Destinations
Struggling for the energy to prepare for your holiday? Bribe yourself to do it
By employing the same method – work towards getting things done and then reward – you’ll be ready in no time. Then, rather than last minute stresses, you can just look forward to the holiday to come.
You know the feeling where you’re on a holiday countdown. Nothing else matters. You’ve got your eyes on the sunbed (or ski slope – depends on where you’re going), the cocktail in hand and the feeling of limitless relaxation. Suddenly, your real life seems boring and mundane.
You know you have to prepare for the holiday. The suitcase sits, waiting for its contents. You’ll pack it tomorrow; you lie to yourself. You’re only doing a capsule wardrobe, so you don’t need to spend hours doing it. Around the same time, you’ll sort that visa out and make sure you know where your passport is. Tomorrow.
So, reality check. At some point, you’re going to have to do the things you’re trying to forget you need. Otherwise, you’re going to end up the night before frantically shoving everything you can find into a suitcase. Or worse yet, showing up at the airport only to realize that “pleading for mercy” is not as efficient a method for passing customs as having a passport is.
But it’s a trade. We’ll give you one thing you have to do, and then suggest some indulgence to take the edge off.
Dull Necessity: Get your documents in order.
- Passport
- Travel insurance and details of any extra health coverage.
- Medications
- Plane and other transport tickets
- Does the country you’re traveling to require additional documentation to permit entry? You need a visa for Canada, the UK and most of mainland Europe. If you’re not sure, you can check with the embassy for the country.
In Exchange For: Checking Instagram is updated; those sunset photos aren’t going to filter themselves are they? Go ahead and publish a picture of your countdown app at the same time, lording over your followers of your upcoming escape from home soil. Feel smug for 10 minutes.
Dull Necessity: Packing
IMAGE SOURCE: PUBLICDOMAINPICTURES
The capsule wardrobe isn’t going to help. Capsule wardrobes are a creation brought forth by fashion editors to make us all feel bad when we’re sitting on a suitcase trying to close it. Instead, pick two outfits for each scenario, such as: sunny, dry, windy, beach day, pool day. Add in extras if you’re a daredevil heading for the ski slopes or hiking. It’s a good idea to weigh your luggage too, so you don’t get any nasty surprises.
In Exchange For: Realizing that there’s one item that would tie every outfit together (there always is). Allow yourself to buy it. You’ve been working hard; you need your retail therapy.
Dull Necessity: An Itinerary
It’s useful to have a single document to hand full of the details of the hotel, flights, and where you’re going to be on specific days. Have a hard copy for your handbag and also keep a copy on your phone.
In Exchange For: If you’re planning your stay, then you might as well ensure you’re not missing out on anything. Allow a long browse online at potential day trips when you’re at your destination. Of course, amend the itinerary if you can’t help yourself and end up booking something.
By employing the same method – work towards getting things done and then reward – you’ll be ready in no time. Then, rather than last minute stresses, you can just look forward to the holiday to come.
Destinations
Going Chinese in Pulilan, Bulacan
Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan, and we’re on the fence here (yes if no choice, no if you can go elsewhere).
We happened to be in Pulilan in Bulacan, and I had pancit craving. As if on cue, we passed by Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan, which – after we Google-checked – is supposedly one of the more frequently-visited Chinese restos in these parts of the province, so… of course we checked.
@outragemag Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine
Una, this place is really, REALLY easy to find. Located along the Pulilan Regional Road in Barangay Cut-cot in Pulilan, this is right in the middle of the municipality.
Ikalawa, the resto is actually divided into three parts: one side is for those with reservations, another part is for walk-in diners, and another part is for events. If/when the resto isn’t full, only the main part (middle one) is kept open.
No, this isn’t some fancy resto. More like an airconditioned karinderya, complete with wooden tables and plastic chairs. Look-wise, it wasn’t dirty naman when we were there, so that’s a plus.
Ikatlo, the workers were friendly naman… and they moved fast – e.g. while waiting for our orders, we were given must-check peanuts, and since we finished what we got fast, our waitress was more than happy to accommodate us.
Ika-apat, now… how was the food?
The house specialty, the Lee Foo Chicken (₱265 for half, ₱495 for whole), looked like fried chicken with ketchup. Okay… the breading was okay since it didn’t overpower the meat. The chicken, too, was properly cooked, and it wasn’t dry. But it was tasteless overall; so the ketchup taste is what stays with you.
The Pancit Canton Bihon (₱255) had thin pancit noodles, almost as thin as the bihon. It didn’t have lots of sahog; instead, you’d notice the extenders (like kikiam, and so on). I like good pancit, I swear… but this isn’t one of them, sorry.
The weirdly-wrapped Hakaw (₱155) was small, so it was bitin.
And then there’s the Siomai Steam (₱155), which was, in a word, weird. The size was good, similar to those ₱10 siomais. But the way this was prepared was weird for us – e.g. like the meat was overwatered, and having a hard time staying solid, so that it was smudgy, and disintegrated in the mouth even without chewing. I suppose that, at least, it wasn’t disgusting taste-wise.
Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is, we believe, popular. Like President in Chinatown, or a branch of David’s in some mall. To each his or her own nga naman. But for us, we’re off to look for other Chinese restos na muna as we head out in search of more lafangan venues.
Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is located at 159 Barangay Cut-cot, Pulilan, 3005 Bulacan Province. For more information, contact 0925 800 0168, or email leefoopanciteria@yahoo.com.
Travel
Treacherous beauty: Hiking at South Stack Lighthouse in Wales
#Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales.
Yes, tech has made many lighthouses redundant. Not that they’re no longer relevant. But navigation-wise, we know we have more advanced solutions. Which, perhaps not surprisingly, led to the reconfiguration of many of them.
In Holyhead, Anglesey in Wales, introducing the South Stack Lighthouse.
@outragemag #Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine
Una, you’d need a ride to be there. Some use private cars, as we did; others join tours; and others cycle to the place.
Ikalawa, what’s there?
The lighthouse itself is located on a small, rocky island off Holyhead. From afar, it looks like someone’s grand home; mansion-like. Accessible siya after you descend down 400 steep steps.
What will you see while there?
- the former lighthouse engine room
- the top of the lighthouse
- South Stack is also home to breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins
Here’s an FYI: seasonal lang siya bukas.
This is a must-check for lighthouse lovers, of course. Historic, it was built in 1809 by Trinity House from the design of Daniel Alexander. 91-foot tall, it used to allow safe passage for ships on the Dublin–Holyhead–Liverpool sea route.
Another FYI: It is allegedly haunted, and has been visited by a team from “Most Haunted”.
The area housing the lighthouse is, itself, worth checking. There are trails for hikers or joggers or cyclists; though the same could be enjoyed by those who are there only to look for good shots.
Check when you’re in the area… even if you just pass by. Nice siya, promise.
But off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa…
Travel
Enjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales
Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales.
When in Bangor, you’d be told often that among the best things to do is to hike. And among the must-check is the Snowdonia Slate Trail, which links the old slate-quarrying communities of Eryri/Snowdonia.
So… ayan na nga, even without the right outfit for hiking, but ayaw ma-miss ang chance to check the area, off we went.
@outragemag Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine
Una, the circular route starts near Bangor/Porth Penrhyn. And you need a car or whatever to get to the starting point.
Ikalawa, the trail isn’t just for hiking. It’s also for biking or walking dogs. So you’d be sharing the 133-kilometer long trail with others.
Ikatlo, what’s there?
Mountains built by remnants from quarry sites, to start.
So… Gwynedd used to be known for slate quarrying, and among the biggest players is Penrhyn Quarry which is near Gwynedd, part of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Now… with slate quarrying, around 75% of extracted material are inferior in quality, called overburden, and so becoming mineral waste. Here, they’re now mountains.
But the trail also shows views typically associated with Wales – e.g. rolling hills that go on forever, rock fences, sheep farms, canals with flowing water… and more.
Usually, sa matatag, people hike the Snowdonia Slate Trail for up to seven days, passing through Bethesda, Llanberis, and so on. But for others… it’s but an opportunity to commune with nature, in a way, while taking those must-have shots.
But we’re off for more LGBTQIA+ discoveries…
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