Traveling The World...A Fascinating Way To Other Culture...

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"I am very grateful to have the opportunity and being blessed to be able to travel the world. Each and every step I take each time I leave the my home country, I see myself in a different world surrounded by great people. Traveling other countries makes me leave my "comfort shell." Indeed, all will be different - language, food, customs, traditions, clothing, body language and other non-verbal gestures - overall - different cultures. One quote I remember: "If you do not like languages, customs, foods, traditions - don't travel, stay home." - This is very true! In my travels, there is always an enthusiasm from planning the trip, boarding the plane, landing to a new country, going to unfamiliar places to the meeting of other people. Positivism, setting the fears and worries aside (not even entertaining it), getting out of ethnocentric tendencies, accepting the ways of others (but not necessarily doing it), knowing the limits, mind open to new and positive learning experiences, choosing the right people (great way to make new friends), going to safe places (I am not into bar scenes.) and careful planning before traveling are some of the most essential factors that I consider as the top priorities to have a successful journey. (As for me, successful journey means "would like visit again" not feeling regretful, which a sign of failure. By far, all my travels have been successful. I always keep in mind what the scriptures mentioned in the book of Psalm 19:11 "For He will order His Angels to protect you everywhere you go." and Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous, do not be discourage nor dismayed, for I am with you everywhere you go." 

                                     Photo taken in the King's Palace (Istana Negara) In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 6.24.12

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India...You Are Incredible!

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Today is my 7th day in India, the day before I fly to Indonesia to continue on to my trip to the far east. In a short time I've seen the many important places in the northern part of India in a "nut shell."  There are still many to explore and to learn about the history and culture of this incredible country. I am grateful that I made this trip. Since high school, when started to learning Asian History (one of my favorite subjects), it is the Taj Mahal (aside from China's Great Wall which I've been in Dec. 2009) that I have dreamt to see in real life because of it's being one the Wonders of the World. Wow! Many dreams really come true!!! 

India is "incredible!" It's population - 1.22 billion (2nd to China - 1.33 billion) makes this country incredible. (World's population is about to reach 7 billion in this current time). There is people everywhere. Streets are always busy specially at day time (of course). There are multiple passengers in small public or private vehicles. Passengers are hanging and sitting on the roof of public transport to get to their destinations. There are foods all over in small "tiendas." Gems are bountiful from the surrounding "rocky" mountains in Jaipur. Carpet-making and natural cloth paintings from plants with skillful workers provide most of the economy aside from tourism and seasonal crops. Selling small things to make two ends meet. The little children begging which breaks my heart to see (How I wish my students back in the states see how younger Indian children make "self economy" and not wasting and throwing foods in the cafeteria.) Many people in the suburbs living on the streets in a makeshift tents with a kinda "nomadic" life because they follow the jobs where they are available. (How I wish people with all things they need and are not complacent with what they have should see this situation.) Young people wipe car windows when stopped for alms. Babies curdled by their parents are riding on a motorcycle . Cows do not go to butchery and they are all around. (Eighty percent of Indians are Hindus and they regards to many animals including cows as holy). Goats hanging on motorcycle for final days en route to slaughter house. People speaks different languages and dialects (Hindi, Punjabi, English, French, etc.). Indian cuisine is exquisite and "healthy." Vegetarianism is widespread. (What will Chinese say about this?)  Friendly smiles and welcoming gestures are innate to them. (Saying "Namaste" or "Namaskar" with a two palms together close to chest). Preservation of culture is very evident in India (with women and men wearing their cultural clothes) unlike many countries with high "colonial mentally" wherein their original cultural practices and native tongue seem to come to oblivion. 

India you are "incredible!" The "Golden Triangle" showed me the most frequented important cities in the northern part of India - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. These cities are separated by many kilometers (at least 100 kilometers) with an average driving time of 4 to 6 hours in between. Not to forget the traffic in the cities. Momunents dating back in time during the 11th century (e.g. Qutub Minar) are well preserved and show historical imprints which make the history to come alive right in front of my eyes. Unbelievable!  Most of the monuments are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage. Paid workers from different countries (Persia, Turkey, France, Italy, etc.) were hired by emperors to build as compared to slavery and forced labor like the Great Pyramid of Egypt. Some to the monuments and important landmarks I've been in this trip to India were: Qutub Minar, Humayun's Mausoleum (Mughal architecture), India Gate, Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial, Jama Mastid, of course the world famous Taj Mahal (Love Poem In Marble), President's Residence, Parliament House, Secretariat Building, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Chandi Chok (once an imperial avenue now the busiest commercial area of New Delhi), Lotus Temple, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, Rajasthani Fort Palace in jaipur, "Pink City" of Jaipur, Amber Fort, Maharaja's City Palace, Jantar Mantar (largest stone and marble crafted astronomical observatory in the world), Hawa Mahal (The Palace of the Winds) plus the unparalleled cultural showcases en route to the three major cities in the states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
India...you are Incredible!  Great India!




                                                     Taj Mahal in Agra, India 6.12.12

Change!

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This morning as I entered the gym a sign flashed on before me at the check in counter - "Pool Closed Thank You For Your Patience." Pool is undergoing maintenance. Deep inside I did not like it to begin my day of workout because I will miss swimming during the 32-day trip to the far east in the next 2 days. There will be swimming pools in the hotels I will be checking in but, for sure, I will not expect what I have here. This day will be "mini" taper time. I gotta modify my workout session...no pool only resistance training, Tai Chi and active stretching, plus extra time to relax and take time really slowly. It's summer vacation I the first place.

This unexpected situation at the gym requires modification, patience and change. Change is inevitable (but not in the soda machine...hehehehe). Change is a "universal concept" that applies to all areas of disciplines. Of course, applies daily life activities. There is a reason and season for change. The reason for change sometimes is not known or sometimes misunderstood. This may lead to questions and/or confusions about the new change. I understand why the pool was closed - maintenance. On the other hand, there are changes where the reasons are well-communicated and fully understood. Hooray! No surprises! If this is the case, people can set their minds to the result of the change.

Changes do not happen in a wink of an eye. Timing is essential. Leaves change color and fall in the fall due to seasonal changes. I remember the song "Changes In My Life" sung by Jose Mari Chan. What a wonderful song! (Google it and you will see many versions of this song in You Tube format.) People change - from physical looks to point of views, but these changes are gradual like the "evolutionary process," where the changes happen through time. 

Change happens. Acceptance or avoidance of change depend on the person. There are people who are open for changes and have the outlook "Change is good." On the contrary, there are people who have "closed minds" and do not accept or avoid changes. No matter what is our concept of change...it is always important to keep in mind that it is a universal truth that "Change is inevitable."

Make it a great day!

iSwim

          Photo taken in Fairbanks, Alaska April 2006

          

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Smooth Sailing vs Safe Landing

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I was driving today on my way home and drive by a billboard of a church saying "Don't confuse smooth sailing from safe landing." This caught my mind's attention and I started deeply thinking about what does it mean. Quite often that I've used the phase "Life is sailing smoothly" when things are doing well,  "manageable" or "navigable." People flying on a plane or sailing over seas will often think of safe flight or safe sailing, since getting on board and spend time on flight or sail on ship is a prerequisite to reach the final destination. The billboard sign made me think of the "safe landing." Here is something to think about:  "Flight attendants check if passengers are all buckled up, electronic devices are turned off, seats are put back in an upright position, tray tables are folded back, all are seated nobody in the washroom minutes before and during landing. Aren't these proofs that landing has more dangers than flying still smoothly above the clouds (or navigating in the open ocean)?

"There is always a destination in every travel we do.
There is always an outcome to all act we perform.
There is always an end to all things we have.
There is always a result to all task we handle.
There is always an end to our physical life.
There is always ......."

"Landing" will always happen. Time of waiting is always part of it. We look at the departure or arrival flight update monitor in the airport each time we fly. With all expectations to land on time and land safe. Time is a variable. One cannot control whether the flight will be on-time, delayed or ahead. What we can control is giving ourselves enough time to get to the airport and not to miss a flight. Experienced travelers always give it a great consideration and always expect the "expected" events in departure.

Different people from different parts of the world have different views about where life is going to be when we "expire," which all us will. Some believe that they will turn into a beautiful butterfly. As for me, being a butterfly is not my personal choice. I believe that I will leave my physical body and leave everything and be in heaven. You can figure out what my principle in life. Of course, I am a Christian.

There is always "ducks on the on the road," "hurdles to get by," "storms to encounter" as we "sail smoothly." Life is full of detours and potholes. Nevertheless, there is always an end...there is always "landing."

What do you like - smooth sailing or safe landing?


Make it a great day!

iSwim


Photo taken in Nepal about to board on a plane to fly to Mt. Everest, April 2010.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad