Travel Photos & Musings By Nathan W. Allen
It’s something that every white male in the Philippines is familiar with…the smiley jeepney driver waves and yells out “Hey Joe!” as he drives by. This is an expression left over from WWII, a “term of endearment” for American soldiers (think “G.I. Joe”). It’s certainly not meant as an insult, and Americans seem to love...
It’s quite surprising that I haven’t been to Bali yet, considering all the places I have been, and how much I have always wanted to explore the fascinating sights, sounds and tastes of Indonesia. When I ask hardcore travelers where they encountered the most warm and friendly people in the world, Indonesia is always up...
The latest news (this was written 5 years ago) about President Duterte severing military and economic ties with the U.S. has taken a toll on me. Actually, it’s been a gradual process. I first heard of Duterte a few years ago, when he made headlines for deporting a misbehaving foreigner. I actually admired him for...
(Update January 2021 – I have since outgrown Jimdo. I moved on to another service that allows more customization at a lower price. Still, Jimdo is great for those who don’t have a lot of technical skill but want top notch design and customer service. In these areas, you do get what you pay for.)...
I’m a descendant of Charles Hopkins Allen. He’s the last in my family tree to carry the “Hopkins” name. I was shocked to realize that this name goes all the way back to famed Mayflower passenger Stephen Hopkins, turns out he’s my great great (+) grandfather! Son of Pioneer Andrew Lee Allen Charles Hopkins Allen...
I must admit, this video of U2’s “Bono” talking about how “America Is An Idea” has me brimming with patriotism. Well, I didn’t always feel this way. To be honest, when I first left the U.S. and ventured out into the world, I avoided other Americans like the plague. Growing up in California, I kind...
What an unexpected surprise this region was! I hope you enjoy my extended Antique travel guide below… Antique Province – “Where The Mountains Meet The Sea” (Scroll down if you want to go directly to Antique hotels and attractions) About a year ago I was researching new places to explore in the Philippines. I came...
“I Dreamed Of This” is all about incredible experiences, and usually my hotel stays are just part of these experiences. However, my Oriental Hotel review will (hopefully) show that the hotel IS the incredible experience. (*After my initial review 5 years ago, I visited again a few years later. There were substantial upgrades and new...
Tourists come from all over the world to swim with the whale sharks, but not too many know about this inspired hideaway along the road…for me, this is as good as it gets. I hope my Siama Hotel review will do this place justice, but something tells me you really need to experience it for...
A Year Living in the Philippines – And An Honest Look At Philippine Culture – By Nathan Allen IS THE PHILIPPINES REALLY THAT BEAUTIFUL? You may think that what I capture in my travel blog is nothing like the real Philippines – what the world sees on the news…the poverty, the despair, the suffering. Well...