Philippine Travel Notes

As said in the previous story, this was the first time I was using Noi Bai International Airport Terminal 2 (T2), since this wasn't yet up, last time I came into and left Hanoi. But I somehow knew where to go, aided by ample standard signage everywhere. Maybe it naturally follows when you've been to a number of airports in your lifetime. Layouts are generally the same. Hey, I even knew where the smoking area could be! Out the arrival lobby, I crossed the vehicle lane, glanced back, and it looked familiar! Looks like MNL T1 upper arrival lane, right? Ohh, just like in the Philippines, Vietnam vehicles also drive on the right lane. Let's guess, it is probably an 'American Legacy'! In case you did not know yet, five or half of ASEAN countries drive on the right lane; the other half on the left, but there are now 6 of them since Timor Leste was added. Oh, in relation to that, Philippines is not anymore the 'only' Catholic Country in Asia. Oops, this e...

This was flight leg #3 (Taipei to Hanoi) in my 'exceptionally complicated' circle trip . The first interesting point was: I shot that pic at 1138H, when almost all passengers were already aboard, but our ETD was 1200H. Ah, early departure means early arrival! Okay, tara let's go sago! Aruu! Plane did not move, even if all passengers were already seated and waiting. A feeling of déjà vu ?! Oh yes, mismo actually! Same case as my CEB to TPE departure. Boarding = Loading ! Folks down at the belly of this plane (baggage & cargo hold) were still busy loading. Yes, it's not just about us passengers. Baggage, Cargo & Mail are also being loaded. Not that I was in a hurry. Per booking, I had 3 hours of transfer time at Hanoi. Go ra! I instead watched whatever I could see of a rainy outside. It must be cold out there! My phone said it was 17°C in Taoyuan and 20°C In Hanoi. Brrr! Being Pinoy from the Visayas, 26°C is my best lowest temperature. Any degree lo...

As promised in the previous article , here are sights and scenes as I roamed around this airport. I won't see them all in 3 or 4 visits, but I try my best every time I'm here. Good that my VietJet flight was assigned at Gate B3. A chance to roam Concourse B, even all the way to Concourse C if time permits. Yes, I doubted I had ample time! If I may just say, I like the boarding pass of VietJet, it is still the good old 'cardboard version'. They're slowly vanishing, replaced by the receipt-like version, or none at all! Oh the digital era! It should be good for us to at least have photos of these old stuff. For soon they will become history. Just a "memory of the years past" . It's happening! Entering the Pre-departure Area Ah, also a consistent experience, immigration clearance here is also congested, but way faster than it is down at the arrival area. Oi, going in is similar to the other side ! Call it petty, but I really like this glass and ...