TOP 8 Sightseeing in Kathmandu, Nepal

Pashupupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Nepal

Kathmandu is an amazing ANCIENT CITY and there is so much to see, so the question is, where do I start right? For people who are on a really tight budget then I recommend the Free Walking Tour Kathmandu. The free tour normally starts at 9-9:30am and last for about 5 hours, click here to visit and make your reservation on Facebook. You get a great guide, but the places that you will see is limited. If you really want to see the best places, read on...

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To be honest, the best way to see Kathmandu is via motorbike! You can either rent a motorbike, or you can do what`I did, and book through the best company in Nepal, Himalayan Trekkers. Also known as Adventure Mission Nepal, they can handle all of your trekking, city tours, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and even tours to Bhutan, Tibet and India.

Here are my Top 8 Places to See in Kathmandu: (Watch video below)

1.  Syambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple

2.  Patan Durbar Square

3.  Bouddhanath Stupa

4.  Garden of Dreams

5.  Kathe Syambhu

6.  Indrachowk

7.  Pashupupatinath Temple

8.  Golden Temple

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For this city tour, I met at the Adventure Mission Nepal office around 10am, and the motorbike tour lasted about 6-7 hours. This city tour can be totally customized depending on your mode of transport and the amount of people in your party. The more the merrier, and cheaper =). Contact Raj at Himalayan Trekkers here, mention me for a great`deal! =)

Top 8 Places to See in Kathmandu

Preparing for my Overlanding Trip

But first.....spend time with my Princess!

It's so funny that I just now heard of the term "overlanding", which is word used to describe off-road camping. I've been doing this for years now, and are you telling me that it's cool now?? =) I thought it was pretty cool before! =)

I was introduced to this concept of "roughing it" when I started to travel a lot on the road to film various obstacle course racing events in North America. I was looking for the most economical way to travel without spending a lot of my hard earned cash on fancy hotels. I was at a race one weekend, and someone asked me where I was staying, and I told him that I'm not sure yet, I haven't booked anything, and he said why book when you have an SUV like what you have here?

I was like, sleep in my truck? Are you crazy!!! 

The funny thing is that I couldn't find any accommodations that was within my budget, and that was near the event site, so I ended up sleeping in my truck that night.

I woke up and said, wow, that wasn't that bad, and I saved some money, now I can eat a steak ha ha!! From that point forward, I ended up getting more creative and learning about really using the resources that I had to save me the most money to take me to the next destination. I bought camping supplies, a cooler, some workout equipment, and I officially became an OVERLANDER! A minimalist now for almost 3 years, this way of travel was just right up my alley, and I loved it.

OVER TWO YEARS LATER

I'm still traveling the roads as a nomad, saving money, and enjoying the outdoors. My overland vehicle (which is a lender vehicle mind you) is not all decked out with a TEMPUI tent on the roof, but I am keeping things simple. I occasionally book rooms at budget hotels, hostels and Airbnb's when I need to get some work done with some fast internet, but you will mostly find me at camp sites.

The fact that I love working out with nature as well, just makes this lifestyle perfect for me. Thanks to my Beachbody on Demand Digital library, my gym comes with me everywhere!!

Living as a Digital Nomadic Beachbody Coach

THE NEXT THREE MONTHS

I will be on the road starting from Florida (tomorrow), and heading to the west coast as far as California, and then up to Canada, and then back to Florida before heading to Asia mid-November. The plan is to visit various state and national parks during the week, and then work on film projects on the weekend. I will also be working my online coaching business because heck, without that, I would not be able to travel all the time =). Besides, being able to help people while I am going through my own life journey is priceless! I still can't believe that I help people get fit for a living by using my smartphone, it's so surreal!

Anyways, my trip begins tomorrow morning after I spend some quality time with my daughter today! She is still in class as I am writing this post =) I will also be stopping by north west Florida to see my parents for a day, but after that, the adventure begins, so excited!! =)

So if you see me on the road, camp site, working out, race event etc., feel free to hop on and hop off with me. Life is not so much about the places that you visit, but the people that you meet along the way.

SOME OVERLANDING MOTIVATIONAL PICS

Photo: Off-Road.com

Photo: Maggie in Africa

Photo: Gear Junkie

Photo: Pinterest

SURFING IN MUNICH - Germany {Video}

Photo Credit: X Games

BAVARIA! Just another place to mark off of my never-ending list of THINGS TO DO before I die!

Top 10 Ways to Work and Travel the World

I was participating in a Free Walking Tour of Munich a few days ago, and I happened to see a guy on a bicycle wearing a wetsuit and carrying a surf board. I was VERY curious, so I asked the young lady who was giving my small group a quick tour, and "Cara" said, "oh, there is this spot a few minutes from here in the English Gardens where a lot of the locals go surfing". Still a little confused, I asked Cara, "is there a beach nearby?" She said, ha ha, no =) There is a canal where apparently the locals have been surfing there for years!

So there is no beach, but there is what is called River Surfing, and of course I just had to check it out, and make a video. Check it out, it's only 2 minutes!

SURFING IN MUNICH

Eisbach River - English Garden in Munich Germany

Free Walking Tour in Munich - Can you find me? 

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How I Travel 7-10 Months Out Of The Year

Live everyday like it's your last!

I've been getting a lot of comments here and there on my social media channels about how I am able to travel long term. To be honest, I thought that I posted a blog on this awhile back, but to do something different, I'm going to jot down "for the curious", some of the things that I do that allow me to do just that.....travel on my own terms.

IT'S NOT THAT COMPLICATED

1.  I DON'T SPEND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON ACCOMMODATIONS - I mean, I see no reason for it if I am going to be out most of the time exploring, and going on film projects that take all day and for some, all weekend. I have friends who are so kind that they allow me to stay at their place for free, but when I am not with friends, I save TONS by booking at rare-find Airbnb's, Free Camp Sites, and Hostels. Yeah, I've been to some dodgy places, but don't forget, I film races in some of the most remote places, so I am just not that picky.

Oh, and trust me, every once in awhile I stay at really nice places, but its definitely a rarity. Think about how much of the planet you can see if you didn't spend $300 per night at a hotel, I can fly to two countries with $300 while you're all cooped up in a hotel room!!! =)

Surround yourself with people who care about your future!

2.  I DON'T DO TOURS - All it takes is for you to get on google and do a little research and find how you can do the very same tour that these companies are charging an arm and a leg for. Some tours are even free! If you want to get the best experience from your travels, try doing it yourself, it's much more meaningful.

There are some places where it isn't possible to see a place without a guide, and there are reasons for that, but what I'm saying is if there is a way that you can plan an adventure on your own, then I highly encourage it. The best plans are the ones that are never planned =) Be an adventurer, it will save you some cash, and educate you at the same time.

3.  I STAY AWAY FROM EXPENSIVE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION - Like taxis! I walk, run, or bike everywhere. If I'm too lazy, I use public transportation like buses and trains. Uber is probably the most that I would pay for transportation, and then a car rental from Turo.

Also, if you are using public transportation like trains, I recommend trying to book online, it's a lot cheaper than the ticket machines and tellers most of the time. Again, it's all about making your money last for a long time if you want to travel long term.

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4.  I COOK MY OWN MEALS - if and when possible. Find the nearest market to your hotel, and cook your own food, you can save so much money this way. Eating out is fun especially if you're at a different place, but if you want to travel long term, eating out will drain your pockets really quick and send you back home eating ramen noodles!!!

Spend that extra money for a kitchen in your room, or stay at a hostel or airbnb that offers kitchen use. You will save a bazillion bucks and even meet others who can eventually give you even more tips on long term travel.

5.  IT'S NOT A 3 RING CIRCUS - You don't have to go out every night, you don't have to drink and party all the time. There's a difference between travel and vacation. Travel is more long term, and if you are traveling for months at a time, you have to somehow create some sort of routine, otherwise your money will go bye bye real quick. Make sure that you allow time to relax. Sometimes not doing anything is everything =)

It's all about pacing yourself. If you feel that you have to do something every day, then you'll soon find out that home will be sooner than you think, and who wants to go back to the same old grind?

6.  I FOUND A WAY TO CREATE INCOME ONLINE - So that I can work from anywhere around the world. With technology these days, it's getting easier to find ways to create an online income. I started my online business about 6 years ago, and I continue to work and build it while I travel.

Working an online business remotely is not for everyone, but if you want to travel long term, than I cannot think of another way to do it unless you have a million dollar trust fund.

Always set goals, dream big, and tell those TOXIC PEOPLE to shut the heck up!

Sometimes people work as they travel (hotel work, bartending, working on farms, teaching etc), so that is another option, but I'm sure that you agree that being your own boss and traveling on your own terms sounds more appealing, at least for me it is. There are some online freelance websites out there if you are the creative type. Check out Upwork and maybe even Fiverr. Or better yet, ask me about how you can do what I do.

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So that's about it folks. Travel doesn't have to be expensive. Just a little practice and doing a little research will take you a long way. If I can assist you in any way, please feel free to contact me, I'd love to help out =).

Hammer and Chisel Challenge - Week 5

WHOA! Week 5 of my Hammer and Chisel Challenge is finally over ha ha! Here is how my week went.

Day 1, Week 5
So I had to repeat my 5th week because I literally killed my workouts a lot more than I should've and my gout unfortunately started to flare up. For those of you who know about GOUT, you definitely smell what I'm stepping in right? It hurts! I took advantage of some rest and recovery, and I also did a lot more stretching. Yes, I know, I need more yoga in my life =)

Today I did Total Body Chisel with 10 Minute Ab Chisel. I felt so good that I also did a 4+ mile run. It was a great start of the week!

Day 2, Week 4

Did Hammer Power plus 10 Minute Hammer Abs. So this is all pretty new to me as far as doing abs a few days in a row. I am so used to other programs such as P90X where you work certain muscle groups and allow ample rest in order for your muscles to recover and build. Well, that was classic P90X, I know X3 is a little similar to Hammer and Chisel where some of the workouts are full body workouts back to back, multiple days in a row. All I know is that with Hammer and Chisel, you are constantly killing the leg workouts! So if you are interested in this challenge, keep in mind that your legs are going to be really sore almost every day. But always remember to listen to your body, and take it easy on some days. I feel that the Beachbody Performance Recover drink helps with soreness and gets me ready for the next day. 

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Day 3, Week 4

Chisel Balance was on the menu for tonight! If you've read some of my previous workout posts, balance is something that I am not really good at. It's why I fail a bunch of balance obstacles at some of the obstacle races that I participate in. I constantly am working on this skill, and have gotten much better. It has a lot to do with having a strong core, which is another something that I am working on building back up. 

I worked out in hiking pants tonight, so although it looks like it would be hot to workout in, it wasn't that bad, plus it was a little chilly outside, so it kinda made the house cooler than usual. Oh btw, I leave for Central America tomorrow, so I'll be extending my workout once I set foot in Nicaragua. 

Day 4, Week 5

Oh it's REST DAY today, and I'll be leaving for Nicaragua this evening, so what else is there to do but drink my Shakeology! Oh, and you better believe that I am taking some of my superfoods nutrition with me when I leave the country for almost 2 weeks. I never leave home with it. If you're wondering what I'll be doing in Nicaragua, I'll be filming the Fuego y Agua Survival run, I'll post the video below. 

Day 5, Week 5

I'm in CENTRAL AMERICA!! So when I travel, I don't always have access to a gym or ideal workout surroundings. But the best way to get over these challenges is to just work with what you have. You may not get the same intensity because of the lack of equipment, but it's a lot better than doing nothing. 

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Today's workout was ISO Speed Hammer, and I used everything from a couple adjoining bunk beds to my own Patagonia duffel bag. I even used my laptop case for the exercises that required less weight. Again, I may not achieved the same burn factor that I am normally used to, but it's all about "showing up" and not making excuses. But hey, I do have my bad days too, but that's why I have a personal success partner and an online accountability group to kick my ass when I start feeling lazy. If you don't have a support group like this, message me and you can be a part of mine! =) 

Day 6, Week 5

It was a long day today. I was at San Jorge waiting on a ferry to take me to Ometepe Island (where the Fuego y Agua Survival Run will be). A neighboring boat capsized and the ferry service was delayed for about 6 hours, it royally sucked lol. But I had fun with some of the locals and had the opportunity to just appreciate the scenery. Nicaragua is an amazing place!

Taking my local friend out to lunch and enjoying the 

scenery at San Jorge, Nicaragua

Day 7, Week 5

Today I woke up to an amazing traditional Nicaragua Breakfast. Soon after I rented a scooter to explore Ometepe Island. I did Total Body Hammer for today's workout. I didn't go hard at all and again had limited equipment. I used my Patagonia pack for most exercises that required dumbbells, and I did lat push ups to replace the pull ups, and again my laptop bag for the del flys. =) #WhateverItTakes

Btw, did I mention how beautiful Ometepe Island is? I have to really thank my Beachbody Business for allowing me the freedom to travel and live my passion. Working out in another part of the world and seeing so many amazing places is something that I never thought I would be able to do. 

Another week done, and I'm a "happy camper" =) 

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Here's the video that I filmed and edited. It was probably the TOUGHEST race I ever had to film. Hiking up Volcan Concepcion was a workout in itself, but the views made it all worth while. Enjoy the video, and I'll see you somewhere around the world! 

Watch Video - Fuego y Agua Survival Run Nicaragua 2016

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Fuego y Agua Survival Run - Nicaragua 2016

Volcano Hike up Concepcion - Ometepe Island, Nicaragua

I had the opportunity to film one of the TOUGHEST races on the planet, this race is called the Fuego Y Agua Survival Run which was remotely located in Ometepe Island in Nicaragua. It was probably the most challenging race that I've ever filmed with my OCRTUBE media project, but also one of the most beautiful places that I've ever been to. I have been working out with my Hammer and Chisel Challenge and felt that it really helped me with the long and technical volcano hikes carrying roughly about 30 lbs of equipment in my Patagonia backpack. It was definitely a great experience, and I'm sure that I will be back next year.

Killing my Hammer and Chisel Workout at my Guesthouse - Managua, Nicaragua

Hammer and Chisel - ISO Speed Hammer Workout

Feel free to check out the video that I created below, and I hope that some of you may get inspired to give it a shot next year. It will be a tough one, but you will learn more about yourself than ever before, and gain life-long memories with many friendships to be made.

Fuego Y Agua Survival Run - Nicaragua 2016

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KAYAKING Caladesi Island State Park

I had an absolute blast kayaking and spending time with my daughter and her boyfriend at Caladesi Island. This place is pretty amazing because you can rent a kayak all day and go ISLAND HOPPING and explore miles of mangrove trails. And as far as I know, you can actually go beach camping on these small remote islands.

First of all, Caladesi Island State Park is a Florida State Park located in Caladesi Island in the Gulf of Mexico across St. Joseph Sound to the west of Dunedin, Fl which is just north of Clearwater, Florida.

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The only way that you can access the island is either by ferry, private boat, or non-motorized vehicles such as kayak, catamaran, paddle boards etc. The ferry departs from Honeymoon Island. We actually rented kayaks from this place called Sail Honeymoon which is just off of the Dunedin Causeway. You can check out the kayak rental rates here.

Sail Honeymoon provides Sailboat rentals, kayaks, and paddle boards. Included with your rental is a life jacket as well as a medium sized dry bag. The staff is very courteous and knowledgeable about the area, they have been around for years. From the rental facility, it takes about 15 minutes to kayak to the edge of the main island. The mangrove trails are located around the Caladesi Island State Park Boat Dock area, just ask the park staff and they can assist you.

We had an absolute blast and just did a little island hopping. Ocean Kayaking is definitely a lot more work than river kayaking (not river rapids lol) in the normal Florida Springs, so be prepared for a pretty good upper body workout. Thank goodness for P90X ha ha =)

Here is a small check list to bring for a nice day of kayaking:

- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito Spray (deep woods) if you plan to hit the mangrove trails
- Small cooler with snacks, water
- water camera (dry bag provided for all of your dry goods, phone, wallet etc)
- Flip flops
- Water shoes if you plan on island hopping, the terrain is a little rocky around the remote islands
- GoPro highly recommended =)
- Cash ($2 for park entrance fee)
- Beach towel
- Extra clothes to change in afterwards

There are bathroom facilities in the main area of Caladesi State Park as well as at Sail Honeymoon rentals.

Pai White Water Rafting and Hill Tribe Trekking - Thailand

Here is a quick video of our FUN day of kayaking. If you have any other questions, feel free to message me here =)

Kayaking Caladesi Island

Check out more of my adventures here!

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Backpacking Southeast Asia - Video Montage

I had one of the most amazing times in Southeast Asia! I don't want to go into the details, but I did create a montage video =) I spent almost 4 months in Southeast Asia, visited 5 countries, and put it all on one 12 minute video which is posted below! Enjoy it, and hope to see you on the beaches of the world!

Countries visited: Philippines, Thailand, Mynamar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia

Backpacking Southeast Asia - 2014

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Mountain Biking in Guatemala - OX Expeditions

 Mountain Biking Guatemala - Watch Video below!

I finally got around to creating a quick video on this Pilar Push Mountain Bike Tour that I did back in Antigua, Guatemala earlier this year (March 2014). There were many outdoor adventure outfitter companies in Antigua, but an Aussie girlfriend of mind that I met in Nicaragua told me about OX Expeditions, so I had to check them out.

OX Expeditions offers adventure tours from mountain biking, volcano treks, surfing, rock climbing, and zip line. They also have a place called Base Camp for adventure seekers to crash in between expeditions. I met Victor, the guy who runs the show at OX, and he's a really cool guy, and quite the outdoor enthusiast. If you are an adventure traveler, and you are in Antigua, Guatemala, then this is the place to stay and explore the highlands.

 Cerro De La Cruz overlooking Antigua, Guatemala

During my Pilar Push Mountain Bike Tour, I actually got injured going downhill. It happened about half way through the 3-4 hour bike trip, so I mostly filmed and grabbed footage of my tour guide Mehedhi, and Robin from Amsterdam who also joined me on the tour. The Pilar Push is an advanced tour and is definitely not recommend for the beginner. Mehedhi, who I just heard is no longer with the company, he was an awesome tour guide with a lot of experience and information about the highlands and Guatemala itself. He made the trip very educational and extremely fun!

I plan to go back to Antigua in the beginning of 2015 as I plan to backpack the Yucatan, and will begin my journey from Guatemala. So you know where I'll be - OX Expeditions and Base Camp! =)

Visit OX Expeditions - Click here!
Visit Base Camp - Click here!

Here is a quick "sneak peek" of the Pilar Push Mountain Bike Tour from OX Expeditions. If you go to the highlands, say "HOLA" to Victor for me!

Pilar Push - Mountain Biking Guatemala - WATCH VIDEO

As always, stay active my friends! If you need some travel and fitness inspiration, feel free to add me on facebook, and let's meet up!

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Pai White Water Rafting and Hill Tribe Village Trekking - Thailand

Pai White Water Rafting - Pai Adventure

White Water Rafting has always been something that I have always wanted to do, and I finally got the opportunity when I was backpacking through Pai, Thailand. I arrived in Southeast Asia in September and have been traveling all throughout SE Asia. I happened to meet a friend of mine in Chiang Mai before going to Myanmar to check out the 11th century pagodas, and she asked if I wanted to go to Pai with her when I arrived back from Myanmar (Burma). I took her up on the offer because I have heard nothing but good things about Pai, and plus I started to get "Templed Out", which is easy to do when you're in Asia =).

--> Watch our White Water Rafting and Hill Tribe Village Trek VIDEO below! <--

As soon as we arrived to Pai, I immediately started searching for things to do. Just a quick walk down from our guest house, we ran into this place called Pai Adventure. They specialized in adventure tours from kayaking, rafting, trekking, rock climbing, and they also rent bicycles and motor bikes. Upon walking in, I was greeted right away. The staff was very informative and helpful. We decided on a one-day white water rafting tour through the Pai River which included: round trip transportation, rafting tour and equipment, water, lunch, hot springs, and even some cliff jumping.

The company is run by a Chinese guy who talks really loud, I think he might have been in the military or something, but he assured us that he was not yelling at us, it's just how he talks =). He was very involved with the business (which impressed me), from driving us to the starting point, to giving us a briefing and safety course before getting into the water.

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This was my very first time, so I was not really sure what to bring, but I was surprised that I was pretty prepared, a lot more than the other newbies =). Well I'll be honest, I've kayaked many times in the past, so I kinda knew the drill. If it is your first time white water rafting, here is a list of some things that you might want to bring on a one-day rafting trip:

- Flip Flops or Water Shoes
- Swim Suit + Change of Clothes
- Suncreen
- Mosquito Repellant 
- Water Proof Cameras (Gopros Highly Recommended
- Towel
- Toilet Paper for #2 =) 

----> Trekking: The Best Gear, Equipment and National Parks in 2020 <----

The only thing that you need on the raft is what you're wearing, mosquito repellant, and maybe your water proof cameras. Everything else can be kept in your bag which is safely stored in one of their company vehicles. If you do bring a camera, toilet paper, and some sunscreen etc. the rafting guide can store it in his water bag to keep it from getting wet, and thrown overboard.

The rafting trip was just what I expected. It was fun and exciting, but at the same time, very peaceful. The rapids went up to Class 3, which was perfect for me because I am no professional. I fell off the raft once, but it was actually pretty fun! Depending on the time of year that you go, the level of the water can change which can bring in more extreme rapids up to Class 5, but I think that those rapids may be at a different part of the river, and is for 2-3 day rafting trips. Definitely not for the novice.

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After a whole day of rafting, we made a last minute decision to do some Hill Tribe Village Trekking the next day. So we ended up sleeping overnight at a Hill Tribe Village home, which happened to be the home of one of our tour guides. There were only 600 people living in this village. His family cooked dinner and breakfast for us, it was an amazing experience. We stayed up all night listening to tribal stories and even sipping on some village moonshine (just one for me).

Breakfast before our Hill Tribe Trek

The next day we did a 5-6 hour hill tribe trek through some of the most remote villages in and around Pai. Seeing how the villagers lived off the land was an eye opening experience. Sometimes we think that we have a tough life, and then you see how hard these villagers work for the very little amount of money that they make, it's a very humbling experience.

Get Paid Crypto While Traveling the World

Overall, my time in Pai was nothing short but amazing. I only wish that I spent more time there. Who knows, I'll probably be back =)

Here is a little 3 minute video of our little Pai Adventure, enjoy and I hope you too can experience this wonderful place!

Pai White Water Rafting and Hill Tribe Village Trekking - Thailand

WATCH VIDEO!

Stay active my friends!  

Bridal Veil Falls - Baguio City, Philippines

Bridal Veil Falls - Baguio City, Philippines

Nope, this is not Colorado! Apparently there are waterfalls all over the world who use the name "Bridal Veil Falls", and I'm sure that they are all amazing. But this is in Baguio City, yes....in the Philippines. Located just outside of the city through a number of mountainous switchbacks, it took a good 45 minutes to finally reach the waterfalls. We took a taxi from the city centre, which is probably the most expensive way to do it, but our driver was awesome and stopped at different spots along the way to take photos.

The best way is to find a UV Express Van to take you. They can be found around the bus terminal areas and their own passenger terminals, just ask anyone at the bus terminal and they will lead you in the right direction. Most UV Express Vans are air conditioned and can seat up to 14 people. The more people that you have going to a specific destination, the cheaper it is for you. This may change depending on where you are at, just ask the operator.

 Bridal Veil Falls - Baguio City, Philippines

The taxi driver charged us 670 pesos which is about $14-15 US, which to me was well worth it to have your own driver. It was me and my cousin, so if you were to split it in half, that's like $7.50 US, not bad. Oh, and that's round trip! =).

Kennon Rd View Point - Baguio City, Philippines

As far as other things to see in Baguio City, I would highly recommend doing the 2 day Trek to Mt Pulog which is the 2nd highest mountain in the Philippines. We were not able to do it because they do not provide any guided tours during the rainy season, and unfortunately we were in Baguio City during that time =(. We did watch a movie at the SM Baguio, and I was able to hit the gym at Fitness Edge (located inside the SM Mall) which is always a requirement when I travel. Who ever made the excuse about not working out while traveling, or on vacation should do 1,000 burpees like now! =)

Stay active my friends! 

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Hiking the Banaue Rice Terraces

 View Point - Banaue Rice Terraces, Philippines

We arrived at this small remote village in the Philippines called Banaue. And when I say "we", I mean my cousin that I just met for the very first time ever. Just so you know, this trip to the Philippines is my first time as an adult, and it's been many years since I've had communication with my family here. Oh one more thing, I'm also a filipino ha ha, just in case you didn't know =). I've been taking my cousin backpacking all throughout the Philippines because although he is from Manila, he hasn't seen a lot of his homeland, so I am happy to experience it with him.

  

-----> I WILL POST A VIDEO SOON - STAY POSTED! =) <-----

So after a 10 hour long bus ride from Manila to Banaue, we took a Tri-Motor Bike to Banaue Homestay, which was our base camp for the next few days. Our main focus was to see the Banaue Rice Terraces. The Philippines only has one "Wonder of the World" and it's the Rice Terraces of Banaue. With over 2,000 years of history, I was totally excited to put on my Inov8 212's to start trekking these ancient rice lands! Mind you that I barely had a chance to sleep on the bus to Banaue because it felt like an ice box, it was so darn cold! But that's another blog post =).

Ohayami Trans Bus - Overnight from Manila to Banaue

 (It took about 10 hours from Manila to Banaue overnight)

Taking the Tri-Motor Bike to Banaue Homestay

As soon as we arrived at Banaue Homestay, my cousin and I were immediately greeted by Beatriz who was like the manager/rock star host, I mean this lady was on top of things! Anything we needed, and anything we asked, she accommodated us 110%, and you just don't see a lot of that these days. I mean she literally provided us with "white glove service", I could not say enough good things about her and my experience at Banaue Homestay, you just have to go there and experience it!

Banaue Homestay

See my name on the very far left =)

My cousin and I with Banaue Hosts

(Beatriz is the lady on the right)

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Upon checking in, we met some backpackers and they were about to head out on this 7 hour, 10+ mile trek through the rice terraces, and they kindly invited us to join them... at that point, even though we didn't have a lot of sleep, without hesitation, I said heck yes! And within an hour of just checking in, we jumped on top of this "old beat up" SUV and we were off to explore the 2,000 year old rice terraces which included hidden villages, as well as a good handful of majestic waterfalls.

There were a plenty of treks from 3 hours to 14 hours depending on which trail you started with, and what time you began. On day one, we treked for 7 hours (10+ miles) starting from somewhere around the Pula area, and ended up at the village of Batad. The second day was was an easier 4 hour trek which my cousin and I shaved about an hour off, we were flying through the terraces.

During both treks we stopped at various spots to take breaks and took many photos. There were a lot of steep stairs which would probably be difficult for people who have bad knees. What I really enjoyed was going through the remote villages and seeing the cute little kids. About midway through the trip, we also stopped by Cambulo and had a chance to take a dip in the Cambulo River and eat lunch in the village.

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Towards the end of our trek, it started to become pretty dark so we did not have a chance to check out the Tapiya Falls, but we'll hit it next time =). In my opinion, I highly recommend doing the longer treks with a guide because one can get easily lost going through the villages and rice terrace, it's like one gigantic maze!

From breath-taking mountain views, to countless waterfalls, to visiting untarnished villages along the way, this was definitely a trek that I will never forget and plan to come back to. Before leaving the Banaue Rice Terraces, I was able to do my 30 Burpees to add to my 100 Wonders of the World Burpee Challenge. This would be my 8th Wonder of the World, so I just have 92 more to go =)

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Anyways, thanks for visiting my blog. My goal is to live life to the fullest, and help people along the way find their true potential. The world is a big place, and it awaits you. Find something that you are truly passionate about, make a good living by helping people around you, and live your life now.

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