The First Hundred: Stoked and Suffolk-ated

Australia, the 22nd country and fourth continent I've set foot on (pardon the vaunting of numbers, but it's a bucket list thing). It's also the first stop that we chose for our round-the-world trip. I reckon a three-month stay is too long if you wander around just a handful of cities, but too short if you explore its barren expanse - or if you're one of those backpackers who engage in WWOOFing and fruit picking to keep afloat or simply experience the culture on a more immersed level.

Our suburb's humble welcome.
A hundred days. This is the second longest period I've been away from home (next to living in the Middle East for half a year). And in retrospect, we have not actually done heaps. We've been to six beaches, three national parks, three - err birthday parties, one wildlife park, one cave, one amusement park, and one UNESCO World Heritage Site. I have crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge on foot, but nope, I have not seen the Sydney Opera House up close.

Temporal abode surrounded by dense foliage and a fence-slash-art installation.
So why the turtle pace? Well, programming jobs and article-writing projects that kept/is keeping us busy. To be honest, our route was not concretely mapped when we left the Philippines mainly because we were apprehensive about our funds. But now that the hubby signed up for a full time job (which thank goodness he could do remotely) and I suddenly got a steady stream of projects, we're confident to say that we're pushing through with the RTW and finally we'll be living the dream. Our dream, at least.

The porch, our workplace.
The ideal plan is to visit one or two countries per continent (uhm, except Antarctica). From Australia, we'll fly to California and stay for a month so hubby could report to their head office in Geekville Silicon Valley. After which we'll head down to Mexico, then further south to Peru and Bolivia.

Ghaya's artworks at the cozy living room.
For Europe we're eager to see Portugal and Turkey. I'm also looking forward to squeezing in some Greece holidays since the hubby's promoting Ios Island to me like a bubbly travel agent. He swears Greece is the most beautiful country he's ever seen (when asked if he likes it more than India, he's immediately lost for words). For Africa, Morocco's on the top of our list, next is Tunisia. We'd also like to make a stop in U.A.E. where (mushyness alert!) hubby and I met. Then revisit India before going back home.

Like I said, this is the ideal plan. We know for sure that budget and visa matters may spoil it in a blink.

Tallow Beach, south of Cape Byron Lighthouse. Our backyard.
But we don't have to worry about it now, especially we're too preoccupied obsessing about the cabin we're currently renting for six weeks in Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park (which is amazingly cheaper than backpacker inns). Ghaya, the artist who owns the cabin, is one of the park's few permanent residents. Her paintings, mosaic pieces, and mixed media works are in every corner of the rooms. We totally feel like we're living in a gallery.

Our lovely neighbors Charlie and Susan, a gray hippie couple, are very kind to us (I still feel uneasy seeing them naked walking around their curtainless cabin every morning though). Byron Bay, a famous town to tourists and New Age folks, is just a 12-minute drive away. And gorgeous Tallow Beach is only a few meters from our backdoor. We're all good vibes and positive energy since we settled in!

Join our stroll from the cabin to the beach!

Our home marked by a heart. Cause yah know, it may be cliche, but home is definitely where the heart is. And right now, our hearts are in Suffolk Park.

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Tube Travel Tuesday: Probably Not The Last

This is the final installment of a three-part series (parts one and two here and here), but there's a probability that Tube Travel Tuesday will make a comeback sometime in the near future (cause hey, there are heaps of flicks out there that made/will make us suddenly pack our bags and head out).

The idea of compiling travel related movies struck me one frigorific Sydney winter morning when I was uber lazy to hit the road. I needed something, anything to jump start my sense of adventure, that sort of waned because of the nippy temperature outdoors which I am totally not a fan of. The posts turned out to be avenues for people to exchange awesome movie lists, much thanks to the travel bloggers who have contributed.

And so here's the last, but definitely not the least, batch.

Lost In Translation


Graciel of Pinay On The Move:

"I have to say that my favorite travel film is Lost in Translation. It came around the same time as when I was living in Tokyo (http://www.pinayonthemove.com/2011/03/top-8-quirky-tokyo-tidbits.html) . In the film, an aging actor named Bob Harris (Bill Murray) and a recent college graduate named Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) develop a unique closeness after a chance meeting in a grand Tokyo hotel. The movie explores themes of loneliness, alienation, insomnia, and culture shock against the backdrop of a modern Japanese cityscape. I could totally relate to ScarJo’s feeling of isolation and culture shock. But despite these challenges what I loved about her character is the relentless curiosity for exploring such an interesting culture. It really inspired and motivated me to go around the city even though I was pretty much by myself. I didn’t have a lot of friends the first few months in Tokyo but somehow I still manage to have a lot of fun."

Motorcycle Diaries


Marky of Nomadic Experiences:

"It is a biopic based on the journal of a young Che Guevarra. It recounts his 1952 journey across South America riding his motorcycle along with a friend. From initially what seems like a youthful exuberance, the journey uncovers a realization for the young Che Guevarra that eventually catapults his consciousness to the overall social and economical picture of Latin America.

It inspired me to travel and go beyond the borders of home. As the trip helped morphed Che Guevarra into an eventual legendary figure, by opening his eyes to the realities of the world around him. I would like to find that realization as well through traveling. On the road, you find yourself and your true calling.

The world is a big place it is impossible to learn it through written accounts, that one must be able to see it with their own eyes, feel it with their own senses and talk their way inside the hearts of the people along the way. Doing that, you immersed yourself with the world around you and with open mind and wandering eyes, you get to know more about yourself and the rest of the world. In every step comes a promise of a new discovery."

Under The Tuscan Sun


Eileen of Possibly Pinay:

"Before there was “Eat Pray Love,” there was “Under the Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes. It’s the story of a newly-divorced American writer who, while on a tour group throughout Italy, decides to ditch the group and buy an Italian villa in Tuscany.

In this movie, you are spontaneously and dramatically whisked away to Rome, Positano and the entire Tuscan countryside. It was this movie that really made me fall in love with Italy. I have made the conscious decision to make a month long trip (at least!) around Italy and to make extra effort to stay, at least a week, in Positano. And it’s because of this movie that I want to share that experience with my little girl, who I’m waiting to grow up so we can do this thing!

This movie is so representative of the things people are too scared to do like travel, live abroad, learn a language or buy a house. Sometimes, you just have to do it and think about the consequences later. For some, it’ll be enough to live it through the movie and for some, like me, it’ll be an inspiration to finally just to do it, whatever it is. After watching the movie, I always end up feeling empowered and romanticized at the same time."

Kadin


Angel of Lakwatsero:

"Kadin is goat in Ivatan dialect. Shot entirely in one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines - Batanes. The film is about an Ivatan boy and his sister, in search for their missing goat. The two embarked on a journey around the island, a journey that teaches them a lot of lessons in life in the backdrop of Batanes' stunning landscape.

The movie made me appreciate Batanes even if I haven't been there yet. When I saw the movie, the place almost always visits me in my dreams for months. I promised my self that I will go there soon, very soon. But unfortunately, the odds were all against me, the place seems so elusive. But apart from the film's beautiful setting, it is also about simplicity, innocence, pure love and sacrifice, a story of finding and losing, of coming and going, of kindness and cruelty, and a story that reminds us that nothing in this world is permanent."

Forever And A Day


Jerik of Pinoy Boy Journals:

"Forever and a Day is about a person’s journey and adventure to the many facets of life. Set in the picturesque provinces of Cagayan De Oro and Bukidnon in the Philippines, the story unfolds as one career-driven man meets a fragile woman whose will to survive is challenged by the many adversities of her life. With a wealth of adventure in the Southern part of the country as the setting, the movie’s theme is about winning and losing, about triumphs and defeats, and about living and leaving.

Nowadays, we live in a world where we seldom think about the simple joys of life. We are quick to pursue our own demons and push forward for success, taking for granted what really makes each and every one of us happy. As the plot unfolds, little by little we see ourselves, either to one or both of the protagonists. Its bittersweet ending has taught us so much more than aiming for that one big adventure and conquering our greatest fears. Yes! These are unforgettable milestones in our life. But as memories fade, we realize more and more the real miracles of life. It is knowing that in everything we do, we don’t always win every battle we pursue. But, what’s nice about all of these is that there’s still time for us to manage our losses. As the sun sets, at least we still have another day to win again."

Mica of Senyorita:

"Half of the movie was shot in some parts of Mindanao and it made me appreciate its beautiful tourist spots. Unfortunately though, some tourists are scared to explore the area due to the negative media hype. Through the movie, I also realized that Your Job is NOT your Life. Don't be afraid to try new things. Step out of your comfort zone! Just last week, I enjoyed my Mindanao trip and i am encouraging everyone to drop by especially if you're an adventurous person. Life is like a zipline ride - it's fast and exciting!"

Until the next Tube Travel Tuesday... Whenever that would be.

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Snapshot Saturday: Postcard #5 Tallow Beach, New South Wales

It's day 95 of our our round-the-world trip, and we've finally settled in our abode for six weeks. The artist's home that we're renting is one of the few permanent houses in a caravan park, and the weekly rate is surprisingly cheap (even cheaper than dorm rooms in backpacker hostels). Its location is not exactly in Byron Bay but in a suburb next to it, named Suffolk Park, just a few kilometers away.

What we adore about our place is that Tallow Beach is only a minute stroll from our backyard. And that's where I took a photo of the next postcard for the The Postard Project. This postcard which we absolutely love, basically depicts our current state. Minus the lads. Just me, the hubby, and baby Luna submitting to the sea and soaking up the sun.

Tonight by the way, our Couchsurfing guests (first for this house) from Estonia will arrive. We've never met anyone from there yet, so we're pretty much pumped.

It's not too late to join! Email your address to gaye.emami@yahoo.com. Recipients are chosen via Random.org.

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501 Must-Visit Cities Book: And the winner is...

Three birthday shindigs (two of which are baby Luna's) over the weekend plus a ten-hour drive from Sydney to Byron Bay kept us from drawing the winner of the coffee table book, 501 Must-Visit Cities, on time. Earlier today at Tallow Beach (New South Wales, Australia), just a few meters from an artist's house we're renting for a few weeks (our third home for this round-the-world trip), Luna finally picked the winner from her pink ice cream bowl.

Tallow Beach, our backyard for a month or so.

And ahem, here's the actual draw! Footage taken after Luna fell off that bench. She got too excited munching sand (she's bored with grass now) and threw a tantrum when I stopped her. So yeah, she was quite unhappy doing this thing.


Congratulations to Duni "The Crater Trekker" who answered Ibiza and Mexico City! Now I just gotta find a way to send you that ginormous book without uhm, spending more than the cost of it.

Oh, I was supposed to give away a special prize to anyone who'd guess a Philippine city, but no one did. Manila and Cebu are on the list by the way. Guess I'll keep that prize for myself the next contest. Thanks to all you awesome guys who participated! 'Til the next blogversary.

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Tube Travel Tuesday: My List Exactly

Last week, five awesome Pinoy travel bloggers shared their favorite flicks which inspired them to live their dreams and travel the world. Today's list from six other equally awesome bloggers is special because the movies cited here are my personal faves. If you have not seen any/some of them, I suggest you find copies now. Read on to find out what you've been missing. Warning, may contain spoilers.

The Bucket List


James of Journeying James:

"It's a movie about 2 old and terminally ill guys, portrayed by Jack Nicholson and
Morgan Freeman who lists all the things they want to do before they die. And one by one ticking off the list like sky-diving, going to Taj Mahal, The Great Wall and the Pyramids.

How did it inspire you?
"I guess it inspired me to do my own bucket list and not wait until I'm terminally ill to do the things I really want to do. It also showed me that money (or lack of) is never a hindrance to travel."

The Beach


Flip of Flip Nomad:

"One of my fave movies that inspired me to travel is The Beach... The movie is filmed in Thailand and revolves around the life of a backpacker in search of that "perfect beach" which later on got him to a lot of trouble and of course to an awesome life-changing adventure. This movie inspired me to travel abroad and see the "beach" itself. Phuket and Koh Phi Phi were part of my first overseas adventure which led me to realized that travelling is my passion. Funny though that as I'm writing down my response to this short feature, I'm back in Phuket and made me remember my first trip. There's a lot to say about the film but above everything else I've learned that the world is a beautiful place and I'd like to see a lot of places and experience different cultures before I die."

Up


Jules of The Trail Running Mistress:

"UP is a movie about the promise Carl gave to his wife Ellie about going to Angel Falls in South America. After Ellie passed away, an accident forces Carl to go to a retirement home. Before they can take him to the home, Carl and his house flies away. Along with young stowaway, Russell, and a rare bird named Kevin, Carl fulfills his promise to Ellie.

I watched this movie with younger cousins thinking it would just another run-of-the-mill feel good animation movie. But at the start of the movie when young Ellie shouts “Adventure is out there!” I got hooked. I was able to relate to the movie because I am in love with the beautiful tepuis (flat-topped mountains) of South America where Angel Falls can be found. ‘Up’ made me want to go after my dreams which includes traveling to all 80 provinces of the Philippines, visit our ASEAN neighbors and take a serious shot at the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon which is dubbed as “The World’s Toughest Mountain Race.” But more importantly, the movie made me realize that every single day is an adventure to be cherished whether I’m just doing a dance-off with my baby niece and nephew or I’m skyrunning at the country’s roof top."

127 Hours


Ed of Soloflight Ed:

"127 Hours is a film based on a mountain climber, Aron Ralston, and his story of being trapped for 5 days by a boulder while canyoning in Utah. His arm got stuck and he had to amputate it in order to break free and survive."

How did it inspire you?
"Despite having only one arm, he still continues to do what he loves to do. Seeing the character still pursuing his passion for climbing was very motivating."

What lessons have you learned from it?
"Aside from making sure that you let people know where you're headed, the importance of understanding basic survival skills is also a big factor to consider when you're out on a trip."

First aid, lighting a fire, etc. - these are things I learned from my scouting years and yet at the present, I don't even know how to tie a square knot anymore. It is important to instill these skills to help us during our adventures and not only when we become stuck between a rock and a hard place."

Into The Wild


Ron of Flip Travels:

"A lot of running, road shots, Pale face-big hair guy, Krysten Stewart in her half drunk-retarded acting and no it's not a teenybopper vampire flick--INTO THE WILD is the true story of Christopher McCandless (aka. Alexander Supertramp). Freshly off the bounds of college with a promising future ahead, Chris instead walked out of a privileged life and into the wild for his ultimate adventure. It is a story of life on the road and the people a wanderer meets along the way. A story of a traveler and a fearless risk-taker who lived the simple life and took the unorthodox high way.

This movie is a backpacking textbook in motion. The raw sense of adventure is so palpable that you can actually feel the dirt on your soles while watching it. The juxtaposition of sanity and aberration of a backpacker's life were delivered in a very convincing way that it made me want to start writing my resignation letter to my boss.

The beauty of McCandless' words and how he came in an abstract full circle is simply spellbinding. The heartwarming stories of his relationship with the people he stumbled upon ratifies my believe that "kindness is innate among strangers;" That every once in a while, there will be stray souls that will pass into our lives, and if we allow them to leave footprints in our hearts, we will never be the same."

Dong of Escape Islands:

"Christopher McCandles embarked on a journey to discover more of himself through solo adventure. Gave up his savings for charity and escaped from a complicated life with his parents. Met people along the way as he crossed from US to Mexico and finally to Alaska.

The best lesson I got from this movie was the point that he started with a mind-set of doing solo adventure yet in the end he realized that "Happiness is only real when shared".

I could relate to this movie as I myself find solo travel exciting. The adventure of backpacking and immersion to isolated communities (meeting people) remains a passion."


Stay tuned for the next Tube Travel Tuesday, interesting choices lined up for next week!

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Snapshot Saturday: Music Of Hope

An enthralling tune lured Erwin (my ol' backpacking buddy) and I to this random spot somewhere in the middle of Angkor Wat's bushland. For a few minutes, this band of Khmer landmine victims made me forget my exhaustion from trudging around the humungous complex (cause you know, we're too cheap to even hire a $1 bike for a day). To me, the music they produced was a glimmer of hope that there's life after affliction.


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Night Trek To Sampaloc Falls: Shack Attack

Dusk settled. And right on cue, the crickets' chirp broke the stillness of the night. I peered blearily through the tricycle's door and only saw swaying wild grass within a meter radius. I glanced at Tim who was behind the driver, looking oddly cozy despite slightly sliding off his narrow seat. We were clearly on an ascent. He flashed his toothpaste ad-worthy smile at me as if to answer "I'm alright" after reading my thoughts.

Sampaloc Falls. Summer drought.
In a few minutes, just past a sign that says "private property", we screeched to a halt. Our driver, like a cautious nocturnal creature, swept his keen eyes around the perimeter. He seemed hesitant to drop us off. I stepped out of the tricycle though I was suspicious myself. Besides the fact that we're trespassing a clearly marked private property, the whole area was pitch black. With such starless sky, I didn't think we'd be able to trudge on the right trail unless Tim's a human compass.

Kuya's humble abode.
It was one of them planned late holidays, four years ago. At that time, I have not done a night trek. So when Tim spontaneously invited me to one in Laguna over post-work booze (cause you know, you just feel uber spontaneous when inebriated), I replied "Oh my gosh I've been waiting for you this all my life!" in a blink. And less than a week later, there we were accompanied by a weak torch, feeling our way through the bush like a blind couple on a buddy system.

Me and Tim sharing a stainless cup of red wine. Photo taken by Kuya before he had a drink.
About half an hour into our sketchy trek, we caught sight of a shack in a distance. Its window was aglow with a yellow-orange hue caused by a lone, makeshift gasera (gas lamp). There was a man by the door, watching us as we approached.

Tim and I: Magandang gabi po (Good evening).

Man: Paalsa kayo? (Are you on an ascent?)

Tim and I: Opo (Yes).

Man: Naku, delikado lalo na't dadalawa lang kayo. (It's not safe, especially there are only two of you).

Our campsite.
We were about to object. But when he started sharing stories about bandits erm, "patrolling" the area, we took his advice of continuing the trek at dawn. He motioned for us to come inside. We entered and found just a couple of handmade wooden benches. There wasn't even a table. Sacks, coconut husks, and soda bottles were spread on the earth floor. The man's wife and kids emerged from the single bedroom (and by "bedroom" I mean an elevated, walled platform made from bamboo). They shyly welcomed us.

Morning view.
Kuya, a robust man with a handlebar mustache and sun-stained skin, was the caretaker of the property. We may have forgotten his name, but his kindness is etched in our minds. He offered their leftover rice to us when he learned that we were just about to have dinner, and insisted until we gave in. That rice could have been their brekkie or lunch the next day. For a family man who has close to nothing (except his amazing family of course), he is way generous to people who have more. He also made sure we got all the supplies we needed to survive the night.

Kuya thought we'd be delighted to see a horse, and brought one to the shack!
He suggested that we pitch a tent on a spot where he could watch over us. We assured him that it was not necessary and he counter-assured us that it was. So after dinner and a red wine nightcap, we set up our tent just across the house where the window was facing. Though Kuya's paranoia made me feel slightly uneasy, the thought of someone guarding us gave me a peaceful sleep.

Turquoise and tranquil.
At dawn, I woke up to the beautiful smell of instant coffee (cause you know, anything instant can be beautiful when camping). Kuya invited us for a shot of caffeine and a pat on a fellow farmer's horse. As a token of gratitude, we handed his family a small bag of chips and a few canned goods before we left to push on with our trek. It's a small price to pay for keeping us safe.

Our hike to Sampaloc Falls was quite uneventful, but I'd prefer that over a terrifying action-packed incident that involves being robbed. When we reached the falls, we were quite disappointed to see trickling water instead of a spectacular cascade. But we did love its turquoise basin, plus we had it to ourselves.

While I was lying on a bunch of rocks which I shaped into a lounger, I thought, "Will we be enjoying this if it hadn't been for Kuya?".




This is my official entry to this month's Pinoy Travel Bloggers Group Blog Carnival. The theme for September 2011 is "Unforgettable Human Encounters on the Road", hosted by Marky Ramone Go of Nomadic Experiences.




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Tube Travel Tuesday

Sometimes it's the need to reignite your passion. Sometimes it's the thirst for new knowledge. Sometimes it's the craving for adventure but you're dead broke (or in the process of saving up) to be outdoors. Or sometimes you just can't drag your lazy arse out of the couch, and prefer to virtually travel while munching on butter popcorn.

We got various reasons for picking that travel-related/adventure-injected (at times mushy) film from the video rental store or uhm, pirated stuff stand. And though such film may impose a certain moral, us viewers pluck diverse bits of lessons from it. Tube Travel Tuesday features our fave travel bloggers' fave travel flicks/documentaries which fueled their urge to cover as much of the world as they could. If spoilers don't bother you, this should be an awesome read!

The Accidental Tourist


AJ of The Transcendental Tourist:

"Ironically, the movie that inspired me to put up a travel blog is not strictly a travel-related movie; it's about a travel writer. The movie is The Accidental Tourist, adapted from Anne Tyler's novel. As you can see, I took liberties with the title to come up with the name of my blog, The Transcendental Tourist.

Macon Leary, the main character, writes for reluctant travelers. He is a passive observer, much like his audience, who merely delivers information about places without any emotional involvement. He is just as detached in his personal life. While grieving for the senseless murder of his son, his wife divorces him. He then meets a kooky dog trainer who injects a feisty spontaneity into his rigidly OC life. As he falls for her, his wife decides to reconcile with him. Suddenly, he faces a fork in the road of his life (this happens in Paris, not a bad place to be in such a dilemma, haha!).

The movie is more about emotional landscapes than literal ones. But its metaphorical use of travel as a man's internal journey on the road of life inspired me to become a travel writer who, ironically again, transcends Macon's idiot's guide to traveling. Life is not made more fulfilling by circumstances but by the individual; a trip not made more meaningful by the place but by the traveler. As I tread the literal and figurative road, I hope that's the kind of traveler, and travel writer, that I have become - from accidental to transcendental."

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert


Nina of Just Wandering:

"Priscilla, queen of the desert made me interested to travel to Uluru or Ayers Rock in Australia's Northern Territory. While this is not your typical travel movie, Priscilla, Mitzi, Berndette and Felicia takes you with them into an incredible journey into the Australian outback and gives you a glimpse of life on the road. It certainly made me want to learn how to drive and make the same journey when I go back to Australia.

The movie teaches us that you can climb a mountain (or huge rock) wearing a fancy frock, satin gloves and elaborate headdresses as long as you're wearing the right shoes."

Before Sunrise


Lois of We Are Sole Sisters:

"A young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one romantic evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.

This movie opened my eyes to the possibility of Europe and the romantic notion of travel. Who wouldn't want to get off a train randomly with a handsome stranger and get lost together? The plot embodies the true sense of travel: Getting lost in the moment, welcoming strangers with open arms and enjoying the feeling of not knowing what the next destination will bring...

Hopeless romantic much? Who knew?"

A Map for Saturday


Monette of Flip Travels:

"The setting is all over the world, duration of the travel was 341 days. From new york, the protagonist, brooke, went to Australia and then to Southeast Asia. From there, he went to India and then Europe. His final stop was in South America before going back home. It is a documentary of different discoveries. Of making new friends and losing them. Of combating loneliness amidst people. And of seeing how vast the big world is but somehow, it becomes less exotic every day...

The movie inspired me in such a way that I am vindicated of the decisions I made before traveling; and it further inspires me to lose the things that I think make me whole and just explore the world with an open hand.

The lesson in the documentary that made an impact to me is the possibility of long-time travel. I guess if one really wants to do it, he/she can. I am absolutely convinced that when i finally do it, it will be the best decision I'll ever do in my life..."

Seven Years In Tibet


Christine of Adventures of a Jovial Wanderer:

"There’s no single movie that inspired me to travel but one of the noteable ones that made crave to get off my comfort zone and explore was Seven Years in Tibet. I seriously don’t even remember the story except that Brad Pitt made looking dirty sexy and that I wanted to live as adventurously as I can! The setting was so different from the tropical weather I was accustomed to because they had snow everywhere. I remember feeling so curious and telling myself that one day I’ll go places too. Several years after watching that movie, I was able to organize trips, climb more mountains and explore far-flung places I find in maps. There’s still more to see and though I know that I can never explore all the amazing destinations I get excited at the thought that the world is one huge wonderland and great views are within reach if only you take time to move a bit farther from home.

I Googled the gist in case you’re interested to watch it. Haha! It’s based from a true story of Austrian mountain climber, Heinrich Harrer, who became friends with the Dalai Lama at the time of China's takeover of Tibet. There’s a book that came earlier than the movie so you can get inspired in whatever method you fancy."


Have you watched any of these flicks? How did it/they change your life or inspire you as a traveler?

Stay tuned for the next Tube Travel Tuesday, more films lined up!

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Snapshot Saturday: Postcard #4 Blue Mountains, New South Wales

It's day 81 of our our round-the-world trip (already?!), and this morning we'll finally leave Sydney. We've had enough of the cold (plus Shervin's visa for America is taking forever) and just a few days ago we decided to head north. To Byron awesome Bay! We'll be in transit for the next two days and I can't wait to see the artsy, hippie house we're renting for six weeks near the beach.

More on that later.

Meanwhile, the next postcard for the The Postard Project was bought from Katoomba Visitor Information Centre at Echo Point, the main lookout for the Three Sisters in Blue Mountains National Park. Because I spent my birthday there last weekend, the postcard I got is ahem, more than the usual.

It's not too late to join! Email your address to gaye.emami@yahoo.com. Recipients are chosen via Random.org.

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Temple Of The Tooth

Which came first, the temple or the tooth? Definitely the tooth. You are probably equally perplexed as I was the first time I heard of this Buddhist temple's name. So how important is this tooth relic to be housed in such grandiose temple sitting on The Royal Palace complex?

Well, it's believed that whoever possessed it had the divine right to govern the land. Now that's one powerful (canine) tooth, I must say. So whose was it? Lord Buddha's.


UNESCO World Heritage Site, Temple Of The Tooth (17th century). Kandy, Sri Lanka. According to legend, Buddha's tooth was "snatched" by a monk named Khema from the funeral pyre. In the 4th century, after being passed on to different people, the sacred tooth relic fell into the hands of King Guhaseeva who asked his daughter and son-in-law to smuggle it from India to Sri Lanka for safekeeping.


Our stroll along the Temple Of The Tooth's grounds was magical, as we were showered with nadeshiko pink flowers that fell from trees. I imagined myself in a snow globe. Around us were herds of local pilgrims carrying floral arrangements and oil, which are essential Buddhist offerings.


Human traffic ushered Shervin and I toward the temple entrance. Because of the 1,000 LKR admission fee, Shervin chose to wait outside. By the garden where he contentedly watched the trees' swaying branches, crows and pigeons fluttering about, and worshippers making their way to holy refuge.


I deposited my flip flops at a booth beside the ticket counter and followed a group of German tourists that was being led by a Sri Lankan German speaking guide. We entered a smokey corridor with multihued walls ornately painted that directed us to the two-storey sacred relic tooth shrine.


The tooth, because of its sacredness, is obviously not on display for the public to see. It is encased in a stupa-shaped gold casket, kept in a room where visitors may only have a quick peek. I left the viewing to the curious Germans (the door was blocked by a huge crowd anyway and didn't seem like it'll be cleared anytime that afternoon) and wandered off to a series of halls until I ended up in a gallery.


Around the gallery are paintings that depict the tooth relic's history. At one end of the long hall are structures of Buddha in various forms, where I read a sign that says: "Shooting photographs of persons in this hall is not allowed". Okay, that got me chuckling thinking. Now if we interpret this sentence literally, oh boy lemme tell you, a bunch of Sri Lankans who took heaps of photos of me with their mobile phones clearly disregarded such warning.


I dashed out of the gallery to uhm, escape the paparazzis and exited a door to get to the other side of the temple complex. On my way out, I passed by Magul Maduwa, a royal assembly hall built around 1784 with wooden pillars that exhibit Kandyan wood carving.


From there, it took me five minutes to get back to the shoe minder's booth. I retrieved my flip flops after I was forced to give a tip (he was very upset with my 5 LKR token of gratitude) and met up with Shervin where I left him.


I relayed to him what I just witnessed. Although the temple didn't land on my fave temples list, the place's sacredness because of the tooth relic's presence made me feel privileged to be even allowed inside. As I continued my recollection, we headed to Temple Square Street. Along the way Shervin picked a flower and tucked it behind my ear. For the past few days, dusk was never this beautiful.

It was around six in the evening and we had one hour until our hired tuktuk driver picks us up. It was an opportunity for us to explore the city for the first time, and finally feed our famished selves.


Not-So Refreshingly Sri Lanka (and it's all my fault) Series:

The Kandy House
Not-So Refreshingly Sri Lanka
How To Apply For A Sri Lanka Tourist Visa In The Philippines

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Snapshot Saturday: Blue Birthday

Eagle Hawk Lookout, Blue Mountains, NSW Australia. Behind me, the famous Three Sisters rock formation (left) and Jamison Valley.
I was devouring every dish from the buffet spread, and appeared elated to the small group of merry people on our round table. I was about twenty pounds above my normal weight yet my massiveness was the least of my concerns. In my head, I was trying hard to brush off a horrific thought.

The thought that I may give birth anytime bugged me heaps even though the Chinese restaurant where we had my birthday lunch is just a few meters away from the hospital. It was my 30th by the way, and that was definitely not how I envisioned my big three-O to be... Celebrating with pregnancy blues.

Yesterday, to make up for that doleful event last year, I partied like 31 is the new 21 (and by "partied" I mean chugged, then bushwalked until we were bushed). From one blue birthday to another: Pregnancy blues last year, Blue Mountains (Australia) birthday this year - Now ain't that cool?

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