New Normal: The Dawn of the Face Masks

 

New Normal: Dawn of the Face Masks

Following the “The New Normal” seems hard for some of us but should be obeyed nonetheless if we want to be in the safe side, at least to avoid catching the deadly corona virus or the so called Covid-19.

Step outside your door without a face mask in Hong Kong, Seoul or Tokyo, and you may well get a disapproving look.

In recent weeks, many European nations have issued advisories to wear a mask in certain public settings, and in England the latest advice is to wear a face covering in "enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible", such as public transport and some shops.

Several US states have also given similar advice, and even the White House now makes it compulsory for all staff to wear face masks - though President Donald Trump still refuses to wear one.

Many people are still not wearing masks despite official advice though, and some governments remain unconvinced about the science.

Why some people embrace masks while others shun them is not just about government directives and medical advice - it's also about culture and history, a debate over evidence, and even about personal liberties (sic).

Article excerpts from BBC News:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-52015486

The Corona Virus Pandemic: How Long Will COVID-19 Last?

How long will COVID-19 last?

That is the question that can only be answered by how obedient we are at obeying government rules of precaution and how much discipline we have at complying with them.

This may end up very soon or it could still be a long ride home.  It is up to us!  Please cooperate with the government’s guidelines so we could enjoy normal life again the soonest… with lesson learnt. 

Stay protected and be safe everyone!  

Also, please continue to pray.  We cannot do this alone, we need the Almighty to take over!  
May God be with us all!

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."  

- Philippians 4:6(KJV)

Hurry! The Ice is melting in Georgia!

It is time of the year again or season rather, that the ski resort of Gudauri, Georgia has been busy in past few months and we cannot deny that it was hectic in this part of the earth. 

Whether you would want to come for skiing, cable or motor riding or any of that fun sort of winter enjoyment, you should be hurry because the ice is melting as the country is gearing up for the next spring…

Travel Quote

We are all tourists and GOD is our travel agent 

who already fixed all our 

routes, reservations and destinations.

So trust Him and enjoy the trip called LIFE.

65th Miss Universe - Manila, Philippines

Perhaps this is the best time to promote Philippines to the world to help the Philippine Department of Tourism with its program in boosting the country’s tourism sector.  Now that the country is dishing out with the popularity of the Miss Universe brand as it is hosting the event for this year’s pageant, let me have this opportunity to feature the undeniably famous beauty pageant in this travel blog as well confidently with a heart!

After staging the pageant successfully, the Philippines is expecting huge flow of tourist to visit the country from this day onwards.  After all, there is no better way to spend your next trip other than the beautiful Philippines I guess.  Make it on top of your list!

What to do if your flight is cancelled or delayed

What to do if your flight is cancelled or delayed?

 

Today I read an important article online from skyscanner.net which I find worth sharing and really helpful to everyone in case they get into situations like these ones.  I am happy to share you the link below.  Please read folks!

 

 

"Here's some info on what your rights and essential tips for coping with cancellations and how to get home quickly and safely".

 

When am I entitled to compensation?

If your flight to or from an EU airport is delayed for three hours or more, you are legally entitled to receive the same compensation as those people whose flights have been cancelled. Same applies if you are flying with an EU-based airline such as Ryanair or British Airways. If you have been informed that your flight has been cancelled at very short notice, airlines will normally compensate passengers for the inconvenience.  However, the only circumstances in which the airline is not legally obliged to provide compensation is if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond the airlines control, such as a volcanic eruption, a strike or extreme weather. Depending on what airline you are flying with, you should expect a full refund or an offer of alternative travel arrangements, such as a seat on a different airline's flight to your destination.

 

How do I claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight?

If you are struggling to file a claim by yourself, you can get help from new startups like Get Airhelp which can make claims with airlines on your behalf.

 

Will I get any compensation if I'm waiting at the airport for a new flight?

If you have been issued with a new flight ticket and have to wait in the airport for over two hours for a short-haul flight or over four hours for a long flight, you should be provided with food and drink vouchers at the airport. If the delay is outside the airline's control, you may be able to claim on your travel insurance. Many policies include payouts for missed, delayed or cancelled flights, depending on what company you have purchased your policy with.

 

Who pays for my food and accommodation if I have to stay extra days?

Food and accommodation is only paid for by the airline if you are flying with an EU-based airline or are departing from an EU airport. While non-EU airlines should also refund you or try to accommodate you on an alternative flight, they may not provide you with food and drink. You can, however, try to claim these expenses on your travel insurance. Accommodation is provided on a case by case basis, depending on where you are from, where you are stuck, for how long and if you have any friends or relatives nearby that can take care of you.

 

What can I expect from my airline if my flight is cancelled due to a strike?

If you have a flight delay because of a strike, your airline has an obligation to offer you assistance if the delay is expected to go beyond a certain point. This may include refreshments and accommodation. However, they are not obliged to offer compensation following a strike because strikes are usually considered to be 'extraordinary circumstances'.

 

If I miss a connection will a get a refund?

Unfortunately, if you book two flights on separate airlines and miss the second flight due to the first one being delayed or cancelled, you will not be able to get a refund for the second flight. This is why booking flights with the same airline can prove beneficial in the long run, even if it is a little more expensive. 

 

Where can I find more flight information?

Check the Departure/Arrival tab of Skyscanner’s Airport pages, which give live flight information for all airports in the world.

 

https://www.skyscanner.net/news/flight-cancelled-stuck-abroad-top-travel-tips-get-you-home?utm_term=article-143b72f1e4004b50b9aa1df6fb09c8cd&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=uk-2016-12-21&associateid=eml_tra_00161_00001&utm_content=newsletter&utm_medium=email

 

https://www.skyscanner.net/

 

 

 

 

Georgia On Our Minds

 

My Georgia Trip (Blog Series 2 of 3)

 

When I was in a mall here in Doha a few days back, I overheard a group of friends talking about their recent trip to Georgia and how they liked it… and seems talking of planning to go back.  And again from another group of people who were talking about the same. And again another group whose planning for a trip soon.  It is not my habit to listen to other people’s conversation but I just accidentally heard them talking about Georgia at different occasion.   As I myself have been to Georgia just recently, I can vouch to the testimonies of those who have been to the place.  We can only say good words about that Eastern European country.  If you have been to that place, you could have thought of remembering the good times there.  And I cannot help but think of the song written in 1930 popularized by Ray Charles “Georgia On my Mind”.  Though, the song is not pertaining to the country but the US State of Georgia probably.  I am sure by now everyone reading this could think in unison about Georgia on our minds.

Whether you are taking your journey to the capital Tbilisi to walk on the famous Bridge of Peace, to stroll its downtown in Rustaveli Avenue, to visiting its popular baths and numerous century old cathedrals, to taking a dip to its medieval architectures to get a whiff of its rich history and or later go up-country from its capital; Georgia has something to offer for everyone… the possibilities are endless!

So, when are you planning yours?  It’s going to be worth the trip!

Just one warning though, beware of the panhandlers in the streets (beggars) mostly kids; they could be anywhere and could be so assertive.  They would even grab you in the leg and cling there until you give them some Lari (1GEL that is).  For me, that is the only one problem tourists could be beleaguered on with their otherwise safe stroll in the city of Tbilisi… the juvenile delinquency.



 

 

Garden Wedding

 

Are you planning to tie the knot soon?  You are probably on the lookout for that perfect location - may it be in a church, in a civil wedding hall or a much grandiose garden wedding.  Well, look no further!  A garden wedding is so much in demand these days, so much so with a garden wedding by the beach side.  It is not only literally refreshing,  it also gives you a feeling of bliss on that important day, because, I’m telling you, that bliss will be so missed when you are on a family way real soon after.

Of course, you got to find a perfect month for that perfect weather.  You also got to have an alternative location to keep at close should there be a sudden change of weather forecast in a flash.  I am talking based on experience, this was when I attended a niece wedding by the Marina Bay in Sydney, Australia when suddenly an outpour of rain on an unexpected strong wind course ruined the supposedly perfect garden wedding day.  A close beach club venue saved not only the couples important day but also the whole entourage and guests perfect outfit of the day!  Well, we called that a drizzle of blessings.

So, whether you are planning for a grandiose or modest kind of tight budget, there are plenty of destinations to look from this time of the year.  We in the Philippines do not run short of destinations to choose from as we are blessed with over 7000 (7,107 islands to be exact on low tides) islands in one nation to boast for.

 

 

                   Marinduque, Philippines      Bret/Viber

 

An inquiry to a good one or two wedding organizer could do the magical trick.  So here is one reputable name in the field that could take away the worries out of your mind - or your hands rather, suggested by a good friend Mr. Bret Pilapil whom all photos here in this particular post were provided by the way, please contact - The Wedding Planner Mr. Resty Montepieda.  Just leave a comment below for your contact queries.

 

In case some of you are scouting a place for the same or just planning to hang out with family and friends, especially for those who live within the area and/or from neighboring provinces in Marinduque, Philippines, there are numbers of resorts around town.  It is also noteworthy to feature here the beautiful South West Bay Resort (in photos) at Brgy. Bacung-bacung, Gasan, Marinduque, Philippines.  Summer time is around the corner, so go pack your things ahead for that great holiday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year 2016!!! It's A New Travel Year!

Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

 

 

We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

Paris 2015: Climate Change Conference (COP21)

 

Remember my old article about the Doha 2012 UN Climate Change Conference: COP18/CM8 back in November 2012? http://dreamworldtravelbyroland.blogspot.qa/2012/11/doha-2012-un-climate-change-conference.html

This year the UN Climate Change Summit is ongoing in Paris, France. The Climate Change Conference (COP21) hopes to be successful and fruitful for us all as world leaders are presently battling with what little is left.

Let us make this world a wonderful place to live for us and the future inhabitants to come…and for other people in our present generation to enjoy of what are still beautiful places that left there is.

 

 

“The world is expecting more from you than half-measures”

“The clock is ticking towards climate catastrophe.”

- UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon

 

 

 TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

#PrayForParis

 

 When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix

 

 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.  -  1 Corinthians 13:13 - NIV

 

ROZZA HASSAD: The Greenhouse

I know most of you have walked into a botanical garden somewhere in the world as any country has several around, especially those labeled as green.  By green, I mean any environmental conscious country there is.  How about greenhouses?  I’m sure you have.  And mind you, I never have… until recently.
 

On my recent local trip in Qatar one Saturday, I was amazed by one of these local farm houses around the country.  I read about the article in one popular local online magazine in Doha (Doha News) and bumped into this article that says “Things to do in Qatar this weekend”, and it got my attention into one thing to do that would interest me, a visit to a greenhouse somewhere in the outskirt of Doha.  At first, I thought it was just a similar botanical garden with a greenhouse in the middle of the dessert as many rich would have for their private indulgence which anyone can only see from afar when you travel on a main roads going to the north or to the south of the country.  

 

We started our trip somehow in a bad note because we got lost and seems like do not know our way around to the place even if we were looking through a location map. We were not enchanted for one but the experience of getting lost gave us more excitement in driving around nowhere, the thrills were priceless.  The place only opens ones a month from sometime in September or October to April depending on the weather at around 10am till 2pm, so imagine the suspense if you get late because your mental GPS is malfunctioning, not to mention that your petrol is dwindling.  See how terrible it could be if we were stuck in the middle of nowhere in some faraway dessert?

 

Getting there was even a surprise, it was not your typical greenhouse in the middle of nowhere but an impressive one that only few can afford.  The place is called ROZA HASSAD (google it!) in Umm Leghab, Dukhan Road.  The greenhouse is not just flowers, vegetables and crops production farm but a very environmental friendly one.  It is self-sufficient and self-sustain farm.  It produces its own water for irrigation, recycles water, produces its own natural compost and uses the most sophisticated temperature and light controlling system; and the most simple pest control techniques which are by the way again all natural.  At the end of the guided trip you can have the opportunity to bring produce on your way back home!

 

So what’s better way to spend your holiday next weekend?  But you just have to wait for months till next season of the opening day comes back around (as per schedule announcement). 

 

Below are some photos in action, of course, with the permission to blog an article about from Mr. Jean Pierre, the man himself, a kind tour guide who lets us get in, even if the door was already closed… because we were late (big thanks to the management!). 

 

Their environmental advocacy is well worth promoting, please support them as well next time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photographs Courtesy of: 

Mr. Mykel Quinto (MQ House of Photography)

 

http://dohanews.co/seven-things-to-do-in-qatar-this-weekend-april-9-11/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002972576915&fref=ts

Sports Travel: 2016 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship

 

What is more fulfilling traveling the world than doing sports altogether?

Just recently, a friend of mine has done something amazing in improving her health and physical looks by the way of doing sports…triathlon it is!  She used to be heavier than what is required.  She put extra mile towards what she has now achieved in sports.  Now she is qualified to join the 2016 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia…  And her name is Nerissa Usero.

Nerissa loves to travel; one of the factors I think that gave her that much enthusiasm participating in sports competitions abroad.  She and her husband are also into photography.  Their recent visit in the United Kingdom tested their stamina in traversing the streets of London with me at one point with their DSLR Professional Camera.  Strike the pose!  

I cannot keep up with them walking around so I left to give them time to explore around London by themselves.  As sporty she is, I’m sure she did a lot of walking to see places around town.

Are you inspired enough in doing sports travelling the world yet?  Please click to open the article’s hyperlink at the bottom to learn more from her recent broadsheet newspaper interview.  Let’s follow her road to the Southern Hemisphere at Mooloolaba in September, 2016.

http://www.gulf-times.com/sport/192/details/452311/-doha-based-nerissa-qualifies-for-2016-ironman-703-worlds

 

Sunshine Coast to Host IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship

Originally from: http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/news/articles/2014/07/sunshine-coast-to-host-ironman-70.3-world-champs.aspx#ixzz3kamVjhI2

Explore New Areas

“If you can't travel every day, at least try to find something new within your hometown.”

This is the phrase I just bumped into this morning while reading one interesting online article from MSN’s 25 Daily Habits That Will Make You  Smarter (at number 20), a great point to ponder about travel.

If you can't travel every day, at least try to find something new within your hometown. You'll meet different people, learn new facts, and understand something new about the world. It's a lot more productive than staying at home and watching TV. —Manas J Saloi

 

 

Screenshot pic of the article

http://www.msn.com/en-ae/money/careersandeducation/25-daily-habits-that-will-make-you-smarter/ar-BBjUnw1?ocid=iehp#page=11

 

 

The New7Wonders Cities

Now we have good reasons to visit these cities that have been announced recently as the New7Wonders Cities of the World.

I have not had the chance to visit all of these cities, yet,  but privileged enough to have lived in a couple of them (Qatar and Philippines) and I really vouched for its criteria of winning to have made them considered to be in the roster of 7 wonderful cities that everyone is now going to go gaga about.

The criteria considered to make them win are strengths and/or potential for sustainable growth, in terms of cultural, environmental, economic and tourism potential; historical legacy and/or potential for growing and sustaining a historical legacy in the future.

Other cities that were included in the final 14 were Barcelona, Chicago, London, Mexico City, Perth, Quito and Reykjavik.  I am sure that most adventure seekers and travel savvy people are now planning this early to see one of these cities in the list including the ones in the final 14.  Having visited Australia a couple of times gave me a little bit feel of regret for not stepping my foot in Perth but in glee knowing that London is in the list for an obvious reason, been in that English capital more often than the rest!

Excited already?!

Official Announcement

Doha (Qatar)

Vigan (Philippines)

London (United Kingdom)