Category Archives: Asia
Going ashore in Singapore
More than 8 years have passed since my first visit to Singapore. It was December 2010 when I arrived in the Brani Terminal of Singapore Port, on board HS Bruckner. That was my first voyage to Asia and the beginning of my never ending love and admiration towards this part of the world (with a few exceptions, of course).
Going ashore in Laem Chabang Pattaya
Going ashore in Visakhapatnam, India
Visakhapatnam is located on the East Coast of India and it is the largest city of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh. Its port is one of the largest in India, being the biggest natural harbor on the East coast. Going out of the port of Visakhapatnam is quite a challenge for any seafarer, but nevertheless a rewarding experience, especially for those in search of the real taste and flavors of India.
Going ashore in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Going ashore in Panabo Davao
Going ashore in Manila
The capital of Philippines, Manila, is the biggest and most crowded port and city of the country. The Metropolis of Manila – or Metro Manila, how the locals are calling it – includes the city of Manila and some other smaller cities and municipalities and it has an area of more than 600 sq. km. The Port has 2 distinct port container terminals – Manila North and Manila South – and our vessel called both terminals, with an average stay of 24 hours in the North and 12 hours in the South.
Dampa Fish Market, Manila
I have visited many fish markets around the world and I think I will never get tired – nor bored – of visiting more of them each time I arrive into a new city, regardless its size or location. The most beautiful, clean and diversified fish market I have seen so far is Mercado Central from Valencia, but I prefer the colourful, vibrant and picturesque Asian markets where the fresh fish is displayed in huge piles, the vendors are friendly and the prices are always lower than expected.
Panabo Market
I love Philippines and all my friends know this already. I love their white sandy beaches, their amazing waters and all the other small things that can make up a unique and unforgettable vacation. But, most of all, I love the people living in this country. Despite their very difficult life, despite all their struggles and fight, hard work and uncertain future, the Filipinos always wear a big smile on their faces, always welcome foreigners in their communities and try to please them as much as they can.
Visiting the fish market in Panabo, Philippines
I always enjoy visiting fish and fruit markets whenever I arrive in a new town, regardless of its location or size. From the colourful and perfectly clean market of Valencia to the busy, crowded and noisy Asian markets I always find great pleasure in walking between the aisles, admiring their wide display and socializing with the vendors. From all the fish markets I’ve seen so far, Philippines’ markets are by far my favourites and no matter how many of them I visit I still want to visit more.
Going ashore in Hong Kong
The port of Hong Kong is one of the busiest and biggest in the world. Despite of its huge size and numerous terminals, going out of this port is quite an easy task and it requires only a small effort – from the financial and time consuming point of view. But, with cargo operations going at high speed everywhere in the world – and especially in China – you can consider yourself very lucky if your vessel stays alongside more than 12 hours. If the stay is during daytime and your responsibilities on board allow it, you can take this opportunity and go out of the port for a short walk.