Sweet and Solo
RECHARGE YOUR MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT WITH THESE TRIPS BEST TAKEN ALONE, SAYS CHARMAINE BAYLON
QUIRKYALONE, a term coined by author and entrepreneur Sasha Cagen, refers to a person with “the capacity to enjoy single life (but is not opposed to being in a relationship) and prefers to be alone rather than date just for the sake of being part of a couple.” Going solo is a sweet state for these people, who’ve opted to celebrate their version of February 14 as International Quirkyalone Day. But whether you’re a quirkyalone or just someone who needs some quiet time away, it’s good to focus on your needs for a change and do something different. Here, some suggestions…
1 Become a tourist for a day Brush up on your history or get a dose of culture by going on a walking tour. The Original Singapore Walks offers Red Clogs Down the Five-Foot Way, which will take you to a traditional Chinese medicine store, the Thian Hock Kheng Temple, and The Tipple Exchange as well as the Asian Civilisations Museum, Brokers’ Alley and well-known pubs. For more information, log on to www.singaporewalks.com. Shanghai is also a pleasure to trawl. Take a map and walk along the Bund as well as the streets in the pretty French Concession. |
 |
|
2 Contribute to a worthy cause Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org/ap) has branches in Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. There you can volunteer to build homes or raise funds. World Vision (www.worldvision.org) also has branches in these countries as well as in Malaysia, Taiwan and Korea. With a minimum contribution of US$30 (PHP1,418.20) a month, you can help a child or family receive basic services like clean water, education and health care. |
|
|
3 Enrol in a class Develop your skills in the kitchen by taking a culinary class. If you love Thai cuisine and want to learn how to prepare your favorite dishes, try the Blue Elephant Cooking School in Bangkok (www.blueelephant.com). It includes a trip to the market with your instructor to buy fresh ingredients, a demo, and the chance to sample the four dishes you’ve learned to prepare. You may also want to consider the art of flower arranging while in Osaka. Try Zen Flowers Flower School, tel: +81 (6) 6443 8807, www.zen.flowers.com/en |
 |
|
4 Go to the extreme Try daring feats! Jump off the 233m-high tower at 75km per hour in just 20 seconds at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center Sky Jump (tel: +853 8988 8656 or email: ajhackett@ macautower.com.mo). Or try tandem skydiving in Cebu or Pampanga in the Philippines from November to June (www.e-philippines.com.ph) |
 |
|
5 Spend a night (or two) at a stylish hotel After all, you deserve it! Select boutique-style accommodations, such as the modern-meets-funky rooms at Hotel 1929 in Singapore. Go all out: Order a steak dinner at Restaurant Ember, and then retire to your room and sip a glass of champagne while neck deep in a bubble bath, or in the outdoor jacuzzi. 50 Keong Saik Road, Singapore, tel: +65 6347 1929, www.hotel1929.com |
 |
|
6 Muse and meditate Retreat to a place where you can re-energize your mind and body through meditative therapies. If you’re serious about it, one to try is Vipassana, an ancient meditation technique that aims to remove mental impurities through a specific code of conduct, breathing, and the keen observation and understanding of your body’s sensations. Sign up for courses at the Taiwan Vipassana Center, Dhammodaya, Hsin Sher Taichung County 426, email: info@udaya.dhamma.org |
 |
|
7 Do what you’ve always wanted to do
If you’ve always dreamt of traveling solo, now’s the time to make it happen. Log on to www.cebupacificair.com to find the destination that catches your fancy. Or if you think that you deserve an expensive pair of shoes, just buy it. Once in a while, it pays to splurge on yourself!
Bookmark This Post
