Highlight of 2009: My first-time travels

Watching travelers in an airport coffee shop while waiting for my flight, I couldn’t help but wonder what 2010 has for me when it comes to traveling.

Of course, 2009 was a good one. I have covered almost 20,000 miles, visited four countries, and enjoyed several beaches and landmarks. It was my first time to cross the Pacific, expanding my journeys beyond Asia, and to travel during my birthday.

Looking back, here are the highlights of my 2009 trips:

1.) Gazing at Southeast Asia‘s tallest buildings

Clouds covering the tip of Petronas Towers, it seemed these twin buildings were kissing the sky.  Kuala Lumpur impressed me. It was a bustling metropolis that brought together history and technology as well as natural and man-made landmarks.  It’s giant aviary was also worth a visit. Although our time in KL was limited, and our visit was right smack during the F1 race, we enjoyed the long ride from our hotel at the airport to the city proper, especially with our amiable hosts whom we met through Multiply’s ASEAN group. (READ: First-time in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

2.) Climbing temples at Angkor

Angkor Wat is considered one of the wonders of the ancient world.  Being in this world-renown landmark, popularized by Tomb Raider, was truly breathtaking.  The old temples and the palace grounds withstood nature and disasters as they now welcome throngs of tourists wanting to get a glimpse of how Southeast Asian royalty centuries before lived. One particular temple that stood out was the Jungle Temple which was surrounded by giant tree roots. (READ: First-time in Angkor Archaeological Park)

3.) Revisiting the Vietnam War

For art lovers and for those who lived during the wars, they knew it as Saigon.  But as the modern world slowly heals the pains of the past, this war-torn city is now a shopping haven, and is presently called Ho Chi Minh City.  The cheap travel bags of known brands were a delight to tourists like me.  Shopping was my preferred activity than visiting the museums.  The war museums remind Vietnamese and visitors of the devastation this country went through during the war between its communist regime and the Americans.  But Saigon is starting to rise from the ashes and is preparing to compete with other players in the global economic arena. (READ: First-time in Ho Chi Minh City)

4.) Doing service activity at Golden Gate

Among my must-do lists when I landed in San Francisco, California were to ride the tram and to see the Golden Gate. I’ve done both, thankfully, and enjoyed a lot more when I attended one of the important conferences in the US.  It was graced by no less than the US First Lady, Michelle Obama, and several personalities. More than that, I was able to do some service activity at the Presidio where a beautiful view of the Golden Gate could be seen. (READ: First-time in San Francisco and NCVS 2009 with Michelle Obama and Some Hollywood Stars)

5.) Paying tribute to the King of Pop at Hollywood

I’m not sure if it was good or bad that I was in LA the day Michael Jackson passed away.  With LA known as the capital of the movie world, I didn’t pass up the opportunity to visit the star of the late King of Pop and other celebrities at Hollywood Boulevard. Of course, add to the list were visits at Universal Studios, Sta. Monica, and Beverly Hills. Now, all I do whenever I watch American films was to spot places which I have visited. To cap my trip with a bang, I took a nine-hour train from LA back to San Francisco. (READ: First-time in LA and First-time Aboard Amtrak)

6.) Safari and nature trip in Palawan

Despite my various trips to other countries, there was always something special with a travel within my home country, the Philippines.  My Palawan sojourn was a good way to end my travel spree for 2009.  The beauty was truly breathtaking and the safari tour at Calauit added spice to the trip. (READ: First-time in Calauit Island)

I hope that this new year will bring more joyous trips and meaningful travel experiences. I look forward to discovering more, experiencing the local culture, and meeting more people.