Respecting the Place

The 'mainstream' traveler visits places to fulfill their bucket lists.  Others get lucky to find a good airfare deal at the right time when their credit cards are not yet maxed out.  However, there are those lovers of adventures who just can't get enough of cultures and peoples.  They hop from one place to another simply to look for the right mix and the right blend of thrills.  To which category you belong to is not my topic here.

I would like to talk about respect of the place.  Of course, there are those social norms that you can't do without especially if the laws of the place demand it.  When the show of flesh is frowned upon, I hide behind my shawls and my loose clothes to play it safe.

Another point that tugged my mind is on the issue to splurge and how much?  When the exchange rate is too low, one gets the 'false' notion of being a millionaire. When poverty reeks to the point of shock, how much tip do we give to service providers?  What about gifts?

What about the norms to observe in visiting houses and villages?  Normally, I go visit these places only when am ready and is genuinely interested in meeting others.  I need to be fully present, breathe into the newness of the place and culture and to be sensitive to what they want to show.  Being invited to someone's home is an honor.

What about photographs?  I don't click much in my travels.  I am prepared to store memories in the heart.  While we may have our own dream photographs in mind to take, I normally ask permission to take photos.

The best way to ensure 'unobtrusive' travel is to be with a local.  They give you signs when rules can be broken and what norms to truly follow.

Darmada haven by the off the beaten track

Sidemen in Bali, Indonesia is considered by guidebooks as one of the off the beaten tracks.  One can go on endless treks without meeting other tourists.  You can simply enjoy the place by yourself.  But, this doesn't mean that the place is replete of places where you can lay your head to rest...  There are simply places that pampers you.  Darmada is one of those places...

 

Temple of Literature

It was a walking morning for us.  My colleague was longing for a bottle of water (almost up to obsession), I guess she failed to notice some of the sights.  I was very excited to go to the temple of literature to pay tribute to my first love -- academia.

Indeed, the Temple of Literature stood out as a place of learning and growth.  I was very impressed by the landmarks installed to pay tribute to the doctors of education a few centuries, way before our generations.

One of the gates: Open Sesame!

Those carved wood is just anywhere

one can find your corner anywhere

Paying tribute to Confucius

In honor of the PhDs in that time...

Awesome One Pillar Pagoda

After walking around Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, we headed off to get our cameras. One can simply breathe into the photogenic sights all over the compound.

I was also very excited to pay tribute to an architectural landmark called One Pillar Pagoda. At first, I thought it was just another overhyped touristic area where goods are alternatively sold. I wasn't prepared that locals flock to the place to actually pray there!

Despite the throngs of tourists, the place is well-maintained and the place kept to its solemn atmosphere. Also, the guidebooks were correct in saying that it truly is an architectural landmark.

And by the way, I only spent around 15,000 dong for entry and some drinks.