If most people were asked to name cities in Kentucky, they would be hard-pressed to come up with anything beyond Louisville and Lexington among the sports fans. The capital of Kentucky is neither of those cities, however; it is Frankfort. As state (or commonwealth, which is the official designation of Kentucky) capitals go, Frankfort is not very large. It has only about 30,000 people spread over the 14 square miles that make up Franklin County. The town actually is sort of the opposite of a suburb. People drive in from Lexington and Louisville to work for the government but then head back home for entertainment and family life.
Frankfort does have much to offer visitors, however, and the city could do more to promote tourism. The biggest distillery in Frankfort is Buffalo Trace Distillery. For people who do not know, Kentucky is the home of bourbon. Real Kentuckians consider bourbon made anywhere else a sort of imposter. Kentucky bourbon is a source of pride and is a great boon to the economy as well. One can tour Buffalo Trace to see how the liquor is made, and taste-testing is available for people who are of age.
Once you have left Buffalo Trace and have your taste of bourbon, you should head over to the Rebecca-Ruth Candy Factory. Though it is tough to get into the candy factory now as tours are scarce, you can shop in the bourbon candy shop. Most of the candies in the shop are made with bourbon and have the sweet taste of it in them. Do not worry parents; the bourbon itself evaporates in the process. There are candies that are bourbon-free as well as the Rebecca-Ruth company has experimented with other types of candy as well, including white chocolates and sugar-free options.
Next on your stop in Frankfort should be for lunch at Jim's Seafood or Glen Willis. Both restaurants sit on the Kentucky River, which is small as rivers go but very nice indeed. Jim's is situated in what was a hemp factory in the nineteenth century. The people there planted marijuana, which is used to cultivate hemp, on the hill beside the factory and harvested it to make rope and other products.
You can sit at your window-side seat and look out over the river. You can see the lock for the river on the other side. A lock is used to stop water that has been diverted. It allows the water levels to rise so that boats can pass through. Though the river has little traffic today, it once was a place where ships traveled to take goods to the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The lockmaster lived in a house just along the river, and that house still stands today, though it is very modest by contemporary standards.
Glen Willis is a restaurant in a beautiful home that has been restored. The Victorian-era home has rooms for guests to eat as well as a gift shop. On very nice days, you even have the option of eating on the veranda, which is only feet from the river and settled under beautiful trees.
The area across from Glen Willis and Jim's Seafood also has interesting historic significance, and if you want to walk off some of your lunchtime fare, then you can head over. There is a building that once was a general store, a school, and other homes. They are in their original condition and are unoccupied right now, though the yard and road are well kept.
In addition to these attractions, Frankfort is home to a number of museums, including the Kentucky Military History Museum and the Capital City Museum, which traces the inhabitants of Kentucky from historic times to the present. The city cemetery also has the remains of Daniel Boone, who is a favorite son of the commonwealth. Kentuckians claim that Boone has the best view of the city, and it is true. You can look out over the entire city if you visit the grave. Boone can see the river, the capital and other government buildings, and the new commercial districts on the west side of town. So the next time you are thinking of somewhere to go, head to Frankfort to visit Boone and his people.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Unique Travel Through Superstitious Africa
Majority of tourists visiting the big attraction in Africa, Kenya, all scramble towards the beaches at the coast and to see wild animals in the African bush that was recently named the seventh wonder of the world - Masai Mara. But little do they know that there are several other attractions in Kenya which are yet to be explored.
The eastern part of the country which includes the Ukambani districts of Machakos, Makueni Mwingi and Kitui have enough of their share of attractions including wildlife, unique terrain and breathtaking small mountain ranges that are perfect for both climbing and picnics as well.
The country's two major rivers, Tana River and Athi River crisscross Ukambani and both boast of a wide variety of animal life including crocodiles, turtles and a wide range of fish species that are only to be found in Africa.
It is also worth noting that it is only in Ukambani where one can find a rich culture including the world acclaimed wood carvers in Wamunyu whose products are exported the world over and bring to the country millions of dollars in foreign exchange every year. They curve unique works that include wild animals and the local people in traditional gear. A wonderful keepsake to carry back home after an unforgettable holiday.
These wood curvers have been at it for as long as they or anybody else can remember and got their unique skills from their parents and grandparents who passed it down the line for centuries and have ensured the skills are not lost in spite of upheavals including inter community wars with their war like neighbors, the Masai.
From Wamunyu in Machakos district,a visitor will be amazed as he travels along Kitui road right through to Kitui town itself and the outskirts where you are greeted by a large boulder known as Ivia ya Nzambani in the local language which means "The Stone of Nzambani". This stone has a long history and an amazing myth that surrounds it.
According to legend, there was once a local who desired to be a woman in spite of being born a strong man and had attempted consulting the gods for several years but all his efforts were fruitless but this did not dampen his spirit and determination to one day become a woman.
It is said that his wishes were granted on one chilly morning when the gods told him through a dream the night before that if he wished to change his sex, he should go round the giant boulder seven times without stopping which he did enthusiastically. Alas, the villagers desires were achieved when after completing his seventh circuit, he went for his crotch and to his pleasant amazement, it wasn't there anymore. He had been turned into a woman. To this day the locals still believe that if one wants to have a sex change, you just have to go round the boulder seven times.
There is only one catch though. Going round the magic stone is a five kilometers trek in rough terrain, so even completing one lap is a Herculean task.
From Kitui you will come to Mwingi district where strange things happen with mological explanation happen all the time. It is here where the belief of the supernatural is strongest and the locals are known to practice witchcraft with impunity as they compete with each other to see who is the most powerful among them. With a little persuasion they may just be able to put up a show for tourists who promise never to tell what they see.
It is also in Mwingi where the Arab population is surprisingly large and are the economic giants of the town and control the major businesses there. Many of them have been here for generations since their ancestors landed there during the thriving slave trade in the 18th century.
The area is among the driest in the country and in Africa as a whole and there are places in the district that do not receive a drop of rainfall for the three years at a time or more. There is also talk that there are large deposits of coal and oil in the area that is yet to be exploited.
Kenyans usually refer to Mwingi as the cursed district of Ukambani mainly due to the harsh weather but the area boasts of a lot of wildlife like chimpanzees, baboons, hyenas, antelopes and a host of other smaller wildlife including deadly snakes.
Moving from Mwingi, you will come to Makueni which is host to a number of wildlife sanctuaries including the Amboseli National park and plenty of tourist lodges which can be accessed from the Nairobi-Mombasa highway at Mtito Andei which is about 300 km from Nairobi, the modern capital city of Kenya. Here you will be able to see the big five animals, namely lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant and cheetah.
The eastern part of the country which includes the Ukambani districts of Machakos, Makueni Mwingi and Kitui have enough of their share of attractions including wildlife, unique terrain and breathtaking small mountain ranges that are perfect for both climbing and picnics as well.
The country's two major rivers, Tana River and Athi River crisscross Ukambani and both boast of a wide variety of animal life including crocodiles, turtles and a wide range of fish species that are only to be found in Africa.
It is also worth noting that it is only in Ukambani where one can find a rich culture including the world acclaimed wood carvers in Wamunyu whose products are exported the world over and bring to the country millions of dollars in foreign exchange every year. They curve unique works that include wild animals and the local people in traditional gear. A wonderful keepsake to carry back home after an unforgettable holiday.
These wood curvers have been at it for as long as they or anybody else can remember and got their unique skills from their parents and grandparents who passed it down the line for centuries and have ensured the skills are not lost in spite of upheavals including inter community wars with their war like neighbors, the Masai.
From Wamunyu in Machakos district,a visitor will be amazed as he travels along Kitui road right through to Kitui town itself and the outskirts where you are greeted by a large boulder known as Ivia ya Nzambani in the local language which means "The Stone of Nzambani". This stone has a long history and an amazing myth that surrounds it.
According to legend, there was once a local who desired to be a woman in spite of being born a strong man and had attempted consulting the gods for several years but all his efforts were fruitless but this did not dampen his spirit and determination to one day become a woman.
It is said that his wishes were granted on one chilly morning when the gods told him through a dream the night before that if he wished to change his sex, he should go round the giant boulder seven times without stopping which he did enthusiastically. Alas, the villagers desires were achieved when after completing his seventh circuit, he went for his crotch and to his pleasant amazement, it wasn't there anymore. He had been turned into a woman. To this day the locals still believe that if one wants to have a sex change, you just have to go round the boulder seven times.
There is only one catch though. Going round the magic stone is a five kilometers trek in rough terrain, so even completing one lap is a Herculean task.
From Kitui you will come to Mwingi district where strange things happen with mological explanation happen all the time. It is here where the belief of the supernatural is strongest and the locals are known to practice witchcraft with impunity as they compete with each other to see who is the most powerful among them. With a little persuasion they may just be able to put up a show for tourists who promise never to tell what they see.
It is also in Mwingi where the Arab population is surprisingly large and are the economic giants of the town and control the major businesses there. Many of them have been here for generations since their ancestors landed there during the thriving slave trade in the 18th century.
The area is among the driest in the country and in Africa as a whole and there are places in the district that do not receive a drop of rainfall for the three years at a time or more. There is also talk that there are large deposits of coal and oil in the area that is yet to be exploited.
Kenyans usually refer to Mwingi as the cursed district of Ukambani mainly due to the harsh weather but the area boasts of a lot of wildlife like chimpanzees, baboons, hyenas, antelopes and a host of other smaller wildlife including deadly snakes.
Moving from Mwingi, you will come to Makueni which is host to a number of wildlife sanctuaries including the Amboseli National park and plenty of tourist lodges which can be accessed from the Nairobi-Mombasa highway at Mtito Andei which is about 300 km from Nairobi, the modern capital city of Kenya. Here you will be able to see the big five animals, namely lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant and cheetah.
Kosice, Slovakia
As I planned out my trip, I found Slovakia to be a wild card. I knew that I would visit many countries and cities according to my own interests, readings and recommendations from friends and fellow travelers but I knew very little about Slovakia. I had a week to spend in Slovakia before heading to Budapest to rendezvous with my girlfriend and since I knew so little about the country, I decided to divide my time between two cities. From Krakow I caught an overnight train to Kosice, the easternmost major city in Slovakia. On my journey through Europe, Kosice-scarcely thirty miles from the Ukrainian border-would mark the furthest penetration into the continent and the furthest place from home that I have ever yet visited.
Kosice came highly recommended by Lonely Planet guide book. The center of town boasts the easternmost gothic cathedral in the world. The old town has many shops, restaurants and cafes to explore as well. At this point in my journey I indeed looked forward to these attractions but I really was interested in making my way into the hills for some decent hiking. My entire trip to this point had been centered on major cities but in Kosice I found a town that was surrounded by countryside rolling into the distance so relaxation, hiking and sightseeing would be my priorities during my stay.
I arrived in town very early in the morning. The train station is located on the outskirts of town but I quickly discerned the route into the old town where I could find accommodations. As I made my way into the old town I noticed many beautiful spires and old buildings that reminded me of the edifices that I had seen in Prague. I was curious to see the similarities between Czech Republic and Slovakia, nations that were one throughout my childhood. I needed to cash a traveler's check and find lodging at the tourist information center but as I arrived in the center of town, I realized that nothing was open and I would have to wait a few hours.
I sat around a public park in the center of town, which is called the Hlvana. The heart of Kosice, the Hlvana is a long pedestrian courtyard about one hundred yards wide and a quarter mile long. The cathedral stands at one end of the square and the state theatre stands at the other. Nothing was open and it was a beautiful morning so I sat enjoying the sunshine when at 9 O'clock I received quite a surprise. In the central park of Kosice several powerful fountains leapt into life. Much like the dancing waters in Las Vegas or Disney World, the town of Kosice has installed a series of dancing fountains that shoot to amazing heights and sway back and forth. From hidden speakers blared forth classical music tunes that are timed along with the fountains. I must confess that I found these fountains to be more comical than anything else. They don't fit in this small town set in the eastern Slovakian hillside but belong, rather in gaudy American tourist traps like the Bellagio or Epcot Center.
Soon the tourist office opened and I was able to acquire some Slovakian currency and directions to the most promising hostels in town. I wound my way to nearby accommodations at the Ubytovna Mestsky Park hostel. The hostel offered many amenities at reasonable prices. I spent the equivalent of $10 per night for lodgings and at the restaurant downstairs I enjoyed great breakfasts for an additional $5 per day. I had my own room with a large bed, skylight and closet. After a shower and shave, I set out into the city to visit some of its primary attractions.
My first visit was to the Cathedral of St. Elizabeth. The cathedral literally dominates the town. The portion of Slovakia in which Kosice lies, was historically a portion of Hungary which was ceded to Czechoslovakia by the Trianon treaty after World War I. The cathedral marks the last resting place of Ferenc Rakoczi, the Hungarian patriot who was exiled for leading an 18th century uprising against the Austrian Empire, which controlled Hungary at that time. The tomb is marked by the red, white and green of Hungarian flags. The interior of the cathedral was solemn, antique and very beautiful. As I sat in one the pews, taking in the atmosphere of the cathedral it occurred to me that as Kosice was once part of Hungary and that the cathedral is the eastern most Gothic cathedral in Europe, this cathedral must also mark one of the furthest outposts of Catholicism. Further east one would find the Orthodox churches of Russia, Ukraine and Asia. I began to thus appreciate how this small town marks an important boundary between East and West.
From the cathedral I made my way around the Hlvana checking out the principle buildings in town. I grabbed a modest lunch at one of the outdoor cafes and browsed through the windows of the main shops in town. At the opposite end of the Hlvana I visited the State Theatre. This massive 19th century structure rivals any of the large theatres that I have seen elsewhere in Europe and the United States. The large domed tower and ornamented façade are one of the most beautiful buildings in town. As the day wore on and I made my way back to my hostel I was struck by a military memorial. Several white plaques written in Russian marked the names of brave men who gave their lives in defense of the country. The most harrowing symbol, however, was the Hammer and Sickle that still adorned this memorial.
That night I enjoyed dinner at one of Kosice's most inviting restaurants. Bakhus is Lonely Planet's first recommendation for dining in Kosice. The restaurant and beer garden is tucked away from the Hlvana with lots of tables and umbrellas in a courtyard. At dusk the restaurant was filled to capacity of people eating, drinking and having a good time. I sat down to a dinner of beef stronganoff served by friendly, English speaking staff. The food was superb and reasonably priced. I wanted to go hiking the next day so after dinner I made my way home for a good night's sleep.
The next day I packed my day bag with a picnic lunch and Swiss army knife for my journey into the hills. Unfortunately, getting out of town was harder than I thought. I would set out for the hill side, which I could clearly see on the horizon, but would wind up lost in a maze of side streets on the outskirts of town. The suburbs of Kosice were a grim sight of factories and long rows of boring, grim and utilitarian communist housing blocks. By this point of my trip I was used to communist architecture, which really is a blight across Eastern Europe.
Eventually I decided to follow the main highway out of town, which crossed a river and eventually rose into the hills. Once around a high bend, the city was out of sight and I beheld a magnificent countryside of rolling hills, farmland and forests stretching in all directions. I followed the highway to the beginning of the forests where I planned to explore and have lunch. The fields were brimming with wild flowers, reeds and buzzing insects. I came upon a dirt path that led away from the highway, which I followed into the forested hill side. I wandered into a dense forest along a beaten path that went on for a few miles. I did not want to wander too far, as I did not know where I was going. I came upon a cut into the forest where power lines passed through. There was an abundance of cut wood so I set up a small campsite and built a fire.
After lunch I decided to head back into town. As I made my way back through the forest I came upon a group of Slovakian boys and girls. They were all about eight years old and evinced a curiosity in me and clearly they wondered what I was doing in the forest where they regularly played games. None of them spoke English but apparently one of them had spent some time in France and spoke French so I was able to communicate through him. They talked with me as I made my way back into town. They asked many questions about America. Some of the boys were very interested to discover my interest in hockey and were impressed as I named several Slovak players on various NHL teams. They were a very nice and well behaved group of kids and when we got into town I bought them all ice cream at a café before saying my goodbyes.
I spent the rest of my time browsing around Kosice looking for decent shopping. I found the pickings to be pretty slim. Any contemporary clothing stores offered clothes far behind current fashions. I did find some thrift stores, however. I bought for about $5 a tweed sports coat that fits perfectly and that I still have today. There wasn't much else to do in Kosice after two days exploring so I made arrangements for my trip to Bratislava and read until it was time to catch the train out of there. Still, Kosice stands out in my mind as a unique stop along my journey. There is very little tourist presences in Kosice and it is very beautiful and rural. I feel that in those three days I got to see a side of Europe that most people never see.
Kosice came highly recommended by Lonely Planet guide book. The center of town boasts the easternmost gothic cathedral in the world. The old town has many shops, restaurants and cafes to explore as well. At this point in my journey I indeed looked forward to these attractions but I really was interested in making my way into the hills for some decent hiking. My entire trip to this point had been centered on major cities but in Kosice I found a town that was surrounded by countryside rolling into the distance so relaxation, hiking and sightseeing would be my priorities during my stay.
I arrived in town very early in the morning. The train station is located on the outskirts of town but I quickly discerned the route into the old town where I could find accommodations. As I made my way into the old town I noticed many beautiful spires and old buildings that reminded me of the edifices that I had seen in Prague. I was curious to see the similarities between Czech Republic and Slovakia, nations that were one throughout my childhood. I needed to cash a traveler's check and find lodging at the tourist information center but as I arrived in the center of town, I realized that nothing was open and I would have to wait a few hours.
I sat around a public park in the center of town, which is called the Hlvana. The heart of Kosice, the Hlvana is a long pedestrian courtyard about one hundred yards wide and a quarter mile long. The cathedral stands at one end of the square and the state theatre stands at the other. Nothing was open and it was a beautiful morning so I sat enjoying the sunshine when at 9 O'clock I received quite a surprise. In the central park of Kosice several powerful fountains leapt into life. Much like the dancing waters in Las Vegas or Disney World, the town of Kosice has installed a series of dancing fountains that shoot to amazing heights and sway back and forth. From hidden speakers blared forth classical music tunes that are timed along with the fountains. I must confess that I found these fountains to be more comical than anything else. They don't fit in this small town set in the eastern Slovakian hillside but belong, rather in gaudy American tourist traps like the Bellagio or Epcot Center.
Soon the tourist office opened and I was able to acquire some Slovakian currency and directions to the most promising hostels in town. I wound my way to nearby accommodations at the Ubytovna Mestsky Park hostel. The hostel offered many amenities at reasonable prices. I spent the equivalent of $10 per night for lodgings and at the restaurant downstairs I enjoyed great breakfasts for an additional $5 per day. I had my own room with a large bed, skylight and closet. After a shower and shave, I set out into the city to visit some of its primary attractions.
My first visit was to the Cathedral of St. Elizabeth. The cathedral literally dominates the town. The portion of Slovakia in which Kosice lies, was historically a portion of Hungary which was ceded to Czechoslovakia by the Trianon treaty after World War I. The cathedral marks the last resting place of Ferenc Rakoczi, the Hungarian patriot who was exiled for leading an 18th century uprising against the Austrian Empire, which controlled Hungary at that time. The tomb is marked by the red, white and green of Hungarian flags. The interior of the cathedral was solemn, antique and very beautiful. As I sat in one the pews, taking in the atmosphere of the cathedral it occurred to me that as Kosice was once part of Hungary and that the cathedral is the eastern most Gothic cathedral in Europe, this cathedral must also mark one of the furthest outposts of Catholicism. Further east one would find the Orthodox churches of Russia, Ukraine and Asia. I began to thus appreciate how this small town marks an important boundary between East and West.
From the cathedral I made my way around the Hlvana checking out the principle buildings in town. I grabbed a modest lunch at one of the outdoor cafes and browsed through the windows of the main shops in town. At the opposite end of the Hlvana I visited the State Theatre. This massive 19th century structure rivals any of the large theatres that I have seen elsewhere in Europe and the United States. The large domed tower and ornamented façade are one of the most beautiful buildings in town. As the day wore on and I made my way back to my hostel I was struck by a military memorial. Several white plaques written in Russian marked the names of brave men who gave their lives in defense of the country. The most harrowing symbol, however, was the Hammer and Sickle that still adorned this memorial.
That night I enjoyed dinner at one of Kosice's most inviting restaurants. Bakhus is Lonely Planet's first recommendation for dining in Kosice. The restaurant and beer garden is tucked away from the Hlvana with lots of tables and umbrellas in a courtyard. At dusk the restaurant was filled to capacity of people eating, drinking and having a good time. I sat down to a dinner of beef stronganoff served by friendly, English speaking staff. The food was superb and reasonably priced. I wanted to go hiking the next day so after dinner I made my way home for a good night's sleep.
The next day I packed my day bag with a picnic lunch and Swiss army knife for my journey into the hills. Unfortunately, getting out of town was harder than I thought. I would set out for the hill side, which I could clearly see on the horizon, but would wind up lost in a maze of side streets on the outskirts of town. The suburbs of Kosice were a grim sight of factories and long rows of boring, grim and utilitarian communist housing blocks. By this point of my trip I was used to communist architecture, which really is a blight across Eastern Europe.
Eventually I decided to follow the main highway out of town, which crossed a river and eventually rose into the hills. Once around a high bend, the city was out of sight and I beheld a magnificent countryside of rolling hills, farmland and forests stretching in all directions. I followed the highway to the beginning of the forests where I planned to explore and have lunch. The fields were brimming with wild flowers, reeds and buzzing insects. I came upon a dirt path that led away from the highway, which I followed into the forested hill side. I wandered into a dense forest along a beaten path that went on for a few miles. I did not want to wander too far, as I did not know where I was going. I came upon a cut into the forest where power lines passed through. There was an abundance of cut wood so I set up a small campsite and built a fire.
After lunch I decided to head back into town. As I made my way back through the forest I came upon a group of Slovakian boys and girls. They were all about eight years old and evinced a curiosity in me and clearly they wondered what I was doing in the forest where they regularly played games. None of them spoke English but apparently one of them had spent some time in France and spoke French so I was able to communicate through him. They talked with me as I made my way back into town. They asked many questions about America. Some of the boys were very interested to discover my interest in hockey and were impressed as I named several Slovak players on various NHL teams. They were a very nice and well behaved group of kids and when we got into town I bought them all ice cream at a café before saying my goodbyes.
I spent the rest of my time browsing around Kosice looking for decent shopping. I found the pickings to be pretty slim. Any contemporary clothing stores offered clothes far behind current fashions. I did find some thrift stores, however. I bought for about $5 a tweed sports coat that fits perfectly and that I still have today. There wasn't much else to do in Kosice after two days exploring so I made arrangements for my trip to Bratislava and read until it was time to catch the train out of there. Still, Kosice stands out in my mind as a unique stop along my journey. There is very little tourist presences in Kosice and it is very beautiful and rural. I feel that in those three days I got to see a side of Europe that most people never see.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Samal Island, Philippines
Samal Island is a distant away from the shores of Davao, being known for its white sand beaches and several resorts that cater tourists and locals. Its virgin islands were well protected from commercialization to preserve the ecotourism.
For almost quite a while, Samal has been one of the subjects I had made for my ecotourism designs, since the island is a potential for development. Many designs apprehended to be passed in order to enhance the beauty of the island that will invite tourists. The several islands including the vanishing islands is one of the attraction. Tourists are welcome for scuba diving, site seeing and swimming due to the rich underwater wildlife.
Getting to Samal is as easy as getting one ride bus to the next stop as for the locals using bus or jeepney, these modes of transportation carried over to a water vessel and transported to the island. You may also have ferryboats exclusively for Paradise island resort customers. The ferryboats are waiting in interval in the Lanang shores while another exclusive boats are in Sta. Ana Pier. Wind and Wave and several other boats servicing through the island are available for booking in Sta. Ana Pier. You may choose on going to Talikud and Vanishing island.
Samal is very convenient for those who want to unwind and getting in touch with nature. One of the famous resorts you will find here is the Paradise Island. The towering coconut palms and mangrove along the sides keep the air and water clean. They had preserved the beauty of the nature by establishing only few huts and well maintained food courts. Inside you will find a mini zoo where all kinds of birds found in the island are present including turtles, snakes, monkeys and deer. They also cater for stay in customers or tourists in the island, amenities are present like tennis table and playing area for children. The resorts are open all year round. What is beautiful in this place is the serenity being close to nature. The resorts here are prohibited from too much commercialization to prevent pollution and keep the beauty of the nature. Even when swimming at the shores, you still find small fishes leaping over the shores.
The vanishing island where it is appropriate for scuba diving is breathtaking. When going to the middle of the island at high tide, you will only find three huts that were made for those staying in the island. You can walk through the vanishing island at knee high however beware to the depth of some are not the same. Always carry with you a life jacket when swimming is not your forte. The local government keeps the vanishing island to be a mangrove sanctuary, most of the people visiting the island have with them mangroves to be planted. This is to shelter the fishes and secure the coral reefs.
A main attraction around the island is the Pearl Farm, where there is also a sanctuary for pearls. A resort where tourist can stay with different bonus packages. You will experience the fabulous site for sunrise and sunset. The establishments are designed according to the culture of Mindanao where you will find a replica of houses for Maranao and other tribes in Mindanao. The weather in Samal is just amazingly perfect where it is free from typhoon. The crystal clear coastline rich with underwater life.
Caves are found in Talikud Island, hiking is the best activity in White Stone Mountain and go fishing in San Jose Muslim Fishing village. Hagimit falls are just spectacular as going to the beach in Pena Plata.
There is so much outdoor activities you can enjoy for you and your family. No noise from the city, all are calm and simple. People living in the island are hospitable to accommodate tourists. No wonder the island was chosen as dream cities of the future by the Institute for Solidarity in Asia or ISA.
Plans for the Samal Island to be part of the tourist attraction in the Philippines are laid out for the next five to ten years. A world-class eco-tourism that will boost and enhance Samal Island. What is important of developing the area excite the tourism industry without disregarding the natural beauty of the island.
I can really see the potential of Samal Island for so many ways just when the local government will open its doors by providing transportation to the island, getting people to access the tourist areas.
Museo de La Salle Cavite, Philippines
Museo de La Salle was constructed through the help of concerned community who helped Bro. Andrew to conceptualized the whole museum in October 1996. It was through his initiative which was then supported by the local government illustrating the 19th century Ilustrado lifestyle being shown in the museum collection. Museo de La Salle is in Dasmarinas Cavite, a city that is rich of Philippine culture where the influence of Spain greatly affects Philippine architecture. Dasmarinas as the torch of light symbolizing nationalism, history and culture that is why De La Salle University upholds this recognition and opens the door for anyone who wants to experience history through museo.
Inside the halls of Museo de La Salle, a rich collection of antiques depicting how people lived during the Spanish occupation. It showcases the "Bahay na Bato" or the Antillian House or the so called the modern " Bahay Kubo". Pieces of clothing from the different Filipino made fabrics and accessories or jewelries, shoes and other garments both from the donation of individuals. Paintings are everywhere that Filipinos are known for our artistry. Primarily, the museo opened to eduate students and people who are eager to learn the history of the Philippines. The collection are progressing throughout the years as many are encouraged to donate art pieces, historical objects that will contribute to the museo.
The museo is basically a large stone house being passed form one generation to generation and is preserved through the years. It is owned by Illustrados, a high or rich social class. The house divided into rooms such as bedrooms, worship area, living room, kitchen and dining area. Each room has specific theme and illustrating the materials as though you are walking in a house turned into a museum. Unlike other museum where there is a mix collection to almost anything, museo de La Salle is primarily for the collection of 19th to 20th century art pieces. The interior as well as the exterior are both preserved and renovated by top architects, designers and planners so that the museo will magnify the richness of Philippine culture.
Architectural details in the interior designs and furniture whre kept in close attention by Joey that brings the project into larger scale. The designs were inspired from Constantino House in Balagtas, Armedo-Gonzales House in Sullipan, Apalit Pampanga and Panlilio house in Bacoor Pampanga. There was an extensive research done to the details of tiles, color, texture and organization as if it had live undisturbed throughout time.
The areas in the Bahay na Bato are Zaguan which is the ground floor usually the pace as the modern time called garage. The calesa is a horse chariot where it can enter in the ground floor. In the museo, they had showcased Filipino costumes, embroidery and weaving also photographs were displayed in frames. Generally the bahay na bato depicts how the rich people lived, the social class or the elite. The cuartos or the bedroom are also magnanimous with large bed in their intricate carvings and woodworks were one piece is always a masterpiece.
Museo de La Salle also depicted how Filipino are so attached to religion showing signs of religious places like Capilla or Oratorio which is the holy place in the house. There you will find statues of Saints all dressed in golden robs. Sala or the living room is the most accommodating room where narra furnitures were carved with flowers all in minute details. The window is also a work of art made of sea shells.
Museo de La Salle is simply the gift of La Salle to the community of Dasmarinas and for the Philippines. Just an appreciation of how rich we are in our original art, that is something to be proud of. Those generations who have not witnessed what does this history books describe can now concretely see and appreciate all of this by visiting to the " Bahay na Bato".
In Cavite where one of the first civilization was established, many of the remains of the history can still be felt by hand. The culture is still alive along the walls and floors around the Bahay na Bato but they are just used as landmarks and architectural legacy of our forefathers. Museo de La Salle has served its purpose of preserving history and keeping our culture alive for the next generation to see.
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