You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?

There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!

Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!


Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!

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Showing posts with label Travelling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travelling. Show all posts

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Is airline food really so bad?

My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and CagayanTimes

I AM frequent flyer around the globe since my 21st birthday. 1974, my first international flight took me from Germany to Norway. 3 hours. Not a big deal. But, I remember, I  just peeled back the plastic off a freshly-delivered tray right off my airplane’s trolley cart and the mess looking back at you is a grim one. The fault may not lie with the chef, though, but in the plane’s design. Everything is reheated. Sure.
The very nature of air travel, as well as how the plane is built and how it adjusts to high altitudes, make food preparation fundamentally more difficult. There are some technical limitations to being high in the air that make it far simpler to just reheat pre-made food, rather than attempt to actually cook from scratch — particularly in the pressurised air of the plane’s cabin.
Although planes routinely cruise at altitudes of around 40,000 feet, the pressure of the cabin is brought back down to more comfortable altitudes of between six and nine thousand feet above sea level. Even those lowered altitudes, though, are still enough to slow down cook times considerably.
It’s not just the difficulties of cooking, though. Even the food service encourages heat-and-serve style meals. The preference in hot airline meals is for pre-cut, reheated meats, usually swimming in sauce, like boeuf bourguignon - actually one of my favorite dishes. In part, the sauce works to counteract the dryness of the pressurised air cabin. But both the sauce and the slow reheat time also suit today’s blunt-edged airline cutlery sets, which have either no knife or an un-sharpened one. Because it's been so overcooked, you can cut it with a fork.
“Airlines have discovered that, if you also pre-cut the meat, you practically don’t need a knife,” says Guillaume de Syon, a professor at Albright College in the US state of Pennsylvania who studies the history of technology, particularly aviation. "Because it's been so overcooked, you can cut it with a fork." Perhaps the biggest consideration, though, is simply available space.
Within the years, I traveled to Asia and the U.S. Yes sure: more passengers, bigger planes, less attention to individual meals. Please keep in mind, I haven't be a First Class Passenger. That's another story, isn't it?
Anyway, today’s passenger planes are designed to carry well over 300  passengers, all of whom expect to be fed on roughly the same schedule. Before the popularization of the jet in the 1960's, though, let's note that passenger manifests were small, usually fewer than 50 people, giving flight attendants time to devote attention to each passenger’s meal service.
Some of those early hot options would seem unrecognizably lavish to today’s traveller, with menus that featured cooked-to-order omelettes, or mobile carving stations wheeled from seat-to-seat by an attendant. With hundreds to serve instead of dozens, though, today’s flight attendants simply no longer have the time to prep individual trays. Instead, the trays need to arrive ready to go.
The large array of food options on offer to airplane passengers in the 1960's and 1970's simply doesn’t exist in most air travel anymore. But, that doesn’t mean the menu has completely disappeared. It’s just been replaced by menus of another sort. Free unlimited wine, champagne and liquors? Once upon a time ... ! I remember a flight from Berlin to Moscow in 1979: bottomless Vodka. Heaven forbid!
In the last decade, the number of entertainment options aboard the average airplane have exploded — and the design of the seats and cabin have changed to reflect this. Nowadays it's designed for your entertainment — not for your food.
Passengers are offered music, often WIFI, and, most importantly, a large menu of films and TV options served up on demand on personalized screens installed in their seat, instead of a single large screen up front. The installation of personalized screens has taken a lot of focus away from the food service, allowing airlines to cut back on food
.
Today, though, ticket cost is the primary measure of competition and cutting out a meal or two can either add to the airline’s bottom line, or give it a little extra room to undercut a competitor’s price. Profits [could be] gained from chopping the kitchen out of the plane almost entirely. "Nowadays airlines are breaking out the expenses and leaving it up to consumers to choose what they want,” said Bob van der Linden, who is the air transportation curator at the US National Air & Space Museum. “It’s the market. This is pure economics. After deregulation in 1978, airlines are free to compete anyway that they want — and they found the best way to compete is low prices."
The shrinking space for food doesn’t, however, mean that airline meals are completely disappearing. But, as airlines look for ways to trim budgets and save space, they’re turning back to those same ground-prepped cold snacks and sandwiches that airlines began their food service with decades ago.“We’re moving back to the box lunches that we started with in the US during the late 1930's, early 1940's. Something that can be easily transported. Nothing terribly perishable, basically a box lunch, a picnic lunch,” said van der Linden.
Happy trip guys! See you abroad!

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Safe and sound

Safe and sound

IN MY OPINION
After several days staying in Manila with an amazing schedule, I am finally back in my beloved Davao City. Thank you Lord.  Right now, while writing this piece, I am  in “safe mode”.
Innumerable meetings in the German Embassy but also invitations from different diplomatic institu-tions made me really breathless. On the other hand, I also did enjoy every single minute. But now, I am in safe mode indeed!
From time to time I love silence. I love quietness.  Do you observe that we live in a real frightful loud world? At every corner of our daily life is innumerable chances of being covered up with sometimes unbearable din and noise. The loud outcry gives us the needle. We don’t have nerves of steel forever.
I am not really a fan of going out at night. My stay in Manila was packed full with night events. I was invited to as German Honorary Consul to the island of Mindanao. It’s indeed amazing how many countries and business people are getting more and more interested in Mindanao. Very good!
Right now, I am enjoying the nicest occurrence which is the silence, the intimate taciturnity, which can even “weld” people or partners together. It might sound just like an idiomatic expression, but believe me; not being forced to talk is great! No, I don’t mean that we have nothing to say to each other any more – or, he or she won’t listen to a special reason…. I am talking about a deep understanding between people, who are together and are able to share time in quiet and silent happiness.
After those long and strenuous days in Manila, it is a real big comfort to sit and lean back, read all the (old!) newspapers and magazines from the last days and weeks while enjoying a glass of wine and a handful peanuts while having a smooth radio program in the background, instead a “roars to hell” television show.
Try it. It’s indeed relaxing after traffic woes, the heat and dust of the day, telephones’ ringing, and machine rattlings….
Feeling safe and secure, inseparable, indestructible with peace in         our minds and our surroundings, this is what we really mean to each other, understanding without words. At home, maybe somewhere in the garden, at a beach – there are many wonderful places. And, suddenly out of the blue from the bottom of our heart and from the depth of comfort and ease, we might be able to speak about things, which couldn’t be discussed earlier. A good talk grows – but without compulsion or constraint or obligation, desperate or being forced.
Try it, and might feel like walking hand-in-hand on a lonely sand beach, such as “once upon a time” with our first partner. And, unexpectedly: we become silent again AND thankful for it.
We really seldom take a break. We spend too much time in this terrible and frightful loud world…

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Just drop me a line!

Just drop me a line!

OPINION In My OpinioNIN MY OPINIONKlaus Doring
“Drop me a line while you’re away” has been one of the most listened to phrases in my life. Yes, I confess, I’ve been always a restless contemporary, who needed to go “somewhere out there” after a couple of days spending with a computer. And, NO LAPTOP, if I am taking my time out. Amazing for many, but it’s really true! Living hidden away – but just to finish some more write ups – has been always okay. But then, I need to go out again and meet people.
When the MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR is hitting the roads, I’ll be staying in Manila for almost a week. I am looking forward to several events and meetings. Celebrating the German National Day of Unity (October 3) in Manila with several diplomatic people is an old annual tradition and a chance to talk with important people about everything under the sun.
Talking about the sun: my problem before –  if somewhere has been very beautiful, my impulse to live there permanently let me quite a to-do about it.
Once upon a time: vacation in Italy. I even enjoyed the nasty weather and decided to stay here for good. I loved (and still love) the Italian language, the Italian pasta, the landscaping, which is really beautiful. One can enjoy real blooming lemon trees.
Vacation in Scandinavia. At that time, I was pretty sure, that this should be my future place, clean air, no pollution, and heaven’s width, mountains and dream lakes.
Vacation in France, and, I knew I couldn’t survive any more without blooming lavender fields, secluded  valleys  and castles nearly falling into ruins. Here, I’ll keep animals for breeding and enjoy my red wine while writing the long awaited book entitled “My Way”. Mmmh, no way…. I am not yet finished.
New York, and, I really enjoyed everything without respite: life, different languages, different people, great variety, explicit restaurants, malls, and a breathtaking view of life and always-new ideas of incredible lifestyle. Let’s rent an apartment in Manhattan and let’s all forget the pendants, sticklers and small-time fellows. Sure, it’s not cheap, but many a mickle makes a muckle….
Yes, I am really blessed having been in many countries around the globe. But guys, I also found out that life isn’t content with dreams only. Reality meant moving up to almost 20-times, the last with  several containers via Singapore to Davao City.
Now I stay here for good and you can tell me anything. I am happy. Just from time to time I still need a lonely island beach and the ocean.
Drop me a line, while you’re away. Yes, sure! Many times I have forgotten to do so. Before  as a globe trotter, and even  now,  as an expatriate living in the Philippines for good…..
+++
Email: doringklaus @gmail.com or follow me in Facebook or Twitter or visit one of my web sites www.germanex patinthephilippines.blog spot.com or www.klaus doringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Amazing Adventures in Awesome Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur (II)



The province of Agusan was named after a Malay word meaning where water flows", probably because o the might river that travellers the whole area. Early migrants from Borneo and  Celebes came to the region in Balanghais or wooden boats. Nine such boats were excavated and carbon-dated to be between the 4th and 13th centuries. The Malay settlers drove the aborigines, called Mamanwas, to the hinterlands.

By the time the Spaniards arrived, the natives were already trading with foreign merchants, as attested by 10th century ceramics unearthed near Butuan. Some historians claim that Magellan held the first mass in the Philippines in Masao at the month of the Agusan River, and not in Limsasawa, Leyte, on Easter Sunday of March 15, in the year 1521.


Must see in Agusan del Norte: "Pur Lady of Assumption Parish/Musuem: Fr. Urious instigated the people of Jabonga to look for a higher ground for a permanent church. Today, it is the oldest surviving Spanish church in the entire of Carage located in Jabonga.

"Lake Mainit", an incredible confluence of 28 rivers, a 17,430 hectare lake situated 80 feet above sea level with a mean depth of 128 meters as the 4th biggest in the country. Endemic fishes are the Gabot and Pidjanga. Native flora include the Pagosi and Tabokali, fauna includes the Giant Purple Heron, among others.  I really appreciate, that ecotourism activities are availabe and here canoeing, bird-watching, and cultual contact.




(Agusan del Sur, TO BE CONTINUED!)

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Camiguin Island - an Island of Your Imagination Born On Fire

I never expected having a very hectic schedule as an expatriate living in the Philippines. BUT, I still take my time out, travelling around this beautiful country, especially Mindanao.

Camiguin is a very small island province of the Philippines off the northern coast of Mindanao. Its capital is Mambajao. The island of Camiguin is in the Bohol Sea about 10 km north of Misamis Oriental.

Sagay Church facade  


The name Camiguin is derived from the native word  "Kamagong", a tree of the Ebony family that thrives near Lake Mainit in the province of Surigao del Norte. The original inhabitants of Camiguin were "manobos" who migrated from Surigao. The old native language in Camigiun is called "Kinamiguin", which is similar to the dialcet speaken in Suriago.




















(During the volcanic birth of mount Vulcan, some areas in the town of Bonbon subsided, sinking the cemetery of the town below sea level.)

There are a lot of tourist destinations, i.e. the Old Catarman Church Ruins in Bonbon, 16 km's from the center of Catarman. What remains are ruins of adobe walls, belfry and convent that are testimonials to the devastating 1871 earthquake which wiped out the illustrious town of Catarman established earlier as a Spanish settlement in 1967.




(Katibawasan Falls, 5 km South East from Mambajao)

Camiguin Island - this means Tuasan Falls, Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Mount Hibok-Hibok, Old Vulcan, 13 kms west of the capital Mambajao, the "White Island", 3 kms across Agogo and Yumbing, an uninhabited small white sand bar and many other places to be discovered.


Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Pinoy Travelers Urged to Declare Money

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reminded travellers again to declare money in excess of US$ 10.000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies after some Filipinos were reportedly taken in for investigation at several international airports for carrying excess amounts of currencies.

Citing, for example, a report of the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands/Europe, the DFA said Filipinos had been investigated by foreign authorities and detained for several days for carrying over US$ 10.000, although the money was later proven to be their own.

Foreign authorities have the right even to confiscate the money.

All travellers should really declare if they have more than US$ 10.000 as mandated by the Anti-Money-Laundering Act of 2002 and several international regulations.

Happy trip!!!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Off to Davao Oriental





If you're looking for "nature pure" should you travel to Davao Oriental. I did this several times - and surely not for the last time!

Suchen Sie "Natur pur"? Dann sollten Sie, wenn in Mindanao, unbedingt Davao Oriental besuchen. Ich habe es schon einige Male getan - und sicherlich nicht zum letzten Mal!

Several months ago I stopped for the first time at the "Sleeping Dinosaur Peninsula" - visible upon passing the 8km Zigzag road downtown Mati. The 57-hectare island resembles a sleeping dinosaur.

In Barangay La Union, San Isidro Mt. Hamiguitan is home to thousands of centuries-old pygmy trees. Nearby is an upland lake called Tinagong Dagat (Hidden Sea) that serves as a haven for various species of rare and exotic birds and other animals.

When in Mati, a visit of Waniban Island is a must. It's just a 15-minute boat ride from Cinco Masao Resort in Mati. This 40-hectare island is surrounded by white sandy beaches and is home of local tribes who make a living through hunting and fishing.