A walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter became more than sightseeing. From Hoàn Kiếm Lake legends to egg coffee and bustling markets, conversations with local guides revealed a city layered with history, symbolism, and everyday life — slowly unfolding, one story at a time.
travel-tips
When the Journey Is the Experience: Public Transport in the Philippines
From crowded jeepneys to rustic tricycles, we share our firsthand experiences using public transportation in the Philippines — what works, what to expect, and how to make the journey part of your slow-travel adventure.
From Sacred Island to Waterfall Pools: Adventures in Bohol
Despite losing a couple of days in Anda, we managed two memorable half-day trips in Bohol. We explored the mystical caves of Lamanok Island, then later wandered the muddy Cadapdapan rice terraces and cooled off at Can-umantad Waterfall, discovering quiet corners and little joys along the way.
After the Storm: Finding Calm in Anda, Bohol
After a delayed crossing from Siquijor, we found quiet routines, village life, and clear waters in Anda, Bohol — a place to slow down and breathe again.
Siquijor: Surprise We Didn’t See Coming
What was supposed to be a simple two-hour ferry ride to Bohol turned into two days of unexpected chaos. From rain-soaked streets to the kindness of locals, Siquijor surprised us in more ways than one.
Fast and Slow: Two Ways of Exploring Siquijor
Exploring Siquijor in two very different ways: a day packed with waterfalls, towns, and cliffs, followed by slower mornings and afternoons spent walking along the shore, snorkeling, and hiking unusual trails. A journey that shows seeing more doesn’t always mean experiencing more.
Siquijor: Finding Our Pace
A short ferry crossing brought us to Siquijor, where arrival, settling in, and the first steps of exploration set the rhythm for the days ahead. After the quieter pace of Negros Oriental, we began adjusting to a new place, its routines, and its landscape.
Valencia, Negros Oriental: Waterfalls, Hot Springs, and Village Life
Our first days in Valencia, Negros Oriental, offered waterfalls, hot springs, and encounters with local life. From Dauin’s coastal calm to the mountain charm of Liptong, we explored Casaroro Falls, Forest Camp, and Red Rock Hot Spring while enjoying the warmth and friendliness of the Philippines countryside.
A Slow Week in Dauin: Life Between Two Typhoons
We spent a slow, memorable week in Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines — swimming at sunrise, snorkeling near Apo Island, and experiencing daily life between two passing typhoons. It was a gentle introduction to the Philippines, shaped by friendly locals and the rhythm of the ocean.
Vancouver to Dauin: Compression Socks, Connecting Flights, and Yellow Umbrellas
After a day exploring Vancouver, we began our long journey to Dauin via Seoul and Manila. Between lounges, compression socks, and a typhoon warning, we learned that travel is equal parts chaos and kindness — especially when a sea of yellow umbrellas greets you in the Dumaguete rain.