Brunei Darussalam (meaning an Abode of Peace) is a country that one often cannot even locate on the world map. When I told friends I was coming to Brunei one said "oh, why don't you also visit India since its so close." Others told me they had to look the country up on Google Maps. A geographical lesson is obviously in order. Brunei is located on the large island of Borneo and is surrounded by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. The rest … [Read more...]
You are a donkey. I am a monkey. Sometimes we go up, and sometimes we go down. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp.
I felt like I was caught up in a wild storm these past 2.5 weeks, in the middle of a flurry of constant adventure, sensory stimulus, and physical exertion. One constant though, was my experience of contrasts - contrasts between 1st class seating on flights (the benefit of standby travel with an airlines employee) and $2/night lodging; the incongruity between awe inspiring mountains and "checklist travelers" apparently unmoved by the quiet beauty, … [Read more...]
Treasure Islands Of Carraga
"Traveling to far away places is one best antidote because it heals life pressures; and there are literally countless destinations around the world which would do it. What is more important is that you bring that travel experiences to life--through diaries or photos, or simply by writing them in a story--tell the world about it, and such nostalgic memories will live on." ~The Author Nocturnal Road Adventure The journey starts as I … [Read more...]
Strange Jaunt In Kidapawan: The City Of Highland Springs
Steering through the upland regions of Bukidnon to the highly elevated vicinity of North Cotabato can be the most tedious journey I've ever done in Southern Philippines. The vast land area, long and winding trail had taken us 7 hours to reach the intended destination. Such a wearisome travel was later exchanged with excitement, as we arrived in the city being warmly treated by intimates who, too, were part of the important visit. Situated off … [Read more...]
Spending 104 Days In Singapore
PHOTOS BY WILLIAM CHO International Freelance Photographer, Singapore The 7:30 twilight already swathes the entire vicinity as I amble along and pass through the hallways of Changi Airport. My Singapore Airline flight has not given much of a jet lag. But then, routinely, a worker and a traveller desperately need to move out from the terminal. The intended place is in Jalan Kuang, East View Garden, about 10 minutes away from the Singaporean … [Read more...]
Hangzhou: Marco Polo Called it the Most Magnificent City in the World
When I asked our guide to describe Hangzhou, he said: " We in China say, 'above is heaven; down here Hangzhou." His, were no idle words. They had a ring of truth. Marco Polo, the medieval traveller and the first Westerner to visit Hangzhou, was stunned with its beauty and described it as 'the City of Paradise.' China National Tourism has named it 'China's Best Tourist City' and other organizations have labelled it as 'China's Happiest … [Read more...]
An Inspirational Refutation of an Uncomfortable Stereotype
"People try to insult me by saying my success is from a falang (foreigner)," said Nate, smiling as she steered us through the moped-filled traffic, "but it's just me." The story that emerged as Nate (in her taxi-service capacity) drove me from her restaurant to the Phuket bus stop was inspirational. But was also a desperately welcome antidote to the uncomfortable Older-Western-Man-funding-Younger-Thai-Woman situation thick on the … [Read more...]
Too Much Sunlight
Asif, the mid-thirties grizzly of a man, was driving our office's green Land Rover rapidly down the sun-baked and vehicle-beaten dirt road. I, the sole foreigner on our trip, assumed the seat of honor (and obligation), shotgun, while my trusted friend and colleague, Torialai sat behind me. Beside him sat Ustad Raqem, the principal of the elementary school which we were journeying to visit. It was July and each of us therefore had shed our … [Read more...]
Shanghai World Expo – China Showcases its Place in the Modern World
With its management of the 2008 Olympic games a smashing success, China will, from May 1st to October 31st, 2010 at the Shanghai World Expo, try and outdo its Olympic success. As one of the Chinese workers at the Shanghai World Expo told me, "Like it left its footprints during the ancient ages, China is beginning to make its mark on the modern world." Well, he had a point. No one can deny that this country contributed much to the ancient … [Read more...]
Huangshan Gems
"Since you are here in Huangshan, you must visit our two traditional villages, Xidi and Hongcun. They are little gems of elegance and tradition." A guide advised when I asked him his favourite attractions in the region. We had already made plans to visit these villages and his advice reinforced our decision. Both Xidi and Hongcun villages rest in the foothills of the Huangshan (Yellow) Mountain. They lay amid a landscape of greenery, … [Read more...]
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