Following the Filipino Student Abroad in 1866

Universitätsplatz 12

In a visit to Frankfurt, my husband suggested a sidetrip to Heidelberg. Jose Rizal used to live in this little university town. From what we gathered, Rizal lived in Heidelberg when he was an assistant to Dr. Otto Becker.

We only had the afternoon to see Heidelberg, thinking it would be enough to see the whole place. Our Frommers Germany handbook had so little to say about the town, the only three star site was the Heidelberg Castle. So an afternoon seemed enough to see one or two landmarks where Rizal visited.

It was a dark damp day but it didn't diminish the quaintness of the town. They had a main shopping street exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists. Being a Sunday most of the shops were closed so we had to content ourselves looking at the window displays. Especially frustrating was the abundance of bookstores - it remains a university town after all - that we couldn't visit.

With the http://www.knights-of-rizal-bonn.info/Rizal-in-Germany/HG.htm as our guide. We visited Universitätsplatz 12 (where "To the Flowers of Heidelberg" was composed) and Bergheimer Straße 20 (Former University of Heidelberg Eye Clinic) where Rizal practiced ophthalmology under Dr. Otto Becker.

We didn't get to visit Wilhelmsfeld where Rizal wrote the last few chapters of Noli me Tangere. It also has a park dedicated to him by the Knights of Rizal in the eighties. It's supposedly a 25 minute drive from Heidelberg. Imagine how Rizal used to walk that distance!

A Note on Philippine Passports

Somebody left this comment anonymously. It's a helpful tip for those who want to travel while they are abroad. This didn't occur to us since we're based in cities that have embassies/consulates. It's also good to keep this in mind for passport renewals. The Philippine Embassy in DC allows mailing renewals but make sure you review the guidelines - and call to confirm! Sometimes the information on the website is incomplete. http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/downloads/PassportDC.pdf

Thank you anonymous!

Note that having a Filipino passport means that you will need to get tourist visas for travel to most countries outside ASEAN and Latin America. This means that students who choose to study in a place that is not the capital of the country will have a difficult time applying for visas, especially as most embassies require a personal appearance for providing a visa.

Philadelphia, Barcelona, Edinburgh, Osaka and Milan may have great universities, but applying for a tourist visa to go elsewhere generally means taking hours-long bus rides and (at least) an overnight stay in the capital.

SO WHAT DO PEOPLE DO FOR FUN?

Entertainment is probably the last thing you have in mind as a serious-minded student. But part of the whole “studying abroad” experience includes learning about life in your new city. If tourists spend lots of money to explore your city for a few days, you’ll have the advantage of knowing your city more intimately with less money invested. Even when your schedule is crammed with deadlines, group meetings, and errands to run, make the time to relax and have fun. Knowing your way around the city and its attractions becomes a necessary skill when you have visitors looking for a tour from a “native.” Don’t graduate and then go home wishing you did more in the extracurricular department.

What’s out there exactly? The weekly New Yorker has a section called “Going on About Town” and has a listing of mainstream cultural activities. A sample section includes 64 listings for Theater (Openings and Previews - 12, Opened Recently - 31, Long Runs - 21); six listings for Dance, Night Life (Concerts - 4, Clubs - 9, Jazz and Standards - 6); 24 listings for Art (Museums and Libraries- 8, Galleries Uptown - 7/Chelsea - 3/Downtown – 6, Brooklyn); 11 listings for Photography; 5 listings for Auctions and Antiques; 15 listings for Classical Music (Opera - 3, Orchestras and Choruses - 3, Recitals - 9); Above and Beyond (Readings, Talks, etc.) and 43 movie theaters (Now Showing, Revivals, Classics, etc.). Overwhelmed? That list doesn’t include events that are more experimental like the listing in the more avant-garde Time Out magazine or the local City Paper. And if you don’t live in a city with an active entertainment scene, don’t despair. There’s always something to do for anybody who is willing to try something new. A more interesting city is probably a bus/train/plane ride away.

School Freebies

If you are looking for cheap, or even, free gimmicks, the best place to look is to check out university-sponsored activities. Flyers are usually posted in high-traffic area of the campus—dorms, student centers, department offices, library, cafeteria/food courts, etc. Other activities may be advertised in your school paper, or if you are interested in activities around the city—check the city paper (it’s free and lists more “hip” activities) and local magazines (i.e., Time Out, New Yorker, Washingtonian, etc.) or the newspaper for listings. You can also go on the web to check the online version of the magazines or other city guides as well.

City Guides
http://www.timeout.com/
http://www.citysearch.com/
http://www.cities.com/

Campus activities can include socials sponsored by your school which can run from a formal cocktail hour to a laidback evening of pizza and beer in a nearby bar. International students are offered various activities through the international office. At NYU, the activities are designed to introduce “American culture” and the neighborhood to foreign students. Activities included a trip to Harlem to explore the neighborhood and lunch at Sylvia’s (a restaurant famous for Southern cooking), free museum visits to MoMA and the MET, Thanksgiving meals with an NYU professor, skating at Chelsea Piers, and watching a live taping of a TV show. Other university offerings might include free movie screenings, ski trips, discounted theater tickets and exhibits. At Boston University, Rico Manuel (Boston University, Boston) described school-sponsored events such as sailing in the summer and skiing in the winter. At the University of Virginia, one of the most popular school events was the annual steeplechase held in the track beside the school.

Whatever your interest may be, your school/college will most likely have something for you: lectures, concerts, film showings, seminars, even sports. Your tuition covers the use of sports facilities such as the oval, the swimming pool, the gym, there may even be exercise classes offered.

Student Perks

Take advantage of your student status. Students are given discounts (sometimes through their universities) for movies, concerts, plays, and ballets. Some restaurants even offer discounts to students if you show them your university ID. In Europe, student cards work as well as a discount cards for travel, and the amount you can save using your student card for that train trip to another country could be hefty. Below are some of the more popular student cards:

· The USA-based Student Advantage Card (http://www.studentadvantage.com/) allows you discount ranging from travel (Greyhound Bus, Amtrak, US Airways) to your toiletries!

· International Student Exchange Card (http://www.isecard.com/) valid in various Europe, Asia, Australia, USA, Canada and the Middle East. Provides 10-50% discounts and special rates to museums, castles, palaces, hotels, restaurants, shops, language, schools, theaters, concerts, operas, cinemas, recreational facilities, rentals (auto, motorcycle, and bicycle), bus routes, boat routes, railroads, and selected European airlines. As a member, you are covered with basic medical benefits that cover up to $2000 in medical expenses, and up to $5000 in evacuation fees, if necessary.

· International Student Identity Card (http://www.statravel.com/Statravel/cards/cards_ISIC.aspx?menuid=6001)
Also called ISIC, this card provides special airline fares through any Council Travel shop. National discounts in the US covering hotels, amusement parks, rental cars, ski resorts, retail shops and more. A reduced entrance fee at museums, theaters, special rail or bus passes and discounts at hotels and shops worldwide. When purchased in the US, the card also provides basic accident and sickness insurance for travel outside of the US, including hospital stays, accident medical expense, emergency evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, repatriation of remains, passport protection and baggage delay insurance.

· Student Price Card (http://www.spclive.com/). Canada's popular student loyalty program for high school and university/college students. In partnership with 200 national merchants coast to coast. The SPC/CTÉ is Canada's premier loyalty program for students. Students show their SPC/CTÉ at both national and local businesses for discounts every time they shop, in addition to benefiting from an extensive points program, specially designed membership privileges and offers from leading retailers, package goods companies and service-oriented organizations. The SPC/CTÉ consists of the card, a specific directory for every province in Canada, a coupon book, a wallet directory and for University and College students, a bar insert.

Simple Pleasures

When asked about their recommended activities, many of our survey respondents mentioned activities you can do almost for free. If there’s a group of Pinoys in your school, you can just hang out in each other’s apartments—watch TV, play cards, drink, eat Filipino food (come on, you can’t finish that whole pot of adobo/sinigang/nilaga all by yourself?), and just chill. Inviting friends over and having a potluck party is another way to have a good time without spending too much money. As Karen Manuel (University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania) said, Pinoys usually meet at each other’s apartments to eat, drink and karaoke. In England, Natson Go (University of Warwick, Coventry) recommends registering with the Pinoy-UK Club (http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Campus/9782/) and head down to London for most of its activities. He further says you’ll meet nice people and there’s great Filipino food especially the adobo and kare-kare.

If you want to explore the city and don’t feel like walking, take the bus or the train and you’ll get a quick tour of the city. By mistake, Titchie decided to take the bus from 23rd St. to the Cloisters on 201st St. It was the longest bus trip of her life but it also gave her an unexpected view of the city. That bus route showed her all the fancy shops and restaurants on Madison Avenue give way to the brown buildings of Harlem. In another instance, Titchie and her cousin decided to take a walk around Chinatown and Wall Street. Before they knew it, they reached the Brooklyn Bridge, crossed it and back! After experiences like these, you feel like you’re more part of the city.

Another favorite student activity in the US is to hang out at Borders or Barnes and Noble. Aside from studying, you can also read your favorite magazines and books in a comfortable environment without having to pay. Check out their bulletins, if you have a favorite author who has a book coming out, they might be having a book tour and you can meet them in person.
Once you’ve made the city your own, you may find a favorite spot in the city where you can relax and forget the pressures of the academe. Your own quiet spot can be a park bench, a place with a nice view of the city, by the water, a fountain, or even one of the nearby churches in your vicinity.

Be a Native

Each city is unique with activities and traditions specific to them. Don’t be hesitant about doing what the natives do. This, again, is part of the whole experience. Eat their food (and we’re not talking about the local McDonald’s), observe their customs and traditions, go where the locals go. Be forgiving with the stereotypes. For example, Americans like hanging out in bars, watching and playing ballgames (football, baseball, basketball, etc.), and watching movies. In Paris, hanging out in cafés and going around open air markets are popular activities. Spain is known for its nightlife and siestas. In Australia, people spend a lot of time in the great outdoors—the beach or the outback. In merry old England people go to pubs for meals, a pint and enjoy afternoon high tea. Or go try an authentic bento box along with sake in Japan and visit their temples. Your city will have special festivals ranging from the religious, patriotic (Independence Day, Memorial Day, Queen’s Birthday in England, Emperor’s Birthday in Japan), or celebrating a holiday significant to the nation’s history.

Fall Festivals

In the US, the first popular tradition you’ll encounter is Thanksgiving, which is practically Christmas for a typical American household. Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade (don’t worry, you can watch it on TV) along with the requisite turkey, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes is part of the whole tradition. If you don’t have relatives, round up a group of your “orphan” friends and you can have your own potluck get-together.

Another popular holiday is Halloween and this is reflected in the increase of parties in your school. Don’t be too surprised if you see a lot of people in costume this day. You might consider watching the Gay Pride Parade in New York and DC where the participants wear the most extravagant costumes.

Autumn makes people go out and enjoy the foliage. Weathermen take this so seriously that they provide a forecast predicting when the colors will peak and which areas will provide the best views. Fall is also harvest time. If your school sponsors a trip to an apple orchard you should try to go, but don’t get carried away picking too many apples (you pay per bushel not pieces!). If you are more of a city person, there are street fairs and book fairs around this time too. In Europe, there are various festivals going on such as Germany’s Oktoberfest and Wine Festivals in France, Spain, Germany and other wine producing countries.

Quote: My classmates in Manhattanville College were shocked to learn that I had never participated in the US pumpkin carving tradition. So on my first Halloween, my classmates bought a huge pumpkin and carved one for me. – Carmela Navarra, Manhattanville College, Georgetown University

Winter Wonderland

The holiday season is the busiest and the most stressful for residents as they prepare for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Almost all the cities have tree lighting ceremonies (the tree lighting ceremony at Washington DC and Rockefeller Center are televised events). Walk around the city and enjoy the diverse décor. These are even prettier at night with all the lights on and this way you avoid the tourist crowd altogether.

If you live where the climate’s cold, there are winter sports to try like ice skating, skiing and snowboarding. Or you can build a snowman then enjoy cocoa with marshmallows afterwards. If you live in Australia, forget about the snow. People traditionally spend Christmas by the beach!

New Year’s Day is the festival of festivals for the Japanese where people visit shrines and hold family reunions. In the UK, the first day of the year features the London Parade with its floats and marching bands.

Spring

People are the grumpiest as they wait for warmer weather. TV parties are also popular during this time of the year with the Superbowl, NCAA Finals and Oscars showing. The Cherry Blossom festival in DC is one of the big events at this time and natives battle with tourists to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Easter is a big, albeit commercial event, in the United States. Mardi Gras is huge in New Orleans with many undergraduates flying out to Louisiana to participate in festivities and go drinking. European cities have unique traditions observing Holy Week. If you are feeling homesick and happen to be in Spain, the Semana Santa is very similar to the Filipino version of Holy Week with penitents and floats. The Feria de Abril, a weeklong party of drinking, eating and flamenco, follows this.

Drinking Laws: There are different minimum legal drinking ages around the world. Even the Philippines has one but is never strictly enforced. In the US, restaurants and liquor stores are required to ask for Identification Cards such as a driver’s license to make sure they are not selling to a minor.

USA - 21
Japan - 20
UK, Singapore, Australia, Philippines, Canada, Denmark - 18
France, Austria, Germany- 16

Summer in the City

It’s finally warm, the days are longer, and even if you have class or work, the atmosphere is definitely more laidback. For three months, you get to enjoy wonderful weather which comes with free open-air concerts, movies, and plays in your area. And as everyone knows the best time to go on a picnic. You can do it simple, sandwiches made at home and some cold drinks and you’re all set. Or you can splurge, go to a deli get some nice cheese, bread, and cold cuts. Head for your favorite park, sit under a shade, bring a book (or your homework if you really must study), turn on the radio, and enjoy lazing the afternoon away. Please respect your environment and make sure you clean up afterwards.

If you live in the US, the Fourth of July fireworks is a tradition that you should experience at least once. Along with the fireworks, there are concerts and other activities to celebrate Independence Day. Americans take their barbecue seriously and don’t be surprised if people ponder the difference between dry and wet smoke as if it’s the most important issue of the day. Memorial Day is another weekend that celebrates the bittersweet end of summer.

Tip: Some city parks require a permit to hold a picnic.

A Note on Clubbing

Since we are not really experts in the art of clubbing, we asked some of our friends who go clubbing in New York City to give tips. Ginger Roxas (Fashion Institute of Technology, NY) , Jacqueline Cuisia (US) and Rissa Ramos (US, not her real name) give their insights.

What should one expect?

Jacqueline Cuisia: It depends on the night and the club. Certain nights (Friday and Saturday) will most likely be the BandT (Bridge and Tunnel or baduy) crowd. More often than not, the crowd is typically men in wifebeaters (those ugly white sandos) and the women in cheap, trashy-looking outfits and ridiculously thick makeup.

Rissa Ramos: Usually clubs are packed, so expect a lot of body bumping and wild dancing. Clubs are just one big dance floor so there are very few seats and the bar is usually very crowded so you must be an avid dancer to really have a good time. The clubs usually stick to a certain type of music so make sure that the club you are going to plays the type of music that you like.

People are usually very friendly too so it’s up to you if you want to entertain them. Some people just talk to you and dance with you for fun but of course there are others who are after something more so be careful. Make sure you bring your ID because you can’t get in without one and try not to bring a bag if you can because you will have no place to put it down.

Ginger Roxas: Long lines, security check, attitude check (the more attitude the better chances of getting in), girls have a better chance of getting in than an all male group. Once you're inside, expect more lines: coat check, bathroom, bar; if the club is popular, there really is no room to dance, but you can just stand in the middle of the dance floor and get pushed around which can be considered dancing. Also, if you're waiting for a particular DJ, the popular ones don't start playing till 2 am. Expect a really late night and sore, sore feet.

How much money should one expect to spend?

JC: Typically US$100 a night at the very least. Cover charges for the more popular clubs are at US$35 per person. Beer is at least US$5, as is bottled water. Most clubs don't serve tap water so if you want to drink plain old water you're going to have to pay for it. Mixed drinks usually start at US$8 or so. I've personally never gone out and spent less than US$100 on a night out.

RR: The average cover charge is US$20 and each drink costs about US$8 to10.

GR: Entrance US$30. Drinks US$20. So I guess US$50 at the least and some cash for food trips and the cab ride home.

How do you know if a place is cool or sleazy?

JC: There's no particular way to judge a place's sleaziness factor. I've been to some rat holes that for all intents and purposes look like crap but I've had an awesome time. What really matters is who you're with and your being game.

RR: Usually you can tell by the crowd and the quality of the music. If the people look too rowdy, or look like they are all high on something, or look like they should be in a motel room rather than a public place, then maybe that’s not the best place to be in. The music selection should also be of a nice variety so you can enjoy music that you know and learn new music.

GR: I think clubs are all sleazy but some can be cool if you like the scene. I would rather divide them into gay clubs, downtown (which can further be divided according to the type of music), uptown, college clubs (where HS kids try to sneak in), theme clubs (like Polyester and Culture Club). "Cool clubs" don't advertise, have no signs, have long lines and snooty bouncers, and are usually in out of the way locations but play great music. Sleazy clubs mostly have men for clientele, play remixed pop music, have signs and themes, only charge $10.

Aside from watching your drink, what other safety precautions should one know about?

JC: Never pick a fight with anyone. No matter if they look trashed or wimpy and you feel you can kick their a** with one hand tied behind your back...fuggedaboutit. You never know if they're packing heat or if they're so messed up they wouldn't give a hoot if they were bleeding from their ears just as long as you're down on the ground. RR: Just be aware of the people around you. If they are loud and very drunk, I would stay away because you never know what could happen to you. From something as simple as getting stepped on, to getting some beer on your shirt and as far as getting touched in ways that can be offensive. Actually, your actions will dictate how people around you will respond to you so just chose a spot where you think the people there are having the same type of fun that you like and go from there.

GR: Don't accept drinks from strangers; mind the crowd, know where the exits are (I'm serious, most of these places have no fire exits), know what time your DJ is playing otherwise, you might end up wasting your money; Don't bring cameras—they won't let you bring it in and you might end up losing it.

Culture Vultures

More than Art

If you don’t live in DC and London, the museums in your city require an entrance fee. One trick we learned from a fellow student was to take the “pay what you can” policy seriously. “Recommended” admission fees are just that, recommended but not required. If the entrance fee is $5 (that can be your lunch!), you can get away with paying for less. The first time Titchie, did this she thought the person in charge was going to scold her for being such a cheapskate but the cashier just accepted the quarter and gave the requisite MET pin. Or if you prefer modern art, the MoMA (Both the MET and the MoMA are in New York) offers free entrance one evening a week. Most museums practice having a free admission day, or at the very least require you to pay what you can.

If your city is known for its art community, your school will probably have a museum you can check out or if not, walk around the art galleries, it’s free! Also, we don’t advice eating at the museum cafeteria. The food is lackluster and cost more than the usual price. Some museums also hold cultural events. The National Gallery of Art in DC holds free concerts every Sunday. If you want a good seat, you just have to line up an hour earlier.

If the thought of going to the museum makes your eyes glaze over, please be reminded there are different kinds of museums out there: Science and Technology, Natural History, Crafts, Journalism, Aquariums, Botanical Gardens and Zoos are museums of a different type. Going to museums have become an increasingly interactive activity with exhibits requiring you to touch or talk into an exhibit. Vienna’s “House of Music” is a highly interactive museum showing the various elements of sound, as well as rooms paying tribute to various musical masters), while the Freedom Forum’s Newseum contains exhibitions that require the individual to help decide a newspaper’s line-up for the day, edit or be a newscaster or weatherperson on TV.

Try to visit a museum at least once. Most times, the building is as interesting as the priceless objects they hold. The dreary museums of yesteryear have vastly improved with restorations, interactive exhibits, and more attention to the whole sensory experience.

If you are tired of going to museums, there are other venues of art such as local galleries and embassies/consulates, and art societies.

Music and Theater

Student discounts are usually available to many cultural performances except if it’s a new Broadway show, a concert of a contemporary artist (Madonna, Paul McCartney, etc.), or a Gala performance. You can line up for tickets at discounted prices on dates mentioned by the ticketmaster (be prepared to wake up early and wait for at least an hour). If you are keen on watching an opera/ballet/orchestra performance, see if you can avail of standing room only tickets. You get an orchestra view for a ridiculously low price, and if you’re lucky, some nice people give you their seats after intermission (as was the case with Titchie and her husband).

Aside from student price tickets, you can also go to a show at the last minute and there might be cheap tickets available. Going online is the easiest way to get tickets, but if you are watching your money there’s always that additional service charge. Try matinees which are cheaper and avoid Friday/Saturday showings because these are usually the most expensive.

Sports

The cheapest way to get some exercise is to jog or run or walk or avail of your university’s gym. If you prefer team sports, you can always go to the park and play basketball, badminton, volleyball, tennis, etc. for free. Ask your gym administrators about leagues/ teams you can join. Approach people playing in the park. Some park facilities may need to be reserved so check with the park’s management to make sure.

Group sports could be a way to minimize expenses. If you want to go on a ski trip, the whole group can divide transportation costs, but there are other expenses to consider: equipment rental (skis), trainer, and locker fees. If you don’t have a ski outfit in your closet, you might have to invest in one or borrow from friends who do own one.

If actually find yourself stuck in a place with absolutely nothing to do, there’s a big probability that it has a bowling alley. It might seem dorky but if you and your friends are playing, it can’t be that bad. Oh, and make sure you wear socks when you go since you’ll be renting shoes.

Food Tripping

Everybody likes to eat and it’s an activity you cannot do without. In our city guides, there are more detailed places where you can go if you happen to live in a certain area. Eating alone isn’t much fun unless you’re in a hurry, reading a book or in a plain old grumpy mood. Meeting for brunch on weekends is one of the popular pastimes because it’s practically two meals in one, people like to sleep late after several all-nighters in a row, and it’s cheaper than dinner. Dimsum is favorite brunch fare since it’s filling and affordable.

If you are lucky enough to live in a city where there are lots of Filipinos, a Filipino restaurant should be just around the corner. It may seem a little strange at first to go to a restaurant to eat food that you normally take for granted back home, but once you’ve eaten your first mouthful, you’ll realize just what you’ve been missing. If you live in the West Coast, there are Filipino communities there with a Max’s, Goldilocks, and even a Jollibee!

In the United States, tipping is a serious business. Servers expect you to pay them 15 to 20% of the bill before taxes. However, if you are not happy with the service you receive (and believe us, you will encounter bad service), feel free to not leave a tip. Friends have advised not to complain before your food is served because servers have been known to do “horrible” things to your food when you do. If you are going to be a big group, the restaurant automatically includes a service charge in the bill.

The case is entirely different in Europe and in Japan where the bill already includes a service charge. If you are especially pleased with the service, you can still leave a tip. It’s also customary to round off the bill. But be warned, some cities don’t separate smoking and non-smoking sections so be prepared to smell like an ashtray after a meal. One great thing about European cafes, they allow you to stay as long as you like even if all you consumed is a cup of coffee (a practice copied by Starbucks and company).

Shopping

There is sayings that if you want to see a Filipino, go to a mall or an outlet. In the US, shopping is a favorite activity. Sales occur weekly and one learns to wait before buying anything because everything goes on sale anyway.

Playing Tourist at Home

Most natives take their home for granted. In our case, when was the last time you actually walked around Rizal Park? Don’t let the same thing happen to you in your “new” country. We find it amazing how visitors manage to squeeze in all the interesting sights in three days while after being there for several months you still haven’t seen a single thing. We’ve put together some recommendations. (See Terette Andaya's Top Ten List)

Terette’s Top Ten List

Terette Andaya (George Washington University, Washington, DC) loves to travel. She compiled a list of her top ten travel experiences and food experiences from her various adventures around the globe. Try out some of the stuff she’s done if you find yourself in that part of the globe:

ACTIVITIES:

1. Bathing in the public Hamam in Istanbul

The hamam is the marbled steam bathhouses in Turkey, better known as the Turkish Bath. The Turks built beautiful, elaborate bathhouses to serve their communities because of Islam’s high standards of personal hygiene and the absence of bathing facilities in private homes. For a fee, one can choose the bathing option with or without a massage. The ritual begins upon entering a steam room which has a raised marble platform in the center where the patrons (bath rooms are thankfully segregated by gender) lie down in various states of undress (either fully naked, in a swimsuit, or one piece of underwear – there is no dress code really). The purification process begins when you literally feel beads of sweat coming out of every pore of your body. If you feel you can no longer take the heat, there are water faucets (with tabos) at the sides of the room to cool yourself off with cool water. A little later, one of the big women in black bikinis approaches and douses you with water before giving you a rather perfunctory and rough “massage”. You’re then lathered all over with soap—enough to cover you in a cloud of bubbles, followed by a head-to-toe scrubdown with a loofah. This exfoliation process must have been quite successful since I recalled entering the hamam with a nice, desert-exposed tan and leaving the place as pale as a sheet.

2. Visiting museums in Japan: the Sword Museum and the Ninja House

Because of the country’s culture and history, Japan has some gems to offer in terms of museums. The Sword Museum in Tokyo provides a glimpse into the samurai’s weapon of choice—including a thinly-crafted blade that could slice a man’s head off his body with one clean sweep. The Ninja House in Kyoto displays loads of impressive Ninja trickery like trap doors and secret entrances, but alas, no disappearing star explosives. Since these places are located in obscure areas and the guides and signs are in Japanese, they are rarely visited by tourists, thus ensuring a more authentic (although less comprehensible) Japanese experience.

3. Visit the Sex Museum and Marijuana Museum in Amsterdam

Speaking of more unique museums, at the other end of the spectrum are the Sex and Marijuana Museums in Amsterdam. These establishments are a reflection of the liberal and tolerant attitude of the Dutch, who have legalized prostitution and the leisure use of marijuana. You can either be shocked, revolted, or amused by the exhibits in the Sex Museum, but the impressive plant collection of the Marijuana Museum’s growing room at the back is one to surely wow you—but sorry, no free samples.

4. Stand in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time in Quito, Ecuador

La Mitad del Mundo—The Middle of the World, as the equator memorial park in Ecuador is called. A thick, yellow line clearly marks the Northern and Southern demarcation of the earth where Frenchman Charles Marie de la Condamine and his expedition made the measurements in 1736 to determine that this was THE equator. My cheap thrill involved going to the bathrooms to check out the clockwise and counterclockwise flow of the water in the respective hemisphere.

5. Stand in four states simultaneously at the Four Corners Monument in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

In the same spirit as standing in the Northern and Southern hemispheres of the earth, one can venture out into a Marlboro tour and find in the middle of a vast, sprawling desert in the American southwest a monument commemorating a unique geographical position. Nowhere else in the United States will you find four states converging into this one corner where visitors (including myself) contort themselves into awkward positions in order to touch all four states at the same and have their photo taken.

6. Riding a camel in Giza, Egypt -- riding an elephant in Siem Reap, Cambodia

To be carried by more than the usual animal (like a horse) is an experience in itself. Tourist services near attractions such as the Great Pyramid in Giza and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap offer rides on their respective local beasts of burden. Riding on a camel makes you want to race across the desert sands a la Lawrence of Arabia; and there’s nothing like viewing the ancient ruins at a languid, almost royal pace and higher perspective of an elephant’s back—the only thing missing was someone referring to me as “Mrs. Anna”.

7. Feel like Indiana Jones in the Ta Prohm temple complex in Cambodia

Among the scores of temple complexes found in Siem Reap, Ta Prohm is the only one that remains largely unrestored by the French archaeologists who excavated the area in the 1860s. By leaving the temples in the almost-original state they were discovered in, gives visitors a genuine explorer’s feel while walking amid the ruins. The humungous roots of twenty five-foot tall Banyan trees have broken through the floors, walls, and even roofs of some of the temples, carpet-like moss covers some of the walls and rubble, and the encroaching jungle overgrowth helps bring out your inner archaeologist/adventurer. And don’t forget to visit the seldom seen sculpture of the big giant head, which can be reached via a separate pathway from the main temple complex. Ask some of the kids selling film, bottled water, or T-shirts in the area to show you the way (for a fee, of course).

8. Bartering for souvenirs in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Yes, the practice still exists (sadly) in a country that was reportedly suffering from food shortage and other goods. With an official exchange rate of US$1 to 65 Zim dollars and a black market rate of US$1 to 500 Zim dollars, the value of items wildly fluctuate. Thus, armed with some decent old T-shirts I was planning to get rid off anyway, I used these to bargain and exchange for souvenir items such as a handsomely-carved wooden jewelry case and a miniature serpentine sculpture of the Madonna and Child. Other things which we take for granted like old shoes, pens, and even tissues have some barter value for these goods, so stock up before shopping and be ready to trade.

9. "Soroche" (i.e. altitude sickness) in Cuzco, Peru

Breathlessness, severe migraine, nausea. Some of the symptoms that will tell you that you’re just too high up for your own good. Cuzco, the archaeologically breathtaking (literally) heart of the formerly powerful Inca empire, is situated 3326 meters (10,912 feet) above sea level. It is almost always everyone’s first stop before heading on to Machu Picchu. Part of experiencing this city with its multitude of Inca ruins and lack of oxygen is suffering through a headache that just won’t go away. The symptoms of soroche usually disappear within a day of rest and adjustment—you’ll be advised that aside from rest and avoiding overexertion on the first day, to drink up the ubiquitous coca tea which helps in digestion and adjustment to the new environment. Yup, coca—the very ingredient used to make cocaine.

10. Going through immigration in Havana

Cuba seems to have a genuine immigration method. You approach the immigration officer one by one (no groups of friends to avoid confusion) in a cubicle that has a door at the other end, so you don’t know what lies beyond. A video camera is clearly visible behind the officer who scrutinizes every page of your passport, demands for other forms of identification, and throws you a series of questions in Spanish (thank goodness for those college language lessons!). Only after the officer is fully satisfied with your interview will your documents be returned, and with nary a smile, the officer offers a Bienvenido (welcome) while pressing a button that opens the mystery door….and presto! It’s the baggage claim area. Welcome to Cuba.

Sidebar:
Food and Drink
1. Crispy, Aromatic Duck and Curry, London
2. Haggis in Scotland (sisig, anyone?!)
3. Chocolates in Belgium (pralines and truffles)
4. Real Mexican food (forget Cancun cuisine)
5. Chi-cha in Otavalo, Ecuador
6. Plump breaded mussels from the street stalls of Ortakoy, Turkey
7. Darjeeling Tea at Fortnum & Mason (grocers to the Queen), London
8. Langosta Prohibido at a private home, Varadero Beach, Cuba
9. Franco-Asian cuisine in any restaurant, Siem Reap, Cambodia
10. Churros in Cuzco, Peru OR freshly-baked pide bread from the side of the road in Cappadocia

Train Station URLs

USA http://www.amtrak.com/
Spain http://www.renfe.es/
Germany http://www.bahn.de/
UK http://www.networkrail.co.uk/
Europe http://www.raileurope.com/
Europe http://www.eurostar.com/dctm/jsp/index.jsp
Japan www.jreast.co.jp/e/
Australia www.train-ticket.net/austral/austrain.htm
Barcelona www.tmb.net/wltmb/web/eng/moute/moute.jsp
Madrid www.metromadrid.es/

Volunteering

Volunteer work doesn’t cost you anything. All you have to give is your time and you’re rewarded by feeling good because you’ve helped out a worthy cause. Where you can share your time are many and can match your interest: young people, sport, animal welfare, arts and heritage, environment and conservation, health/care work, or campaign work. One of the most popular charities in the US is the soup kitchen which provides food for the homeless. Soup kitchens usually need the most help around Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays. If you would like to volunteer a neat site is http://www.volunteermatch.org/ based in the United States. Aside from identifying the nearest organizations to you, they also allow you to select an area of interest.

There are a variety of ways to volunteer. There is even an option called virtual volunteering! If you are seriously considering volunteering, the Independent Sector, a non-profit information center provides the following tips:

1. Research the causes of issues important to you.


2. Consider the skills you have to offer


3. Would you like to learn something new?


4. Don’t over-commit your schedule.


5. Non-profits may have questions about you too.


6. Consider community groups (aside from hospitals, libraries, and churches): day care centers, Neighborhood Watch, public schools and colleges, halfway houses, community theaters, fraternal organizations, retirement centers and homes for the elderly, Meals on Wheels, church or community-inspired soup kitchens or food pantries, museums, art galleries and monuments, community choirs, bands and orchestras, prisons, neighborhood parks, youth organizations, sports teams and after-school programs, shelters for battered women and children, historical restorations, battlefields and national parks.


7. Give voice to your heart through giving and volunteering.


8. Virtual Volunteering is possible if you have computer access and the necessary skills as some organizations now offer opportunities to do volunteer work over the computer.


9. Be a year-round volunteer!
   
   Trivia:
   • 22 million adults are involved in formal volunteering each year.
   • Ten million people volunteer each week.
   • Formal volunteers put in some 90 million hours of voluntary work a week.
   • The economic value of formal volunteering has been estimated at over £40 billion per year.
   • Six out of ten volunteers said volunteering gave them an opportunity to learn new skills.
   All statistics taken from Davis Smith J (1998), The 1997 National Survey of Volunteering, published by the National Centre for Volunteering.
   
   

On Travel

You have vacation time on your hands and would dearly like a change of scenery. Even in the city you live in, you can take day trips to interesting places. If in San Francisco, you can drive to Monterey or check out the many vineyards in the outskirts of the city. You can take the MetroNorth in NY to go upstate and see more interesting sights. Or you can take Amtrak and go practically anywhere in the US. If you live in Europe and have a Schengen visa you can travel to all the other EU countries via Eurail. The train systems in Japan, Europe and Australia are even more sophisticated.

If you are going out of the country, review the checklist below to make sure you don’t have any unpleasant surprises.

1. Have a checklist of the following: Things to Bring (passport, tickets, money, medicine, hotel reservations, car reservations, guidebook, etc.) and Things to Do (unplug all electrical appliances, empty fridge, hide valuables or give to a trusted friend for safekeeping, make arrangements for pets and plants).

2. Reconfirm reservations. International flights usually ask you to reconfirm your flight 72 hours beforehand. Make sure you have the weight requirements of your luggage right. We recommend that you travel light. Have a printed copy of your hotel reservations.

3. Have backup documents. Aside from your passport, have another ID such as your license and your student ID (handy for discounts!). Photocopy ALL important documents so it’s easy to replace should these get lost or stolen. And always hand carry your important documents.

4. Leave an extra key to your home with a trusted friend. And entrust them with your itinerary complete with a list of important phone numbers (airline, flight details, hotel, friends you’ll be visiting or staying with, etc.) in case of emergencies. Make a printout for yourself that will fit in your wallet for accessibility.

Preparation

Before you purchase your ticket, review the visa requirements and your own school’s Office of International Students. You’ll need additional time to prepare the documents when applying for a visa. Most visa requirements include a copy of bank account with sufficient funds, proof of employment (or in your case, proof that you are a student), your itinerary, and the address of the place/s you’ll be staying in.



Online services can find the cheapest rates for you, however, and the cheapest rates also mean the ticket cannot be transferred, exchanged or refunded. So make sure your plans to travel are definite before committing to a ticket. Additional charges can be added to your fare so make sure you review your final fare charge. We’ve provided a list of suggested online sites to book your ticket. We also recommend reviewing the airlines’ own sites because their special promos sometimes aren’t included in the online travel booking sites.



Research on the place you are visiting. If you don’t have friends to take you around, a guidebook can be your very best friend. It will save you time, money and provide insights to the city.

Tip: Bring the following emergency supplies: Diarrhea medicine, allergy medicine, headache medicine, cough and cold medicine, prescriptions, and Band-Aid.

Useful Sites



Missing Credit Card information:


Lost MasterCard: 1800MC-ASSIST


Lost Visa Card: 1800-8472911


Lost American Express Card: 18002217282



Maps:


http://www.mapquest.com/


http://www.mapblast.com/


www.streetmap.co.uk (UK)


http://www.streetmap.com/



Weather:


http://www.weatherchannel.com/


http://www.accuweather.com/


http://www.intellicast.com/

Driving Around

It’s always handy to have a valid driver’s license. Not only does it allow you to rent a car, it is also accepted identification. Each country and state has its own set of rules regarding driving permits for foreigners. Some might require an international driver’s license you should get this in the Philippines from the Philippine Motor Association located at 683 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. An international driver’s license is valid for only one year and can only be renewed outside of the Philippines, i.e. the country you’re studying in.

Each country has its own requirements about converting your Philippine license to a local license. In the United States, each state has a different policy for foreigners. In Washington, DC, you only need to take the written exam and present your valid Philippine license. Some countries are stricter and require you to take both the written and practical exam. Check Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific policies regarding your driver’s license and the state or country you find yourself in.

If you're in the US and have a valid driver's license, AAA processes international driver's licenses for a fee.

Pros and Cons of Traveling Alone

Angela Guevara, Pratt Institute, New York (Angela took the train to Paris from Italy, one day)


Pros
1. Can write in journal, postcards, letters, read, sketch without interruption
2. When you are writing about your trip, you are forced to be more observant
3. Human nature will make one be more friendly, talk to strangers, meet people
4. You can do whatever you want
5. You are forced to get over fear of being alone, forced to be independent

Cons
1. Cannot leave stuff, had to keep checking my things
2. Extra care and alert when traveling. My sister, Marie, thought at one point that she was being followed.
3. Cannot have someone else take a picture of you
4. You have to carry all your stuff

Last Minute Tips

You’re all set and packed. But wait a minute, you’re bringing how many suitcases for a weekend trip? Rule No. 1: try to fit all your belongings into one carryon. This saves you time (no more waiting at the baggage carousel) and you can handily take the train or bus home. Travel light!

And for women get one with wheels, these are easier to lug around rather than those backpacks, and eases the strain when running from one train platform to another. On the other hand, stairs can be a pain for these sort of luggage.

You might also want to wear easy to remove and easy to slip on shoes. This is for the increased security check in airports. Try not to wear items with a lot of metal, even one’s underwire bra can cause the alarm to go off. Check with the airline AND airport about items not allowed in your carryon.Record your adventures. If you don’t have the budget for a nice camera, there are a lot of disposable cameras out there. Keep a journal, so you remember the places you visited like the interesting little restaurant in a quiet corner of the city or a painting you really liked in a museum. If you like to make scrapbooks, keep little souvenirs like ticket stubs, napkins, programs, flyers, menus, etc.

Post Script

Life goes on at a furiously fast pace and everything keeps changing. As much as we want to be up-to-date as possible, there’s always the possibility that one of the recommendations might have closed or opened shop elsewhere. So do try to visit the websites (and their links) we recommended for more current information