I love to travel. Who doesn’t? Whether it’s domestic, international, or even just local, exploring and discovering new places and things is an experience that definitely enriches one’s life. I have been blessed to have been given the chance to travel and sometimes, even to wander to different countries and cities all over the world; and in the process; have amassed a collection of photos, anecdotes and tips that I thought of sharing with others one day.
And after much deliberation, I think that day has come. This month I am launching my new travel column in US Asian Post, the sister publication of Weekend Balita. The column, which started three weeks ago, is called “SO Goes.” Please make sure to get your free copy each week; or check us out online at www.usasianpost.com.
Here’s an excerpt from my first column, first of a 3-part series on traveling and choosing your life partner:
You should never marry until you’ve traveled together. Traveling will give you an idea on how your partner reacts to frustrations, when things don’t go as planned; or how independent or dependent s/he is; and even her/his habits. It will also help gauge your compatibility based on what you value and prioritize; your preferences about what to see and do; down to the temperature in your room.
You basically discover a lot in a few days. I know my husband and I both did. These days when we ask ourselves how we knew we could marry each other, we both go back to the clues we gathered from our first trip together. Lester and I had known each other for about three months and had been officially together for only a month when we planned our first trip. Some of our friends warned us that it might actually be too early in the relationship. But he wanted to take me to meet his family in Stratford-upon-Avon where he grew up. And since I had also never been to London, we planned a two-week vacation in England.
I include tips on how to look for signs that will tell you the one you’re traveling with is the one; as well as recommendations on places to stay, visit, see, watch, eat.
Here is a summary, from the 3-part series:
To Stay: The Pelham Hotel – 15 Cromwell Place, South Kensington, London SW7 2LA, UK; Newton Farmhouse – a charming bed and breakfast run by Lizzie Guild and her husband, David. There are different farm animals you can interact with, relaxing things to do in the area. The breakfast was delish! (Southampton Road (A36), Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 2QL)
To Visit: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern Museum, Stonehenge
To Watch: Broadway shows – www.boxoffice.co.uk
“Was Stonehenge predominantly a temple, a parliament or a graveyard? Was it a healing ground? We don’t know, for sure… We also understand…that people traveled hundreds of miles to visit Stonehenge” writes Ed Caesar of Smithsonian Magazine. So should you.
To Eat: Cafe Boheme – 17 Old Compton Street, London W1D; Alain Ducasse – 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA; Sophie’s Steakhouse – 29-31 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7DB; Gaucho – 25 Swallow Street London W1B4QR; The Wolsley (for high tea) – 160 Piccadilly, London W1J9EB; Bistro Fifteen at the Pelham; and Michelin-3-starred Waterside Inn which deserves a separate column, on its own. It’s pricey, but definitely well worth it.
To See: Tower of London, Hyde Park, Harrod’s, St, James’ Park, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, Southbank, Millennium Bridge
To Shop: Notting Hill Portobello Market – The weekday fruits and veggies market expands on Saturdays to include antiques, vintage items and other curiosities. Hence, go on a Saturday; Tate Modern Gift Shop – offers lots of unique souvenirs and gift items; so does the Stonehenge Gift Shop; Not included in the article, but also a place we visited was Bicester Village Outlet Mall – lots of good deals on European brands – Alexander McQueen, Dior, Valentino, Loew, more. I let loose in Missoni.
Jannelle So is credited for creating, hosting and producing America’s first and only locally-produced daily talk show for Filipinos, that ran for 8 ½ years under her leadership, making it the longest-running Filipino talk show outside of the Philippines. On her spare time, she loves to travel. This new column will document her sojourns as she shares what she learns an discovers on her trips. Connect to her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; or email her at sojannelle77@gmail.com.