Wanderer - July 2013

Wanderer

Issue 1 | July 2013

travel, culture & the world around us

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Doge’s Palace, Venice, Italy

LA SERENISSIMA, Venice, Italy

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WELCOME It’s with great pleasure that I bring to you the first issue of WANDERER, a magazine of travel, culture and the world around us.

WANDERER was born out of my fascination for the amazing world I love and live in. Nearly half my life I have indeed been blessed to travel, both near and far from home. Looking forward to the years to come, my desire to see more of this beautiful earth and her gorgeous people & culture, grew into what you will see in these very pages: a love for the beauty around us and embracing it and taking something of it with us.

In this issue, join us as we walk through the mystical streets and float down the serene canals of VENICE, ITALY, where we will show you some of it’s secret and magical places. A culinary tour throughout some of TURKEY will lead us to some of the most delicious and savory food one can imagine. The charm of the British-inspired Chinese island of HONG KONG will captivate you and lead you to places, old and new. And in the archipelago of what we know as the PHILIPPINES, are islands of beauty beyond what you have seen.

So come with us as we WANDER through some of the most delightful places.

Wanderer-in-Chief

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CONTENTS 06.

Hong Kong’s Ancient Charm

Whether it’s an 8-hour layover or a week-long vacation, Hong

Kong has so much old and new to see.

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A Culinary Journey through Turkey

Pomegranates, kebabs, breads, hearty stews, and endless feta

cheese...Take a tour through Turkey’s savoury palate.

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Travel Secrets

Some of the latest trends and products to make your travelling

that much more carefree.

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The Magic of Venice

Also known as La Serenissma, Venice captivates the hearts of

many who enter her mysterious doors.

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With Love From

A collection of our readers’ most memorable places through photographs.

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Wander With Me

This month’s column by fellow Wanderer, Sandra Hunter.

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Breathtaking Islands of the Philippines

The archipelago made up of more than 7,000 islands has

countless stunning beaches for any traveller to discover.

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Come Fly With Me A look ahead to our next wandering issue.

Wander-in-Chief Tracey Heppner

Contributing Writers

Sandra Hunter

Contributing Photographers Len Marcelo Jingco Max Brunelli Jenn Hobson Liz Giles Brian Miller Tara Wyton Priscilla Unger Wayne Hunter Text in BOLD is most likely a hyperlink. Enjoy.

Coming soon: www.wanderermagonline.com

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CHARMING HONG KONG Known as the Fragrant Harbour, Hong Kong offers everything from old street markets to modern cityscapes and captivates the souls of wanderers.

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HONG KONG

This small group of islands that are just over 400 square miles and home to over 7 million residents, was colonized by the British Empire in the early 1800s and has since been a hub between the Western World and Asia. EAST MEETS WEST, as some refer to Hong Kong, this tiny territory has lots to offer travellers from all over the world.

As you wander through the busy streets by either foot or public transit, you can see where residents and business co-habitat in this compact metropolis.

The buzz of life in this city is unending, colourful and mesmerising.

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You will find Hong Kong has so many things to offer: visit the must-see Jumbo Restaurant located in Aberdeen Harbor.

This floating restaurant has been around for over 30 years and its ornate details as well as its views while dining are remarkable. Even the Queen of England has visited here.

Kowloon is a but one part of Hong Kong, and is home to many amazing museums such as the HK Art Museum, Science Museum, Hobby & Toy Museum and many others.

The Ladies Market is something you do not want to pass up as it is the most well-known street market for almost anything for super cheap.

But don’t just spend your time in Kowloon - Hong Kong Island has tons to see and do: the infamous Victoria Peak for a 180 degree view of Hong Kong’s skyline plus shopping galore; Repulse Bay, a lovely beach where you can swim and also see the big Buddha; and Ocean Park, a marine park with shows, plus pandas and dolphins to view.

Getting around Hong Kong is easy with their fast lightrail trains that go everywhere. You can even take in Hong Kong Disneyworld for the day as well.

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DISCOVERHONGKONG.COM has everything you need to plan your next trip.

A Culinary Journey through TURKEY

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS TRACEY HEPPNER

Who knew that the cuisine of Turkey would have captivated every single tastesbud? On a tour throughout Istanbul, down to Cappadocia, over to Kusadasi and up to Izmir, my experience with the flavourful food of Turkey was nothing less than incredible.

It began when we arrived in Istanbul at the ungodly hour of 5:30am, off a 12-hour flight from Hong Kong. Our wonderful guide, Ensar, said that first thing was first we were going to find some breakfast and coffee.

Coffee. I heard nothing but good stories about Turkish Coffee. I was going to finally have my first, but not my last- cup.

We walked into a bistro that we would later find strewn throughout the city-SIMIT SARAYI. There we laid our eyes on pastries and sandwiches and coffees. After being in transit for almost 20 hours, all I could think of was caffeine running through my veins, and fast. We had a full day ahead.

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Without much delay, our food was served and it was absolutely wonderful. I could get used to this, I told myself.

As we made our way throughout the day in Istanbul, I couldn’t help but notice the vast amount of vendors selling all sorts of culinary and beverage delights. What caught my eye instantly was the carts full of pomegranates. Never had I seen this fruit in such plenty. And so inexpensive! You could even have it juiced with oranges. This was some-thing else! You could also buy pretzels, sandwiches and other fruit amidst thevarious street food vendors.

We stopped for lunch at what was known as an “authentic homecooked Turkish cuisine”

Turkish teas and coffee are amongst some of the traditional beverages served in Turkey. In Sirence, near Izmir, there is a valley that makes some of the most tasty fruit wines.

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In Old Istanbul there is a district where, lining the narrow streets are fish restaurants by the dozens.

Fresh fish caught daily off the bridges and boats that are on the Bosporus Sea are paired with divine Turkish dishes that activate every savoury sensation.

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Pastries, fresh figs & pommegranites, and Turkish Delight...food that is unquestionably delish!

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restaurant, BUHARA 93. Oh my goodness! I was in food heaven! Stews, kebabs, salads, pastries and Turkish tea were on the menu for lunch. I could hardly wait to dig in.

In Cappadocia, we stopped in a town called Goreme. There was a CAFE TURCA that was know for their Turkish pancakes. SO amazing. This Turkish food was satisfying every tastespud! And to be semi-outdoors on their rooftop deck was breathtaking as you took in the views of the fairy chimneys in the distance.

Amongst my most favourite of all culinary delights were the fresh figs, feta cheese and Turkish Delight.

They all were readily available, easy on the wallet and satisfying for the tummy.

Yes, indeed, there is much to be said about Turkish cuisine. And I think I only touched the surface of it.

I’m thrilled to be going back to not only tour throughout Ancient Tiurkey but to eat some more of this fantastic food, this September with Follow Your Heart Tours. Come along!

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TRAVEL SMARTS When you travel a lot, you tend to be on the lookout for the newest travel accessories that will make your travel experience that much more enjoyable.

We have found several must-have’s that we think will make your next trip all the more carefree.

Clockwise from top left: MOPHIE JUICE PACK PLUS. You won’t have to worry anymore about your iPhone battery dying right before you get that shot in front of the Colleseum in Rome. Around $100; YOSI SAMRA shoes. Strolling in style with these 16 | Wanderer Magazine

ultra compact flats. Starting at $50; SHAVE TECH RAZOR. USB Charging, just plug it into your laptop and presto! $29.99; TRAVELO. Excel perfume atomiser. Bring your favorite perfume without lugging around the whole bottle. $19.99; PASMINAS. Coming in blends of cashmere, silk, and wool, these scarves are nice and soft, yet warm and lightweight— perfect to fend off chills from ocean breezes or airplane airconditioning; FLIGHT 001 F1 GO CLEAN LINGERIE BAG. A zippered pouch to contain (and hide) your underthings makes for more organised travelling, less potentially embarrassing security checks. $20; JONATHAN ADLERHOCKNEY FRAMES SPECS CASE. Protect the shades that protect your peepers with a

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p first ste e h t m o r onto ke a t u yo ou know y , e c i n Ve in some d e v i r r a you have agical. m r e h t a place r n 400 a h t e r o With m nnecting 117 co p bridges t make u a h t s d n an tiny isla ce, you c i n e V f o d the city reets an t s e h t wander and get s r u o h r canals fo be lost y l l a e r t no r lost, yet will neve u o Y . e c i in Ven while in y a w r u r lose yo , a rathe a m i s s i n also La Sere e m a n romantic epublic R e h t r o known f ntually e v e ; e ic our of Ven er find y h t i e l l i you w Bridge, o t l a i R or self at Square o c r a San M . So go n o i t a t s the train yourself e s o l d n and ahead, a ty u a e b the e. in of Venic t n e m r wonde streets e h t Wander nder, and a w s l a c s where lo ng that i i h t y r e v take in e Venezia. y l l u f r e wond

The Magic of Venice

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS TRACEY HEPPNER

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Built on existing islands and buildings built on a bed of wooden pylons driven into the ground below the water in the lagoon, Venice has more than 177 canals, all accessible by either foot or boat.

A wanderer’s paradise!

One of the typical scenes I would think about when I pictured Italy was the laundry hanging to dry.

I am not sure why I pictured it but I did.

What is it about the laundry in Italy, specifically, that makes it all the more lovely?

I’ll tell you the truth: I never looked at laundry the same once I saw it blissfully hang around Italy.

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enice has many names: City of Bridges, Venezia, Queen of the Adriatic Sea, Dominante...But I like to call it La Serenissima, or Most Serene.

There is something unexplainable about the serenity that you encounter when you are in Venice.

Perhaps it is the music you actually hear on quiet corners in piazzas, or squares, of aged men playing their accordians that have seen more passersby than one can count.

There is also something about sitting in cafes or on benches as the locals do, and taking it all in. Watching life pass by. The Italian phrase La Dolce Far Niente (the sweetness of doing nothing) truly is something one must do while sitting and people watching, while sipping an espresso.

Or maybe it is that even though there are many visitors, you do not hear horns of cars. All you hear is boat motors that have a rather deep hum about that, that bring a certain relaxation along with the sounds of waves hitting the sides of buildings and canals.

But I think it’s just the simple fact that Venice is just this magical place that even Venetians can’t explain and that has been this way for centuries.

Whatever it is that makes Venice this more serene place, it is this reason that when I visit her, I feel more at rest here than almost any another place in the world. Venice is a soul place indeed for my heart.

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alking through some of Venice’s most well-known places is essential. The gondolas that glide gracefully through the Grand Canal, the alleyways that lead to San Marco’s Square, the markets and shops of the Rialto Bridge. All of these and more are some of the “must-see” spots of Venice and are often strewn with tourists, yet there is something about seeing these sights that having tourists makes them all that more “full”.

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hether it’s catching the elevator up the Campanile, or Bell Tower, in San Marco Square, picking up some fresh produce at the Rialto Market or riding the vaperatto to the island of Murano, being amongst others who are, in the same way, taken with the mystery of Venice, will surely keep your heart reservoir full.

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enice, indeed has lots to see and do - the old churches, art galleries and shows, the surrounding islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello, as well as the Lido.

But always be sure to take time to “get lost�, to do as the locals do and have coffee and a mid-day snack and learn how to enjoy the sweetness of doing nothing.

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With Love From..

Send us your “postcards� of your most favourite places you have been in your wandering travels.

Top left to right, clockwise: Nagercoil, India: The colours of all the saris that are worn all over India are so incredible. Along with the intricate designs and patterns - absolutely breathtaking! ~Tracey Heppner of Manila, Philippines Puka Beach, Boracay Island Philippines: I loved the incredible raw beauty and peacefulness we found in Puka Beach! A fantastic place to breathe in the extraordinary beauty found on the island of Boracay! ~Tara Wyton of Manitoba, Canada Near Guilin in Guangxi province, China: We stayed at a farmhouse that was converted into guest accommodations. It was totally amazing (and strange fact, I had the best apple pie EVER at the guest house!) ~Miriam Miller of Vancouver, Canada Burgos, Spain: Sitting with one of the statues of St. James at Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO site. It was a glorious night as we sat there listening to a live symphony orchestra drinking

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sangria and having dinner al fresco, after a long day of walking. ~Jenn Dobson of Victoria, Canada Sardegna, Italy: I went there for 3 weeks with my family. It’s my soul place. A fantastic island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea in front of Italy. ~Max Brunelli of Terni, Italy Koh Poda, Thailand: Seriously beautiful spot, and as I was taking it in, all I could think was “I’m so glad places as beautiful as this really do exist”. Amazing peace and serenity. ~Liz Giles of Calgary, Canada Montipulciano, Tuscany, Italy: We stayed just outside of Montepulciano at a fine B&B called the Relais Ortaglia. Our culinary adventure encapsulated various food experiences on and off site, from participating in the creations of luxurious five star modernist cuisine methods in a commercial style kitchen, to this humble original farmhouse style traditional menu of the un-matched Pici and Aglione Sauce. The incomparable seasonal produce, enhanced by the postcard rich backdrops of Tuscany made this an adventure of a lifetime. ~Priscilla Unger of Alberta, Canada

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Travel Tours presents

For detailed information and registration please contact Tracey Heppner at tracey@traceylheppner.com 26 | Wanderer Magazine

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e were part of a boutique travel group - Follow Your Heart Tours - and our destination for the 8 days was Umbria & Tuscany. Our first accomodation was the one that stood out in my mind the most and to this day, was one of the many highlights of the trip. Located up in the hills of Monteluco, a few kilometers from the village of Spoleto, sat this hermitage that had been transformed into a quaint, cozy bed & breakfast, layered in old world decor.

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he private and quiet of Eremo Delle Grazie was utterly charming, while the personal hospitality of the hostess and staff and wonderful food made meals and relaxing times that of one happy family as we were all together in the common areas.

The ambiance of this 14th century residence was completely intact and as we sat on the balcony and looked out to the scenic landscape before us, it was absolutely rejuvenating.

Eremo Delle Grazie Spoleto, Umbria, Italy

by Sandra Hunter

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wonderful old wine cellar that still housed wine from centuries past, along with the very chapel made you feel like you were living back in history itself.

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remo Delle Grazie, along with the wonderful team of guides throughout our travels, made for endless fun, seeing the well-hidden jewels that make up the very beauty of Italy. GRAZIE MILLE!

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Anawangin Cove, Zambales

This tropical archipelago known as the Philippines is one of the most breathtaking in the world. With 7,107 different islands to choose from, your journeys throughout this country of smiling &friendly locals, fresh seafood and vast culture will be nothing less than memorable.

Join us as we explore three different areas this month: Anawangin, Zambales, Britania Group of Islands, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao and Boracay Island, Aklan, Visayas.

Breathtaking Islands of the

Camara Island, Zambales

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PHOTOGRAPHS: TRACEY HEPPNER

PHILIPPINES

Camara Island, Zambales

ANAWANGIN COVE ZAMBALES. Pundaquit, Zambales

Anawangin Cove, Zambales

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Serenity and nature at its finest and only about a 3 hour drive northwest of the busy metropolis of Manila, Zambales province is a quiet & simple retreat within reach.

A 45-minute bangka (local boat) ride from the coastal town of Pundaquit to Anawangin Cove goes by quickly as you motor along crystal clear turquoise waters and see the mountains and beach meet along the scenic coast line.

There is no cell service in the Anawangin area, which makes it an even more amazing place to “unplug” and take it easy among this majestic getaway. One can either stay in resorts within the bangka’s reach or camp in tents or under the stars right on the beachside.

And don’t forget to go island hopping to the nearby islands along the coast!

La Entrada Resort, Surigao del Sur

Hiroy Hiroyan Island, Surigao del Sur

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PHOTOGRAPHS: LEN MARCELO JINGCO

BonBon Island, Surigao del Sur

SURIGAO DEL SUR, MINDANAO. Twenty-five little islets, rising above the seafloor, form the group of islands called Britania Group of Islands, off the coast of Surigao del Sur. With its coastline full of natural stunning wonders and without the mass tourism, Surigao del Sur is the perfect getaway for every traveling beach lover.

When staying in San Agustin, you will be more than happy with the accomodations at LA ENTRADA RESORT. The relaxed atmosphere coupled with all your amenities will surely make your time a pleasurable one.

Island hopping through these islets is a great way to see the many of these secret treasures. With pristine waters and soft powdery sand, these rural islands are yet untouched by the internationals.

That being said, if you travel from abroad to visit these little bits of paradise, you will soon realise you are in remote parts; some infrastructures that accomodate the “touristy” areas are not yet into play.

But this shouldn’t detour you from taking in some of the Philippines finest remote and unexploited paradises.

Surely these gems are a must-see when visiting the south islands of the Philippines.

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Hagonoy Island, Surigao del Sur Hagonoy Island, Surigao del Sur

clubs and an outdoor mall (D*Mall) located a stone’s throw away from the beach, while Station 3 has more resorts for backpackers, families and where the boats go out for scuba Voted as one of Travel + Leisure’s diving and other water activities. best island in the world for 2012, Boracay Island has something The “back side” of the island, Bulabog, for any traveller. The beaches of is an easy-going atmosphere where Boracay have received numerous locals and windsurfers hang. Bed & breakfasts scatter the beach and awards over the years. the sunrises are to die for.

The island has boomed with tourism in the last 20 years and the busy west side of the island, known as White Beach, has three stations, or sections. Station 1’s 5-star resorts and quietness makes for a delicious time away to feed the soul. Station 2’s lively area consists of restaurants, 32 | Wanderer Magazine

Whether you like the busy fun or relaxing serenity of private beaches like Puka Beach, there is a place for you on Boracay Island, along with its long list of fun things to do on and around the island itself.

PHOTOGRAPHS: TRACEY HEPPNER

BORACAY ISLAND, AKLAN, VISAYAS.

Travel Tours presents

For detailed information and registration please contact Tracey Heppner at tracey@traceylheppner.com 33 | Wanderer Magazine

COME FLY AWAY...

When travelling throughout Turkey, one of my most enjoyable times was in ancient Ephesus.

Walking through the old streets of Biblical times, I could almost imagine the hussle and bustle. But when my eyes saw the Library of Celsius from afar (pictured above) I was stopped in my track. What a majestic view. The walk from where I initially stood to where I stood to capture this photograph was one of anticipation like a bride walking towards her groom. I had to stand and look up for quite sometime to let it all sink in.

Join me this coming September as Follow Your Heart Tours walks through this ancient city and others in Turkey.

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Wanderer

COMING IN OUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE

CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY MANILA, PHILIPPINES MUNICH, GERMANY CHENNAI, INDIA

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Wanderer

travel, culture & the world around us

Would you like to contribute through writing or photographs for an article? Or how about sending us your postcards for our WITH LOVE FROM feature? You can also be a guest writer for our WANDER WITH ME column.

Simply email us at: wanderermag@gmail.com We would love for you to wander with us.

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