THE TRANSIT LOUNGE Dr. Mark Paul Pl<strong>at</strong>on, a Diamond <strong>Club</strong> member, shares with us his most memorable holiday experiences to d<strong>at</strong>e. Q. Wh<strong>at</strong> <strong>at</strong>tracted you to becoming a <strong>QVI</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Member? My family and I love to travel, so when we were introduced to <strong>QVI</strong> <strong>Club</strong> and learned about how much we could save on our accommod<strong>at</strong>ions around the world, we immedi<strong>at</strong>ely decided to join. It’s also nice to know th<strong>at</strong> as <strong>QVI</strong> <strong>Club</strong> members we’d be able to stay <strong>at</strong> spacious well-appointed resorts and hotels instead of small cramped and uncomfortable rooms. Q. Wh<strong>at</strong> is your most memorable holiday experience and why? Q. Wh<strong>at</strong> are your favorite destin<strong>at</strong>ions? When I’m in the mood for a highly urban retre<strong>at</strong>, New York City is still on the top of my list. The fast and trend-setting pace ensures th<strong>at</strong> there’s never a dull moment when I’m there. But when I’ve had too much of the hustle and bustle of city life, Switzerland is by far the best place to detox. It still offers the comforts of city living, but it’s so much more safe, relaxed, quiet and clean. Arm yourself with a Travel Pass and a couple of basic French and German phrases and you can wander aimlessly by train all throughout this picturesque country. 22 My most memorable holiday experience by far was when I went to visit my sisters Czarra and Czarina in Switzerland last 2006 and we went around Europe. We had quite an adventure together in Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Amsterdam, and back to Switzerland where we celebr<strong>at</strong>ed a simple Filipino Noche Buena or evening dinner to usher in Christmas and my birthday. Traveling is made even more special and memorable when you’re with loved ones. Reminiscing on the beautiful sights, hilarious mishaps, and gre<strong>at</strong> times exploring new cities never fail to make me smile and brighten up my day wherever I might be. Q. How about your worst holiday experience and why? I can’t say I’ve had a bad holiday experience yet. Even when I had to go on duty and work <strong>at</strong> the hospital over Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve which are normally reserved as special family time, I still managed to enjoy the spirit of the season. Q. Wh<strong>at</strong> do you like to do most when on vac<strong>at</strong>ion? Every time I’m on vac<strong>at</strong>ion or even when I’m visiting a new destin<strong>at</strong>ion for business, I just love exploring my new environment on foot. If I get the chance, I also make it a point to try out the local public transport system, specially the Metro. Each one’s got its own personality. And if it’s fairly safe, I won’t even mind getting lost! Th<strong>at</strong>’s an adventure in itself, and there’s so much to see and learn while finding my way back home. Pictures of Dr. Pl<strong>at</strong>on’s vac<strong>at</strong>ions around the world are his best souvenirs Q. Wh<strong>at</strong> is your idea of a perfect holiday? A Perfect Holiday: No work, no plans, no budget. Everything spontaneous and onthe-fly. Q. Amongst all the countries you have been to, which one has left you with the strongest impression? I consider myself blessed to have seen countries outside of my own, but taking everything into account, there is really no place like the Philippines. It has a little bit of everything: interesting historical sites, colorful cultural celebr<strong>at</strong>ions, upscale urban settings, gorgeous n<strong>at</strong>ure retre<strong>at</strong>s, and charming hospitable people. No wonder more and more people from around the world are choosing to live here. Q. Name <strong>at</strong> least 3 essential items you always take with you when traveling overseas? 1. My notebook computer - It pays to stay connected, especially when you’re stuck in the airport. 2. My Bio Disc - keeps jetlag <strong>at</strong> bay, plus it helps me stay energized the entire time. 3. A digital camera - Pictures are the best souvenir. Q. If you were exiled to a desert island and could only take one person and one personal item with you, wh<strong>at</strong> would you select? One person? Hmm … I haven’t met her yet. One personal item? A big f<strong>at</strong> Swiss Army knife!
FROM THE GALLEY Som Tam Thai Papaya Salad Tung Tong Thai Egg Roll 23 In this issue, FROM THE GALLEY takes a look <strong>at</strong> recipes from the Land of Smiles, Thailand. To submit a recipe, email us <strong>at</strong> navig<strong>at</strong>or@qlstyle.com Sticky Rice with Mango Thai Tea Ice Cream Recipe
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