Part of an afternoon activity for Benjie and Carmen Gonzales on their second day in London was a relaxing stroll at the Trafalgar Square. Situated at the heart of London, Trafalgar Square is one of the city's most vibrant open spaces.  

Built between 1827 and 1835, Trafalgar Square has since become the centre for political demonstrations that regularly occur today.  The Square is also the main point in London for New Year celebrations and which image is transmitted around the world as London welcomes a new year.

The square honors one of England's heroes, Nelson who died in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.  A 145 foot granite column named after him dominates Trafalgar Square. At the base of the column are a set of giant Lion statues. Other lesser statues are dotted around the square. The Gonzales's learned that directly underneath the Nelson's Column is a government bunker installed in the 1950's in preparation for nuclear war.

Other statues in the square include Charles I, George IV, Admiral Beatty, Admiral Cunningham, Admiral Jellico, General Napier and General Havelock.

Dominating the northern side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery, which is one of London's largest and most impressive art galleries.  Facing the Gallery to the right at the bottom of the central staircase is, the Café.

Benjie and Carmen were delighted to see a coffee shop where travelers can stop for a quick rest and snack as they go on with their stroll. But more than just coffee and snacks, the Cafe offers an all-day menu, a bar and sumptuous seasonal treats. Food and beverages that have been freshly prepared from natural ingredients and are locally sourced are served in a warm and inviting environment. The café can be accessed via the elevators near the north terrace, is wheelchair accessible, and has a low-level counter and induction loop. The cafe is open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm.  Around the corner of the building is the National Portrait Gallery.  Both are open to the public free of charge.

On the eastern side of Trafalgar Square is a church which has stood there since the 13th century. Inside the church are a coffee shop, a bookshop, a homeless shelter, craft market and the London Brass Rubbing Center.

At the south western corner of Trafalgar Square is The Mall, a long straight and wide boulevard that connects the Square with Buckingham Palace through St. James Park. At the entrance to the mall from Trafalgar Square is Admiralty Arch, a grand imposing structure built in 1911 as a memorial to Queen Victoria. Government apartments and offices are housed in the area today.

At the southern exit to Trafalgar Square is Whitehall.  It is from this junction that all roads are connecting to the Westminster Abbey and the House of Parliament.

To the north and east of Trafalgar Square is the main Theatre District around Leicester Square and Covent Garden, which come alive in the evening. To the south and southwest of Trafalgar Square is the Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, which we will feature in our next column.

The nearest London Underground station to Trafalgar Square is Charing Cross on the northern side and Bakerloo Lines. Also convenient is Leicester Square just north of Trafalgar Square.  As the Square is strategically located in the centre of London, travelers somehow pass through or around it.

If you want to experience what the Gonzales's experienced in their European tour, call us at Travel International, (310) 327-5143 and our travel specialists will be more than happy to book your flight and plan your itinerary. You can also visit us on the web, www.travelinternational.net.

Next in the destination of Benjie and Carmen Gonzales of Long Beach, California in their European tour was the British Museum. Their visit to the museum was in the afternoon of their second day, which was terribly hectic. Among those visited was the Trafalgar Square, the Westminster Abbey, the Buckingham Palace and the Parliament houses. Since there are a lot of interesting things to mention in those visits, we are featuring each one per week.

The British Museum is Located in Bloomsbury, an area noted for its bookshops, especially around the nearby Charing Cross Road and fairly isolated from other blockbuster sights of London. Coffee shops, pubs and restaurants mushroomed in the Bloomsbury area that  a month-long stay would not even be enough to experience all of them.

The Gonzales's were amazed at the grandeur of the British Museum. Founded in 1753, the museum has grown to become one of the largest Museums in the world, showcasing approximately 14 million items from its collection drawn from all over the world. There are nearly one hundred galleries open to the public, representing 3.2 kilometers of exhibition space.

Through the years, the museum expanded, more buildings were added to house the growing number of collections and accommodate more tourists and render more services to the public.

Among the latest addition was the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court.  It is a covered square at the center of the British Museum.  It is said to be the largest covered square in Europe. The roof is uniquely shaped panes of 1,656 glass and steel. At the centre of the Great Court is the Reading Room opened to the public who wishes to spend time reading there.

The British Museum houses the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of Egyptian antiquities outside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.  The collection includes objects from all periods that are of virtual importance to Egypt and Sudan.

The department on Greek and Roman Antiquities of the British Museum has one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of antiquities in the world.  The collections begin with the classical world, the Greek Bronze Age, to the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4^th century AD, with some pagan survivals. The department also houses one of the widest ranging collections of Italic and Etruscan antiquities and extensive groups of materials from Cyprus.

The Department of the Middle East has the greatest collection of Mesopotamian antiquities outside Iraq. The holdings of Assyrian, Babylonian and Sumerian antiquities are among the most comprehensive in the world.  The department also houses collections from Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, Anatolia, Caucasus, parts of Central Asia, Syria, Palestine, and Phoenician settlements in the western Mediterranean from the pre-historic period until the beginning of Islam in the 17^th century.

For art and artifacts enthusiasts, and those in world history, the British Museum is the best place to go. The Gonzales's were overwhelmed by the wealth of materials it showcases,  covering the entire world and dating back to even before the time of Christ.

If you want to see the places we feature in this column, call us at Travel International (310)327-5143, or visit us on the web, www.travelinternational.net.

It was the first time in Europe for Benjie and Carmen Gonzales of Long Beach. The couple said they could not believe they were actually in places they used to see in movies. They were so amazed at the grandeur of the historical buildings and landscape of London.

On the second day of their European trip, the Gonzales's toured the city's historical landmarks, among them Tower of London with its priceless jewels and the St. Paul's Cathedrals, the second largest in the world.

The St. Paul Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London and a major landmark in the city. It is located on Ludgate Hill in the financial district of London. Built between 1675 and 1710, it is the fourth cathedral to occupy the site, which was sacred even before Christianity arrived. The cathedral's immediate predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666.

St. Paul's Cathedral is laid out in the shape of a cross. The longer end of the main arm of the cross is called the nave, while the two ends of the shorter arm are called the transepts.

At the top end of the cross-shaped cathedral are the choir and the altar, where the sacrament of communion takes place. There is a great dome, marked by a great circle on the floor beneath it. The crypt is in a basement underneath the cathedral. It contains over 200 memorials as well as another chapel and the treasury. Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of the cathedral, was the first person to be buried there in 1723. Among the notable figures buried in the St. Paul's Cathedral crypt was Florence Nightingale.

The main entrance to St. Paul is through the West Porch, which is approached from Ludgate Hill. The couple was thrilled to learn that it was there where Prince Charles and Lady Diana emerged as husband and wife in 1981. A large stairway leads up to six sets of double columns and the Great West Door.

The Gonzales's observed that within the cathedral are plaques, carvings, monuments and statues dedicated to a wide range of people. The bulks are related to the British military with several lists of servicemen who died in action.  The most recent one was the Gulf War. Also remembered are poets, painters, clergy and residents of the local parish and other prominent people in earlier times.

The nave has three small chapels in the two adjoining aisles. To north aisle is St. Dunstan's Chapel, which was one of the earliest parts of the cathedral to be used. It was originally known as the Morning Chapel, as it was designed to be the place where the clergy and a small congregation would say the morning set of prayers. In 1905 it was dedicated to St. Dunstan, who was Bishop of London and Archbishop of Canterbury over 1,000 years ago.  The All Souls Chapel is further down the north aisle.  It is dedicated primarily to soldiers of World War I.  The Chapel of the Order of St. Michael and St. George is across from St. Dunstan's on the south aisle. This was originally the consistory court, which was where the bishop sat in judgment over the clergy, or priests.

The Gonzales's were so awed with how huge the Cathedral was. After their visit to the cathedral, they proceeded to the other interesting landmarks in London, which we will feature in our next column.

If you have some questions, call us at Travel International (310) 327-5143 and our friendly Travel Specialists will be glad to assist you. You can also visit us on the web, www.travelinternational.net.

Another client of Travel International Group, Inc., a couple from Long Beach wrote back to us to tell us the great time the couple had in Europe, and whose flight we booked and which itinerary we prepared.  Travel International also took care of the couple's visa requirements in France and Spain. The couple, Benjie and Carmen Gonzales took an overnight flight to London from the U.S. for the first leg of their European grand tours.

Having lived in Long Beach, California for several years where the weather is near perfect, the couple was welcomed by some rain in London, also popularly called as the “Fog City.” But that did not dampen their spirit. They had somehow expected it since London is famed for its abundance of rain and fog any time of the year. They were blessed with a fair weather though. There are times when the fog get so thick especially during the winter season that some shops put their lights on at noon, and people on the streets are hardly visible. In their case, it did not happen. 

But more than just the fog, London, which is the capital of England, has a lot of attractions to offer visitors. From its colorful history in which one can explore the origins of western culture to its stunning vistas, and traditional attractions, London promises something for everyone. Visitors will be stunned by the world's most incredible collections of modern art, while the city's 30,000 stores and boutiques will exhaust even the most avid shopper. With its 6,000 restaurants visitors will realize why the Britons revere their chefs as celebrities.

London is situated in southeastern England along the Thames River. It has a population of about 7 million, and by far considered the largest city in Europe, a distinction it has maintained since the 17th century. Although London no longer ranks among the world's most populous cities, it is still considered one of the world's major financial and cultural capitals.

In its dark and troubled past, London, has survived Roman occupancy, sackings from the Celts, Vikings and Saxons, a Norman invasion, two great fires, the bubonic plague, and Nazi bombings.

This past partly defines London's image. Its major buildings and institutions represent 2000 years of community history. Its image is also the product of a new multiethnic mix of people and the creative impulse of the new popular culture of “Cool Britannia,” a phrase Britain's promoters conceived in the mid-1990s to portray Britain as modern and trendy.

Modern London remains the focus of world events. Its influence in politics, culture, education, entertainment, media and sport, all contribute to its status as one of the key global cities.

By European standards, London is physically spread out and dispersed. It has no predominant focal point. But the city's character is found in its diverse and distinct sections. Many of these sections began as separate villages. Today, they maintain some of their individual identities.

More of the Gonzales's European grand tours in our succeeding columns.  If you have any questions, call Travel International, (310) 327-5143 or log on to our website, www.travelinternational.net.

Below is the continuing account of Emil Perito, the incumbent president of AFTA, and owner of Air Plus travel. AFTA as the group visited Palawan in September as part of the groups's familiarization tour of the Philippines' various destination.

Our schedule for the following day was to conduct an ocular inspection of El Rio y Mar Resort and to spend the night in that resort prior to our trip back to Manila. Our scheduled trip however faced a lot of challenges when the weather started to get worst as a result of the typhoon. The sea was rough, the wind was so strong that our trip to El Rio y Mar Resort was pronounced risky. We were informed that the flight for that day from Manila to Palawan was already cancelled. We didn't give up easily, in fact we waited for the whole morning hoping the weather will get better and it did. At one in the afternoon we were given a go-signal to travel. We took off and left for a 30 minutes boat ride to El Rio y Mar Resort.

El Rio y Mar Resort was formerly known as Maricaban Resort. The resort is owned by the same owner of Club Paradise Island. El Rio y Mar Resort has 7 bay view cabanas. The cabanas were made of imported Cedar and Native Wood with thatched roof and veranda that provides guest of panoramic view of the ocean and different islands across. What is so appealing about the resort is the romantic ambiance it offers combined with serenity and beauty of the surrounding environment.

One of the best spots of the resort is its port, which serves as a floating bar and a place to hang around with friends or other guests. During night time with a clear sky, one could settle down in the port and enjoy the sight of starlit skies while sipping one's favorite drinks and listening to pipe in music. During the day, guests could see different species of fish in the crystal clear water around the area.

El Rio y Mar has a number of amenities to offer. The well maintained swimming pool is available 24 hours a day. Guests have other activities to choose from such as scuba diving, banana boat ride, snorkeling, video and videoke, indoor and outdoor games, and island hopping.  Available also is spa and massage service.

The resort is strictly complying Palawan's  environment conservation program.  Therefore it is prohibited to do fishing activity within the 300 meters away from the seashore.

Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines in terms of size. Its 1,780 islands cover a land area of nearly 1.5 million hectares. The province has one capital city, Puerto Princesa and 23 municipalities, half of them found in outlying islands. Palawan has one of the lowest populations in the country, with less than 800,000 residents.

Known for its bountiful resources, both terrestrial and marine, Palawan boasts of having the only two natural World Heritage Sites in the country.

The best time to visit Palawan is from March to May, when the weather is favourable for sea travel, which is necessary for all trips in the island provinces. The northeast monsoon blows from November to February, while the southwest monsoon from June to October, by which time, the seas become quite rough as we have witnessed.

From high-end resorts that could cost hundreds of dollars per night, to native-style cottages that can be rented for a few hundred pesos, Palawan has every type of accommodation to suit any guest's taste and budget.

For inquiries of places published in this column, please call our Certified Travel Specialists at  Travel International (310) 327-5143 or you can visit our website, www.travelinternational.net.

AFTA (Association of Filipino Travel Agents Southern California) members had the occasion to visit Palawan in their familiarization tour in September. Emil Perito, the incumbent president of AFTA, and owner of Air Plus travel wrote the group's experience in that tour.

We took the morning flight of PAL Express, which operates on a daily basis between Manila and Busuanga. It is one of the three domestic carriers that service Busuanga. The other two are Asian Spirit and Sea Air. Our flight took off from the new Ninoy Aquino International Airport 3 (NAIA). Although NAIA 3 is designed for international travel, it temporarily serves as the terminal for domestic flights.

We then took a thirty minute jeepney ride to a nearby dock for our connecting boat trip to Club Paradise Resort located in Dimakya Island, in Busuanga, which  is situated at the northern tip of Palawan, home to freely roaming Calamian deer, monitor lizards, eagles, night herons and more. It serves as a sanctuary to a wide array of unique flora and fauna.  

It was raining heavily when we arrived in Busuanga due to typhoon Nina which was then in the Bicol region. Club Paradise is nestled in a 19-hectare private island blessed with 700 meters of talcum-soft white sand and turquoise waters. Homely and idyllic, this island resort is a perfect hideaway for those who seek both relaxation and discovery.

Busuanga is an island municipality in the province of Palawan. It is considered the largest island in the Calamian Group lying between Mindoro and mainland Palawan. It has only a population of 16,287 people. It is part of the Calamian Group Islands lying between Mindoro and mainland Palawan. The other islands are Coron, Culion, and Linapacan.  

Despite its remoteness, Busuanga attracts tourists from all parts of the world because of the wide array of activities it offers to tourists. They can go visiting scenic island beaches, wreck diving, catching the life of our exquisite corals, river cruising on mangrove-lader forest, kayaking, hiking the lush rainforest, hills, mountains, waterfalls and natural springs. Tourists will also have the opportunity to view the limestone's marble cliffs and rock formations, caves, and go fishing. While we were there, I noticed a lot of tourists from Europe, Japan, Korea, China, Australia, United States and even locals.

Club Paradise Resort has a total of 54 rooms. There are 22 cottages all with beachfront views. It has a clubhouse, dive center, videoke room, swimming pool, restaurant, reflexology center, bar, conference room, guest service center, chapel, and library.

We had the opportunity to witness some Japanese film makers doing a commercial film for their TV shows. The crew members were staying in the same resort.

During dinner, we were entertained by the resort's staff with songs and dances depicting the different Philippine folk dances. The evening became even livelier when some members of the audience were asked to participate in the “Tinikling” dance. Some tourists from Japan participated in the dance and had a good time. I was not able to resist the invitation to dance by the staff.  

We have more of AFTA's Palawan trip in the next issue.  If you have any questions about the articles published here, you can call Travel International (310) 327-5143  and our Travel Specialists will be happy to assist you or you can visit our website, www.travelinternational.net.

Below is the continuing account of Bob Bennett, a client of Travel International Group, Inc.  He is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. A Project Manager for a mechanical contractor involved with installation and service of computerized energy management systems for commercial buildings. Mr. Bennett now 49yrs old has been diving since he was 15. He is a serious amateur underwater photographer as well. He wrote: 

Prior to my trips to the Philippines I mainly dove in the Caribbean.  I find that even though the cost to fly from the central USA to the Philippines is higher than to fly to the Caribbean, the overall cost is very much worth it and comparable when you factor in lodging, food and diving. 

I have gone scuba diving in Batangas, Boracay, Malapascua, Bohol, Puerto Galera & Mactan Island.  When done diving I checked out the beaches which are spectacular, especially those in Bohol and Boracay.

I have never been on a "live aboard" dive boat although many prefer this scenario.  I sometimes locate a dive center on the web. If there are many in given area like Boracay or Bohol, I choose one.  Sometimes I just dive from shore if there is reef or underwater wall structure close to the beach or dock. 

Boracay, Bohol & Mactan Island were good for shore diving.  Other places like Subic or Coron Palawan required hiring a boat to get to the reef or wrecks. It has never been a problem for me to locate a dive center wiling to take me out for the morning or afternoon & most also offer night diving.

One advantage for a photographer like me is the small groups of divers on each dive.  Typically there are fewer than six divers & often there are just a few.  Many times I have been alone with just the dive master as my personal guide.  This is a major advantage for photographing macro subjects as they can find them as fast as I can shoot.  The diversity of marine life in the over 7100 islands of the Philippines is great.  The dive crews are friendly and accommodating. 

I have no trouble communicating with people when in the Philippines since most everyone there speaks English quite well.  I have been introduced to many delicious foods such as Lapu-Lapu, Bicol Express, Buko Salad, Bananacue & Leche Flan. 

Travel International has done a great deal in making my holidays go off without trouble.  They have helped me with my reservations in high rise hotels in Manila and Cebu City as well as simple accommodations in remote areas.  They have also helped me get from one place to another when travelling with a large amount of luggage whether by land, sea or air. I hope to return soon to the island nation of the Philippines.

If you have questions regarding the materials published here, call us at Travel International, (310)327-5143

A client of Travel International Group, Inc. Bob Bennett has written us about his experience in the Philippines, which I would like to publish here to encourage others, especially our “kababayans” who have not been back to the Philippines for years, to come and visit.  Below is Bennett's account.

I have made five trips to the Philippines in the past few years. I travelled there to scuba dive, tour the country's interesting spots and shoot photos above and underwater. I have enjoyed touring World War II sites in Corregidor Island, and the shipwrecks of Coron, Palawan and Subic Bay. 

Corregidor Island, also called “The Rock” is about 48 kilometers west of Manila, with its entrance at the Manila Bay. Because of its strategic position in the bay, Corregidor served as a focal point for the naval defences of the capital city of Manila. During World War II, Corregidor was the site of several battles and fell to the Japanese forces in 1941. Although the American forces recaptured it in 1945, Corregidor Island was abandoned to the elements until the 1980's when the Philippine government converted it into a historical tourist destination.

Tourists are shuttled around on the tranvias to the island's many relics and memorials, beginning with the Japanese War Memorial, then to the Batteries Way,  named in honor of the Coast Artillery Corps of the U.S. Army, which was a mainstay of the Corregidor Garrison during the Japanese invasion.

There were 23 batteries installed on Corregidor, consisting of 56 Coastal guns and mortars.  In addition Corregidor has 13 anti-aircraft artillery batteries with 76 guns and Sperry searchlights. Those big guns of Corregidor are now silent, but they tell a very sad story of a war that has claimed so many lives.

Among the ruins that tell of Corregidor's glorious past is the Mile-Long barrack.  It is a three-story concrete building constructed to be hurricane-proof. It was used for the billeting of American officers and enlisted personnel detailed at the garrison. The headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur was located in the building.

The Malinta tunnel had been dug through solid rock and offered complete protection from artillery or air attack. Command communications and medical units were housed in the tunnel, as well as the headquarters of USAFFE where men and women lived and worked during the siege of Corregidor.

The Pacific War Memorial honors the Filipino and American servicemen who participated in the Pacific War. It also houses a museum which serves as the repository of relics and memorabilia of Corregidor's glorious past.

For those who want to explore more of Corregidor, there is a hotel in the island where tourists can stay overnight or even longer.  There is a light and sound show every night at the Malinta Tunnel. 

In our succeeding columns, we shall bring you Mr. Bennett's scuba diving experience in the Philippines. He is back in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota and contemplating on returning to the Philippines.

For questions on published articles and other inquiries, call Travel International. (310)327-5143

After an amazing tour of Thailand, the group of Los Angeles travel agents, my travel partner Jane Stark included, who was just in the Philippines early this year, took advantage of an offer by Philippine Airlines headed by its Account Executive Gigi Inigo, for a Manila free stop over where they spent a relaxing last day stint before proceeding back home.

Upon arrival in Manila, the group was met and greeted by Travel International's representatives in Manila.  The group was then checked in at Shangri-La Edsa conveniently located at the heart of Manila.  On its first night, the group had dinner at Crocodile Grill near the hotel.

The following day, Jane had the opportunity to inspect the hotel with Shangri-la Sales Manager Jane Lim.  All its 632 rooms are tailored to satisfy guests' needs and comfort.  The hotel has superb banquet and conference facilities, like the elegant Isla Ballroom, which can accommodate 1,400 guests, the Garden Ballroom and 13 other function rooms. All is equipped with the latest audio-visual and lighting accessories. The hotel has a Business Centre offering a comprehensive range of secretarial services. The Business Centre offers laptop and Internet ready computers along with private rooms for meetings and small receptions.

The Edsa Shangri-La offers tantalizing cuisine from around the globe to fine diner's delight.  It has the bistro-style Paparazzi for a taste of Italy, where tempting classics are complemented by innovative pizzas and pastas. At the Summer Palace, where the group had dinner on their last night with  Shangri-la sales diretor Cecile Webber,  Cantonese dishes including dim sum are served. At the Inaho Tei traditional Japanese cuisine is offered. The Garden Cafe has a casual ambience and offers a sumptuous daily buffet together with an á la carte menu. At the Lobby Lounge guests can enjoy live music, at the same time enjoy afternoon tea or cocktails.

In the evening, Gigi and Jane's couple of friends pampered themselves at the Chi Spa, where they found new levels of comfort and rejuvenation. Jane estimated that the spa covers a floor area of more than 3000 square meters and she found out that it is considered the biggest hotel spa in Manila. It is only the second to open in the Philippines after the Chi Spa Village at Shangri-La Mactan, but it is the 7^th worldwide.

Jane said, the Chi Spa is nestled in the hotel's Garden Wing, providing guests with the luxury of personal space and timelessness. In traditional Chinese philosophy, Jane who is of Chinese descent said, ch'i is the universal life force that governs well-being and personal vitality.  It is believed that in order for people to maintain good health, ch'i must flow freely within the body.

The Chi Spa boasts of a variety of luxurious treatment suites and features indigenous and Philippine-inspired treatments. Its signature therapies include Chi Balance, Aroma Vitality and Ying Yang Couple's massage work to relax and restore vitality, while therapies like the award-winning Himalayan Healing Stone massage and the Mountain Tsampa Rub use indigenous ingredients and techniques drawn from the ancient healing practices of the Himalayan region.

Jane learned there were also healing massages, which draw inspiration from Philippine traditions like a menu featuring “Hilot,” a time-honored healing massage that has survived the ages, and “Dagdagay” a traditional foot massage using bamboo sticks employed by an indigenous mountain tribe in the Philippines. 

“Every time I come back to the Philippines, I always discover something new,” Jane enthused. “What a wonderful experience. I am just falling in love with that country,” she proudly said.

Experience what my travel partner Jane Stark experienced in the Philippines.  Jane is a certified dive specialist, a certified Dubai, Honduras specialist, a certified Japan, Philippines, Thailand specialist, a certified honeymoon destination wedding specialist, and a certified Avis special agent. You can call her at Travel International (310) 327-5143 or visit our website at www.travelinternational.net .

Located on Rama IV Road near the Henri Dunant Avenue is the Snake Farm, which was the next destination of the group of my travel partner Jane Stark, who joined the familiarization tour of Thailand, sponsored by Philippine Airlines.  The snake farm is ideally situated within the Thai Red Cross Institute, for when visitors get bitten by snake or other kinds of animals, they are in the right place for treatment. Vaccinations are available for cholera, smallpox, typhoid, hepatitis and rabies in the institute.

The snake farm, which houses some 56 deadly snakes found in Thailand, is a popular tourist attraction in Bangkok. It is visited by scientists, students and those who have interest in snakes, snake ecology or the medical importance of Thailand's venomous snakes. The snake farm is set up to produce anti-venom serum for snake-bite victims nationwide. Venomous snakes including the king cobra, Siamese cobra, Russell's viper, banded krait, Malayan pit viper, green pit viper and Pope's pit viper are milked everyday for their venom to make snake-bite antidote.

Ms. Stark wrote that the group was given a quick view of Thailand's most dangerous snakes and the institute's production of anti-venom. The highlight of the group's visit to the snake farm was the demonstration of snake handling and also how to milk a snake.

Ms. Stark said the demonstration was quite informative. She said that after venom is taken from the snake it is then sent to a special horse farm in Hua Hin, where small amount of venom are injected into the horse.  Over a period of time more and more of the venom is injected into the horse until it builds up immunity.  Blood is then drawn from the horse, and the blood plasma is purified and tested before being sent out to hospitals around the country and the world.

The Snake Farm is open to the public every day from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm on weekdays, and 8.30 am to 12.00 am on weekends and public holidays. Admission fee is charged.  

After that very informative tour of the snake farm, the group had sumptuous Thai dinner.

As the group was headed for the Philippines the next day, it went to a night market after dinner for last minute shopping. The group shopped for Thai souvenir items to bring back home for loved ones and friends. 

Ms. Stark highly recommends that for those traveling to the Philippines, it will be worth to stop by Thailand, which is just two hours flight to Manila. “You will definitely have an amazing experience in amazing Thailand,” Ms. Stark enthused.

Let Travel International's certified Thailand golden agent, plan a travel itinerary for you. Call us at (310) 327-5143, or log on to our website, www.travelinterntional.net.

In the next issue, we will feature Ms. Stark's stay in Manila, before flying back to Los Angeles.