Monday, May 21, 2012

Round-The-World Vagabonding: Our Ten Fave Temporal "Homes"

A solar-powered guest studio in the middle of the forest, an artist's cabin in a trailer park by the beach, and a Moroccan riad with an unobstructive view of a UNESCO World Heritage listed ksar... These are a few of our awesome accommodations during our 280-day round-the-world vagabonding. One night, one week, one month. It didn't matter how long each stay was. We converted every hotel, hostel, Couchsurfer's house, bed and brekkie, into our temporary home any way we could.

Home, after all, is where the heart is. Not where our worldly possessions are gathered and displayed to collect dust.

I couldn't count how many places we checked in and out of, to tell you the truth. But I could certainly point out our top ten fave "homes". So which are these and why they made it to the list?

1. Solar-powered guest studio in the middle of Mullumbimby's forest, New South Wales, Australia. It's owned by a Couchsurfer who lives in a bigger, wooden house just fifty meters from the studio. Our ol' beat up, borrowed car named "Gumby" puffed its ascent through narrow muddy road to get there. Gumby was praised by our host as we drove in her property, "The little car made it!".

mullum1

In this studio, we were able to experience living off solar power and rain water for the first time with our baby Luna. Cost: Family travel stories shared over candle-lit dinner + dishwashing work.

2. An artist's cabin in a trailer park by Tallow Beach. Suffolk Park, New South Wales, Australia. Luckily found the owner's ad online. Cabin is filled with paintings, art books, meditation CDs, and a full kitchen with bottles of my fave Mediterranean spices. It has a front porch ideal for uhm, spacing out.

suffolk7

Australian water dragons lurk around, however. Which made raking dead leaves in the backyard an annoying task. Cost: AU $230 a week. Better value than staying in a hostel.

3. Hotel Sierra (Which I think is now named Hyatt House), an "extended stay hotel" located in the heart of Silicon Valley's Golden Triangle. We felt like high rollers for a month in this one. Serviced by cheery Mexican housekeeping ladies who chitchatted with me whenever they're in our room. Hotel's American brekkie buffet's got so much choices (Wednesday's bacon day!).

sierra1

Celebrated our second wedding anniversary here. Cost: Free. Company provided, thank goodness.

4. Jade Guesthouse, Colonia Santa María la Ribera, Mexico. Guesthouse owned by a lovely French family. The parents once lived and worked in the Philippines. Only two beautifully decorated rooms are rented out, in a separate building at the courtyard. There's no wall between the bedroom and the bathroom. Perfect for honeymooners.

jade6

Kitchen is on a rooftop that does not have... (Gasp!)... Railing. Cost: M$330 per night on weekdays, M$350 on weekends.

5. Hotel Regional, Palenque, Mexico. Although we're not too pleased with their jungle-themed rooms, we're huge fans of the hostel's owners. The Mexican owners who speak limited English, invited us to the New Year's Party they organized for their workers. We felt how the staff loves them back.

palenque1

They didn't love us the same, unfortunately. We were charged more than the published rate. Maybe cause of the toddler? Cost: M$350

6. Hotel Zaguan B&B, Lima, Peru. Just a few blocks away from the center. Friendly receptionist (The smiliest guy I ever met!), good breakfast. Coffee all day.


The room has an adjacent pocket garden and roofed porch. Cost: US $40

7. Hostal Inti Wasi, Cusco, Peru. A colonial house built in the late 16th century that has been restored. Our room was surprisingly spacious, and we got a balcony with a view of the cathedral in Plaza de Armas.

cusco1

Receptionist served us coca tea when we arrived to help prevent altitude sickness. A warm welcome after a six-hour bus journey from Puno, where Lake Titicaca is located. Cost: 145 Peruvian soles.

8. Pousada Tatuapura, Praia Do Forte, Brazil. Most posh (And prettiest!) resort we stayed in. Was forced to reserve a room here cause the cheaper ones were all booked out for the carnival. There's a pool, jacuzzi, and a children's room full of toys.

tatuapura1

Did not extend our two-night stay. Cost: Would rather forget.

9. Our Moroccan-Rastafarian Couchsurfing host's apartment in suburban Sale, Morocco. His humble abode decorated with incense sticks, woven rugs, plush pillows, and Tibetan flags radiates with good vibes. Our host taught me how to prepare quick and cheap Moroccan meals. He and hubby also strummed House of the Rising Sun after dinner on our first night.

rabat1

The long-ish travel from Rabat's city center was worth it. Cost: Luna's smiles and hugs. Host loved her!

10. La Fibule d'Or, Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco. Favoritest of them all! A riad with an unobstructive view of UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Ben Haddou which is a ksar that sits on the old Sahara-Marrakech caravan route. The owner of the auberge starred in some films shot here.

ouarzazate1

Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace. Cost: US $28 for a room with ensuite bath. Plus window's got a view of the ksar.

How about you fellow travel junkie? Where is your fave temporal home?





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40 comments:

KULAPITOT said...
July 11, 2012 at 7:29 PM

wow!

Potato said...
July 11, 2012 at 9:31 PM

wow so nice!!!

out of all of 'em my favorite is 1 and 10! :D
also the rasta dude looks really kind :)

my fave would have to be

1. My Tawi-tawi overnighter in MSU

and

2. Amansinaya Resort. Really lovely bed :D

MOre travels to you and the family Gaye!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 11, 2012 at 9:49 PM

Rasta dude's simply awesome! Amansinaya Resort sounds interesting, would love to check in someday.

Che | BackpackingPilipinas said...
July 11, 2012 at 10:27 PM

OA sa ganda yung #10! wowers! :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 11, 2012 at 11:16 PM

Ahaha! Natawa ako sa "OA" :))

Micamyx|Senyorita said...
July 12, 2012 at 1:46 AM

LIKE! Sa totoo lang dahil ata sa accommodations na pinost mo before kaya na-enganyo ako sa possible Mexico, Peru and Morocco Trip :P

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 12, 2012 at 9:32 AM

Mica! Go to Morocco next time you visit UK :)

Unknown said...
July 12, 2012 at 9:44 AM

I love your # 9, very interesting host/home. :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 12, 2012 at 9:48 AM

Yes Kaiz *heart-shaped eyes* :)

Unknown said...
July 12, 2012 at 9:52 AM

wow ganda yung number 10 is really beautiful! =)

WANDER SHUGAH said...
July 12, 2012 at 9:55 AM

wow! i love 1, 3 and 10. gamda lng! Hoping I could do this rtw thing someday. but before that pramis aakyat muna ako ng bundok! lol

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 12, 2012 at 10:05 AM

EJ, it is even more beautiful up close :) Hope you get to visit someday.

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 12, 2012 at 10:09 AM

Shugah! Ma-achieve more rin yan someday!

Unknown said...
July 12, 2012 at 10:13 AM

hopefully=) i saw your video sa couch surfing site. Im planning to indulge myself in couch surfing too.BTW Luna looks very adorable sa lahat ng pics!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 12, 2012 at 10:29 AM

Couchsurfing is uhmazing! :)

Unknown said...
July 12, 2012 at 10:59 AM

My favorite part and hopefully I get to experience more soon, staying in different abodes all over the world, each has its own unique touch that mirrors the image of the country itself. I remember number 2 yan ba yung malapit sa beach na nasa video mo?

Robbie said...
July 12, 2012 at 11:01 AM

Aaaaaaaargh! 10 really is the loveliest! Waking up to that view must've been really awesome! Bet ko din yung 1 & 9!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 12, 2012 at 11:28 AM

Yeah Marky, that's the one. Gosh, I miss that cabin!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 12, 2012 at 11:28 AM

Robbie, yez winner ang number 1. Environment friendly, tipid pa :)

Unknown said...
July 12, 2012 at 12:09 PM

2, 6, and 10 look amazing :) Is #10 the one kin the "Housewife without a home" video where you were washed clothes while Luna played on the terrace? Kamukha kasi :)

Lucky Pinoy said...
July 12, 2012 at 12:33 PM

While reading this blog, It's like I am already in a tour, I wanna experience the solar powered guest house. I wanna see more from here :) I'm hungry for more please

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 12, 2012 at 12:44 PM

Fellow Filipina Explorer, it's a differnt place :) The one in the vid's in Mexico. Hihi.

Swexie said...
July 12, 2012 at 1:16 PM

Wow, I wish I could travel like you do! Pousada Tatuapura must have really been a luxury! I wanna go to Number 10 first! =)

monette | fliptravels said...
July 12, 2012 at 1:46 PM

gaddemmet gay! me wanna go to morocco na!!! argh!

blissfulguro said...
July 12, 2012 at 1:59 PM

hi gay and luna! number 1 for me. bet ko yung mga solar powered chorva at ang cool lang from the outside. :)

Anonymous said...
July 12, 2012 at 2:38 PM

Aww that solar powered house and the artists cabin look so homey! Super cool!!!

kikay said...
July 12, 2012 at 3:32 PM

Great post! I love your blog and your #10! :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 12, 2012 at 9:23 PM

Monette when you do, I'll join you!!!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 12, 2012 at 9:28 PM

Hi Carla! Yeah, artsy rin yung guest studio. Super cool.

Gessa Marie Condino said...
July 12, 2012 at 9:53 PM

Ive been dreaming of going to other places since i was a kid.. and i really envy those people who have given the chances to make their dreams come true. and just like you, imagine you have gotten to different places and that for me, is already a great achievement .. and among the top 10, i love the most the 10th place.. :)

Jhoysi said...
July 12, 2012 at 9:59 PM

My gadd. I envy you for experiencing your top 1 temporal home. That's the kind of home I'd like to have in the future.

Mauie said...
July 12, 2012 at 10:35 PM

I like the pool in #8 and the view in #10. Wow, I wonder when I can go around traveling around the world with my boys.

kim buenafe said...
July 13, 2012 at 9:08 AM

love how each has its own distinct touch! living in the solar powered studio, artist's cabin and the one in morocco that gives a majestic view of the ksar seems really cool! i would love to try couch surfing someday. :)

Marriage and Beyond said...
July 13, 2012 at 9:16 AM

Hi Gaye! Great and informative post! Will definitely bookmark this in the event we'll be able to visit the places you've been to. :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 13, 2012 at 2:18 PM

Mommy Maui, I'm sure it will happen if not so soon, in the near future :)

Anonymous said...
July 13, 2012 at 2:20 PM

Maganda lahat Gaye :) For my pick I choose 1 and 10. I experience to stay in an eco-friendly house in a suburb of Auckland. It's a lot like a dream come true. I wake up in the morning seeing the mountain view, with horses in a ranch and on the side is a pond, with herds of sheep. The house interior has so much character where I feel like I live in a museum with those antique collections, paintings, preserved animals, musical instruments and a room full of dolls collected dated back as early as 19th century! That home stays in my memory forever :)

Sobrang nakakaengganyo ang huling larawan, I look forward to seeing Morocco, hopefully next year :D

Thanks for sharing this post!
Mafey

ronielmacatol said...
July 13, 2012 at 8:25 PM

Couchurfing Diva ka talaga! Great places! Thanks for taking us in your 'homes' around the world!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 14, 2012 at 10:09 AM

Mafey, AMAZING! But weren't the dolls creepy? Hihi.

Mafey said...
July 16, 2012 at 1:04 PM

Hindi naman Gaye, actually kasinlaki at kamukha ni Luna yung mga dolls :D

Admin/Author said...
August 1, 2012 at 10:00 PM

coolness-ness! I would love to stay in your list! hehe

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