The Travel Archives

If you have visited Taiwan's countryside and came back home without any insect bite, consider yourself very lucky.

Visiting Taiwan's countryside can be a memorable adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One such challenge is the notorious biting midge, often referred to by Taiwanese locals as the "little black mosquito." In this post, I will recount our experience with these biting midges during our trip to Waiao Beach in Yilan County and provide valuable tips so this will not happen to you!

A Countryside Adventure in Waiao Beach

We visited Waiao Beach, nestled in Yilan County, in the month of June. It took us 2.5 hours via train per way. It felt very rural compared to the advanced and bustling city of Taipei, and it was a haven for surfers looking to find some stoke.

Discovering the Biting Midges

We were relaxing at an outdoor cafe in Waiao when we found a swarm of very small, black insects surrounding our legs. It looked like 10 black dots stuck in our skin, while 30 more dots were flying around our legs. It was the first time we saw such a thing. We simply brushed them away and left the cafe, assuming we had evaded their attack!

The Aftermath

The consequences of our encounter with the biting midges or "little black mosquitoes" became apparent over 24 hours later. Our ankles and legs itched like crazy, and we soon realized the severity of the situation. The bites caused us extreme discomfort for 2-3 days. I couldn't sleep the first night due to the itch, which forced me to take 2 anti-histamine tablets for temporary relief. We also weren't able to fully explore Taipei on some nights due to the discomfort of these bites.

Biting midges, unlike mosquitoes, are minuscule and incredibly difficult to detect. You will not even know that they are already biting you unless you look at your skin very closely. This is an environmental problem in Taiwan, and is prevalent in the rainy months of May to June.

Taking Action

We set out to find some remedies after discovering the bites. We got ourselves a special ointment, calamine lotion, and menthol balm. (Thankfully, we brought anti-histamine tablets with us, so we didn't have to buy.)

We also bought 3 spray bottles of insect repellent that is specifically formulated to ward off these biting midges or "little black mosquitoes," ensuring we were protected in our future encounters around Taiwan.

It was really hard buying these due to the language barrier. The staff from Cosmed, a popular health and beauty drug store in Taiwan, even had to personally bring me to a nearby local drug store to help me buy calamine lotion.

The Road to Recovery

While it took over a week for the itchiness to subside, our legs were left with numerous unsightly marks. We are back in the Philippines, and we bought Contractubex to help erase our scars.

Smart Travel Tips

When traveling Taiwan, specifically places outside the main cities, please take these tips seriously to help you avoid the consequences of biting midges at all cost:

1. Bring and apply insect repellant when visiting Taiwan, even if you're not visiting the countryside, or even if you're not visiting in the months of May-June. It is better to be safe than sorry.

2. If you want to get the repellant that specifically keeps you safe against the biting midges, buy this from Cosmed:

3. Bring anti-histamine with you for emergency purposes.

4. If you have extra space in your luggage, bring calamine lotion and menthol balm as well.

5. Another practical tip is to download the Google Translate app in your phone. Also download the Chinese language in Google Translate so you can access even if you're offline. It's a way to easily understand Chinese characters and Taiwanese locals.

Conclusion

Our encounter with biting midges in Taiwan's countryside was an unforgettable experience. While these tiny insects may be difficult to spot, their bites can cause significant discomfort. By taking the necessary precautions, such as applying the proper insect repellent, you can enjoy your adventures outside Taipei City without falling victim to these persistent pests!

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to battling Taiwan's "little black mosquitoes". Simply follow our travel tips and you're off to an enjoyable and hassle-free experience in all cities and provinces around Taiwan!

For more information, you may visit https://en.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/2000817#:~:text=The%20biting%20midge%20is%20an,biting%20midges%20are%20not%20mosquitoes.

When people think of Baler, Aurora, they often associate it with its world-famous surfing spots and stunning coastline. However, there is more to this province than meets the eye, especially when you head north of Baler. One such example is Ampere Beach, a hidden gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Located about 20 kilometers north of Baler proper, Ampere Beach in Dipaculao is a breathtakingly beautiful spot that offers a serene view of the ocean. The beach is known for its unique rock formations, which create a stunning backdrop for photos and videos. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and watch the waves crash against the rocks.

Bikers from Baler frequent this area, as well as tourists who are on their way to Northern Aurora. In our case, we drove from Baler for a quick Saturday breather. It took us less than an hour to get here.

A few kilometers (around 6km) farther from Ampere Beach, you'll find a small roadside stall called "Buko Pie de Baler". You'll see this at the left side of the road when you're driving or biking to the North.

This humble establishment sells freshly baked buko (coconut) pies. The pies are made from locally sourced coconuts and are a popular treat among locals and bikers alike. Each buko pie costs Php 150.

If you ever find yourself visiting Ampere Beach, take the extra 6 kilometers to stop by Buko Pie de Baler for a tasty snack and pasalubong. It's a way to help local businesses in the area thrive as well.

These are definitely something you can do in half a day (or even less if you're driving), so I suggest you spice up your vacation in Baler by trying something new! Start your planning sessions with the Google Maps below. Enjoy!

If you're planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (formerly known as Saigon), don't miss out on the AUTHENTIC Vietnamese food and coffee available. There are SO MANY options to choose from, so we thought of sharing this travel guide to simplify your planning.

This is based on our personal experience when we visited our friend for a short 3-4 days. We're very confident that you won't get disappointed with the food and coffee in our list of must-try restaurants and cafes in Ho Chi Minh City:

1. Pho Quynh: No trip to Vietnam is complete without trying the national dish, pho. Pho Quynh is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and their beef pho (and iced coffee) are highly recommended.

Are you planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam? If yes, then you are in for a treat! Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling and vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. This city is rich in culture, history, food, and coffee, making it a great destination for travelers who want to experience Vietnam's unique lifestyle.

We visited our friend who now lives in Saigon, and took the opportunity to tour and experience this exciting country through some of her personal tips. We took note of it so we can share it and guide you through our quick (and relaxed) 4-day itinerary, that we hope you'll find useful!

Where to Stay

We stayed in the apartment of our friend in District 2. For other recommendations, visit Airbnb or Booking.com. We recommend booking in District 1 as most of the restaurants and cafes you'd want to try are located there. Check out Booking's map below for your easy reference (wait for a minute for it to load)!

Booking.com

Pocket WiFi

We booked ours through Klook! It was very convenient and it worked well for us. Click here to easily get yours as well.

Transportation

We used Grab car, so make sure to have Grab in your phone before visiting Saigon. It's very easy and convenient.

Day 1 (Night Time): Arrival and GS25 Convenience Store 😜

We arrived in Ho Chi Minh City late at night. After checking into our friend's apartment, we headed out and quickly explored our friend's neighborhood. We delighted at the nearby GS25 convenience store where we tried some tasty onigiris 😜 (so good-just like in Korea and Japan!!) and Korean treats, and the sidewalk cafes that are just about to close. Afterward, we rested up for the next day ahead.

Day 2: Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, The Cafe Apartments, Buy Bien Nightlife

On the second day, we started with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest markets in the city. Here, you will find a wide variety of local Vietnamese food and souvenirs to take back home. It's a big market—make sure to allocate around 2 hours if you plan to do some heavy shopping.

We then walked to the nearby Ben Thanh Street Food Market to try out some local delicacies (which tasted soooo good by the way!!).

Afterwards, we walked around 1km to visit the War Remnants Museum, which offers deep insights into the Vietnam War. This museum is a must-visit for all types of travelers as it will really give you a different view of history, our different countries, and humanity in general.

We then took a Grab to The Cafe Apartments. We passed by the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (we didn't stop here though, but most of you might want to).

The Cafe Apartments is a cute, hip building that houses various coffee shops, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and bars. We enjoyed delicious food and beer here over good conversation.

At night, we headed to Buy Bien to experience Saigon's night life. We we were a bit tired from our tour, so we only had egg coffee and beer as we enjoyed people-watching by the sidewalk. It was a good local experience that you should also try!

Day 3: Legit Vietnamese Pho, Coffee, and Shopping

On the third day, we started our morning with some delicious pho and Vietnamese iced coffee at Pho Quynh (Google Maps). A must-try. It's a restaurant we found through YouTube. :)

Afterwards, we walked towards Little Hanoi Egg Coffee (Google Maps) to try their top-quality egg coffee. Their coffee is famous for its unique and rich flavor, which comes from the combination of whipped egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk blended with strong Vietnamese coffee. Another must-try.

Afterwards, we took a Grab to visit a brand of Trung Nguyen Legend Cafe to shop for coffee beans that we brought home. We also did a bit of shopping in a market that resembles Greenhills (I honestly forgot the name), then went home to rest in our friend's apartment.

At night, we walked around the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh City Hall (Google Maps) and enjoyed its peaceful oasis in this bustling city. This place is an iconic landmark located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The architecture of the building is grand and impressive, designed in French colonial style.

We then walked towards a rooftop restaurant called Secret Garden (Google Maps). Hands down, it was one of the best dinners I've had.

Day 4: Banh Mi, Sidewalk Cafe, and Shopping for Pasalubongs

On the final day of our quick stay in Saigon, we had a legit banh mi breakfast at Banh Mi Hong Hoa (Google Maps), a trending and popular banh mi stall. We ate it in Bahn Mi Xiu Mai Da Lat, a small cafe we found nearby. As usual, the coffee was very, very good.

We then dropped off my partner who was headed to Vung Tau to surf, then headed back to Ben Thanh Market for some shopping and souvenirs. We also did our one last final Vietnamese-style food trip by the sidewalk while people watching and while enjoying our coffee.

Final Thoughts

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon is a great destination for everyone who wants to experience Vietnam's unique culture, history, food, and coffee. The travel guide I've shared covers some of the best experiences a traveler could have here—but not all.

Ours was very relaxed trip (as our main goal was to spend time with our friend who lives there), and we opted not to visit other tourist spots like the the Chu Chi Tunnels and Mekong River due to time constraints. But I highly recommend that you experience these if you have the time. Click here for an easy Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Day Tour from Klook!

We hope this guide has been helpful, and we wish you a safe and enjoyable trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam!

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Disclaimer: Sometimes, I provide links to suggested tours, hotels, products, or services. If you decide to buy anything using these links, I will earn a little commission. This will not cost you anything extra, but it will assist me in continuing to provide you free and unbiased travel guides, tips, and advice. Thank you in advance for your support! :)

Hi everyone! After a very long break, we are thrilled to share that The Travel Archives is FINALLY back! The pandemic hit us hard and we honestly had no idea if we'll be able to experience the world again...

Luckily, we are still here, fully ready to live in places old and new. We missed doing DIY itineraries, executing them into reality, and sharing the experience and honest recommendations with you.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, The Travel Archives has something for everyone. You will get unbiased and authentic travel tips and guides from real people, regardless if the post is a simple listicle or a very detailed travel itinerary.

We will provide you with practical advice and personal experiences to help you plan your next adventure.

Because travel is back, and so are we. Let's explore together and live in this world that we are blessed to have.

For real-time updates and upcoming promos and giveaways, follow us on Instagram (@the.travel.archives) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thetravelarchives)!

Stay tuned!!!

Casa Loma

Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario and the most populous city in Canada, is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. From its world-renowned cultural attractions and delicious cuisine to its beautiful parks and scenic waterfront, there's no shortage of things to see and do in this exciting city!

I visited Toronto just before the pandemic (year 2019), yet I assure you that the tips I will be posting here will still be relevant for your travels this 2023 (or even in the next few years).

Hop on and read through my initial recos on the top things to do and see in Toronto for first timers:

1. One of the top attractions in Toronto is the CN Tower, an iconic landmark that offers incredible views of the city and lake from its observation deck. You might want to try the thrilling "EdgeWalk" around the tower's circumference, 116 stories above the ground. I didn't do this though. Just seeing the tower with my Tita was enough! I would probably try this though when I am with my friends. :)

CN Tower

2. Other must-see cultural attractions include the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the historic Casa Loma.

We visited Casa Loma and toured the majestic, picturesque castle. It was once the private residence of Sir Henry Pellatt, but is now owned by the City of Toronto.

The castle costs $40 per pax to tour. To learn more about it, visit their website at https://casaloma.ca.

(Fun fact—this is where X-Men filmed scenes on Professor X's "Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters"!)

Casa Loma

3. Foodies will love exploring Toronto's diverse culinary scene, which features everything from traditional Canadian dishes to international cuisines! Some popular local specialties include poutine (french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds), bacon sandwiches, and smoked meat.

For a unique dining experience, head to one of the city's many multicultural neighborhoods, such as Little Italy or Chinatown, where you'll find a wide variety of authentic restaurants and food shops.

4. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the Toronto Islands, a group of small islands located just a short ferry ride from the mainland. The islands offer a peaceful escape from the city, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Other outdoor activities in Toronto include exploring the beautiful High Park, visiting the Toronto Zoo, and taking a stroll along the Lake Ontario waterfront.

5. No trip to Toronto would be complete without experiencing some of the city's vibrant nightlife! Whether you're looking for live music, comedy, or just a good pint of beer, Toronto has surely something to offer. Some popular nightlife hotspots include the Entertainment District, Kensington Market, and the Distillery District.

In our case, we did a quick street tour of Kensington Market in the morning, then passed by Graffiti Alley. Graffiti Alley is a place where you will find interesting street art.

Kensington Market

 

Graffiti Alley

Distillery District is also a unique and fun place to hangout. We tried sake and whisky tasting in some of their bars. You can also do some shopping there, and take lots of photos with its brick walls and lovely backdrops.

Distillery District

Overall, Toronto is a dynamic and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. I have a lot more to share, but I'll do in another post instead. Surely, these recommendations on the top things to do and see in Toronto will keep you happy and occupied, especially if it's your first time!

Enjoy!

 

It's the 19th of June, year 2021. It's been 1 year and 4 months since the global war against COVID-19 started. For 1 year and 4 months, movement outside our homes have been very, very limited.

We cannot go out for leisure, travel, and to live a healthy, balanced life is an extreme challenge. People have to be creative on how they can cope given the surmounting restrictions on all types of movement - be it actions related to business or personal matters.

As such, we cannot travel like we used to. Countries - even cities and provinces - have closed their doors to non-residents. The only recourse we have at the moment to connect with each other and with the world beyond our own homes is through technology - social media, video calls, travel documentaries.

But we all know it's not enough

I miss traveling. Our last trip overseas was in Japan, just before the pandemic officially started. We traveled Tokyo, Niigata, and Nikko. It was also the first time we tried snowboarding.

If we can't physically experience the world right now, I'll do so through my memories and through this blog while I still remember bits and pieces of it.

Cheers~

I am currently doing the chore I hate most - placing clean clothes in my cabinet. I hate it. I wish I have someone who can do this for me.

Then I realized, in a snap, how petty of a concern this is. Compared to the plight of around 90% of my countrymen right now, I am lucky because I'm home. I am lucky because I don't have to be in a hospital, healing people sick from the corona virus. I am lucky because I am not in the higher ranks of the government, stressing my butt off so I can protect and save my country, only to be faced with hatred and criticism.

I am lucky, most of all, because I am alive, healthy, and safe, just as my family and loved ones are. We have shelter, our own transportation, and I know we have food to eat today, tomorrow, and the next months.

In this time of turmoil and unrest, let us all live to be the best versions of ourselves. Let's celebrate the simple things that we often take for granted, help our elders and neighbors, and give our bodies the love and care they're due.

Before I end, I'd like to thank our countrymen from the medical field and the government, and those in essential industries like food and drinks, medicine, water, electricity, banks, and so on. You've all been working so hard to keep us alive.

Budget travelers get horrified by the thought of paying for accommodations in first world countries like the United States. But with the myriad of options nowadays in Airbnb, and the rise of hostel-type accommodations all over the world, renting out a temporary space in first world cities wouldn't really cost you as much.

We visited Chicago, USA a few months back and found a gem of a hotel called Freehand Hotels. It's a hip hotel that offers private rooms and dormitories for travelers. It seems to target the younger crowd (travelers, backpackers, young professionals), but I assure you, even your cool aunties would love it there.

We discovered the place through Booking.com. We read that Freehand Hotels in Chicago offer:

• Affordable prices
• A very strategic location
• Clean accommodations
• Security
• Complimentary WiFi
• A restaurant, cafe and bar
• Loads of free stuff during breakfast (the early bird catches the worm!)

And most of all, they have very high ratings from their prior clients.

This led us to their website, found very convincing photos of the place, and ended up booking with them (via Booking.com).

I booked the dorm-type room, which Booking.com calls "Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room". It costs about P1,600 per night per pax. This is inclusive of:

• Air conditioning
• Private bathroom
• Complimentary WiFi
• Seating area
• Private restrooms with heating
• Towels
• Toilet paper
• Breakfast (toasts with butter and jam, cereals, fruits, juices, coffee, yogurt - help yourself!)

I was lucky as I had the room to myself during the first 2 days. On my third day, a student joined me. We talked a bit and went on minding our own business afterwards. My companion, who booked a space in the 4-bed male dormitory room, shared the space with 2 people. One was a graduate student visiting his girlfriend, while one was an Asian on a business trip. He had the opportunity to get to know them a bit.

The room was spacious enough, in my opinion. (Compare it to Japan's accommodations, and you won't be disappointed.) It was carpeted, the bed and sheets were very clean and comfortable, and I had a good view of the city. The restroom was sparkling clean as well. The space for the shower was a bit tight, but no big deal.



Their bar called the Broken Shaker also serves very good cocktails. It was fully packed by 9PM (if I remember the time right). It clearly is the perfect place to recap your day with good lively music and a drink on hand.



I had a good experience at Freehand Hotels. It allowed me to easily access Chicago's tourist spots. It's in the heart of Michigan Ave., walking distance to Shake Shack, Portillo's Hotdogs, Eataly, and a lot more restaurants and cafes. The train station is within 100 meters as well (a very short walk!).

Freehand also has hotels in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Enjoy!!!

My home, Metro Manila, the Philippines' capital, is currently experiencing water shortage. I don't know what the real cause is -- mismanagement on the side of our water provider, government corruption, or the environment getting back at humanity's irresponsible acts.


Whatever it is, there is no turning back from the crisis we're facing. All we can do now is to help solve the problem, whichever way we can. Here are some practices all of us can apply wherever we are in the world:

• Just use what you need, even if you're not in your own homes. Being in a hotel doesn't mean you can consume excessive amounts of water... Sure, you're privileged to use all the water that you want, but it's your duty, as a citizen of this world, to conserve our finite resources.
• Report leaks when you see it (or try to fix it, if you can). Don't be shy -- ask the guard or the housekeeping crew for help. They'll be more than willing to attend to your needs.

I'd like to say I'm smart and wise on matters involving spending and saving -- be it on money, electricity, or material things. On most occasions, I don't over-consume. I know how to balance my expenses, necessities, and indulgences.

But this problem were facing made me wiser, not just in my consumption of water but other life-sustaining resources as well. It grounded me more, taught me to cut down on some luxuries, and to only consume what is needed in my daily life. Here are some scenarios which I hope would inspire you to do the same:

• We were at a restaurant awhile ago, and while I can afford to buy an extra dish that I was sort of craving for, I chose not to because I'm 101% sure we've already ordered enough.
• About 2-3 months ago, I gave (and threw) out a lot of clothes, accessories, and things that have no use in my life anymore. But this morning, as I opened my cabinet, I found more clothes that I wanted to let go. They are still in good quality, but I felt like giving them out because I haven't worn them for more than 3 months already. I made a mental checklist to donate these to people who might need them more. I'll update you on my progress.
• I remembered this product I used 2 weeks ago. It's a bag from EcoNest that looks like plastic, but it's actually not. It's made from cassava plants, and will decompose after 180 days. I tried it out, brought it with me to my recent travels to Florida, and served as my go-to bag for spontaneous trips to the beach. I used one bag more than once, got it wet from my beach wear, and noticed how different it was from plastic. The bag stretched out a bit and its prints quickly faded away. It also retained some moisture from my wet clothes, which, I think, means that there's really no plastic content in it. It felt good to use something which I knew would just decompose back to the soil after 180 days... This clearly reduced my plastic footprint, and if everyone would do the same, imagine how much it will impact the environment. (Thanks, EcoNest! Click here if you want to learn how you can reduce your plastic footprint too.)

Our current crisis on water gives us the right to rant all we want, but I hope we can spin something better out of it too. The problem already occurred, so what's left for us to do is to help solve it in our own way, and practice a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle to hopefully prevent further shortages in the future.