Very Joyful, Grateful And With A Smile

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                      Chillin' and relaxin' at home... 2.3.13

Year 2013 will be another successful year of traveling! The previous 2012 is the year when one of my "dream" country of destinations - Kingdom Of Bhutan- became a reality. I am grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ for the unsurpassed blessings and guidance in all my journeys both domestically and internationally.  Last year alone (not to forget to mention other years of my travels) is another successful year of travels including Jamaica (April 2012), India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines (summer 2012), South Africa and Madagascar (Nov. 2012), and of course, Bhutan and Taiwan last December 2012.  As the new year moves on, I am facing another successful and safe year of travels to Sri Lanka in March 2013 during the Spring Break vacation and to  Fiji, Samoa, Palau during summer vacation in June. Domestically, I will be in the states of Louisiana and Mississippi with my parents after my trips to the Pacific this summer.  Looking forward...
                "...I am with you," says the Lord." Hagai 2:4

Slow Down And Take A Break

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Slow down and have a break.
Do not hurry!
Hurry causes worry.
Worry causes stress.
Stress may lead to mistakes.
Mistakes caused by stress signals one's unfocus attention.
Unfocus attention causes unproductive outcome.
Several unproductive outcomes may result to depression.
Depression causes physiological dysfunction.
Physiological dysfunctions may lead to early death.
Early death means not attaining one's long-term plans and dreams in life, but, of course,
       you will have a bouquet of flowers, wreath, and a nice "boxy bed."  Hahahaha
Enjoy life positively and productively! 


                                  Smile at Life. Our God is Great! 1.20.13

                                   Ampefy Geyser, Madagascar 11.2012

Uniquely Bhutan - The Kingdom Of The Thunder Dragon, Peace, And Happiness

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Arrival at Paro International Airport in Paro Bhutan from Bangkok, Thailand via Druk Air, the official fleet of Kingdom Of Bhutan that flies from Singapore, India, Nepal and Bangkok 12.16.12

On December 16, 2012  I arrived in Paro International Airport in Bhutan from almost two-day flight originating in San Francisco International Airport connecting to Taipei in Taiwan and Bangkok in Thailand. Druk Air, the official flight carrier of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan, flew me from Bangkok to Paro. It has been a plan to visit Bhutan since I first heard about the country 3 years ago about her uniqueness, being unexplored, and being a country unknown country to many. My travel style is to explore countries not many people visit. (I am not into Paris, Mexico, and the like...)

A red carpet was rolled out on the landing site when Druk Air opened the cabin door.  What a surprise and I first thought that it was for regular passengers. Bhutanese in their national costumes (Gho and Kira) graced the arrival of the plane by lining up along the red carpet.  After few moments of looking through the plane window, I saw dignitaries from other countries unloading the plane and walked on the red carpet.  Aha...it was not meant for us...hahaha! Nevertheless, that scenario made an "imprint" in my mind about the preservation and authenticity of practice of Bhutanese culture in this 20th century. As left the plane, I felt the serenity and quietness of the surroundings as well as inside the immigration and passport control. The surroundings were very clean with images depicting the old fashion Bhutanese culture on the walls.  It was a very graceful and welcoming entry to Bhutan that day. I was welcomed by the  Seven Brothers Tours and Travels - Bhutan www.bhutanbrotherstour.com(Pema, Karma, and Djimmy) www.bhutanbrotherstour.com as I exited the airport.  They placed a white silk scarf on my neck as a sign of their hospitality and welcome. My journey to Bhutan started that day. Below is my day-to-day itinerary in my entire adventure in the Royal Kingdom Of Bhutan: 

Glimpse of Bhutan

Day 1: Sunday 16th December 2012

The very first day, flight to Paro Airport will bring you the most stunning view of the Himalayan Mountains  with their snow at their apexes which ranges from Nepal towards Bhutan. When the clock needs about twenty five minutes to enter the land of thunder dragon (Bhutan) you will be able to view the world highest peak, Mt Everest and then other mountains like Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu. As you approach quite near to Bhutan you will be greeted by mighty peaks of Bhutan like Mt. Jhomolhari, Mt. Tsrim Gang etc. proudly standing amongst the world’s highest known Himalayan peaks. Finally then, you will reach Paro Airport in 3 hrs (from Bangkok) . Now you are stepping out from the Druk air into fresh and silent atmosphere of Paro, the characteristic of the last Shangri-La. The representative from 7 Brothers Tours and Travels will be waiting for you at the exit who will guide you throughout your stay in Bhutan. If your flight is early you will be served lunch at one of the lodge in Paro. After that you can visit National Museum at Paro. Inside the museum you will find many antique Thankas, different kinds of textiles, a small temple of life, different statues, etc. After this you can drive to Rimpung Dzong or the Paro dzong which was built in the 17th century. This dzong is now the administration center and school for the monks . In the evening, take a stroll around Paro market. Dinner and overnightTENZINLING RESORT

Day 2: Monday 17th December 2012  Paro to Thimphu

You can have an easy start from Paro since Thimphu (2300m) is just 1 ½  hrs drive. On the way you will see a monastery called Tachogang lhakhang. You can ask your guide for some explanation. After a drive of half hour you will reach a place called Chuzom which means the meeting of two rivers. The Thimphu River and Paro River meet here at a confluence of three different kinds of monastery that you will see in the country. There will be a road junction from whom one goes to the south which leads to Phuentsholing in the southern part of Bhutan and the other to the capital. Before reaching Thimphu you will see a dzong on the small hump called Simtokha dzong. Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel built this dzong, which is in fact the oldest dzong in Bhutan. It was built in 1627 and at present it is being used as a school for the monks. You will reach Thimphu after 15 minutes from this Dzong and then you can either check in your hotel first or start with your sightseeing after lunch. The first thing you will visit is the Memorial Chorten which was built in memory of the third king in 1974.You can further go inside the Chorten and enjoy the most exotic statues of gods. You can then visit the indigenous hospital, then see painting at Changlimithang owned by privately. Then you can visit Tashichhodzong to have external view. This massive structure is the seat of the Royal Government and central monastic body. After this you can go back to your hotel for some tea and refreshment. Then you can further continue your sightseeing by going to the Post office, Paper factory, a small weaving practice center, Changangkha monastery, Zangto Pelhri monastery and Zilukha nunnery. In the evening you can drive to the viewpoint from which you can view the whole Thimphu city. On the way you can also stop and visit a small zoo to see the National animal of Bhutan, the Takin. Later you can go for a walk on your own in the town.Dinner and overnight at PEACEFUL RESORT
(On Dec. 17, I witnessed the National Day celebration of Bhutan held in the capital city Thimpu. I personally so and heard the speech of the 5th King of Bhutan and witness cultural presentations afterwards. In this celebration, I saw how respectful the Bhutanese people to their King, the solidarity of the people, and the preservation of Bhutanese culture and traditions (even in clothing) even this present time)

Day 3: Tuesday 18th December 2012 Thimphu to Punakha

After a mouth- watering breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. On the way halt at Dochula for a hot cup of tea/coffee and witness most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges on clear days. You will then drive down further through temperate forests into semitropical range of orange and cactuses. Before you reach a junction you will see Chime Lhakang built by a famous divine mad monk, Drukpa Kinley. This monastery is a famous pilgrim site for sterile women who wish to bear children. You will have lunch at Chimi Lhakhang cafeteria. As you drive further you will pass Khuruthang where new administrative town of Punakha is located. When you reach near the dzong you will see Punakha dzong built on the confluence of Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River) then visit Punakha Dzong which houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers known as Pochu and Mochu which means “Male River and Female River.” It was built in 1637 AD. Dinner and overnight stay in MERI PUENSUM RESORT
(This day I also witness the first "Empowerment" of the Bhutanese people held in Panukha. People of the all over Bhutan traveled to Panukha to participate in this 17-day Empowerment by their Buddhism master.)
Day 4: Wednesday 19th December 2012   Punakha to Phobjikha

We will start journey towards Phobjikha, the paradise on the summit, after the breakfast. On the way we will have glance at the ruins of Wangdue dzong which was razed down by fire recently. Our journey will be uphill along the flanks of mighty Himalaya escorted by dazzling scenes of natural beauty. We will then drive up the hills through oak and rhododendron forest, and just before reaching Pelela pass we will take diversion towards Phobjikha valley, known as valley made in heaven. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Explore Phobjikha valley and also visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.

After reaching Phobjikha we will have lunch followed by sightseeing. Phobjikha is known for the winter residence of the most endangered Black naked crane and we will be lucky to witness the last species of such magnificent birds which are at the brink of extinction. Overnight stay at HOTEL DEWACHEN

Day 5: Thursday 20th  December 2012 Phobjikha to Thimphu 

We will return back to Thimphu and take your own leisure. Late afternoon visit world largest sitting Buddha statue which is now under construction. Dinner and overnight stay at PEACEFUL RESORT

Day 6: Friday 21st  December 2012 Thimphu to Paro: Paro  Takshang ( Tiger’s nest) Iconic tourist spot.

In the morning  at around 9.30 am you will have delicious breakfast and then straight away start the journey to Paro where Paro Takshang( Tiger’s nest)  is located and then you will be experiencing a small hike of 3 hrs to the Takshang monastery (The tiger’s nest). A small history will help you understand further and appreciate the monastery.

As believed by the Bhutanese, Guru Padmasambhava flew here on a tiger’s back in 8th century and meditated for three months. Later in 1684 this monastery was built. When you finish your climb you will reach a cafe where you will get a very good view of the monastery. There you will be served special fruits along with the pack lunch. For some tourists who want to get a very close view of the monastery, they can further climb for about 45 minutes and enjoy the 50 meter close view of the Tiger’s Nest. You can ask your guide to give you a detailed explanation. Later, when you reach back then the first sightseeing will be to visit the Drukgyel Dzong (fotress) which is 10 kms further. This dzong was built in 1684 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel to celebrate the victory over the Tibetans. At present too you can view this dzong in ruins since it was burned down accidentally by a candle fire in 1874. Dinner and overnight stay  atTENZINLING RESORT.

Day 7: Saturday 22nd  December 2012

It is the time for you to depart. We the Seven Brothers Tours and Travel will take you to Paro international airport and bid farewell with hope to meet in near future.
Kaadinchey la (Thank you) 
iSwim iTravel
Swim_butterfly

A warm welcome from the Seven Brothers Tours and Travels in Bhutan (Djimmy to my left and Pema Thinley to my right). I was greeted with a white silk scarf as a sign of Bhutanese hospitality and welcome. I also received a white silk scarf as a sign of thank you and farewell during my departure from Nepal when I visited Nepal last April 2010.

Waving the Bhutanese flag. The yellow color represents the secular power of the King of Bhutan, orange color symbolizes the importance of Buddhism, the white color of the dragon denotes purity, and the dragon represents the country. On this day, December 17, 2012, I witnessed the yearly National Day celebration of the Bhutanese people in Thimpu, the capital city. I was very impressed with the solidarity of the Bhutanese as they paid respect to the 5th King, whose father (the 4th King), introduced the principle of the Gross National Happiness (GNH). (GNH  measures the economic success by satisfaction of the Bhutanese people. This is in contrast with the Gross National Product -GNP from the rest of the world. "This is one of the many aspects that makes Bhutan "unique." -ernel

Uniquely Bhutan...

-Television was introduced only in 1999.
-Internet was introduced only in 1999.
-Only Bhutanese movies are shown in movie houses -- no Hollywood movies
-Smoking is not permitted.
-With only 700,000 million people surrounded by the world's two most populated countries --- China and India
-Only country who preserves and still practice original culture
-Very peaceful and quiet.
-Free education and health care to all
-Happy people
-Very dense forest
-7-Eleven stores are called 8-Eleven
-Economy is measured by Gross National Happiness.
-They do not kill animals. Animal products for consumption are imported from India.
-Both men and women, young and old proudly wear their national dress (Gho for men and Kira for women).
-Students wear their national costumes to school daily.
-Djongs, temples and monasteries are every where.
-Red rice, spicy foods, meals with butter and milk
-Speaks many dialects and many speaks English.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/world/asia/07bhutan.html?ref=world&_r=1&
I think this is what we all need: Gross National Hapiness like the Bhutanese:

"Specifically, the government has determined that the four pillars of a happy society involve the economy, culture, the environment and good governance. It breaks these into nine domains: psychological well-being, ecology, health, education, culture, living standards, time use, community vitality and good governance, each with its own weighted and unweighted G.N.H. index. All of this is to be analyzed using the 72 indicators. Under the domain of psychological well-being, for example, indicators include the frequencies of prayer and meditation and of feelings of selfishness, jealousy, calm, compassion, generosity and frustration as well as suicidal thoughts.
“We are even breaking down the time of day: how much time a person spends with family, at work and so on,” Mr. Dorji said.- from 

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/world/asia/07bhutan.html?ref=world&_r=0 

It's The New Year 2013 at 12:03 am

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2012 has been a successful year and I thank my Lord Jesus Christ for making it happen. It was 12 months ago that 2012 was an "unknown" and now the final day of revelation has come in what the unknown really is. The new question is: "Are you ready and confident to face another unknown?' What I mean is the new year 2013.  I just heard soundings of fireworks about 7 minutes ago, the time 12 midnight stroke. It 's already 2013.

Unknown? A sort of an enigma, isn't it? As a Christian, I leave it to God. He says, "Trust in the Lord with all your hearts and lean not unto your own understandings." (The Bible).  One should not be afraid of the unknown if God controls one's life.  He said also, "In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success." (The Bible). This is very clear! This is it! No doubt, God curves my (our) life. There is always success even in tiny event in life if we let the "tiny small voice" speaks to us and tell us what to do. God's tiny small voice turns into a mega tone when heard with all open ears, open mind and open heart.  He always knocks, just let Him come in and He will the ways of life with inner peace and joy.  I am glad I am a Christian.

There is just one thing that I need to think about last year and this makes me even more grateful to God and to give more love to Thee --- the unmerited love through His grace and blessings I received. He is tested! He answered all my prayers over the years, and I know He will always do.   I cannot ask for anything more. From my family to my work to my daily commute to my travels to the different countries in  2012 alone (Jamaica, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Madagascar, Bhutan and Taipei) ---- all went well with the guidance Lord. He said, in the book of Joshua, "Be strong and courageous, do not be discouraged nor dismayed, for I am with you every where you go."  What a wonderful promise! It's indeed a WOW! The Works Of Wonderful Lord Jesus Christ!

Another unknown is here, but, as always,  Jesus is always everywhere. We may be facing "battles" in life, which are always part of human existence. He said, "Fight the battles on your knees, and you will win every time." Again, what a wonderful promise He made! Let's all face the "unknown" with a happy heart! Relax and Smile!  Just think about it!

Happy New Year and may our Lord be always in our hearts.

iSwim iTravel
Swim_butterfly
Ernel




                    In Thimpu, Bhutan 12.18.12

 In Taipei High-Speed Train Station going to Hsinchu, Taiwan 12.22.12

Life Is A Journey

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Life Is A Journey

                                            by: iSwim iTravel 
                                                   12.30.12                                          

Life is a journey. It's like traveling across the seas. As you traverse the ocean, or encounter the air, excitements and apprehensions always come into play. You expect what you've planned, but be open to surprises. Changes may be essentials as they are inevitable.  Ethnocentric tendency is not the key.  It is the "open mind" that makes a person appreciate the beauties and peculiarities of every country.

I have been grateful that all my experiences in every country I've visited in the past had been all pleasant moments and have many treasurable memoirs.  (Of course I stay away from places that will put me at risk and take me where temptations dominate, i.e., I am not into bar scenes and the like). 

The experiences I had were eye-openers for me and had widened my understanding of human cultural differences in many aspects. One saying that I found empowering states: "It is not the different ethnicities of human beings in different parts of the world but the differences in cultures amongst people."  In my point of view,  we are all same,  what are different are the "ways of life" and "life principles and values."   Each one wears "lens" that enable us to see things differently and think variably.  Despite of these differences, there are, of course,  universal norms that all of us is expected to know and expected to abide. Such an example is waiting in line for turn which, I believe,  is a universal norm, i.e., known to be practiced worldwide.

I treasure the positive experiences I had in every country I've been.  The people I met, the culture I saw, the language I heard, the local food I've tasted, the peculiar gestures I've learned that may seemed to be "opposite" with my ways, and many other things including the land and water scapes of the places linger in my thoughts as I reflect and revisit my experiences. What a worthy adventure and gratifying opportunities I had to see the world, and I thank my Lord Jesus Christ for everything, including the ability to make decisions in my travels. The experiences I have in traveling the world will always be there and will never expire nor decay unlike material possessions. Below are some of the countries that have a place in my mind and in my heart.


Thailand, the land of the friendly smiles.
You inscribe in my mind the calmness of heart.


China, the red dragon of the east.
What a history you have from the Xia Dynasty (2070-1600 BC).


Egypt, where the river Nile stretches her waters.
You mesmerize me with the marvels of the pyramids.


Galapagos, the idyllic dream destination islands of many.
You envigorate my concerns towards wildlife diversity.


Ecuador, the country on the zero latitude.
You give me the experience to traverse part of the Amazon river basin.


Peru, the land of mysticism of the Incas.
What a wondrous work of strength and diligence to build the Machu Pichu.


Vietnam, where Hanoi's organized chaos is an icon.
You make me witness on how Vietnamese work so hard to be the next Asian tiger.


Cambodia, the land of the meek people and of the majestic wats.
You make me connect my heritage with what you have.


Laos, what a peaceful country to visit.
You made me appreciate the humbling experience of the Lao people.


The Philippines, the land of the rising sun, where life thrives in the middle of ever changing society.
You make me rethink of my past to look back.


Costa Rica, the place of the "Pura Vida!"
You instill in my mind the diversified nature in it's pure state.


Colombia, the country of the "happy people!"
What a great opportunity to see the improvement after long-time unrest. Koodos!


Panama, the isthmus between two continents.
The canals show how environmental alteration hastens inter-continental links.


Canada, the peaceful country, friends to all.
You impress me with the friendly citizens I met.


South Korea, the country of extraordinary experience.
Language, culture, people and ways of life challenge me.


United States of America, the destination that many have dreamt about.
The richness and vastness of your national parks and reserves amaze me.


Netherlands and Japan both brought forth new cultures to me.
Amazing to see the varied lifestyles and cultural diversities.


Israel, you will never be the same again.
You made me uplight my spiritual values as a Christian.


Mongolia, the country of blue sky.
Thank you for your friendliness and hospitality.


Palestine, the country mentioned several times in the Bible.
You deepen my faith when I saw the assumed Jesus' birthplace in Bethlehem.


Brasil, you are known to the world as sports huskies and fun, fun,fun.
Delightful to see the envigorating strength of multiple sports on Copacobana beach.


Bermuda, where the mystery of the triangle lies.
Lovely people, fascinating white houses, pink beaches and churches are just everywhere.


Jamaica, the country of laid back personality and worry-not attitude.
"Yeh mon" response exerts a positive spirit and friendly acceptance.


India, the amazingly and incredibly thriving giant land.
Love, multiculturalism, family ties, human and natural resources dominate.


Singapore, the reflection of modern industrialization and fast progression.
Beauty and charm of modern architecture make the country as the icon of new world technology.


Indonesia, you are the melting pot of many religions.
From Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianism - you have a choice to satisfy personal convictions.


Malaysia,  you are really a truly Asia.
The lush of green vegetation on the mountains covers the soil which makes it refreshing to see.


Nepal, the country of mysticisms.
Nepalese people, you are adorable because of your humble approach and warm hospitality.


Hong Kong - what a marvel to see on how you make land and water blend.
Your "blending" plus the infrastructure provide spaces for people's existence.



Madagascar,  the 4th largest island in the world.
You are a revelation of the importance to nature to sustain human existence.


Taiwan, Iiha Formosa...The beautiful island in  Asia.
Evidently, you've made a great leep, and one of the Asia's economic tigers.


Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, the Kingdom of Peace and Happiness.
You are an exemplary model in preservation of culture and respect to mother nature.

What do I find sparkling, worth-remembering or even worth adopting? 

Oh, life is a journey like in traveling the world.

You expect the expected and adjust with the unexpected.

Awareness and understanding are significant moves,
to appreciate the beauty and NOT necessarily to partake what others do.

We all have our own principles and values deeply rooted in our heart.

To understand the differences of our brothers and sisters, 

 respect,  understanding, acceptance and not tolerance  are integral values 

to upkeep.

Arrival in Paro International Airport, Paro Bhutan during my Christmas vacation travel to the Kingdom of Bhutan from Bangkok, Thailand via Druk Air, 12.22.12

      
             With Malagasy children, Madagascar 11.2012

One of the members of the Malagasy tribe, Madagascar,  11.2012

                    Tortoise in Antananarivo, Madagascar 11.2012

Merry Christmas to everyone and may we all have a blessed New Year 2013! Are you ready and confident enough to face the unknown?



Brunei in Borneo see you in March 2013....

Bhutan - One Of The Trips Of The Lifetime

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If you plan to visit Bhutan, I highly recommend 7 Brothers Tours and Travels ( http://www.bhutanbrotherstour.com/  ) as your tour company. Any traveler/tourist going to Bhutan must contact and make pre-departure arrangement with the recommended tour operator by the Royal Government of Kingdom Of Bhutan, who will will provide an endorsement to Bhutan Immigration for visa. Bhutan is not a typical country since not everyone can easily enter the Kingdom without pre-departure arrangements. Visa On Arrival or Visa waiver (except for Indian nationals) is not granted. One needs to have a printed proof of valid Bhutan visa (with specific dates and specific locations) before boarding DrukAir (only carrier going to Bhutan), otherwise tourist will not be admitted. The printed copy of Visa is required in Bhutan Immigration passport control in Paro International Airport, otherwise you will be sent back from where you come from. Plan ahead and make a careful choice. My recent trip to Bhutan is one of trips of a lifetime. If I am to retire in an Asian country, one of the Asian countries of my choices is Bhutan. Go to Bhutan and see the difference.


                 Panukha Djong, Panukha, Bhutan 12.20.12

RoUTiNeS

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ROUTINES 

by: Swim_butterfly 

Routines in life make one successful. This means... 

R - right

 

O - outlook in life

U - unequivocal

T - task with the 

I - integration of 

N - new ideas  that

E - empower daily life in a 

S - systematic manner.

One chilly night at home 12.9.12, after the Sunday morning service at the church with my parents. Last few days of work this week before the Christmas vacation starts. Just 5 days left before my trips to Bhutan and Taipei.