Finding Gnomes in Outer Space!

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Requires a lot of jumping! But let’s cover the basic 4-1-1 first:

Where is outer space you ask? Why, it’s just over yonder in the most underrated country ever (also one of my most favorite countries in the world), which I happen (sarcastic word choice here) to have chosen to study abroad in through UCEAP. Yes, this was my third time studying abroad; and yes, this will be one of the many posts about Cappadocia if not Turkey; and yes, I really need to stop throwing out the “this is my favorite country in the world” line, but seriously…it really is that good (and underrated).

It was an action-packed semester indeed. One of the biggest reasons why I wanted to go to Turkey was to visit this little place (once again, sarcastic word choice here) called Cappadocia (and in Turkish: Kapadokya). I originally learned about Cappadocia through TeresaTheTraveler years and years ago, and once I knew about it my heart was set you bet.

Located right squat in the middle of Turkey, I literally took a quick trip from the capital city (Ankara, where I was living) to this exotic, magnificent, and one of a kind place. Just to throw in a quick ‘How-To’ guide for you folks who will decide at the end of this blog post that you will need to go to Cappadocia now, here is the quick break down.

You can take an organized tour from any major city (such as Istanbul)…*ahem* ‘most expensive option’; or you can drive yourself with a rental car; or like me, you can just take a coach bus (main method of transportation if you’re not flying) to one of the cities in the Cappadocia region (Nevşehir, Ürgüp or Göreme) and then buy organized tours from there. I’ve met backpackers who preferred to walk the entire region, but they’re just taking it up to the next level.  Specifically, I personally went to Göreme on the Nevşehir bus. Different colored tours are offered (Green, Red, Blue, etc) and I personally took the Red and Green tours and then spent the third day exploring myself. Check out TurkeyTravelPlanner for more details though.

Moving on ~ Cappadocia has huge historical significance (repeat: huge!), including kingdom here, civilization there, Roman something everywhere… I DO really have to apologize because when the tour guide was speaking, I was busy running, hopping, and jumping around looking for gnomes. Yes, I’m that type of tourist, don’t look so surprised. For that reason, I cannot give you any more historical information than what is offered online or in the abundance of books they try to sell you at the tourist shops.

Cappadocia was also mentioned in the Bible and it served significant importance to those who were hiding from persecution. That is why this region is so amazing and unique; it’s also similar to a complex outerspace maze. There’s underground cities below everything you see on top (similar to the Underground in London) and so many caves that it literally gives the Flintstones a run for their monies.

Nonetheless, my mission impossible here was to find gnomes and what better way than to go into their homes (I’m rhyming!). These photos are of a specific place during my three day stint in Cappadocia (yes sir, yes ma’am, there’s definitely more). I seriously had so much fun here.

I literally jumped so much and ran everywhere throughout these caves and holes. Maybe I am the gnome I was looking for after all. It was inside me all along!

This specific place is not necessary the safest since you could literally fall 50-100 feet down and just die. There were metal nets laid & structured out (Thank You Turkish Industry of Tourism) but it was not a perfect system. Got to be careful, especially of those holes that you could just fall right in… ‘Alice in Wonderland’-style.

The view from this place was also spectacular. You can see the smaller towns & villages in the distance as well as the other unique and interesting mountains and structures. Isn’t it beautiful? This region literally made me feel like I was on another planet….in outer space.

I also went when it was already winter in Turkey so there was snow everywhere! It literally was freezing cold (zero Celsius? maybe even below zero? Definitely not California weather!) Perhaps running and jumping around wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Also notice the inside of the caves- these were real homes back in the day! (I’m rhyming again…I think) This is truly an invaluable traveling experience + learning opportunity. You definitely need to go when you’re in Turkey (or nearby….*ahem* Greece). I met backpackers in Istanbul who skipped out on Cappadocia and I got so sad. Please don’t be one of them!

If I’m Indian, then I’m from New Delhi

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Let’s cut to the chase. New Delhi is intense. Rephase: India is intense. You will struggle but the challenges and obstacles you face will make you persevere and thrive. I think you can only become a better version of yourself after leaving New Delhi (if not India). You will become stronger, wiser, and quicker. This is a cultural baptism at its best. This is the definition of a cultural baptism. There are many times in India when I told myself this is the ‘peak of my cultural baptism, this is the peak of my cultural baptism, it’s not going to get any stronger or more intense than this so let’s go get ‘em!!! I was born to do this.’ Of course I was saying this while I was struggling. India was my forty-something country to visit. I thought I had experience. I thought I was on my A-game. It should be easier. It wasn’t.

New Delhi

Speak to any backpacker or traveler about India and they will tell you to get out of the city as soon as possible. It’s nicer out there they say, the big city is just chaotic and overwhelming. People are professionals at what they do (I will leave it vague on what they exactly do, you will find out for yourself when you’re there). Nonetheless, I beg to differ- let’s go to the heart of India. Let’s go feel that heart beat and see Mother India at her throne.

Birla Mandir

Don’t get me wrong. You definitely should visit the smaller cities or villages because it’s naturally different and unique. What’s offered there could potentially be a memory for a lifetime (yes, moment for life). There’s truly so much out there in this 1.2+ billion people country. However, reflecting back on India, I decided that if I’m Indian, then I’m from New Delhi. It’s probably one of my most favorite cities (of course I’m biased since I have a strong affinity to big cities such as Delhi- and yes, I’ve been to Mumbai and No, I did not like it).

Qutab Minar

There’s 12 million inhabitants in New Delhi. Yes, it’s action packed- you name it, you got it. Temples, monuments, history, forts, tombs, museums, etc. etc. Of course one could argue that every city in India is action packed…but this is different. You’re in Delhi, it’s world known, come on! Nonetheless, Time has never been on my side. I only had X amount of time to do XYZ things in Delhi. I eventually decided to take a tour organized by the government. Yes, the one where natives from the country take when they visit Delhi themselves. And yes, I pretend like I’m a native. And yes, it’s called rapid immersion. And yes, you get to go see the major sites in the city through the government– Doesn’t get any better than that, especially when the tour guide peeks over to see what you’re doing on your phone.

Lotus Temple

New Delhi is one of my favorite cities because it’s so spread out. For a change, I enjoyed the space. Being the capital city, I felt it is more organized and efficient because more money and resources are invested into the city (feel free to disagree). The Metro, which exists, is efficient– takes you anywhere you want — and being so used to Los Angeles (another very spread out city), I felt like I was in a familiar place. The city is quite big- perhaps it takes close to 2 hours to get from one end to the other on the metro.

Red Fort

I visited a lot of tombs and monuments because they are the most famous; look at them, wouldn’t you agree they’re special? Many of these buildings are hundreds or thousands of years old. Despite the dynamic history of India, I’m grateful these buildings still exist today. One of my favorites is the Lotus Temple, which is a Baha’i House of Worship (kind of looks like Sydney’s Opera House now that I think about it). So many religions exist in India and so many of them are actively practiced. It was incredibly humbling to see so many different types of religious buildings and architecture, everywhere. I also visited the city’s famous Red Fort, which once upon a time ago was a fortress palace for a Mughal emperor.

Perhaps New Delhi is my favorite city because I also had the most relaxing time here (compared to my experiences in other cities). Thanks to technological advances in transportation (i.e., the Metro), I felt my best here because transportation was easy. Nonetheless, I’m grateful that I got to see one of the biggest cities in India, if not the world. Never in the world I thought I would be able to visit India at 22 years old to make my dreams come true. Never in the world did my parents and family would think that an offspring of survivors in the Vietnam War would hop around temples in Delhi observing locals worshiping Hare Rama and Hare Krishna almost 40 years later.

Humayun’s Tomb

I wanted to go to India for the longest time ever. It was an underlying dream that I thought of if not daily then every other day. I always told all my Indian friends from back home: I’m going to your country one day. I’m going, I just know it. To an extent, telling my friends I’m going to their country reassured me that I really was going to visit India one day. That is why everything that happened in India is a moment for life. It was hard. It was supposed to be hard. This happened for a reason- you have to take everything you learn and use that to continue reaching your highest potential. I used everything I knew to survive. There are so many details that I am deliberately leaving out…but you will learn when you visit India yourself. You have to use everything you know  to succeed in this unique and exotic country. Expect your boundaries to be pushed. Expect to exponentially grow mentally, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.

Red Fort

I was also surrounded by really good people in New Delhi- maybe that’s why I have such a positive recollection of the city. The people who I was with were extremely nice and helpful. It’s always about the people anyway, never about the place or ‘sightseeing’ monument, wouldn’t you agree? I always tell my best friend, even if we were in the middle of no where in a garbage dump we would still have the best times of our lives.

Qutab Minar

Another historic monument is the Qutab Minar, which is the tallest minaret in India. It used to be something very important (specifically, calling people for prayer to the mosque next door). But now, it’s even more important because it represents the historical prestige and architectural progress that India created once upon a time ago. It’s a World Heritage Site so go visit it. However….. I wouldn’t say it should be your first place to visit. Neither is the fort nor any of the tombs. The first must see and do place that you should visit in New Delhi is the Akshardham Temple.

Akshardham Temple (Taken from the Temple’s office website)

I did not take this photo above, it’s from the temple’s official website. Security is strict and tight when visiting this temple, no cameras or electronic devices were allowed. You go through a metal detector and then personally get patted down by a guard. Initially frustrated, I ultimately realized that this was the best resolution after all. It makes your experience in the temple more authentic without the camera- holding the integrity of the ‘religious’ visit to its full value. The temple was so much fun because it was like a religious disneyland- there are so many attractions available and everything was technologically advanced. Well, I hope it is since the temple just opened in 2005. The entire temple and its surroundings are also meticulously carved- that’s why it’s so special. Yes, it’s fully carved from head to toe, literally covered with flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities. I tried to find a “flat or empty” space and failed. It was truly magnificent and I 100% recommend you visiting it. You don’t want to miss this piece of gem in Delhi. I seriously had so much fun here.

Red Fort

I also visited a couple of the other temples like the Birla Mandir. It’s always interesting to see other religions being practiced and it was an invaluable learning experience since I couldn’t get this authentic experience anywhere else in the world. I have never seen Hinduism being actively practiced so it was really enlightening to observe and witness the different procedures that took place within these religious institutions.

Humayun’s Tomb

It’s still hard for me to digest what happened in New Delhi, or India to be specific. It was an overwhelming and intense adventure, and because every moment was so dense- now it all seems like a blur. I’m still trying to fill in the holes. And it’s not that I don’t want to see things exactly as they happened, it’s just that I prefer to remember them in my own personal way. I am the artist of my own painting.

Lotus Temple

Nonetheless, I felt like there were many things to do or see in Delhi that satisfied my interests. I genuinely enjoyed it. Also, being in the heart of India right squat in the middle allows you to go anywhere in the country your heart desires, ‘easily’.  More to come about India…including a traffic accident, getting stuck in Jaipur, and how I ended up in 2nd class, no A/C on the train.

Scared to death……, I still touched ALL the Tigers!!!

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I can’t really recall when I first heard about The Tiger Temple in Thailand, but I definitely had my heart set when I saw photos. Never in the world exists such a place, so what a unique and special opportunity! Well, I mean I am sure we have all seen or met a tiger before…but this time it’s different if you know what I mean! And then when my friend Mary Qin went said “Hi” to the tigers on her quick trip to Thailand, I knew by then I had to go no matter what.

Of course my mother knew about my ambitions and right away she banned me from visiting! (more on my mother’s anti-adrenaline-rushed activities later). Reasons include you can never trust a wild animal, I’m going to be bitten or eaten, and the fact that you’re going to be walking around one of the largest cat species ever- [possibly measuring up to 11 ft long and 670 lbs (3.3 meters, 306 kg)]– and by walking around one, I really mean more than 10! Well, I told my mom I was going to go anyway, so if I’m dead she’ll know why (more on me listing out reasons on how I could die in a foreign country to my mom later).

Also known as Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua, this Tiger Temple is actually a Forest Monastery/Theravada Buddhist Temple that was founded in 1994 (when I was 4-5 years old, wow… how the time has flown by). The temple served as a sanctuary for wild animals, such as tigers- and many Thai villagers donated tiger cubs they found to the sanctuary. Click Here to read more about it on the official website, or just Wiki it. There are a bunch of programs (like feeding the tigers, playing with tigers, etc) but I only did the classic back to basics one. Admission prices are hefty though for the more complex programs, as this tiger excursion is now a full-blown on tourist attraction (naturally).

Nonetheless, I booked my tour in Bangkok through my hostel (remember not to do what I did and buy a tour directly from the tour office since it’s cheaper, but it’s okay, lesson learned)… And off we went! The Tiger Temple is located in the far west of Thailand, near the border of Myanmar/Burma- so it was a long van ride indeed! After falling asleep and waking up, I was there! (Notice my falling asleep while in transit pattern- that’s where I regain all my energy for the main event). My first impression of the place was that it was a major tourist attraction, and there were so many flies!

The place is huge in my opinion, I’m walking and walking — where are all the tigers I’m going to adopt?! Anyway, on the tour you are allowed to see a baby tiger, take a photo, and then you get to go back to this enclosed cliff/cave area and see the bigger tigers (ma and pops where are you?). So while I’m walking, you see other animals such as birds or deer lounging around… and even empty space… lots of empty space actually. I eventually reached the place where the baby tiger was located- it was super cute! However, I was terrified up close because this was definitely still a wild animal! And baby was big! I can just imagine this tiger snapping its claws out at me or taking a bite of my hand! Still managed to touch it, pet it, and move on (pat on me back).

Once I reached the adult tiger section, this whole place is obviously professionally operated. Staff members are at an abundance- by the way, you are not allowed to wear sunglasses or bright colored clothes when visiting the tigers (opps, broke rule #1 already!). I figured if I was in white, they would think I’m invisible.

The system was efficient and very professional; a staff member holds your hand and guides you through all the tigers (to say ‘Hi’ of course). Meanwhile, another staff member holds your camera for you and takes photos of you and every single tiger you visit! Extra staff members just looked at you while you were posing…I think they were there for moral support.

Scared to death…., I still touched ALL the Tigers! Bravo me. Actually, I was scared of the ones that were standing and walking around. Not really scared of the ones sleeping or laying down. But you never know….a tiger could just snap back at you and take a bite! And that leash looked like a joke. You can never trust an animal that has such a reputation. And oh yeah, we had to sign a release form in the beginning, which makes me so much more comfortable…

Photo opportunities were of course at an abundance; the system very organized and efficient (And yes, this is my third time talking about professionalism and efficiency…we are in South East Asia after all so I was quite surprised at this change). Nonetheless, it was visit tiger #1, pose, *snap*, visit tiger #2, pose, *snap*, rinse, repeat. There were many tigers to be visited with different scenarios (tiger on a cliff, tiger on the ground, two tigers cuddling). Is this the photoshoot you’ve dreamed of for all these years? (You Bet!). When I was finished, that was it! Can’t believe it’s over and can’t believe I accomplished my dreams on visiting the tiger temple in Thailand. There is also word on the street (as well as during my van ride) that the tigers are druggggged up (five g’s for emphasis…or one could argue for exaggeration). During my time at the temple, I read on the official brochure that the tigers were NOT drugged but they were just used/comfortable with human beings since they are raised up around humans. What a reasonable and logical explanation! However, from my experience, I believe they are completely drugged up; there has to be something in that food or water. If you have a cat and it’s ill, you would know- that’s what the tigers looked like (they were just laying there like they were dead). I also notice that when a tiger was standing up or walking around, tourists were prohibited from coming near them (they were off limits for photos). Also, I know that is not the natural behavior for a wild animal (one could argue that’s not the natural behavior for human beings either!)

On the way out, there was another baby tiger on a leash walking around. It didn’t look too happy and a monk was handling it. Tourists came up really close to it (by close, I mean right up to its face…as shown in photo), and that made me really uncomfortable (or uneasy, whichever word choice you’d prefer). It was one of those moments where I asked myself, what if the tiger just jumped at a tourist…you’d never know. Standing far away, I guess my mom’s words were ringing in my ears after all.

Nonetheless, it was a super cool and fun experience. I definitely recommend it and I survived (limbs intact and all). So next time you’re in Thailand, don’t forget to visit the tigers.. Paws up!!!

Photo of the Day: Let’s go to the beach (each), Let’s go get away (they say), What they gonna say?

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Muscat, Oman

This is one of my most favorite photos during my time in the GCC (aka Gulf Cooperation Council which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates). It’s taken at one of the beaches in Muscat, Oman, which is definitely a very underrated country (and I’m sure most have not even heard of it- it’s underneath Dubai by the way). It’s also one of my favorite countries in the whole world (yes, favorite and yes, it’s that good- but more on that later).

I was so upset when I took this photo because it came out blurry. And because the subjects are moving, it’s either a hit or miss with this specific background, there is no second chance for a re-shooting operation. But that’s life isn’t it? Sometimes, you only got one chance.

After taking a second look when I uploaded my photos, I realize that this photo is surprisingly beautiful. The blurriness of the two Omanis, the beach, and that rock over yonder truly reflects the culture, lifestyle, and atmosphere of Oman and its people. This is a place where time ceases to exist- It stops. You have no idea what time or day it is and there’s this invisible zen that runs through the city effortlessly. It’s peace, it’s a kingdom, it’s a country where people just love their king (to be technically correct, sultan). I’ve met other travelers who get stuck in Oman, simply because it’s so good, and they can’t leave.

Also, notice the attire, simply unique and special. Everybody literally wears the long white robe (dishdasha) and Omani cap (kumma). If you don’t, you suddenly stand out (more on me blending in later). Oman also significantly contradicts the hustle and bustle of Dubai, which is just a 1 hour flight away (or 6 hours on the bus if this information is important…, but one can argue that when you’re in a foreign country, especially a Middle Eastern one, all information is important).

So back to the picture– I was originally upset that it didn’t work out. It was blurry. But now reflecting back, I realize that what I thought was a failure was a blessing in disguise after-all. This picture couldn’t be more perfect because it genuinely reflects what Oman is all about. I also believe in life, often times something happens, we think it’s horrible, we think it’s a failure, but with what I’ve seen, learned, and witnessed, trust me on this!!– take a look again. It was and could probably be one of your best pictures…

I’d do anything to see Aladdin’s Palace!

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By anything I mean taking an approx. 1 hour bus ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The second I saw the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from the taxi’s window, all I could say to myself was “WOW WOW WOW WOW”. It looked amazing in real life (none of these photos provide justice to the grandeur, magnificent architecture, and design of this mosque that exist in real life). I couldn’t get my eyes off it; it was magical, fantastical, …..simply stunning.

My Muslim friends make fun of me when I was living in the Middle East because I am a “mosque-junkie”. This meant all I wanted to do was visit different mosques all day long- you should see me in Egypt- I literally could mosque-hop for a week! I think it’s just so much fun, so breathtaking, and so interesting. I think coming from a Western culture, we don’t really have over the top mosques.  Born and raised a Catholic, I guess I feel the same way with cathedrals and churches compared to how my Muslim friends regard mosques. You get used to it. Anyhow, I wasn’t yet let me tell you that.

I am happy to say that the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is my most favorite mosque so far (and trust me, I’ve seen a lot- except for the ones in Iran because I haven’t been there yet). I remember the first time I saw and read about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque- I immediately nicknamed it Aladdin’s Palace (wouldn’t you agree?). Therefore, during my stay in Dubai, all I could think of was…”I need to go to Abu Dhabi…I need to go to Abu Dhabi to see Aladdin’s Palace!” One goal in mind, and that was it. Saw it…, and got out. Next time though, I will be sure to stay longer to find a little bit of oil. To be honest, I didn’t want to leave Dubai (more on that later- the city is just too action packed). However, I knew I had to go to Abu Dhabi, this was literally my only opportunity because who knows what could happen in the future (or it could suddenly be Friday…it’s Friday…Friday).

Next thing I knew, I hopped on a bus in Dubai, fell asleep, and woke up in Abu Dhabi (Notice my falling asleep while in transit pattern- that’s where I regain all my energy for the main event. Also notice that I did not helicopter or limousine it into Abu Dhabi from Dubai, as I am not a born and raised Emirate). Next, I took a cab to the mosque, and beamed. The taxi driver totally knew I was overly excited even though I swear I was keeping my cool! But seriously, who wouldn’t be overly excited? I thought about this moment for years…and then BAM.

The mosque is simply beautiful and majestic. I have never seen such intricate and artistic designs everywhere. I think I fell in love with it because it was classy and sophisticated. This is why I love religious buildings (including temples in Far East Asia or Christian cathedrals). I am really fascinated with the details, energy, and resources that are invested into these beautiful structures (more on my interest in religion later). I was also really interested in learning more about Islam, and what better way than to visit the religious buildings themselves?

Anyway, Aladdin’s Palace was basically…fun! I really had a great time here exploring. The second I walked inside the mosque, it was another “WOW”. It was so cozy looking and there were crystals and meticulous designs everywhere! I took forever here but who wouldn’t? Walking around the mosque outside also gives you a different perspective of what it looks like since the multi-dimensional architecture reveals itself differently to you according to the angle and location.

This mosque is also really special because it contains the body of the late President of the United Arab Emirates, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. I saw the tomb’s entrance next to the mosque, attempted to walk in to visit, but was stopped by a guard. Guess I couldn’t go in because I was not Muslim? (not sure but didn’t stick around to ask) I was also worried that I wouldn’t be allowed to enter the mosque since Fridays are holy days so non-Muslims are not allowed to enter (this happened to me in Jerusalem at the Dome of the Rock and it was a bummer- when you’re on a time constraint and you are denied entry, doesn’t get any worse than that!). Nonetheless, I didn’t go on a Friday (obviously) but you never know what could potentially happen…

Anyway, this mosque is super special because it also has one of the largest Persian rugs in the world. It is also covered in marble stone, gold, stones, crystals, and ceramics. I hope one day in the future there will be a mosque that is made out of complete crystal- leave it to the Emirates to go over the top on anything! — What they know and do best.

So overall, this post’s take home message is go visit Aladdin’s Palace when you’re in the U.A.E.! Yes, you can leave that shopping mall in Dubai for 1 day (I hope). I guess you don’t have to go if you’re too busy trying to find Arab oil…but if you do decide to visit, don’t go on Friday unless if you are Muslim… and just have a wonderful time. #MomentsForLife

Photo of the Day: Jordanian girl works her magic

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Petra, Jordan

With over 20,000 photos waiting to be discovered on my own hard drive, I always have a couple of top favorites. Today’s photo of the day is of one of my close friends Fahid Ali in Petra, Jordan. I can’t believe I successfully took this photo because I remember hysterically laughing while trying to shoot these kodak moments amidst the hot scorching Jordanian sun. This photo is so special because of the story behind it. Fahid is one of my most generous friends; he constantly donates money to the poor while we were traveling together in the Middle East. On top of the hills in Petra, we were approached by this adorable girl who was trying to sell us her jewelry. Terrified of children, I quickly ran away. However, Fahid lingered and she eventually offered him her goods (hand made necklaces). Fahid said no thank you and gave her a couple of Jordanian dinars (JOD). She then made this awful face at him implying that this money was not enough for her jewelry! I recall she even said “HMPH!” outloud and then proceeded to cross her arms together. I was laughing so hard at this point because she was so clever and somehow made Fahid look bad despite his generous intentions. Fahid laughed and gave her more JOD, probably making this encounter the highlight of our day. It was certainly mine. #MomentsForLife

Welcome To My Blog

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Hi, welcome to my blog. I just created it today, May. 16th 2012.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Come back for more stories and photos from my traveling adventures. Cheers!