I just found this video on YouTube. APL one of the members of the famous American pop rock bands, The Black Eyed Peas, sang a song about the Philippines. Staying in the Philippines for over a year now makes me want to discover all those other islands and mountain I have yet to see. I think Philippines has so much more to offer like its neighboring Asian countries. *oink**oink* Please check it out and tell me what you think? Are you ready to go to the Philippines and discover its 7,107 islands. *oink* I sure am!!! *oinktastic!*

Why The Black Eyed Peas Love the Philippines is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

Reunification Palace: The Sexiest Building in Southeast Asia is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

It is no different when I visited Vietnam. In my readings, the majority of Vietnamese people classify themselves as non-religious, although they visit religious temples several times every year. Their everyday behaviours and attitudes are dictated by the synthesis of philosophies which can be traced from many religions, especially Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Those religions have been co-existing in the country for centuries and mixed perfectly with the Vietnamese tradition of worshiping their ancestors and national heroes. *oink**oink*

Because of that special mix explains why the people there find it hard to say exactly which religion they belong to. I have always been intrigued why people worship. I guess it is somehow deep inside us we know that there is something greater out there that made us. *oink* *oink*

Here is are some pictures of the Temples I visited when I was in Vietnam.

Saigon: The Special Mix of Religions is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

Following the French conquest of Cochinchina and Saigon, the Roman Catholic Church decided to establish a community and religious services for the French colonialists. The first church was built on today’s Ngo Duc Ke Street. In that street, there use to be a Vietnamese pagoda which had been abandoned during the war. However, Bishop Lefevre decided to make this abandoned pagoda into a church.

The first church was too small. Thus, in 1863, Admiral Bonard decided to build a wooden church on the bank of Charner canal. Lefevre put the first stone for construction of the church on 28 March 1863. The construction was completed two years later and was called “Saigon Church”. When the wooden church was damaged by termites, all church services were held in the guest-chamber of the French Governor’s Palace. This palace would later be turned into a seminary until the Notre-Dame Cathedral was completed.

In August 1876, the Governor of Cochinchina M. Duperré, held a design contest for a new cathedral. Apart from creating a religious building for the Catholics, the cathedral was also aimed at displaying Christianity and the greatness of French civilization. *Oinksome!!!*

The Saigon Post Office

Saigon Central Post Office is a post office in the downtown Ho Chi Minh City, near Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, the city’s main church. The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the early 20th century. It has a Gothic architectural style. It was designed and constructed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel in harmony with the surrounding area. Today, the building is a tourist attraction. *oink* *oink* I had a pleasure of meeting 3 lovely Filipinas, Ms. Phet, Ms. Tin and Ms. Rose,  inside the Cathedral, you can them on the pictures below. *oinktastic!*

Saigon: The Notre Dame Basilica and Post Office is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

At the alleyway near the hostel, they served wonderful noodle dishes called Pho. Gino and I had our first Vietnamese noodle breakfast. Here is a picture of the noodles. The noodles were really really good. *oinkaliscious*

After breakfast, we headed to the famous Ben Tham Market. It is a huge market where they sell all sorts of good stuff from shirts, to fake sunglasses, to coconut candies, to shoes, to silk scarves, and lots of food.

The Amazing Pho is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

Ben Thanh Market (from Vietnamese Ben meaning “wharf”, and Quy Thanh meaning “turtle citadel”) is a big marketplace in the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in District 1. The market is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and today is considered one of symbols of Ho Chi Minh City, popular with tourists seeking local handicrafts, textiles, áo dài, and souvenirs, as well as local cuisine. *oink**oink*

Saigon: The Ben Thanh Market is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

Before, I flew to Vietnam, I wanted to know more about it. From my reading, Ho Chi Minh City ( Vietnamese: Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh pronunciation ) is the largest city in Vietnam and is located near the Mekong Delta. In the 17th century, Saigon used to be the port of Cambodia (Prey Nokor in Khmer)  before it was annexed by the Vietnamese. The French conquered Saigon, as it was then known, in 1859, and made it the capital of Cochin China in 1862. They extended and embellished the city with broad boulevards and elegant architecture. At the peak of the Vietnam War in 1969 the city had 4.5 million inhabitants. They were all evacuated when Saigon and the rest of the South fell to North Vietnam in 1975. *oink**oink*

The city has recovered in the 30 years since then; the current population is over 7 million. It was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, after the spiritual leader of Vietnamese Communism. The Vietnamese government may be Communist, but it understands well the importance of the tourism industry to the economy, and has promoted the country vigorously. *oink* *oink*

You might be asking why I called it the City of Motorbikes? It is because I have never seen so many motorbikes in my life. When I asked one local guy about the motorbikes, he said that, “If you want to have a girlfriend in Vietnam, the first thing you need to do is buy a motorbike. No motorbike. No girlfriend.” The number of motorbikes I saw was probably by the hundreds of thousands along the streets of Saigon. For a little pig like me, crossing the streets was unbelievably scary! *oink**oink*

After I arrived in the Saigon Airport, I took a taxi to Phan Ngu Lao or District 1 where all the backpacker hostels are located. The trip was enjoyable because I saw many colorful lit buildings and churches and streets. I was simply amazed with all the lights. *oink**oink*. Tomorrow, I will tell you where I stayed and the amazing family who took in me in for the night.

This is it for now. I will tell more stories of Vietnam in the coming days. *OINKTASTIC!!!*

Saigon: The City Of Motorbikes is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

Suva is the commercial and political centre of Fiji, though not necessarily the cultural centre, and the largest urban area in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand. It is Fiji’s main port city.

Although Suva is on a peninsula, and almost surrounded by sea, the nearest beach is 40 kilometres (25 mi) away at Pacific Harbour, and the nearby coast is lined by mangroves. A significant part of the city centre, including the old Parliament Buildings, is built on reclaimed mangrove swamp.

Suva is noted for its considerable rainfall, it has a markedly higher rainfall than Nadi and the western side of Viti Levu, which is known to Suva citizens as “the burning west”. The First Governor of Fiji, Sir Aurthur Gordon, allegedly remarked that it rained in Suva like he had seen no where else before and that there was hardly a day without rain.

A well-known landmark is the Suva City Library or the Carnegie Library, built in 1909 as well as many other colonial buildings.

The Government buildings complex sits on what was once the flowing waters of a creek. This was drained in 1935 and over five kilometres of reinforced concrete pilings were driven into the creek bed to support the massive buildings to be erected. After the foundation stone was laid in 1937, the building was completed in 1939; a new wing was completed in 1967. Parliament, however, was moved to a new complex on Ratu Sukuna Road in 1992.

Government House was formerly the residence of Fiji’s colonial Governors and, following independence in 1970, Governors-General. It is now the official residence of Fiji’s President. Originally erected in 1882, it had to be rebuilt in 1928, following its destruction by lightning in 1921.

Suva also has many shopping and retail areas, notably Cumming street, which has since colonial times, been a vibrant and colourful shopping area. Features of these street include the original colonial buildings and narrow roads. More modern shopping malls, such as the Suva Central Shopping Mall, Mid-City Mall as well as the MHCC are all part of the developments to give the city a modern and sophisticated look. At the beginning of December 2009 the skyline of downtown Suva City has changed forever after the opening of TappooCity valued at $257,350.00 USD equality $50,000,000 FJD a joint venture 6 storey low rise building project by FNPF & Tappoo Group of Companies as Fiji’s n South Pacific’s largest department mall at present outside Australia & New Zealand.

Places To Eat

The Indian influence from the significant population in Suva is evident in the food. The Indian food is town is authentic, tasty, and good value.

Singh’s Curry House, Corner of Gordon Street & Victoria Parade, Suva. Sells cheap and delicious authentic Fijian curry. Eat in or takeaway. edit

For something upscale, try a restaurant inside one of the fancier Suva hotels, such as the Tanoa Plaza, the Southern Cross, or the Holiday Inn. For a quick economical meal in pleasant surroundings, go to the food court upstairs at the Harbour Centre and choose from a great variety of local and Chinese dishes (and you get to look before you buy) and sit and enjoy the view, or get a sack of fish and chips and sit by the waterfront or at the botanical garden.

Suva does have several western fast-food outlets available including McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Fr, Queen Elizabeth Drive (Just down from Suva Grammar School). The best fish & chips in town. The location also features a bar and a coffee shop. $8-10 FJD. edit

Scott’s, Southern Cross Hotel. High-end European cuisine. The best steaks in town.

Fiji Capital: Suva is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

Long before the arrival of missionaries and European settlers, when tribal warefare and cannibalism reigned, the worship of traditional gods and spirits were the norm. Amongst the numerous Fijian tribes, two gods Dakuwaqa and Degei were primarily revered. Dakuwaqa often appeared as a big shark while oral traditions portray Degei, as a humongous seven-headed snake. The two were renowned for their prowess and fearsome battles with other demigods and peoples, their many tales still igniting Fijian interest to this day.

A story of particular interest is the tale of Degei and the “box of blessings”.

Mana’s Box of Blessings

Many years ago a sea God called Degei sailed to the Fiji islands from parts unknown. Among the crew onboard the magnificent canoe were two trusted warriors named Cavunatoakula and Ratu Saruta whose duty was to guard a highly treasured box of blessings known as Kato ni Cakamana.

While traveling through the Yasawa group of islands the vessel was struck by a violent storm terrifying everyone on board. Still, the entire crew dared not look upon Degei’s face for leadership knowing that sure death awaited those that did, causing them to fall into a state of panic. To lighten the canoe everything was thrown overboard including the Kato ni Cakamana.

Retrieving the box

The canoe eventually weathered the storm and found anchor on an island close by Mana Island. A day of feasting and merrymaking ensued and everyone was happy until Degei approached the people to enquire as to the whereabouts of the Kato ni Cakamana, the prized box of blessings. Fearing death, the people hid their faces and were all terrified speechless. Cavunatoakula and Ratu Saruta were summoned to search immediately for the Kato ni Cakamana and without a word the two warriors diligently attended to the task. Nearing the lagoon of Mana island, Cavunatoakula spotted what looked like a small reef in the shallow aqua blue waters which scared him momentarily.

Ratu Saruta, being a fierce warrior and a man of good courage pressed on ahead. To the utter surprise of both men, a great diamond-headed sea snake emerged and drew itself towards them. They were equally amazed when the snake spoke, announcing itself as Manamanaedina, the legend God of Mana island. Manamanaedina then declared that he meant no harm and politely informed the warriors that he knew what they were searching for. He also pronounced that whatever was brought within confines of the reef at Mana could never be returned or taken away. The legend God of Mana then requested that the two men help guard and protect the Kato ni Cakamana.

No return from Mana

Realizing there was no hope of ever returning the Kato ni Cakamana, the two warriors feared greatly for the wrath of Degei and so decided to stay and help Manamanaedina protect the box of promises. The two heaped two cairns of stones as two lookout points, which they duly mounted – one facing north and the other south while the great snake lay on the box of blessings. (These cairns remain on Mana to this day and can be found at the garden court of the hotel area and the west of the central activities area respectively).

When Degei heard about what had happened he quickly sent an emissary in the form of a beautiful woman to entice the warriors away. Nearing Mana island the noble woman caught glance of Cavunatoakula and Ratu Saruta but mistook their immobile vigilance as paralysis. Too frightened to go ashore, she returned hastily to Degei to inform the sea God that both warriors had been struck by a mysterious force. Terrified that his people might suffer the same fate Degei ordered all his people to set sail for the main island of Viti Levu. Thus the approval was granted for Kato ni Cakamana to remain forever on Mana island. As a sign that the Kato ni Cakamana is safe, Manamanaedina can from time to time, at the first rising of each moon be seen near this Mamanuca island paradise.

Fiji: The Legend of Mana is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig

Nadi

Nadi is a transit point for other destinations in Fiji. It may not be such a great place to spend any time but you may find yourself here whilst awaiting ferries, boats to outer islands or planes to and from home.

If you do decide to stay in or around Nadi, make sure you are prepared to be approached by people trying to get you into their shop as you walk down the main street. These people aren’t threatening, but you do need to watch your valuables.

How To Get Around

There is a great local bus service at your disposal. Travel with the locals in open-air comfort for a fraction of the price of a hire car. All buses are marked on the front with the names of the two towns they travel between. If unsure, ask the driver.

If you are staying at the Nadi Bay Hotel, simply walk to the end of that road and catch the local bus heading right (towards Nadi Town). The buses run every 20 minutes or so, and are just 50 cents FJD one-way to town.

Taxis have their hometown printed on the front bumper, if they are travelling back home they are not allowed to charge more than the busfare.

You are able to barter with the taxi driver prior to the trip in order to get the price of your trip down before you leave to your destination, ask your hotel or research reasonable prices prior to your ride. The taxis can be flagged down, or found at taxi stands

It is recommended that you do not hire a personal car to take you around, simply for safety reasons.

Rental Cars are available through many known names such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Budget, etc. many can be found in the airport. You muust have a valid drivers license and be above the age of 25 (or 21 depending on the company) in order to rent a car. The average price is around F$100 per day.

What To See

Visit the Hindu Temple at the southern end of the main street of Nadi. It is the largest in the Pacific and is very colourful.

Visit the Wailoaloa Beach, at a 1/2 mile long the beach located in the northern area of Nadi. There are multiple beach clubs and resorts located on this stretch.

The Newtown Beach has public access as well, it is located about 10 minutes away from Nadi town by bus.

Visit the Nadi Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Originally started to make a place for the private collection of tropical orchids of Canadian actor Raymond Burr, this garden now houses many beautiful plants and trails for walking. It is open Monday-Saturday, entrance fee is F$10.

Things To Do

Hop on a local bus (FJD$2) to Lautoka and visit a real Fijian city away from the tourist eye. The bus terminates at the local markets, where you can buy tonnes of fresh produce.

From Thursday to Sunday, drop in to the Capricorn Hotel between Nadi airport and Nadi town at around 8pm. You can sit under the bungalow and listen to a wonderful group of Fijians playing traditional and modern songs on guitar, ukulele and keyboard. You may even be invited to try some of their kava drink (an experience in itself)! The Hotel also serves meals and there is a bar.

Hop on a ferry at Denarau Port and visit the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands right off the coast.

Visit the Nadi Town market, there are hand crafts, fruits, other produce, music, and much more!

Fiji: Nadi is a post from: The Adventures of Spider Pig