tune for Day 2!

Think Positive Be Positive

Do it Now!

Today is another day of inspiration and looking forward for my dreams and goals.  Lately, I've been so busy doing household chores and resting after my birthday trip to Korea(which is on my "to do" blog list).  I still can't find time to organize and arrange my photos for me to share our autumn experience.(Sorry for that!)

My helper has irregular schedule of coming to our house to do the basic chores so I am the one in-charge for a time.  Although, I appreciate every #TheMacs moment, honestly, it's bit tiring. Huh!  Anyway, supermom can do everything in the house and my personal thingy was the one neglected.  But, that is pretty okey.  We manage it well.

Hopefully, my household help will stay at least five days a week for me to do all my personal goals and continue my #journeytoachievedreams.

Last weekend, we chose to stay at home rather than traveling to Batangas to observe All Soul's Day.  We avoided traffic jam and crowded people.  Besides, remembering the souls of our departed loved ones can be done in any part of the world.  (To our families, who missed us for this tradition, please bear with us.)

Staying at home is eating, sleeping, watching TV and playing.  We caught "My Big Love" at Cinema One starring Tony Gonzaga and Sam Milby.

Google Images

It's a movie years ago but my husband and I were inspired with the 5 Steps that Toni Gonzaga shared to her client as Physical Trainer.  I found it applicable in any goal in life.  I was refreshed with that guidelines and got inspired to pursue whatever I've started.  Remarkable to me is #2 Start today.(as in now na!)

Go print this steps for your goal too.

Google Images

It's less than a month and 2014 is gone.  I am asking myself.  How far I've gone with my goals? Am I leading to what I'm suppose to go?  Do I drive on a right track?

And here comes advice of Valorie Burton for this week. 

To go to the next level, you must get bigger. That means stretching beyond your comfort zone. And that is uncomfortable. Growing usually means growing pains. When a question or opportunity leaves you resisting, defensive and uncomfortable, it is often an indication that there is something there that you need to explore. Rather than run from it, press in. Your boss gives you feedback that hit a nerve? Someone makes a valid observation that left you feeling defensive? Has your journey to a goal stretched you more than expected and left you questioning your own abilities? All are likely to cause resistance.

Breakthroughs happen when you do the hard work of looking honestly at yourself, your habits and the patterns of fear that can get you stuck. Whether it's exploring why you feel guilty about stuff you didn't do wrong, or notice how the overachiever in you is really just craving approval and acceptance, "doing the work" requires courage, time and honesty. Take criticism and learn from it. Get better, not bitter. Push through it. That's how you have a breakthrough.

I am inspired again and ready to go to the next level.  I am writing and I am doing it NOW. Sharing what's on my mind, hoping that I also inspire other people to continue their goals and aspire their dreams.  

Be guided with the 19 Ways to Truly Live by Terence Mauri.

Take risks and Do it now Yamisweeters! Yebbbbaaaaaa!

YOUR 2015 Daily Interact Certified Positive Planner is HERE!

Hi there Yamisweeters!

It's been so long......but I'm still here.  Pretty busy as always (lol!).  I am working out with my series of blog for our recent trip so stand by for my post. hehe!(Feeling may followers lang! Pagbigyan nyo na ako!)

For now, I'd like to share the e-mail I received yesterday from Certified Positive.

This planner is a best Christmas gift to yourself or for your bffs/siblings/parent.  Their first ever planner were launched last year.  I'm still using and enjoying it.  I've encountered petty errors on binding the pages but I've included it on the survey so I believe this 2015 Planner will be better.

Please check out their website and find out about the planner.

Don't forget to order! They deliver to any part of the world. So grab one now.

Yeehaw! Have a good day ahead!

Impact One

Happy Monday Yamisweeters!!!!!

Last weekend was such a full blast on my schedule.  I even missed some of my family's appointments.  I keep asking myself......why I am so busy during weekend that I suppose to rest and have a relaxed and "no schedule" moment for myself.  But,,,,sorry to say that's not the way it were.  Weekends are so physically tiring but emotionally boosting. It was so meaningful, fruitful and sensible.  Ask me why???(imitating Bo Sanchez!) Why???? Because weekends are dedicated to my family.  All my actions are for them plus we have the special day to worship GOD.  Longer hours of meditating, talking, sharing and listening to HIS words through THE FEAST at PICC.

Yesterday was the first series of #impactone.  It's an interesting topic that God is asking me to do effective today.  Be a disciple! So I am thinking of action even in my own little way to impact few.  

So, I will use this blog to impact kahit isa lang.  Kung mas marami mas masaya. 

Today, I want to share to you my subscription from Valorie Burton (she is my personal coach). Hehehe! She helps me in my every day life. She keeps reminding me to be on my goals with humble heart.  

(Note: You can subscribe too, just click the link)

Please read her letter to me today.  This reminder might be for you too.

Week 42:  Gear Up, Don't Give Up! 

Dear Friend, 

There's often a point as you are moving towards your vision when things just get hard. You get tired. The road is longer than you expected it to be, and you wonder if things will ever come together. And to be honest, you feel like giving up. In fact, you can try to convince yourself that the vision is not all that big of a deal. You don't really want it that much. Yeah, that's right. You'll be just fine without it.

But your spirit knows that is not true. And today, I want to encourage you to gear up, rather than give up. Gear up for the final stretch! Stay in the game. Admit you want it. You really want it. And you are willing to go all out to get it. If it doesn't work out, you'll deal with the devastation then. But today, you're all in! Fear of disappointment tempts us to pretend our desires aren't that important. Courage says, "I want it and I'm willing to risk failure and heartache to get it." Where is this message true for you right now? Maybe it is the relationship you desire or the financial breakthrough or the dream career or a family of your own or healing from a health challenge.

I just want to encourage you today to be bold and courageous. Be willing to be ridiculed for being a dreamer, an optimist, a fool. Your tenacity will be rewarded, one way or another. I'd rather be a dreamer, an optimist or fool, than a settler, a pessimist and full of regret.

My challenge to you:

Gear up, don't give up! The road might be long, but it will be worth it.

Journaling assignment:

What does this week's message mean to you? In what way do you need to gear up for the long haul? Head over to my blog and leave your comments; I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time ...   

 

Her words encourages me as I drive to my goals.  She uplifts me to continue dreaming and be a good person.

Be encouraged, don't give up!

Think Positive Be Positive