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
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....
