Travel Light

Traveling light is traveling in style.  You breeze through check ins and head straight to your destination upon arrival. You are one happy person squeezing through the public transport system, saving a lot of money.

Some tips:

1.  Plan very well, analyze the nature of your trip.
2.  It pays to wash clothes.  What is a 10 minute washing compared to an eternal lugging in of oversized luggage?
3.  Traveling for a week, a month or even months sounds the same to me:

         A.  2 pairs of pants (the first pair is worn on day 1)

         B.  2 lightweight clothes 

         c.  4 tops (shirts or blouses)

         d.  2 leggings

         e.  underwears 

         f.  microfiber towel

         g.  sarong

         h.  toiletries. & laundry soap

         g. camera

         h.  traveling adopter.

4.  wear the bulkiest clothes and footwear at the airport or in long journeys.

5.  Maintain a good disposition.  Be happy!

The pilgrimage continues

I first worked with the Taize Community in the early 90s.  I have the privilege of working with them in the Manila Pilgrimage of Trust.  Thanks to the Brothers, I got to know Manila broadly and had the glimpse of the iron city.

Years after, another pilgrimage was held in Don Bosco, Makati. I came as a pilgrim and a volunteer in the actual meeting.

It was a reunion of sorts and a way to reconnect with the inner voice.  Indeed, the way to peace is through trust and reconciliation.

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...