My Job Transition: From Traditional Office Set-up to Work from Home

not just as a Solo Backpacker but as a Corporate Slave like most of the Filipino travelers (2006-Present)

I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering. I have been in the Aviation Industry for over fourteen years focusing my experience on Aircraft Maintenance and Production Planning. Throughout my career, I have been fully exposed to Airline (Part-M) and MRO (Part-145) engineering planning processes. Furthermore, I have handled complex maintenance checks and completed work packaging from light to heavy maintenance to achieve the targeted TAT and Return to Service milestone. 

After my Bachelor's degree graduation, I ventured into the BPO IT industry where I took the PRC board exam review simultaneously. I took the PRC Licensure Examination (Electronics Engineering, 1st take) in 2005 on a self-review basis while having my IT work on the graveyard shift. I review if I have a chance, i.e., in a jeepney while stuck in traffic and around 2 hours before going to sleep. Luckily I passed then resigned and jumped to leap of faith. 

My very first international flight and experience as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) lasted for 7 days due to homesickness (2005). I went home despite the debts my family had made just to complete this Taiwan journey. My work has 12 hours of duty a day with 1 day off only a week. Jobless for how many months with zero savings. I saw a Manila Bulletin ad for Engineering graduates to become trainees in the Aviation Industry. The training with a small allowance lasted around 7 months (graded modules). 

My 1st Job in Aviation: Avionics Mechanic to Planning Engineer (Philippines Corporate Set-up)

From 2006 to 2009 I was an Avionics Mechanic which is part of hangar production, directly working inside commercial aircraft. Just weeks after my local vacation, I bid for a Planning Engineer inside the company which is a typical office of engineering setup (assigned PC and desk). Handled PAL fleet base maintenance planning as an initial project for newcomers then Virgin Atlantic, Vladivostok Air, Strategic Air, etc. I took my Master's degree in Engineering while working as a Planning Engineer. My classes were on weekends and weeknights for three years as a resident university scholar in one of the most reputable and famous university in Philippines (all classes are on-site).

My 3rd Job in Aviation: Aircraft Parts Inventory Specialist (Work from Home Set-up)

Continent: Charms of Asia (visited 43 of 46 Countries)

exploring the world's best tourist spots on a Filipino-style budget backpacking

"Coming from an Asian culture, I was always taught to respect my elders, to be a better listener than a talker." - Lisa Ling

3 Countries remaining (Iraq, Syria, Yemen) to complete the 46 countries of Asia, traveled as Philippine Passport Holder only Solo Backpacker #livealifeyouwillremember #asia

Interesting Facts about the Continent of Asia;
1. Asia covers a total land area of 44,579,000 sq. km, the largest continent in the world.
2. Asia has the highest population density in the world where cities are densely populated. 
3. Asia has given birth to some of the oldest human civilizations.
4. Nine out of ten of the world’s tallest buildings are in Asia.
5. Asia houses both the highest (Mount Everest, 8,848m) and the lowest (Dead Sea, -395m) points on Earth.

Sightseeing the Continents; the Charms of Asia

COUNTRIES OF ASIAN CONTINENT (43 of 46 = 93.48%)
CENTRAL		EASTERN		SOUTHEASTERN		SOUTHERN		WESTERN
1	Kazakhstan	6	China	11	Brunei	22	Afghanistan	30	Armenia
2	Kyrgyzstan	7	Japan	12	Cambodia	23	Bangladesh	31	Azerbaijan
3	Tajikistan	8	North Korea	13	Timor Leste	24	Bhutan	32	Bahrain
4	Turkmenistan	9	South Korea	14	Indonesia	25	India	33	Georgia
5	Uzbekistan	10	Mongolia	15	Laos	26	Maldives	34	Iran
				16	Malaysia	27	Nepal	35	Iraq
				17	Myanmar	28	Pakistan	36	Israel
				18	Philippines	29	Sri Lanka	37	Jordan
				19	Singapore			38	Kuwait
				20	Thailand			39	Lebanon
				21	Vietnam			40	Oman
								XX	Palestine
								41	Qatar
								42	Saudi Arabia
								43	Syria
								44	Turkey
								45	UAE
								46	Yemen

Visa on Arrival Countries for UAE-based Professional Expats

Pinoy travel addict mode on global scale updated as of July 2020

Countries (around the globe) not Requiring a Pre-arranged Visa for Philippine Passport Travelers

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates) expatriate residents with usual profession like Engineers, Lawyers, Judges & Members of Public Prosecution, University Teachers, Press & Media Staff, Pilots, System Analysts & Computer Programmers, Company Managers, Businessmen, Diplomatic Corps, Auditors / Accountants, Doctors, Nurses, or employees working in the public sector, their family members, drivers and servants sponsored by them.

The list below is applicable to Professional Expats only with valid United Arab Emirates resident visa (more than 6 months validity before visa application / travel date).

(1) Kuwait - Visa on arrival / recommended to apply for Kuwait E-Visa before travel (visa costs 3 KWD)

(2) Bahrain - Visa on arrival / recommended to apply for Bahrain E-visa before travel (visa costs 29 BHD)

(3) Qatar - Visa on arrival costs 100 QAR (paid via debit / credit card, not cash)

(4) Oman - Visa on arrival / recommended to apply for Oman E-Visa before travel (visa costs 5 OMR)
(5) Saudia Arabia - holders of US, UK or Schengen visa are eligible for a Saudi eVisa upon arrival and only permissible through airlines based in Saudi Arabia, such as Saudia, Flynas, Flyadeal and SaudiGulf Airlines

(6) Lebanon - Visa on arrival costs $20 (paid in cash, requires UAE Visa photocopy)

(7) Georgia - Visa on arrival free of charge

(8) Tunisia - Visa on arrival costs 60 TND (paid in cash, requires UAE Visa photocopy)

(9) Azerbaijan - Visa on arrival costs $26 (paid in cash)

United Arab Emirates Residence Visa (2019 - 2022)

Budget Solo Day-trip in Winter Qatar

sightseeing the Doha, Qatar tourist attraction on a budget

December 14, 2018

My 69th solo backpacking trip, 88th countries visited so far, last country to complete the GCC states of Middle East and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. I did not research much for this country as I planned to concentrate on sightseeing the cities by budget.

As of June 16th 2017, 8 countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, the Maldives and Comoros) have placed a diplomatic embargo between them and Qatar, while 7 countries (Jordan, Djibouti, Chad, Gabon, Niger, Eritrea and Senegal) have downgraded their relationships with the country. In spite of that, Qatar still remains a reachable destination (only by air though) and this event shouldn't play a significant role in your choice to visit the country, but it is recommended that you stay updated.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Qatar

timezone - UTC +0300H    capital - Doha   language - Arabic   currency - Riyal (QAR)
visa - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates) expatriate residents who are businessmen, company managers or representatives, auditors, accountants, doctors, engineers or employees working in the public sector, their family members, drivers and servants sponsored by them are eligible to obtain a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival.

Budget Solo Day-trip in Winter Qatar

Night-trip Visit in Bahrain (side trip from Cyprus)

Schengen 3rd Week-end Solo Trip: Cyprus with Bahrain

September 21 to 22, 2018

Day-trip Visit in Nicosia and Ayia Napa of Cyprus

Day 2: September 22, 2018 Saturday
1320H ETD Cyprus
1635H ETA Bahrain; bus A1 0.3; Sacred Heart Church; pinoy dinner 2.5; Bab Al-Bahrain; Souvenirs 3
Al Fateh Grand Mosque bus #41 0.3; Back to Mahama bus #41 0.3; Snacks 2.1; Back to Airport bus A1 0.3
0100H ETD Bahrain
Total: 18 EUR + 8.8 BHD

Night-trip Visit in Bahrain (side trip from Cyprus)

2 Days Solo Backpacking in Winter Oman via Crossborder Bus Trip

sightseeing Muscat and Oman's highest peak - Jebel Shams

March 17 to 18, 2017

“Those who have achieved their dreams didn’t do it sitting in a comfort zone. They challenged the status quo.” - Sheikh Khalfan Al Esry

My 51st solo backpacking trip, 30th in Asian continent (11th in the Western Asia and 4th in GCC Countries), 59 countries visited so far and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. This trip is the first country I visited on the new beginning of my expat life and to accomplish the highest summit hike of Oman. 

Interesting Facts about Oman: 
1. Crime In Oman Is “Extremely Rare”
2. Omanis Breed The Finest Arab Horses
3. Oman Has Only One Public University
4. Oman is also one of the oldest human-inhabited places on the planet.

timezone - +0400H UTC;   capital - Muscat;   language - Arabic
currency - Rial (OMR) 1 OMR = 2.6 USD = 10 AED
visa - GCC Expat Professionals are visa on arrival

2 Days Solo Backpacking in Winter Oman via Crossborder Bus Trip (Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque)

Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf

November 08 to November 14, 2015

Tehran last part; Subway Hopping to Other Tourist Spots

​​1. First and foremost, IRAN IS EXTREMELY SAFE TO TRAVEL. Even though its normal to see camouflaged-wearing citizen anywhere, they don't care about you. The ambiance is like in Israel and Palestine; once you're inside, you can do the normal/usual things as a tourist. Iran is even safer than Philippines, my homeland.

2. Major reason why Iran has negative mainstream media impression is because Iran hates USA. US Embassy in Iran has been pulled-out since 1981. On my observation, I did not see any US-made products even US-owned stores such as McDo, KFC and 7-11. Despite of that, Iran fully accepts US Dollar in any money exchanger. As of November 2015, 1 USD = 35,000 IRR.

3. Iran and Iranian people are tourist friendly. Even though its hard to find English-speaking Iranians especially in public places, they are willing to help, language barrier is not much of a problem.

4. Iran is a conservative Islamic country. Proper attire in public places must be observed at all times such as mandatory veil for ladies and not wearing of shorts and sleeveless shirt.

Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran (dizi, local Iranian food in Seray-e Mehr Resto, Shiraz)

Tehran last part; Subway Hopping to Other Tourist Spots

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf

November 08 to November 14, 2015

Tehran 1st part; Inside National Museum of Iran and Golestan Palace 

Azadi Tower, also known as Borj-e Āzādī, "Liberty Tower", formerly known as the Shahyad Tower, monument in Tehran City,  marking the west entrance to the city, and one of the symbols of the city. Embassy of the United States of America in Tehran was severed following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, and the subsequent seizure of the embassy in November 1979. The Former Embassy of Iran in Washington, D.C. is also defunct as Iran does not currently have an embassy in the United States. Its interests are handled through the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the United States at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington D.C. Imāmzādeh Sāleh is one of many Imāmzadeh mosques in Iran. The mosque is located at Tajrish Square in Tehran's northern Shemiran district. The mosque entombs the remains of Sāleh, a son of the Twelver Shī‘ah Imām, Mūsā al-Kādhim. Shāh Abdol Azīm Shrine, located in Rey, Iran, contains the tomb of Shah Abdol Azim. He was entombed here after his death in the 9th century. Adjacent to the shrine, within the complex, include the mausolea of Imamzadeh Tahir (son of the fourth shia Imam Sajjad), and Imamzadeh Hamzeh (brother of the eighth Twelver Imām - Imām Reza).

How to Go to ​Azadi Tower, US Embassy, Imāmzādeh Sāleh and Shāh Abdol Azīm Shrine;
Azadi Tower is located around 300m exit of Meydan E-Azadi metro station (line4), Tehran US Embassy is located just outside Taleghani metro station (line1), Imāmzādeh Sāleh is located around 100m exit of Tajrish metro station, Shāh Abdol Azīm Shrine is located around 1km away from Shahr-E Rey metro station (line1). A map is provided on the attached itinerary. Entrance to Azadi Tower and US Embassy is not allowed, only photography and video taking outside. Free entrance to Imāmzādeh Sāleh and Shāh Abdol Azīm Shrine, even photography and video taking is permitted inside.

Tehran last part; Subway Hopping to Other Tourist Spots (Azadi Tower)

Tehran 1st part; Inside National Museum of Iran and Golestan Palace

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf

November 08 to November 14, 2015

Isfahan last part; Afternoon Walk to Nearby Tourist Spots

National Museum of Iran, with more than 300,000 objects of historical value, is not only the biggest museum of the archaeology, and history of Iran, but also one of the most credited in the world, in terms of size, variety and quality of its contents. This museum is considered the mother museum by those involved in this field. At present, the museum includes two separate buildings, one is the Museum of Ancient Iran and the other is Museum of Islamic Era. Golestan Palace, "Roseland Palace", is the former royal Qajar complex in Tehran. The oldest of the historic monuments in Tehran, and of world heritage status,the Golestan Palace belongs to a group of royal buildings that were once enclosed within the mud-thatched walls of Tehran’s Historic Arg (citadel).

One of the highlights of the National Museum of Iran is the Saltman (must-see), located on the last part of Ancient Museum Building. In the winter of 1993, miners working in a salt mine came across a body with long hair, a beard, and some artifacts. After archaeological studies, the Saltman was dated 1,700 years ago. The cause of his presence ad death in the salt mine remains a mystery until now.

How to Go to ​National Museum of Iran and Golestan Palace;
National Museum of Iran is located around 3oom exit of Emam Khomeini metro station (line1) while Golestan Palace is located just 5om exit of Panzdah e-Khordad metro station (line1). Distance between them is walkable passing through Shahr Park (which was what I did. A map is provided on the attached itinerary. Photography and video taking is permitted in both places, but monopod and tripod is prohibited. Entrance fee to the National Museum is 150,000 Rial ($4.3) per building same for Golestan Palace, with separate 100,000 Rial for each hall inside.

Tehran 1st part; Inside National Museum of Iran

Isfahan last part; Afternoon Walk to Nearby Tourist Spots

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf

November 08 to November 14, 2015

Isfahan 1st part; Inside the ​Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Si-o-seh pol Bridge, also known as Allāhverdi Khan Bridge, “The bridge of thirty-three spans” is one of the eleven bridges of Isfahan, Iran and the longest bridge on Zayandeh River with the total length of 297.76 metres (976.9 ft). It is highly ranked as being one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design. It was constructed by the finance and the inspection of Allahverdi Khan Undiladze chancellor of Shah Abbas I, an Iranian ethnic Georgian, it consists of two rows of 33 arches from either sides, left and right. Jāmeh Mosque is the grand, congregational mosque (Jāmeh) of Isfahān city. The mosque is the result of continual construction, reconstruction, additions and renovations on the site from around 771 to the end of the 20th century. The Grand Bazaar of Isfahan can be found towards the southwest wing of the mosque. Hasht Behesht Palace, meaning "Eight Paradises" is a Safavid era palace in Isfahan. It was built in 1669 and is today protected by Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization. Of more than forty mansions which existed in Isfahan during the rule of Safavids, this is the only one left today. Qeisarieh Bazaar is a historical market in Isfahan. One of the oldest bazaar in the Middle East, dating back 17th Century. 

How to Go to Si-o-seh pol Bridge, Jāmeh Mosque, Hasht Behesht Palace, Qeisarieh Bazaar;
This places are near Chahar Bagh Street. From my stayed Hostel, Amir Kabir, Jame Mosque is located before the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Qeisarieh Bazaar is located. Then, go back to Chahar Bagh Street. On the left, you will passed-by first Hasht Behesht Palace then Si-o-seh pol Bridge is at the end of the road. A map is provided on the attached itinerary. Photography and video taking is allowed, even use of monopod and tripod is permitted. Entrance to all of them is free except for the Palace, 100,000 Rial ($3).

Isfahan last part; Afternoon Walk to Nearby Tourist Spots (​Siosepol Bridge)

Isfahan 1st part; Inside the ​Naqsh-e Jahan Square

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf

November 08 to November 14, 2015

Shiraz last part; Afternoon Walk to Nearby Tourist Spots 

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, “Image of the World Square", is a square situated at the center of Isfahan city. Constructed between 1598 and 1629, is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. The square is surrounded by buildings from the Safavid era. Imam Mosque, or Jaame Abbasi Mosque, standing in the southern side of the Square was built by Shah Abbas I. It is regarded as one of the masterpieces of Persian architecture and an excellent example of Islamic era architecture of Iran. Its construction began in 1611, and its splendor mainly due to the beauty of its seven-color mosaic titles and calligraphic inscriptions. Ali Qapu is a grand palace located on the western side. It is forty-eight meters high and there are seven floors. On the 6th floor, there is a music room which deep circular niches are found in the walls, having only aesthetic but also acoustic value. Sheikh Lutfollah Mosque standing on the eastern side, is one of the architectural masterpieces of Safavid Iranian architecture. Construction began in 1603 and done by 1619. 

How to Go to Naqsh-e Jahan Square;

Naqsh-e Jahan Square is around 500m away only from my stayed hostel, Amir Kabir. Entrance fee in the Square is free but 150,000 Rial for ($4.3) for each of the three mentioned above. Photography and video taking is allowed, use of tripod is prohibited.

​

Isfahan 1st part; Inside the ​Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Imam Mosque)

Shiraz last part; Afternoon Walk to Nearby Tourist Spots

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf

November 08 to November 14, 2015

Shiraz 1st part; Half-Day Tour to Persepolis and Necropolis

​Nasir Ol-Molk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, is a traditional mosque with extensive colored glass in its facade, and displays other traditional elements such as the Panj Kāse ("five concaved") design. It is named in popular culture as the Pink Mosque, due to the usage of considerable pink color tiles for its interior design. ​Narenjestan Museum is a part of Ghavam complex and was designed and used as birooni (to receive people out of family circle). The complex built between 1879-1886 was the domicile of Governor's Court of Fars during Qajar period. The complex is significant representation of Iranian architecture during Qajar period. Shāh Chérāgh is a funerary monument and mosque housing the tomb of the brothers Ahmad and Muhammad, sons of Mūsā al-Kādhim and brothers of ‘Alī ar-Ridhā. The two took refuge in the city during the Abbasid persecution of Shia Muslims.

How to Go to Nasir Ol-Molk Mosque, Narenjestan Museum and Shah Cheragh Mosque;

This three places are just on very short distance to my stayed hostel, Golshan Traditional. ​Coming out from the hostel, going to the left around 100m away is the Narenjestan Museum. Then, Nasir Ol-Molk Mosque is on the opposite side of the road going back near the hostel. Finally, Shah Cheragh Mosque is around 300 meters away. A map is provided on the attached itinerary. Narenjestan Museum entrance fee costs 150,000 Rial ($4.3), photography and video taking is allowed, even the use of monopod and tripod. Nasir Ol-Molk Mosque entrance fee is 100,000 Rial ($3), photography and video taking is allowed, monopod and tripod is prohibited. Shah Cheragh Mosque has free entrance, photography and video taking is allowed by use of monopod and tripod is prohibited.

Shiraz last part; Afternoon Walk to Nearby Tourist Spots (Nasir Ol-Molk Mosque)

Shiraz 1st part; Half-Day Tour to Persepolis and Necropolis

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf

November 08 to November 14, 2015

Hostels where I Stayed in Iran

The original name of this new capital was Parsa after the national name "Persians", which is attested in some of the inscriptions of Persepolis. This gave the Greeks the idea of calling it Persepolis, a popular rendition of "The City of the Persians", and the name is widely used. The Iranian called it in more recent times Takht-E Jamshid, the "Throne of Jamshid". Jamshid is the most glorious model king of the ancient Iranian epics and religious history, and to him is attributed many cultural innovations including the founding of the Nawrooz festival.

Necropolis (Naqsh-E Rostam) is of the most archaeological sites in Iran and contains monuments of the Achaemenid and Sasanian dynasties. In later times when people no longer remembered the origins of the rock carving, many of which show triumphant Iranian horsemen. They were attributed to the Iranian National Hero Rostam, and the site was called "carve Representations of Rostam".

How to Go to Persepolis and Necropolis;
The only way to go is via private car or taxi. Fortunately, when I arrived in Hostel around 0700H, there was a half-day tour already scheduled on that day that will start at 0800H. The tour cost $43 excluding entrance tickets. We are four in the group, which only stashed me of 400,000 Rials ($10.75) including driver tip. Entrance fee for Persepolis is 150,000 Rial ($4.3) while for Necropolis is 100,000 Rial ($3). Photography and video taking is allowed even the use of monopod and tripod.

​

Shiraz 1st part; Half-Day Tour to Persepolis 

Hostels where I Stayed in Iran

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf

November 08 to November 14, 2015

Cheap and Efficient Bus Travels in Iran

​There are only few hostels known in Iran that can be found online. The following are the hostels I checked-in with e-mail of booking confirmation.

​Golshan Traditional Hostel (Shiraz) (highly recommended, 5 of 5 stars)

- walkable distance to major tourist landmarks

- 4km distance to bus terminal (only by taxi at 70,000 Rial)

- free breakfast, free wifi, can provide shared tour

- dormitory bed 400,000 Rial ($11.5) for 1 night

- booking confirmation via email only with no advance payment (parvizro@yahoo.com)

Amir Kabir Hostel (Isfahan) (recommended, 4 of 5 stars)

- walkable distance to major tourist landmarks

- around 30mins bus ride from Soffeh Bus Terminal at 10,000 Rial fare (taxi at 150,000 Rial)

- free breakfast, free wifi

- dormitory bed 300,000 Rial ($8.6) for 1 night

- booking confirmation via email only with no advance payment (mrziaee@hotmail.com)

Tehran Hostel (Tehran) (recommended, 3 of 5 stars)

- totally no signboard, only house #12 written in spray paint

- walkable distance to Sabalan Metro Station (6,000 Rial per ticket)

- free breakfast, free wifi, free map with tourist landmark location per metro station

- dormitory bed 440,000 Rial ($12.6) for 1 night

- booking confirmation via email only with no advance payment (tehranhostel@gmail.com)

Hostels where I Stayed in Iran (Golshan Traditional Hostel in Shiraz)

Cheap and Efficient Bus Travels in Iran

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf

November 08 to November 14, 2015

Kuwait (Shuwaikh) - Iran (Khorramshahr) Persian Gulf Ferry Cruise

​Bus Ticket in Iran is hard to book online because there is no English translation. However, it can be easily purchased on the departure day. Almost everything in bus ticket is in Persian language, ensure to ask your destination, bus station, depart time, arrive time and seat number. It is very seldom to find English-speaking Iranian in public places. Once you found someone, seize the opportunity. Per my observation, if bus trip has a 6hr minimum travel time, most probably it has overnight trip.

Khorramshahr to Shiraz (overnight ordinary bus)

- ordinary seat, no toilet inside, lots of stops, very safe with free snacks (biscuit/bread)

- 1900H to 0700H (12hrs travel time) at 260,000 Rial ($7.45=PhP350) ordinary aircon

Shiraz to Isfahan (afternoon VIP bus)

- reclining and comfortable seat, no toilet inside, lots of stops, very safe with free snacks (biscuit/bread/juice)

- 0900H to 1600H (7hrs travel time) at 300,000 Rial ($8.6=PhP404) VIP seat

Isfahan to Tehran (overnight VIP bus)

- reclining and comfortable seat, no toilet inside, lots of stops, very safe with free packed fruits

- 2300H to 0500H, (6hrs travel time) at 275,000 Rial ($7.9=PhP370) VIP seat

- Tehran North Bus Terminal is near to Mosalla metro Station. Ride a BRT bus first then alight to 1st stop.

Tehran to Khorramshahr (overnight ordinary bus)

- ordinary seat, no toilet inside, lots of stops, very safe with free snacks (biscuit/bread)

- 1500H to 0700H, 15.5hrs at 380,000 Rial ($10.89=PhP512) ordinary aircon

Cheap and Efficient Bus Travels in Iran (emergency stop-over along highway)

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf

self-guided solo trip to Shiraz, Isfahan and Tehran

November 08 to November 14, 2015

" A traveller without knowledge is a bird without wings" — Muslih Al-Din Sa'di

My 44th solo backpacking trip, 27th in Asian continent, 56 countries visited so far and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. This trip is the 1st part on my Final Get-away Trip as an OFW in Kuwait, entitled as Final Kuwait Get-Away; Solo Trip across Winter South Asia (Iran - Bangladesh - Nepal - Bhutan - Brunei).

Known as Persia until 1935, Iran (Land of the Aryans) became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling Shah was forced into exile. Throughout history, Persia has generally been an empire, one whose fortunes varied enormously. In ancient times, Persia controlled most of what we now call the Middle East, and came close to conquering Greece. A few centuries later, Alexander the Great, conquered (among other things) the entire Persian Empire. 

http://wikitravel.org/en/Iran

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf (Isfahan's Imam Mosque)

7 Days Pinoy Solo Backpacking in Winter Israel

a very unbelievable self-guided trip inside the Promised Land
November 02 to November 10, 2013 

"Courage is a special kind of knowledge: the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be feared." - David Ben-Gurion

My 28th country to visit, 26th solo backpacking trip, 5th visa on arrival application encounter outside Southeast/Northeast Asia, 4th winter travel and usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Israel has been called the Promised Land because God promised Israel to the children of Abraham through Isaac, as the Old Testament states "And I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your temporary residence, all the land of Canaan as an eternal possession and I will be a God to them." (Genesis 17:8). Romans kicked Israelites out. Arabs settled there for thousands of years then the Land came known as Palestine. British settled Jews there so land could be SHARED but neither party wanted that....

State of Israel, in its basic laws, Israel defines itself as a Jewish and Democratic State; it is the world's only Jewish-majority state. Israel has the highest standard of living in the Middle East and the third highest in Asia. According to the Torah, God promised the land to the three Patriarchs of the Jewish people. Israel is considered part of the Holy Land (together with areas of Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Territories). The 3 monotheistic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—all have historical ties to the region.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel

the only souvenirs I bought inside the Promise Land