For this summer, though, we have been busy preparing for a bus trip from Toronto to Cape Cod and Boston – in coordination with another travel agency colleague, Travelmart.

My wife and I are so excited to be part of this trip – specially her because she wanted to visit in Boston the place where Ninoy Aquino and his family lived during the time that they were exiled from the Philippines during the martial law years.

I don’t know if we will be able to include that in the itinerary but we’ll try to convince our colleague to squeeze it in.

The initial itinerary that was provided starts with our visit to Cape Cod, where we are definite to stay at the town of Hyannis, the hub of Cape Cod. As told to me, we will be staying at International Inns & Suites Hotel located at Main Street – the downtown center of Hyannis. I’ve never been there, but I was told that every important spots, landmarks and entertainment is just walking distance from the hotel. That sounds good.

What I’m overly eager to do once we get to Hyannis is to go whale-watching! I really love to be able to experience to see this animals up close and there’s an opportunity to experience it there. I’m even thinking of going to Nova Scotia this summer for a few days to do the same activity but it seems this trip to Hyannis to see whales came at the right time. It’s also a much cheaper alternative.

The other landmark I’d like to see at Hyannis is the Kennedy Museum – where a multimedia exhibit of former President John F. Kennedy’s days in Cape Cod is on display. According to its website, there are over 80 photos of JFK from 1934 to 1963 which reflects his love of Cape Cod. It is known that JFK spends a lot of his time in Hyannis, relaxing and reconnecting with his Navy buddies in games of football.

There are still a lot to see and do at Hyannis, and I was told that we’re free to do our own itinerary, but I’m not so sure if we have enough time to get to know the whole town before going on our next destination. As long as I’m able to accomplish what I’m interested in, I’m a happy camper.

Next stop is Boston. It is not exactly clear in the itinerary where in Boston we are staying but we will be having a tour of the important parts of the city as what is done in Washington DC. Partially, the places and landmarks that were mentioned were: The State House, Boston Common, Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill, Faneuil Hall, City Hall, Marketplace, Kings Chapel and the Old State House. I’m hoping that a short stop to where Ninoy Aquino lived be included in the itinerary but if not, we’ll just take a cab if it’s close to our hotel.

I’m sure that in the coming days, we will be receiving the exact itinerary of our Boston stop. Meanwhile, according to our itinerary, our final destination is a visit to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge.

We invite those of you from Toronto to join us on our bus trip to Cape Cod and Boston this summer. The cost per person is CAD$298/adult and CAD$198/child CAD$250/child based on quad per room. The costs include first class motorcoach, two nights hotel stay, hotel breakfast, guided tour, tips and taxes. Date of trip: August 3 to 6, 2012. Please call us at (416)803-6316 or (647)477-1317 to reserve your seat and for more information.

An important note: Most of the travelers who join our annual bus trip are Filipinos. If you’re joining please make sure that you are ready to get annoyed by our noisiness and constant Tagalog conversation. You also need a Canadian passport or visa to the US if not yet a Canadian passport holder.

We went around the Museum of Natural History and saw the famous Rexy, the dinosaur skeleton and so is the huge African elephant which were featured in the movie, Night at the Museum. Unfortunately, there is not enough time to visit the other museums and although dissappointed, we still enjoyed the Museum of Natural History.

This is also where we had lunch and our last stop at Washington DC. From there, our bus will pick us up for our next destination – Luray, Virginia.

Remember I mentioned about the really cheap bargains from the bus trip to Washington DC post? It was at a mall in Virginia where the prices are crazily so low I couldn’t believe that they are mall prices! The name of the mall is Manassas Mall and is just a short drive from Washington DC. We were supposed to be there for only half-hour but overstayed for more than an hour because many of us bought more goods at this mall. Manassas Mall is located in Manassas, Virginia.

Imagine an Aeropostale shirt for $5? Victoria Secret perfumes for $2.50? It’s a good thing we were only there for an hour. Otherwise, my wife and daughter could’ve bought stuff that could tax us to the neck by Canada Customs! They bought two backpack-full of goods and they’re still complaining!

After the shopping spree, we drove straight to our next overnight hotel – Days Inn at Luray, Virginia. For over an hour all we experienced are winding roads over farms, a couple of small towns, RV camp sites and seemingly endless forests on the valleys and mountains of Shenandoah.

Visitor bugs

Days Inn billboard

Days Inn billboard

When we got to Days Inn in Luray, Virginia after the short drive, the first thing that we noticed is that the smell is different. The scent of animal manure is distinguishable and although we know that the air is clean, you just don’t get used to it easily. It was early evening and there’s nothing much to do at the area because this is cottage country, so the kids just went for a swim at the outdoor pool until closing.

Road sign	Days Inn Luray	Swimming pool
Parking lot	Inside the room	Beds

Room entrance

Television and microwave

Washroom

Next day, it rained very early in the morning in Luray and probably because of the rain, the smell that we experienced the night before was gone.

After breakfast at the hotel on July 3rd, we all got ready for our visit to Luray Caverns, which is just 20 minutes away from our hotel. We got there very early, that the entrance to the cavern is still closed so, what we did was just went around and took souvenir photos. We also had several group photos taken.

Office table in rooms	Days Inn main office	Free breakfast
Visitor moth	Waiting bus to caverns	Days Inn receiving area

As soon as the gates opened for viewing, our group was the first to enter the cave. Luray Caverns, at first sight is awesome, at least to me. It’s my first time to be inside a cave like this and just looking at the stalactite formation is unbelievable. Learning about how water dripping inside the cave for thousands of years created this natural phenomenon is mind boggling. Imagining how powerful nature is to form gigantic pillars of rock that seem to look sometimes like a kind of giant pole that supports the cave from collapsing really awed me. I felt so small and helpless while observing this wonderful creation of nature.

Group photo	Entrance to caverns	Entrance to cave
Inside Luray Cave	Inside Luray Cave	Inside Luray Cave
Inside Luray Cave	Inside Luray Cave	Inside Luray Cave

I was not listening to our guide because I’ve been busy snapping pictures all the time we’re inside the cave, so I did not learn much other than what was mentioned, so just enjoy the photos included here.

In perspective, this bus trip from Toronto is a mix of learning, relaxation, shopping and sightseeing. I love the Luray Cavern experience but, for me, it is an experience that is only good for one or two or three time visits.

Inside Luray Cave	Inside Luray Cave	Inside Luray Cave
Inside Luray Cave	Inside Luray Cave	Inside Luray Cave
Inside Luray Cave	Inside Luray Cave	Inside Luray Cave

On the other hand, I would not hesitate to go back to Washington DC over and over and over. I think DC has more to offer a person like me who loves history and culture and museums. I was so captivated by the city that I’m planning to go back there and stay for at least 5 days so me and my daughter can enjoy the museums that surround Washington DC. I can’t wait to go back!

If you’re in Toronto and would want to join our yearly bus trips, contact us at our Toronto travel agency to get more information. Please be aware, though, that most of who are in the group are Filipinos. So, if you are not comfortable mingling with people who are of a different culture, please do not even think of joining. You will just feel irritated and will not have fun.

Below is the itinerary of the just concluded bus trip to Washington DC and Luray Caverns. The cost per adult is $298 and children below 12 is $150 (quad sharing).

(More photos of our trip at Facebook – here, here, here, here and here)

Please write your comments below. I would love to know what you think…..

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WASHINGTON DC and LURAY CAVERN VIRGINIA BUS TRIP (June 30 – July 3, 2011)

June 30
- Midnight, Bus pickup in Toronto (Pape Subway Station), drive to St. Catharines

July 1
- 1:30 AM, Leave St. Catharines to Peace Bridge, Fort Erie
*30 minutes Duty Free Stop at Peace Bridge (No Duty Free stop on return)

8 hrs, 34 min – approximate driving time from St. Catharines to Element Hotel in Maryland

July 1
11:30 AM, estimated arrival time at Element Arundell Mills in Hanover, Maryland
*Check in/Free time. Places worth visiting: Arundell Mills Mall or Downtown Baltimore (20 min. away). In Baltimore, the National Aquarium Baltimore is open 9 am-8 pm (pay admission)

45 min – approximate driving time from Element Hotel to Washington DC

July 2
- 7:00 AM, breakfast at hotel and check out (be at the bus by 7:55 am)
- 8:00 AM, leave for Washington DC
- 9:00 AM, estimated arrival time at DC. Start of city tour.
- 1:00 PM, estimated finish of city tour. Lunch and then free time to visit museums.

Tour Highlights:
The White House, Capitol Hill, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Air and Space Museum, Washington National Cathedral, Embassy Row and Basilica of National Shrine of the Immaculate Concepcion.

July 2
- 5:00 PM, leave Washington DC
- 7:00 PM, estimated arrival time in Luray, Virginia

1 hr, 53 min – approximate driving time from Washington DC to Days Inn in Luray, Virginia
*Check in/Free time.

July 3
- 7:00 AM, breakfast and check out (no rush, Luray Cavern’s very close)
- 9:00 AM, Luray Caverns Tour (Entrance fee included)
- 11:00 AM, leave Luray, Virginia for Toronto

8 hrs, 50 min – estimated driving time from Luray, Virginia to St. Catharines

- 8:30 PM estimated arrival at St. Catharines
- 10:00 PM estimated arrival in Toronto

Inclusions: 1st Class motor coach, 2 nights hotel accommodation, breakfasts, Luray Cavern entrance, tour guide fees, tips and taxes.

Please note: All arrival times are estimated only. Anticipate traffic delays specially at the border. We are not responsible for deny entry in the U.S.

Element by Westin in Hanover, Maryland
7522 Teague Road, Hanover MD 21076
Ph: (443) 577-0050
www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3051
($110 per room/night, 4 persons maximum)

Arundel Mills Mall in Hanover, Maryland
7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover MD 21076
Ph: (443) 755-0910
www.arundelmillsmall.com

Manassas Mall in Manassas, Virginia
8300 Sudley Road, Manassas VA 20109-3458
Ph: (703) 331-4997
www.manassasmall.com

Days Inn in Luray, Virginia
138 Whispering Hill Road, Luray VA 22835
Ph: (540) 743-4521
www.daysinn-luray.com
($110 per room/night, 4 persons maximum)

Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia
970 U.S. Hwy. 211 West, Luray VA 22835
Ph: (540) 743-6551
www.luraycaverns.com/PlanyourVisit/TicketInformation/Prices/tabid/612/Default.aspx

Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

For this summer, we visited Washington DC and Luray, Virginia on exactly the same date as when we left last year. And this year also, it seems a lot more people are attracted to join because we are two (2) bus-full when we went.

We scheduled at least two trips for this year – one to the U.S. (which is this one) and one in Canada (same old Montreal-Quebec city-Ottawa trip). Unfortunately, we were not able to gain much interest for the Canada bus trip, so we had to cancel that one.

Going on a bus trip from Toronto to various places in Canada and the United States is a fun and cheap way of discovering neighboring towns, cities and travel destinations within a 12-hour drive. There is a lot to learn and enjoy around our neighboring towns, cities and States if you are a travel bug like us.

I will write more about that topic in future post but for now, let me tell you about our bus trip to Washington and Virginia this summer.

We left very early July 1 on Canada Day (1.30 am) – different from last year’s when we left after the Canada Day fireworks. The drive from Toronto to the Peace Bridge (Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York crossing) was a short 2 hours, so we were lined-up at the border just a few minutes after 3 am. We were held up trying to cross the US side because there are other public buses ahead of us (Greyhound and Coach Canada).

What I learn from being behind a public bus crossing the US border is that if you’re also traveling in a private bus coach, there is a big possibility that you’ll get held up at the border. US Immigration takes their time in scrutinizing public buses looking out for suspected illegals or other people flagged as undesirables to enter the US.

I’ve seen at least 3 people took their luggages out of the bus and ordered to return to Canada. If your name appears in the INS or Homeland Security system, it doesn’t matter if you’re a Canadian citizen, you will never be allowed into the US. That’s why if you know that you have an existing immigration record in the US, like a previous deportation order, don’t bother to cross.

Anyway, we were able to drive to our destination a little after 5 am, that’s why we are really behind our schedule. It’s a good thing we are to spend the remainder of the day at the hotel where we will stay for the night before proceeding to Washington DC.

The drive from Toronto to Westin Element at Hanover, Maryland – where we will spend an overnight, is supposed to be about 9 hours but because we had to have several pit stops plus the border stop, took us 12 hours. The drive is very scenic, specially the roads and highways of Pennsylvania, where the highway was carved around forested mountains.

Entrance to Westin Element Maryland	Welcome at Element by Westin	Arundel Mills Mall at Maryland U.S.A.
Main bed at Westin Element	Sofa bed at each suite	Kitchen area

And probably because of the oncoming 4th of July, flags can be seen at almost every balconies and windows of houses and establishments, more so in many parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Americans and Canadians are very much alike in celebrating their countrys’ birthday – flags everywhere and fireworks at night.

July 1, early evening, first stop – Element by Westin at Hanover, Maryland. We are going to stay here overnight to rest and refresh.

This hotel does not look like a regular hotel we stayed at in most of our trips. Each suite has its own kitchen complete with utensils that the occupant might be needing to cook their own food. It comes with a king size bed, a pull-out sofa bed, a microwave oven and a dining table. I think 6 people can fit in each suite – Pinoy style – but our booking only allows a maximum of 4 person per room.

Bathroom entrance

Shower area

Shower booth

I overheard one of the guest saying that it is a time-share hotel but I did not bother to verify it from the staff. Elements by Westin is also very close to a very large shopping mall, the Arundel Mills Mall.

After dropping off our stuff in our room, we heated the food we brought with us for dinner and then after, headed to the mall and bought some souvenirs. The mall is open until 9 pm. The prices there are cheap compared to Toronto’s but it is not at Arundel Mills Mall where we found real bargains on a lot of merchandise. I’ll talk about that later. The rest of the day was for a good nights rest to get ready for Washington DC the next day.

Office table at suite	Breakfast area	Breakfast area
Breakfast area	Breakfast area	Breakfast area

July 2, free breakfast at the hotel and then leave for DC at about 8.30 am.

We arrived at Washington DC after an hour drive from our hotel, stopped and waited at the Old Post Office building where we met our tour guide. The view of the US Capitol Building can be seen from the street fronting the Old Post Office and so is the Canadian Embassy (I didn’t get the name of the street, though). I took some photos of the famous landmark (US Capitol) while the bus was waiting for the tour guide.

Washington Capitol from afar	Old Post Office	Another Federal Building
Court House	Washington Capitol	Archives Building

Next was the tour of Washington DC. Our tour guide aided the bus driver around for us to glimpse the must-see parts and structures of DC. We passed many Federal Buildings like the IRS, Old Post Office, White House, Capitol Building, Edgar Hoover Building, FTC, National Archives, the Washington Monument and others. We were also given a historic tour of the old Washington DC residential areas.

Old Post Office Building	Honest Abe souvenir shop	White House
Washington DC Police	Metro bus	Rickshaw tricycle

Another part of the tour is a stop-over at The Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion, where we also had a chance to take photos of the church and a brief stop and history lesson on The Washington National Cathedral, a church considered The National House of Prayer because all religious denomination can carry out religious services there.

Lincoln Memorial	Washington Monument	Tour bus
Trolley tour bus	Globe video	African elephant

The best part of the tour for me was when we went the length of Massachusetts Avenue or Embassy Row, as what it is more popularly known. That strip of road was lined with the Embassies of more than a hundred countries, left and right of the street. It was funny how the tour guide quickly called out and pointed at each countrys’ Embassy as we pass, making all of us quickly glanced left and right just like watching a tennis tournament. Although the bus was slow moving, there is not enough time to remember the location of all the country he’s pointing at because they’re almost beside each other.

Museum of Natural History rear entrance

Museum of Natural History front entrance

Public bus

In the end, the guide quizzed us about the location of countries he will name, whether it’s located to the left or right of Embassy Row. It was hilarious.

Immaculate Concepcion Basilica	Tour bus billboard	Museum of Natural History
Inside the museum	Immaculate Concepcion Basilica	Independence Day flags

The last leg of the tour was a quick stop at the Lincoln Memorial. I always remember the scene in the movie Forest Gump where Forest met his girlfriend in that area and the scene was shot from Lincoln Memorial towards the Washington Monument. I quickly went to the approximate spot and took a photo – my own version of that scene. At the end of the tour, we were dropped off at the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History.

Please write your comments below. I would love to know what you think…..

(Continued bus trip Toronto to Washington DC and Virginia…..)

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Even before the school year ended, me and my little girl have already visited nearby parks around the city of Toronto. We’ve already been to Cherry Beach (map), Charles Sauriol Park (map), Wilket Creek Park (Toronto Botanical Garden) (map) and Tommy Thompson Conservation Park (map). See all photos at Flickr.

Whenever the weather starts to warm-up even a bit, I guess most Torontonians will stay outside to enjoy – if they’re not busy working.

I also took the opportunity to practice photography, which is an art I was trying to get good at but so far have been unsuccessful. I always envy shots taken by people that show in photos the beauty behind the subject of the shoot – one of the ingredients that make a travel destination blog interesting to its readers besides giving information on the places visited.

In the next articles, I will be posting about our trips this summer – scheduled or otherwise, will post photos as well as infos that I’d be able to gather. So, stay tuned and enjoy the summer of 2011!

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One, Mt. Samat offers a scenic view of Bataan from the top. It’s a great place to visit, and nature lovers will surely fall in love with the place.

And two, it played a huge role in the history of the Philippines, and it has the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor), a 92-meter cross erected at 555 meters above sea level. This cross was built to celebrate the bravery of all the soldiers (Filipinos, Japanese and Americans) who fought in the Philippines during World War II.

Mount Samat is a few minutes away from Balanga City, Bataan. You can reach it via the local jeepney (traveling from Balanga City thru the Bagac-Morong Bataan beach resorts highway and back), or with a private vehicle (click here for Google map).

If you ride the jeepney, you’ll alight at the foot of Mt. Samat, and there are two ways to climb to the top: take a tricycle or walk. The way to the top is long, and tricycles charge P100 per person, per way ($2.40 May2011).

Afterwards, you can ask the driver to wait for you or take a chance to find a tricycle going down. Some drivers told us they can be contacted through SMS for pick up – the rate usually ranges from P50 to P100 per person ($1.20 to $2.40 May2011), depending on your negotiations.

If you plan to walk, on the other hand, be sure that you’re fit and equipped with sufficient stamina, as the climb can take approximately two hours per way. Some joggers brave this and climb to the top as a form of exercise.

The path to the top is steep, but the scenery is breathtaking. As you go higher, you’ll be awed by the view of Bataan below and of the feeling of closeness to nature.

Along the way to the top, there’s a mini park with concrete tables and chairs, perfect for a picnic (bring your food, though, as there are no stores in the park). When we passed by the park the last time we were there, a mass was being held and there were a few attendees.

(Note by AdoboRepublic: The park mentioned above is nice getaway when you’re living in Balanga city in Bataan. Because of its proximity to the main city, I often have breakfast or lunch there. It is so relaxing and the scenery is breathtaking, not to mention the clean surrounding air.)

Mt. Samat is frequently visited by tourists at different parts of the year, so expect to meet a lot of other visitors when you arrive at the top.

The entrance fee is very cheap: P30 for foreigners, P20 for locals, and P10 for students ($0.72, $0.46 and $0.24 respectively May2011).

There’s also a parking fee ranging from P20 to P50 ($0.46 to $1.20 May2011), depending on the type of vehicle that you bring with you.

Upon reaching the top, you’ll see the Shrine of Valor looming, a wonderful sight especially on a sunny day.

The arms of the cross actually serve as a viewing deck, and you can climb up using an elevator (available from 8AM to 12 noon, and from 1PM to 5PM).

The fee is P10 ($0.24), but don’t be surprised if you would find a long line of people waiting to climb – this is very popular and the viewing deck is a must-see among all visitors.

Near the elevators are sculptures of Filipino soldiers fighting and holding their weapons, preserving the memories of the age past.

Aside from the cross, another popular place in Mount Samat is its museum. You just have to show your ticket to the security guard (the one given to you at the entrance) to gain entry into the museum. Inside, you’ll see a miniature mapping of Bataan, plus lots of photos of the death march.

There are also old guns and bayonets, home-made pistols, bazookas, machine guns, and an antique radio. There are also photos of the generals who served in the war, a photo of former president Manuel L. Quezon and his family, and the wife of Gen. Douglas McArthur.

One thing about this, though, is that cameras are not allowed inside the museum – no taking of pictures.

The place is also great for picnics, and there are stores in which you can buy food. There are also souvenir stores that sell t-shirts, key chains, hats, and gloves.

When we went there last time, we met a tour guide named Bong Mamuad. He offers a tour of Mt. Samat – either a walking tour or one with lectures for groups of visitors. Rate is P300-P500 ($7.15-$11.90 May2011). Contact number is (63-907) 219-3887.

Mt. Samat is open to visitors up to 5 in the afternoon, although it can extend when there are special occasions. If you’re visiting or living in Bataan, Philippines – this is a place you shouldn’t miss.

(Special mention of thanks to Nayzs’ friend Precy for the photos included here and at the cheap hotels in Balanga city article.)

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I have stayed in this hotel in my first visits to Balanga but in all honesty, during those visits – I have not thought of reviewing cheap hotels and apartelles to stay-in in the Philippines to benefit my readers. I know better now.

My personal comment during my stay at Elison Hotel was that the rooms I’ve tried were similar to the rooms I’ve stayed at in Quezon City (here and here) but bigger. You will notice that their room rate is much higher than those in Quezon City but if you’re looking for the cheapest hotel in Balanga City with acceptable standards, frugal people like me would choose Elison Hotel.

In addition, in my experience, although they say that hot water is available in the rooms – do not expect it. I have not have the opportunity to having a hot water shower during the two times I stayed there. With the Philippines having warm weather all the time, who needs a hot water shower anyway? Just switch-off your airconditioning and your room feels like an oven in a few minutes – that’s when you take your shower! But they really have Wifi in all the rooms, though.

Enjoy the review article written by Nayz and I hope it will help you somehow.

If you’re visiting Bataan and you’re looking for a convenient and cheap hotel to stay in, one of the good options would be the Elison Hotel.

Owned by Mr. Nelson David, this hotel is located in the central district of Balanga, and it’s very near the establishments in the place. It’s walking distance from the Centre Plaza Mall, from St. Josephs Church of Balanga and from eating places like Max’s, Jollibee, and Chowking.

Just outside of the hotel, there are already jeepneys and tricycles passing by, so there’s also no problem with public transportation.

We visited and checked out the place once, and the staff was very accommodating. They allowed us to see the rooms despite the fact that we would not really be staying. The receiving room had a homey ambiance to it, arranged just like the usual living room in the home.

The hotel has 29 rooms:
>> 7 single standard rooms – P1000 per night ($23.80 May2011)
>> 15 single deluxe rooms – P1150 ($27.40 May2011)
>> 3 twin deluxe rooms – P1600 ($38 May2011)
>> 1 family room good for 7 people – P3500 ($83.35 May2011) and
>> 3 rooms rated at P1800 per night ($42.85 May2011)

Extra bed can be requested for P200 ($4.75 May2011). All the rooms are airconditioned, come with a cable TV, hot and cold shower, cabinet, mirror, lampshade, and a telephone that is directly and automatically connected to the receiving room. The entire hotel also has free Wifi coverage plus free parking for all guests.

(Note by AdoboRepublic: Room prices rated on May 2011. Price may be different when you decide to book, so please call them first for their latest room rates.)

When we checked the rooms, we also asked the staff about the toiletries that they offer, and they showed us a complete complimentary toiletry set consisting of a sachet of shampoo, a small piece of soap, toothpaste sachet, and a small toothbrush. We scanned the different rooms, and we also noticed some thoughtful additions in the rooms such as slippers, a holy bible placed on the bedside table, plus personal touches on the toilet bowl and sink.

There’s a café within the hotel area named Café Eliza, and there are various kinds of food offered. The café, though, is only open from 6AM to 12 midnight. However, they also have a room delivery service – just call the front desk for your needed food. Plus, the hotel also offers laundry services.

Aside from the café, another amenity that you might enjoy in the hotel is its swimming pool, which is open to all guests from 6AM to 10PM.

Need to call somewhere? There’s a phone at the receiving area that you can use, but only for calling within the Balanga area. Security is also good in the hotel because there’s always a security guard on stand by. Plus, access to the rooms are through a sensor card, so you get the guarantee that your things inside are secured.

Check in time at the hotel is 1:00PM while check out time is 12 noon. The rooms are clean and cozy, although the ambiance outside is a little informal because of the open area going to the rooms. Inside the rooms, however, the atmosphere is warm and comfortable. (Check the photos of the rooms to see).

For reservations, the hotel number is (63-922) 815-8024 or (63-47) 237-2942. Their address is: Aguire St., Poblacion, Balanga City, Bataan (see in Google map).

Elison Hotel signboard	Driveway of the hotel with rooms shown	Stairs to upper bedrooms
Sensor activated door	Room service menu	Elison hotel rules

Elison Hotel entrance	Driveway to parking lot	Driveway to street
Stairs to upper rooms	Room service menu	Embroidered pillows
Bedroom single bed 1	Bedroom single bed 1	Bedroom single bed 1
Bedroom single bed 2	Bedroom single bed 2	Receiving area of room
Room with 2 beds 1	Room with 2 beds 1	Room with 2 beds 1
Room with 2 beds 2	Room with 2 beds 2	Room with 2 beds 3
Room with 2 beds 3	Toiletries	Receiving area of deluxe room

Bathroom in room	Bathroom in room	Bathroom in room
Bathroom in room	Bathroom in room	Bathroom in room

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Friends and acquaintances I talk to asks me those questions repeatedly whenever I tell them that I’m working on going back and live in the Philippines again.

They are wondering why after having established our life in Canada, would I decide to leave all behind?

Maybe the message I’m sending is not clear. Eventhough I am planning and is serious on living back there, it wouldn’t probably be anytime yet. It is my main objective but – it would be impractical, too early and a bit suicidal to just decide to leave Canada behind.

First and foremost – we are a long way from being pensioners, so that means – no work, no money. And even if I’m already receiving government pension, I don’t want to depend on that to maintain life in the Philippines.

Why? Because I don’t think a pension alone is a dependable source of stable income. Currency exchange rate fluctuates and if it does, your living expenses will be affected. When caught up in a crazy inflation, bills in a third world country like the Philippines don’t go down. They always go up. So, besides anticipating spending money coming from our pension, we are at the same time trying to start a business in the Philippines as early as 3 years ago.

And that takes time and perseverance.

Second, although me and my wife are planning to move back, our kids do not share the same plan as we do. Their friends are here, they are rooted here and I don’t see them going the way of our decision anytime in the future. I keep asking my soon-to-graduate son to move to the Philippines after college so he can look after the business we’re putting up there – he keeps declining.

The same with my elementary-age daughter. I want her to live and study in the Philippines for at least a year, but would always get no for an answer. Several times. And because we’re not lucky to afford a nanny to keep an eye on this young girl 24/7 like most middle class families in the Philippines, we’re stuck with her for some more years.

The third reason is somewhat related to the first.

Let’s face it. Money wise, what we earn in Canada will never be matched by what we will earn in the Philippines if we go into the travel agency business. It might, if we can come up with the capital to become a wholesaler of airline tickets, which we unfortunately do not have.

The truth is, in addition to the plan of putting up a different business in the Philippines, I am also trying to find a way so that we can run our travel agency business in Toronto remotely. I have started to invest in the technology involved for it to happen but – the human factor is still missing and is the most difficult part of the plan. So, for now it is still incomplete with some of parts of it implemented already.

The main thing is I’m dead serious about moving back to the Philippines and I’m doing my best to make it happen. But I am also a practical person and would not decide to move permanently until I’m fully sure I would be successful and not regret later. For now, I’d be happy to be in my homeland even for a month during the winter or three months, if I get lucky. I’m really looking forward to retiring in the Philippines as early as possible.

I hope the message is clearer now.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

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I was not able to explore the places on my list because I was overwhelmed and could not decide which place/s to scout first.

Maybe it was fate that brought me to Balanga. But be it fate or what, all I can say is that Balanga city had all that I look for as a “perfect” residence in the Philippines.

Some of the things I deemed important are:

1) Clean air, not congested and no traffic. Not like Manila which is terribly congested, polluted and traffic is bumper-to-bumper.

2) Fresh seafoods. I like grilled seafoods a lot, specially fresh fish and squid. That is what I miss when I’m in Toronto.

3) Green surroundings. Being close to ricefields and plenty of trees is important to me. I’m born and raised in Manila but I have dreamt of living in the countryside since I was a teenager but never had the opportunity.

4) Proximity to the airport. Well this one ain’t very important but I’d love it if there will be a flight from Clark Airport to Toronto so that whenever I go back to Canada, travel time to the airport is only an hour. Other than Toronto, Clark airport services other gateways in Asia, so I can still use it if I want to fly to Hong Kong, for example. No big deal – if I want to go back to Canada, Manila is just 2.5 hours away.

5) Closeness to the beach. Balanga is adjacent to Manila Bay. But Manila Bay is not what I have in mind when I said “beach.” What I meant was a beach town that is nice and the water is beautiful.

The Western part of Bataan Province comprises the towns of Mariveles, Bagac and Morong which is facing the South China Sea – a vast expanse of ocean that’s very nice. Bagac beach resort town is just 30 minutes away and that is where I’d like to spend lazing-out when on a beach. The travel time to the farthest Bataan beach town from Balanga is about 1 hour. Subic Bay is about an hour and a half via Pilar-Bagac-Morong road (J.J. Linao National Road in Google Map).

6) Health care and doctors. There are at least 4 hospitals in Balanga that are capable of treating emergencies: Bataan Provincial Hospital, St. Josephs Hospital, ICMC Medical Center and Bataan Doctors Hospital. At ICMC, I know that they can do surgeries because someone I knew was treated there when he got into a serious motorcycle accident. I’ll find out more about Balanga hospitals’ capabilities and will report an update. Family doctors clinic is spread out all over the city and so are dentists.

7) Peace and order. The present government of Balanga takes peace and order seriously. Last year (2010), CCTV surveillance cameras were installed in busy parts of the city. Barangay brigades or city marshalls, who were tasked to oversee order, are very visible around the city. I saw a police patrol stationed at the entrance of the city everyday when I come back from my morning exercise. I feel safe in Balanga but still I exercise caution when I go around at night.

8) Low cost of living. The cost of living in the city is very low compared to Manila. Though, it does not have a lot of conveniences that Manila has, for an average daily life, there is nothing else anyone will need that could not be found in Balanga.

Those were just some things I deemed necessary in choosing my residence in the Philippines. Other factors that other people may be looking for but not necessarily important:

9) Nightlife. I’m not into that anymore, so I have not really explored night life in Balanga, but there is a club in town called Razz that I tried once and they have a live band performing. I’m sure there are other spots but have not really looked for it.

10) Public transportation. The city is serviced by buses going and coming from Manila and other places like Baguio. There maybe other routes but I have not really checked. From anywhere in Balanga to the bus station is not a problem because tricycles operate 24 hours, I think. I was able to catch a 1 am bus to Manila my first time there and I didn’t have a hard time flagging a tricyle to take me to the station.

12) Water. Potable, as well as ground or mineral water is very abundant. There are at least 2 places in Balanga where free flowing clean and drinkable water is available. Metro Manila will run out of water but not the city of Balanga.

13) Roads and streets. The highway leading to Balanga were well paved, except for a very short portion of Gapan-Olongapo highway. Even around the city itself, the roads were well maintained.

But not all is good in Balanga city. What I dislike most, and I hope the city government do something about, is the proliferation of two-stroke motorocycles or tricycles. They should be phased-out because they are causing air pollution in the city. Although it is only noticeable on busy hours and concentrated on a few busy streets, still it would turn into a pollution problem if allowed to go on for long.

The coastal area facing Manila Bay is another, although not as dirty as in Roxas Boulevard in Manila – it’s not a nice sight to see. They are filled with litters washed ashore from Manila, I’m assuming. The city of Balanga should regularly mobilize volunteers or the residents to clean up the Manila Bay coastal towns of Tortugas, Sibacan and Puerto Rivas because tourists, both local and foreign are being invited there to see the migrant birds flocking on that part of Bataan during the winter months. The coast is littered with garbage that are washed from the current coming from Manila, very noticeable when its a low tide.

Other than those, I find Balanga a very nice place to be called home in the Philippines. I’m not saying you reside in Balanga, but it won’t hurt if you try living in the city. I love it there.

I hope other balikbayans or returning-Filipinos who were planning to move back to the Philippines find this article something to consider when doing their search for where to locate in the Philippines. Research places in the Philippines intensively and choose the right one that will fit your lifestyle or create your own criteria. There are so many to choose from and it doesn’t matter where as long you feel “you’re at home” where you decide to stay for good.

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I lived half of my life in my motherland and was a former resident of Manila and Quezon City but this time, I do not want to reside in those cities because I feel that it does not fit my lifestyle anymore. Traffic, pollution and congestion are my primary reasons for avoiding Metro-Manila but I could cite more if need be.

I have considered Cebu, Davao, Batangas, Laguna – places in the Philippines that is close to the beaches and the countryside but was not able to check them out entirely because honestly, I don’t know anyone in those places to give me an idea on where best to locate.

Center Plaza Mall		Municipal Office and City Hall
People’s Center Plaza		St. Josephs Church

It was 2008, I think when I first stayed – it was only for 2 days. I don’t know anyone except my partner so getting to know the place have been slow. The first time I went around, I spent time getting to know the main City of Balanga using only the available public transport – the tricycle.

My first impression then was that the city is nice and clean. There’s basic services available like hospital, lying in clinics, dental clinics, groceries, hardware stores, etc.

But what impressed me most was the public market.

I have been in public markets in many places in the Philippines but this palengke (market) have everything I drool over when it comes to Filipino foods.

Tricycle in the Philippines		Public Market
Dried Fish Section		Dry Goods Section

In the middle section of the market are freshly slaughtered meat – chicken, pork or beef and fresh vegetables of different kinds. The end section is the native delicacy section – bibingka, puto bumbong, kalamay, puto, suman, etc.

Just a little bit down the meat and vegetable section is a food court where different Filipino food is being served. I didn’t see a lot of stores opened, probably because it’s too early?

Across the wet market is the groceries section, not quite like our grocery in Toronto but what they stock-up on mostly were cooking oil (they have Canola oil imported from Singapore), vinegar, fish sauce, rice, sinigang mix and almost any other item that we need for cooking.

Fresh bangus		Fresh slaughtered chicken
Fresh meat section		Fresh sea foods section

Most of those fresh food products sold at the public market, I’d like to add, is very cheap. I approximate them to be 30% cheaper than in Metro-Manila. That means your dollar stretches a bit more.

Next thing I liked about the City of Balanga is the plaza area. This is where most of the action happens. It is so busy with activity because of the People’s Center – a public recreation and meeting area where provincial government sponsored activities are held. Public aerobic classes, mini concerts, night market, sports specials and public meetings are just some of the events held in that area.

This is also the area of concentration of most businesses, fast food superstars like Jollibee, Macdonalds, Chowking and Max’s Fried Chicken, to name a few.

A mall with two movie theaters (Center Plaza Mall) with business shops inside is also closeby. The main church of the city of Balanga, St. Joseph’s Church, is also located just a few steps.

The Municipal Office and City Hall is just beside the People’s Center. This is the office where you can get information about visiting or processing documents when investing in the city of Balanga and it’s environs.

Vegetable section		Fruits section
Native delicacy section		Native delicacy section

I didn’t stop there, though. To make sure that I will like it in Bataan, I sent my stepson to Balanga to live there and report to me everything he’d learn about real living conditions. From his continous reporting, it seemed every piece of information is positive, so finally, I have to verify it myself.

Fast forward to today, almost a year ago since I sent my stepson to Balanga City – it’s my turn to experience living in the province of Bataan – after getting a good review from him.

You know what? After staying longer in Balanga and doing some exploration myself, the more I don’t want to reside in Manila anymore. I’ve personally compared the advantage and disadvantage between the two — hands down Bataan province have more to offer in terms of what I’m searching for when moving in the Philippines.

But, that’s just me. People differ and I know that what maybe a suitable place for me maybe be boring to others. Important thing is, when looking for a place to live in the Philippines, researching and experiencing where to locate has to be part of the preparation so that you’ll at least know what to expect in your second home – and there are more than 7,000 islands to choose from in the Philippines.

Packaged meat section

Vegetable section

For further reading, visit Philippines destination – Bataan Province or visit the website of the City of Balanga at http://www.cityofbalanga.gov.ph

My other post that is about living or visiting Bataan: How I rate living in Bataan as retirement place, cheap hotel to stay-in temporarily in Bataan, Mt. Samat in Bataan

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From what we know about the Philippines Balikbayan Program, we usually tell them that as former Philippine citizens, they are allowed to stay in the Philippines for a year without the need to apply for a visa.

Some of them will counter that the information they get is that the ruling only applies to dual citizens.

Although majority of our customer are from the Filipino community or those buying cheap tickets to the Philippines – we don’t exactly know how to accurately respond to that query except to tell them to phone the Philippine Consulate in Toronto for the info. But, as travel agents specializing in the Philippines, I think its best to learn about the Philippines Balikbayan Program for our and our customers’ benefit.

According to the website of the Philippine Consulate in Toronto, former Filipino citizens and their accompanying family members may avail of the Balikbayan stamp wherein they are allowed to stay in the Philippines for a year without need of a visa. All they have to show the Philippine immigration officer upon their entry is either (a) an old Philippine passport, (b) Philippines birth certificate.

It’s not clear, though, if you need both or just one of each. It is not also specified if the birth certificate need to be authenticated by the National Statistics Office in the Philippines.

Click here to go the Philippines Balikbayan Program webpage of the Philippine Consulate in Toronto.

If the balikbayan is travelling with his/her spouse who is not a natural-born Filipino and wanted to avail also of the Balikbayan privilege, they have to show their marriage certificate to the immigration officer.

Anyway, I noticed that foreign passport holder who were natural-born Filipinos do not even need to show those requirements or ask for the Balikbayan stamp when entering the Philippines. I am one and I noticed that the immigration officer automatically stamps my passport with a BB or Balikbayan stamp.

I’m not so sure though if this is an SOP – so to be sure, just bring along the documents that were specified at the Consulates’ webpage.

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That is a smart decision by the management of the airport because most passengers nowadays surf the web to kill time while waiting for their flight – whether they are using smartphones or regular laptops and notebooks.

Using Skype, I was able to talk to our office in the Philippines and also at home while waiting. I don’t have to be bored now when at Pearson International to wait for my flight and I hope it will stay like that.

I say this because, in our Toronto travel agency alone, many of those who purchased their tickets from us also inquired about how to stay more than 21 days in the Philippines.

For those who don’t know it, if you are a Canadian citizen who have no Filipino roots, you can only enjoy staying in the Philippines visa-free for a maximum of 21 days. Former Filipino nationals who acquired Canadian citizenship through naturalization ang their “orig” Canadian spouses, however, can stay continously in the Philippines up to a year if they will ask for a Balikbayan stamp. I will discuss this Balikbayan stamp requirements probably in another post.

These mostly Canadian men inquirers usually have been in the Philippines once or twice, have been to some of the islands other than Manila and/or experienced staying in their wives or girlfriends province and totally fell in love how life was being lived in the country.

I can’t blame this people. Since re-discovering my native land through my visit in 2007 (first visit was 2004 after 8 years in Canada), I myself am trying to figure out a way so I can live in the Philippines again which I have discussed in this blog (here and here). Every year since then, I plane to my homeland, even for a very short visit – sometimes twice in a year. I’m still aiming for that goal, although still not successful, I do believe I’m getting there little by little.

Anyway, going back to topic, most of the concern they tell me about moving to the Philippines permanently is about real cost of living there. I always say that as a guess, anywhere between $600 to $1000 a month will be enough.

Of course I’m basing that on assumption that they are going to stay in their wife or girlfriends house outside of Manila or Cebu. If I base it in Bataan where my address in the Philippines is when I’m there, my guesstimate is somewhat accurate in todays exchange rate. If staying in a city like Manila or Cebu, about $2000 is about enough.

But, that’s just me. Where you can live with your money really depends on your spending habit.

Another thing that they often ask is about safety. I always say that no matter where you are in the world, it is necessary to exert extra care when in an unfamiliar surrounding. Crimes happen even in the safest city in the world. Following precautions such us avoiding going out late at night, not wearing any items of luxury when in public, not using your credit card indiscriminately, etc. etc. are just some things a new Philippine resident need to remember.

When you’re already living in the Philippines, natural instincts will take over and you will have a feel of what and what not to do.

And as final suggestion, I would always point this people to websites of foreigners (mostly Americans) who have been staying in the Philippines for a long time and enjoy being there.

Websites like PhilFAQs.com or MindanaoBob.com are writing about how foreigners like them are able to live in the Philippines — I follow their blogs because I’m very interested in learning how this people are coping with day to day living in the Philippines and I’m totally amused knowing that they seem to be more knowledgeable than me about things in the Philippines. It surprised me big time the first time I started reading what they write about.

So, there. That’s my rant about Canadians moving to the Philippines. I’m starting to like this subject because I get ask of it everyday in our travel agency business. I’ll probably write more of this topic in future posts.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

(Just one of the reasons why I want to live in the Philippines again)

Anyway, I have not yet tried staying in any of their rooms, but I have seen the room sizes at St. Illian’s Inn and Makati International Inn during the time three of us Toronto travel agents went to the Philippines in 2009 (see photos here and here). Rene America, the marketing manager of the budget hotel chain, arranged for us to visit their two locations in Makati when we met him in a Cebu convention for Philippine tourism – gave us a tour of the hotels and its rooms and he asked to us to promote their hotels to our customers in Canada (during this visit, if I remember it right Franchise One Hotel was still under construction).

I have referred some balikbayans to their hotels but have no idea if they booked there or not because I normally give them choices and the price range of the places to stay in. I also always give them the contact info, too, of course.

The rooms of both St. Illian’s and Makati International Inn are almost the same area as the other two cheap hotel in Quezon city (here and here) I stayed in but they’re a little bit bigger but not by much. On a normal day’s rate, those three places does not really come as cheap as the other two apartelles I already stayed in, but their location is a lot better than those two in Quezon city. Their regular rate starts at 1,770 pesos – very affordable considering the location but I don’t think it is within the budget of frugal travelers like me.

The most I spent for a cheap place to stay is 1,000 pesos per night whether I am in Metro Manila or in the province – that’s it. But who knows? I might change my mind once I try them. Kuripot ko, ‘no?

This cheap hotel in Metro Manila is very close to Makati Cinema Square specially St. Illian’s Inn and the area is surrounded by restaurants and convenience stores. If I remember it right, I saw a Goldilocks closeby.

The reason I wrote a post about this locations is because I received an email from Rene about a promotion they’re having at the moment. The promo pricing is almost at par with the regular rates of the other two places in Quezon city (PHP 750/night) – they’re offering for a limited time PHP 850/night at Makati International Inn. I have included the coupons below this post so you could use it in case you decide to stay in their place.

So, there. There’s not much to say and I hope anyone who tried them post a comment here.

St. Illian’s Inn
7461 Santillan St.
Brgy. Pio del Pilar, Makati City, Philippines
(63-2) 893-0754
Website: http://www.saintilliansinn.com

Makati International Inn
7575 Dela Rosa St. cor. Santillan St.
Makati City, Philippines
(63-2) 886-4667
Website: http://internationalinnsinc.com

Franchise One Hotel
7430 Santillan St. cor. Fernando St.
Brgy. Pio del Pilar, Makati City, Philippines
(63-2) 394-7012 or 856-7900
Website: http://www.franchiseone-makati.com

Look them up in this Google map of their locations….

Click to enlarge the coupon photos and then print out a copy to show the cheap hotel in Manila desk to avail the promo.

View Cheap Hotel Or Apartelle In Metro Manila in a larger map

Pahabol —– if you’re looking for photos, please go their website because I try to post only photos I took myself in any of the places I visited or stayed in.

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Last Thursday, my daughter and I went biking around our neighborhood as we usually do some summer mornings. We happen to pass by the area library, so we decided to stop by to rest a while and look around for something to borrow.

For those who don’t know it, in Toronto, most public libraries are filled with not only books, magazines, newspapers and other printed materials – it is also a repository of many audio and video materials that any Toronto resident can borrow and bring home to watch or listen to. And that includes movies. When I say movies, I mean movies that are of different genres – from Hollywood blockbusters, to documentaries, French language movies, Chinese language movies, etc. If you’re an information buff, you’ll never run out of topic to read or watch or listen to just by dropping by the nearest library.

It has been a habit of ours to borrow at least 5 DVD’s from the library whenever we stop by and for this day, I happen to find a National Film Board of Canada documentary on Flemingdon Park – a place in Toronto very special to me and my family because this is where we really started our humble beginning in Canada – on our own.

I borrowed the film and watched it the next morning.

After finishing the film, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Flemingdon Park’s history was that colorful. Also, if not for the information from the movie, I never really noticed how diversely stretched from a lot of different countries the people are living in the area. Imagine only a two and a half square kilometer (1 square mile) community in Canada where a hundred different nationalities live and co-existed with each other?

While we still live there, we’ve got to know some neighbors who were from Pakistan and India, but once in a mix like Flemingdon Park, you are not so sure if the black guy you’re talking to is from Guyana or Trinidad because it’s not easy to distinguish just from their accents – except of course a Jamaican, which has become commonly known by most because of Hollywood movies.

Or how do you distinguish a Russian from a Ukranian? And if you only see people here mingling side by side, its difficult even to guess from where a person originated from based on just color of their skin or even with their English accent. The claim of one former resident in the documentary about the village is true – that if you live in Flemingdon Park, you don’t view people of other nationality anymore different from yourself. You see them just like you – just trying to make life work in your new home.

It was really amazing to know that I was lucky to have lived in a multi-cultural community like Flemo (as my kids call the area). Unfortunately for me and my wife, we did not fully took advantage of the opportunity to immerse ourselves within the community because like most immigrant Filipinos who are new in Canada, the first and foremost course of action was to get busy to make a living for the family. But at least our kids were able to live in this kind of environment, which I think will enable them to learn to be more tolerable to a culture different from their own.

If you’re from the Philippines or even if you’re from any country who’s moving to Toronto and have not decided where to stay yet, try living in Flemingdon Park and experience what living in a global environment really is. It’s not going to be easy interacting with people of different cultures, but that’s what living in Canada is all about. It’s also an experience worth going through.

As for apartments, here are some around the area: 1 Deauville Lane (that’s where we lived), 100 Leeward Glenway, 7 St. Dennis Drive, 10 St. Dennis Drive, 5 Dufresne Court and so many others. Here’s a Google Map of the area apartments and for more information, just search using Google or Yahoo with the phrase “Flemingdon park apartments”.

That’s just what we did midnight after the Canada day fireworks. Our whole bus trip itinerary coincided on both Canada day (the day we left) and the U.S. Independence Day (the day we will leave the US).

Just like any other bus trips that we had, it was a fun, educational and relaxing experience that takes away some stress off for being in a wintery weather for months. We always make sure that we join bus trips like this because it’s a cheap way of seeing and learning about other places besides Toronto.

Here’s the complete itinerary of the bus trip to New York and Atlantic City, if ever anyone wanted to know:

Day 1:
Leave Toronto at 11:50 pm to the Canada-US border. Before entering the United States via the Peace Bridge (Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York crossing), we stopped at the Fort Erie Duty Free Shop to do some liquor and wine buying (Note: Only 1 alcoholic drink allowed per person and receipt “might” be required and checked by Canadian customs upon return to Canada).

Day 2:
Arrived Atlantic City about 11 am and checked-in at Trump Plaza Hotel. The travel time from Toronto to Atlantic city, New Jersey by car is about 9 hours if driving non-stop, but because of stops at rest areas for washroom or coffee breaks, the travel time took almost 12 hours. As soon as we got in our room, we’re free to go around Atlantic city on our own – you can shop at the outlet stores, go sightseeing around or play slots in the casinos that’s along the boardwalk.

Atlantic city as a casino entertainment district is small compared to Las Vegas or even Macau but the best attraction of the place, for me, is the ocean view of the rooms of every hotel in the area. If you’re not into gambling, or even if you just wanted to rest after – you can go by the ocean to rest or surf a bit or swim, which is easy do so because it’s just steps away from your hotel.

In the evening, we watched the fireworks which were launched from a barge from the ocean. It’s an added bonus for Atlantic city visitors in celebration of US Independence Day which is only two days away.

Day 3:
Checked-out from the hotel and left Atlantic city for New York city at about 9 am. Approximate travel time by car is 2 hours via the New Jersey Turnpike. Before we traveled straight to NYC, we had a quick lunch and bathroom break just outside Atlantic city, which we need to do because we’ll have a very hectic day touring New York city and will stay in the city until 7 pm.

We arrived 15 minutes early in New York city, parked the bus along 8th Avenue (crossing 50th street) where we waited for the tourist guide who’s supposed to show us around. Man, I never knew NY cops are very, very strict – probably because the city is traffic congested. They had to tell our bus driver to go around and come back for our tour guide which the driver did because he’ll get fined if he won’t. Good thing is we only went around one time but even that took all of 20 minutes!

Anyway, our tour guide showed us around the city, taking us to Broadway, Manhattan, China town, Wall Street, Battery park (where a good view of Lady Liberty can be seen). We were taken to the site of Ground Zero, stopped and snapped pictures at Central Park and was dropped off at Times Square for some free time until 7 pm.

We left New York City at 7 pm and reached Ramada Hotel at Rochelle Park, New Jersey at 7:30 pm where we are to spend the night.

Day 4:
After having free hotel breakfast, checked-out and left Ramada at 8 am. We proceeded to Woodbury Common Premium Outlet stores to do some shopping of brand name but low priced products. The shops open at 9 am and we stayed there until 12 pm. We then bused back and arrived in Toronto at around 10 pm to conclude our trip.

Address and contact info of places mentioned:
Trump Plaza Hotel
2225 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
Phone: (609)441-6000

Ramada Hotel Rochelle Park
375 W. Passaic St., Rochelle Park, New Jersey 07662
Phone: (201)845-3400

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley, NY 10917
Phone: (845)928-4000

That’s how we spent our Canada Day and US Independence Day long weekend.

If you are from or around the Toronto area, this bus trip to New York City and Atlantic City is scheduled every year, every summer. It’s always scheduled to coincide during a long weekend so every Toronto resident who want to visit the United State’s famous city can avail of the opportunity for just CAD$380 per adult and CAD$280 for a child under 12 years old, everything included – except food and drinks or extra tip for the driver.

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