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Realizing Freedom in Thailand

Realizing Freedom in Thailand

On my first ever trip overseas (other than ferries) I arrived in Bangkok alone, with only the advice of friends and travel

books giving me and idea of what to expect. I would spend over a month in Thailand as my stepping stone into the countries of Southeast Asia. Perhaps because it was the first foreign place I travelled to alone, and the catalyst to what would be an amazing adventure in new places, but Thailand resonated with me the most a feeling of pure freedom.

Not only did I feel liberated in my thoughts, knowing I was thousands of kilometres away from my home country full of people and places laced with familiarity, but also in my actions, unbound from the ties of menial responsibilities and petty pressures, free to let my energy flow where it should. Learning and growing.

There are countless experiences I was fortunate to have here that all contribute to the aura of freedom I felt so strongly in this beautiful place. Waking up in the morning and getting to make the ever changing decision of where to go for

breakfast; falling asleep with no blankets because they’re just not necessary; meditating for hours in a stunning temple escaping from your own thoughts and the outside world; sharing the ocean playground with whalesharks in clear waters; meeting amazing people from all walks of life that remind us we are never alone; hiking through the northern jungle and picturing your coordinates on a map; driving a moped down the highway amidst spectacular mountains and canyons; seeing the works of many generations ago and getting to learn about a culture not from books but through first hand experiences; ordering extravagantly from the dinner menu on occasion because, well, you can. The list goes on, from the small to the big. If you want to do something, stay somewhere or leave at the flip of a coin, and having the choice is amazing.

I believe when all the buffers and restrictions are erased, you can realize your true self. Being here allowed me to realized this freedom, giving me a little push out the proverbial door, confirming what my true self had been telling me. I could see it in a wrinkled mothers smile, feel it in the rawness of the jungle and in the breathtaking sunsets over the Andaman Sea, signifying our impermanence, and thus, our freedom.

Independence in a world where we all must co-exist and work together to create beautiful lives. Visting the ‘land of smiles’ confirmed this for me. And once you taste true freedom, there’s no turning back.

About the Author: Jessie Le Couteur is a peanut butter loving yogi, wanna-be mermaid who enjoys dancing, painting, writing, swimming and music that forcefully makes you move, among other things. She is from Canada, mainly BC and New Bruswick, and has been moving around the beautiful country since toddler-hood, exploring and seeing what our amazing world has to offer. She likes to share ideas and stories through pictures and words via her blog: www.moonroots.wordpress.com

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India: Spellbinding Jaisalmer

In the middle of the endless, dry desert suddenly there was a riot of colors. People decked in bright colors were sprouting vividly in barren of the mighty Thar. Heartrending music, the setting sun and the adorned camels ready to gallop with you. It was a carnival. It was Sam!

At the annual festival of Sam in Rajastan, India, I made friends from all over the world Austria, New York, Brazil and Germany! They were world travelers and it was my first outing solo. I had so much to learn, so much to explore. Traveling alone has many advantages one of them is, you are not confined to only your group of friends, and you can meet new people and can bid a polite goodbye if you want to be alone again.

Next day we booked a camel-safari to explore the interiors of the mysterious desert. We got one camel each and rode in the quiet of the majestic Thar admiring the beautiful golden landscape. Our camels were moving at different paces and mine was the slowest. I was left far behind and could faintly hear the camel man (Subhan Khan) say, “All ok everybody?” (Don’t expect vast, treeless undulating expanse of sand in Thar. The desert is not an endless stretch of sand dunes, bereft of life or vegetation. Thar Desert is highly ‘generic’ for it becomes lush green with slightest precipitation.)

Two hours on the galloping giant my back was threatening some serious pain. All I wanted was to get down and stretch on the soft (unmoving) desert. Every time there was a slant and the camel jerked going down, I screeched like a little girl. “I will be grateful to walk on my two feet now,” I begged Shubhan to let me down!

For fuel to make dinner we gathered dried camel dung and some twigs. We picked our spots in the vast Thar under the open sky and curled-up in our beddings. It was a full moon night with clear sky and all visible constellations. I set my phone alarm for 6.30, so that I don’t miss the sunrise.

When my alarm rang in the morning, nobody was awake and there was no sun in sight, I kept snoozing it and peeping out of my blanket every ten minutes hoping to see sunlight. It was eight and the sun seemed to go on a strike.

Suddenly there was light in the sky. Sun? No it was lightening and thunder. It started raining!

After fifteen minutes of the rain drama the sun shined through. The camel-men perform magic out of bare minimum utensils and basic ingredients. We are served breakfast of porridge, fried-eggs, toast, jam, fruits and tea. The desert is full of surprises!

Back in the hotel my back failed me and I do nothing but sleep, eat and sleep some more. But who was in the hurry to do anything!

Me and my two other girlfriends plan a trip to Kuldhara, a deserted village twenty kilometers from Jaisalmer. We rented three bicycles for our crazy-adventure. Paddling and singing “Main herz tantz” we rode… I had never felt so light and happy. Such rapture! My heart was actually dancing. This was it! I knew was born to travel.

A lonely road with a couple of houses sited at far distances; we heard hisses of desert-snakes and loud Bollywood songs playing on the passing tractors once in a while. But mostly it’s quiet.

Phisssssssssssssssssssssss………………….. Naah…Not a snake! Marlous’s cycle had a puncture. We were not prepared for that.

We walked for a kilometer and find a repair shop. But the tube was busted so Marlous and Flavia decided to hitch hike back while I continued alone.

The road to Kuldhara is made on the dunes so it’s up-down-hill. I was full of energy and excitement, singing and riding I paddled. But the real deal was coming-back!

I was glad the girls had gone back and escaped this torture. I ate five oranges, one chocolate bar, chana and drank three bottles of water and my stomach still growled. I had no energy left to ride uphill; I got down and pushed the bike and myself every time there was an ascending ride. But I refused autos and tractors offering to give me and my bike ride home. I had to do it by myself!

My legs were shaking and my mouth was dry. Panting, trembling, huffing, I kept riding, thinking about how am going to brag it to my friends! That’s my only motivation.

I reached the bicycle shop with my head held high in pride and legs shuddering in pain. I could hardly walk. Dragging myself to the hotel, I knocked at Flavia’s room, “I did it,” “And I am hungry” I announced!

I was happy, I was free. I continued random traveling for another month and joined my job back in Pune, ten pounds lighter in body and a thousand pounds lighter in heart!

About the Author: Anuradha Beniwal: I have been traveling solo from past 3 years. And I want to promote female-solo-traveling in India. Indian women are always guarded and are never allowed to go anywhere alone. The women who have the chance to travel are scared to do it alone. Though my website  I want to encourage women to travel alone and tell them how liberating it can be!

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Dublin Freedom Walk

Very few places I have traveled have felt like home. I’ve lived in several states in the US, and visited different countries in my limited time here on earth. Needless to say, I am American through and through, apple-pie, red, white and blue. Few places capture my heart and make me feel free, as does Dublin Ireland. I agree with James Joyce who once said, “When I die, Dublin will be written in my heart.”

I lived in Ireland for almost a year and became immersed in the city and it’s culture. My family emigrated from Ireland just before the American Civil War, thus making my own Irish linage rather thin. However, every time I visit Dublin, my very thin Irish ancestral blood boils with anticipation for a long awaited homecoming.

Dublin is a very walk-able city; it’s not a very large. Street signs are mostly easy to find and both in English and Irish (Gaelic). The Irish joke that the street signs are in both languages so that you can get lost in both languages. The city begs for you to stroll its streets just as the poets and philosophers of old.

You can take in the some of the best parts of Dublin by beginning your day at St Stephen’s Green. Easy to get to, it’s one of the main parks in city Centre. The Green is Irelands best-known Victorian public park. Strolling through the park you find many water and flower gardens, sculptures, and unique structures such as the delicately carved Victorian Swiss shelter in the center of the park. The park also has a good children’s playground. On weekends, many artists selling their works often surround the Green.

Exit the parks northwest corner through the Fusiliers’ Arch and cross the street to Grafton Street, one of Dublin’s best shopping districts. You will find many unique shops, tourist traps and restaurants on Grafton Street. If you’re hungry, grab some excellent Italian food at Pasta Fresca on nearby Chatham Street. If you’re looking for a snack, about mid way through your walk on Grafton Street, you will find one of my favorite places to get a cup of tea or coffee and croissant: Bewely’s Café.

At the end of Grafton Street you will find Trinity College. Many folks will visit the historic and beautiful book of Kels and the breath-taking Library, which are fantastic, but walking the grounds of the campus is well worth the time. The hustle and bustle of the city falls away as the peaceful campus invites you to wander and admire the architecture and walk ways. Get away from the crowds and you will see another side of Trinity that many don’t bother to see.

Across the street from Trinity are a couple of great stores worth a look. Stop off at Books Upstairs, and pick up book of poems by Yeats, or a book on philosophy from Thompson (if your into books on anti-capitalism). Books Upstairs is an eclectic store similar to those found near college campuses throughout the world.

Once you cross the river you are on O’Connell Street. O’Connell street claims to be the heart of Dublin’s urban center and is lined with several statues and monuments dedicated to the leaders in the fight for Irish independence. It is worth a walk up and down to admire the architecture, but not much more to be perfectly honest. As a matter of safety, be sure to keep an eye on your purse and wallet. O’Connell Street tends to be a hot bed for petty crime. When you see The Spire hang a left and you are on Henry Street. Henry Street is Dublin’s second most attractive shopping district. In some regards it’s better than Grafton because more locals visit here than tourist; it also has a Butlers Chocolate store!

By the time you reach the end of Henry Street you’ll be hungry and thirsty, take time to stop at The Church, a restaurant in a gorgeous converted church, the former St. Mary’s Church of Ireland. The Church features excellent food in the Gallery Restaurant as well as The Cellar Bar and Nightclub; where you can finish the night off dancing till the morning hours.

This walk takes about one hour if your walk it straight through. I don’t recommend that you power through the walk however. Take your time, absorb the atmosphere in Dublin, and admire its architecture, statues, and most importantly, feel free and independent in a very unique and personal city.

About the Author: Chris is a photographer, traveler, husband, dad and technology junkie. He lives with his wife and three children (AKA travel companions) in the Philadelphia area. Visit his site to  learn more about him and his photography.

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Freedom: The Place I call Home

Freedom: The Place I call Home

I used to think that going for a music festival abroad with friends, heading to the countryside for the weekend or even skydiving was the ultimate meaning of being free, of being independent. To be honest, and now looking in retrospective, many things I did were merely brief moments of freedom, or a sneak peak of what it could mean. I thought I was free, but I wasn’t. I was attached to all sorts of things and beliefs, so how could I ever be free?

I also used to think that home for me is Lisbon, the delicious and ever so beautiful city by the west side of lovely Europe. Well… in a way it is, but I also realized that more than a place, home is where my heart feels free. Being “home”, for me, is feeling “free”. So, as soon as I asked myself what was freedom for me, I hoped to find my way home.

I believe I embarked on my journey to freedom when I decided to quit my job and travel the world. Not for being the brave gal everyone seemed to be proud of, the crazy Rita, the adventurous girl who isn’t afraid of a thing…. But for allowing myself to honestly and heartfelt answer the question “what do you want to do now?”

I know it isn’t a big deal for many, as the world is full of stories of brave, adventurous people who are willing to let go the safety of a 9 to 5 job along with all the commodities attached to it. But it was a big decision for me. I was giving my first step towards independence… I was going to be free! I was going to hang glide over Rio de Janeiro, go rafting in New Zealand, climb Machu Picchu, horse ride in Brazil, snorkel in Hawaii and drive a Vespa in Italy. It was going to be me, my passport and the whole world!

But freedom was a step further. I used to go abroad for one, two or even three weeks a year and although I would feel free for a while, I was still chained to a life in Lisbon, to a working schedule and to a serious of commitments that kept me attached to my “main” life. And in a similar way, even while traveling long term one would be stuck to too many plans.

So I found out that being free was to set myself free from all the plans I had. It was scary as hell to travel the world one day at a time, to decide things as I go, to not know what I would be doing the next day… But once I did that, I knew it: I was FREE!

I learned to embrace what I have rather than what I might have. I started being present in the present and not live constantly in a preparation stage of something that will eventually come. Living in the future is a trap. I realized that I was always looking forward to something instead of fully enjoying what I was experiencing that very moment.

I used to spend an entire year wishing July (or whichever month) to come quickly so I could go to that amazing place I’d decided to visit. Now I travel as it comes, I live as it comes. I don’t skip a moment in favor of the next one (that might or might not come the way I expect)… I live every and each day as my last day (I know… it’s such a cliché, right?), I make the most of the present and guess what? Happiness doesn’t seem to fit in a plan, and every moment I am surprised with something truly, genuinely, unexpectedly amazing.

The moment I realized this I was a happy, free, independent girl who was ready to conquer the world.

I still am.

—

About the Author: Rita Andrade is a gummy bear addict who works as an art director and illustrator to support her even bigger addiction: traveling the world. Bit by bit, Rita is traveling her way around the world while sharing her experiences on her blog Where in the world is Rita?  Also on Facebook and twitter (@Ritandtheworld)

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Bucket List: Exploring The World of Science

Exploring the World of Science: Adding to your Bucket List!

For amateur scientists and keen travellers, it’s such a joy to visit places that combine these two things. There are thousands of opportunities to visit sights and experience the way in which our world continues to develop. From ancient sites of scientific interest to the latest destinations for ecotourism, science is accessible to everyone. Whether you’re after an experience on your doorstep or seeking late deals that offer a sight to remember, here’s a quick selection of places to visit:

Stargazing in the heart of England

Jodrell Bank is perhaps best known for its iconic Lovell Telescope or for its role in hosting the UK’s Stargazing LIVE television show, but it also offers a low-cost day out for the whole family that’s sure to engage minds young and old. From interactive exhibits and hands-on experiments to the Lovell Telescope itself, standing almost 300 feet high over the Cheshire Plain, Jodrell Bank brings science to life at every turn. Showcasing astronomy and physics alongside its botanical gardens, you’ll be captivated and inspired in equal measure.

Natural History Museum, London

Among the many free museums and attractions in the nation’s capital, the National History Museum (NHM) ranks high as a compelling, must-see destination – if you can manage the crowds! With exhibits covering archaeology and botany to its iconic dinosaurs and fossil collections, there are usually moving exhibits that provide something new to see if you’re a returning visitor. Exhibits change regularly, and there’s a wealth of activities on offer for science lovers of all ages. Grabbed a late deal to London? Head for the NHM and experience a world of scientific discovery.

Leave a green footprint behind you

In recent years, ecotourism has become increasingly popular. Combining travel to exotic and unlikely destinations with the opportunity to really make a difference to local communities, few journeys can offer such reward. A trip to the Monte Verde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica offers an experience of a lifetime, where thousands of species of plants and animals naturally co-exist in a fragile habitat. Enjoy a guided hike or visit the Cloud Forest Reserve and see the Resplendent Quetzal – a twitcher’s dream.

Prepare to blast off at Space Camp

The annual European Space Camp at Norway’s Andoya Rocket Range offers a fantastic opportunity for teenagers to experience space science and rocketry under the direct supervision of prominent rocket scientists. What space-mad teenager could fail to be captivated by this blend of rocket design and telemetry, capped with the launch of their own vehicle? A week-long visit combines lectures on a range of science topics with hands-on learning, social and community activities.

An American treasure trove

Few destinations can offer so much scientific interest as the world-famous Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC. Spread over 19 distinct galleries and museums, there’s something for everyone, with natural history nestled alongside air and space exhibits, observatories and the National Zoological Park. If you’re wondering what late deal to book this year, why not head for Washington and this scientific jewel.

About the Author: Jane Shelley is an Australian travel writer. She has ventured to Asia, Europe, Britain and the United States, and has her sights set on the Middle East for the near future. She has a particular interest in science and teaching, and worked for a while as a TEFL teacher in South Korea.

Image credits: Natural History Museum, Quetzal

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Parahawking in Nepal: Free as a bird

I have been backpacking by myself for more than a year all around the world and I have plenty of anecdotes to tell. But when I hear the words ‘independent’ and ‘travel’, I immediately think of an amazing adventure I had while traveling in Nepal. Besides all the culture and natural beauty Nepal has to offer, I got to experience a wonderful collaboration between man and nature: Parahawking.

Many of you may have heard of paragliding, the sport of canopy flying while circling in thermals like a bird of prey. Imagine if you could fly like a bird of prey, with a bird of prey! In Pokhara, Nepal, this dream becomes reality. Scott Mason created parahawking, in which he combines his love for flying with his love for helping birds of prey. He has an aviary for birds of prey that have been neglected or abandoned and takes care of them. With the money he makes from the parahawking he supports conservation projects for birds of prey, to make sure these beautiful and useful creatures will be in the skies for many more years to come.

For the parahawking my boyfriend, Brad, and I went to Maya Devi, on the shore of Pewa Lake. There we met our tandem paragliding pilots, Scott and Jamie, and two beautiful Egyptian vultures, Kevin and Bob.

Our morning flight would be with Bob, the younger one of the two vultures. We drove up Sarangkot mountain in a taxi with our pilots, a bird-handler and Bob. At the take-off area we got our instructions for the flight. We were given a leather glove on our left hand and a small bag attached to the front of our harness with buffalo meat in it. We got the exact instructions on how to feed the bird (stretch out your left arm and keep it steady so the bird has a stable place to land) and when to do so (the pilot will blow the whistle when it is possible to feed the bird). All set and ready for take-off!

With 2 great launches we were both flying in the Himalayas and were able to feed Bob at least 10 times each whilst in flight! The sense of freedom in the sky is an amazing feeling: soaring along cliffs, following the bird to better places to fly, circling in the thermals, feeding the bird, seeing the bird take off from your hand again after he has had his snack. This incredible adventure is available to anyone: flying in the sky like a bird, with a bird!

After the first flight with Bob we landed in front of Maya Devi and had lunch right there, next to the landing field. Then it was time for our second flight! I was going for another tandem and on special request Brad was able to go for a solo parahawking flight. We flew with Kevin, the older Egyptian vulture.

The flight was an incredible success despite all the things Brad had to think of during his solo flight, such as getting the meat ready, blowing the whistle, finding the bird in the air and also trying to stay up in the thermal as well as not flying into the mountain or other paragliding pilots.

During the afternoon flight Kevin also landed about 10 times on our outstretched arms for a bite of buffalo meat. I absolutely loved how Kevin stayed on my hand a little while after eating and looked over at me, as if giving me the feathers up. Then Kevin would just casually drop from my hand and in a flash spread his wings to fly off again, to travel further into the majestic Himalayas. So relaxed, so content, so independent…

About the Author: Maaike Molenaar, working in the summer as a tour guide in Germany, traveling in the winter to explore all the other countries.

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Singapore: Adventures to Freedom

A NOT SO PRIVATE TRAVEL DIARY:

MY ADVENTURES TO FREEDOM AND HAPPINESS

Many years ago, I was a frequent traveller…in my dreams. I enjoyed seeing different places…in books. In reality, I was a prisoner. I was imprisoned by fear of exploring the world. I was in a lonely and dark place.

Luckily, that’s all in the past. Now, I can truly say, I am fearless and I am free. You can call me Steph and this is my not so private travel diary.

I have never been adventurous. The thought of travelling alone scares me. This is the very reason why I really had apprehensions when it comes to exploring new places. I have always been guarded and will always settle to just dreaming. That’s it.

Everything changed when I finally decided to brave the progressive and beautiful Singapore…alone. I was given a chance to stay in Singapore for a couple of months. And now, I can truly say that my experiences there changed my life forever.

When I decided to stay in Singapore and check out their culture, I had the time of my life. The sceneries, attractions, food and people were all wonderful. I never had difficulties in adjusting to their way of life. For me, the best thing about Singapore is the fact that the place seems to be a mixture of different cultures. Because of how progressive the country is, there are a lot of foreigners from different parts of the world. In fact, there are a lot of Filipinos too which really made me happy. To cut it short, I was able to meet people from almost all walks of life.

Aside from Singapore, I was also able to visit Malaysia. I only had to ride a bus to go to the southern part of Malaysia from Singapore, cool right? In Malaysia, I was able to see how similar the place is to my home country. I had fun exploring the place. It was truly an exciting adventure. It was freedom at its best.

During my stay in Singapore, I have learned a lot of things. First, there are so many amazing places that I should visit. Second, there are so many people that I should meet. Third, there are so many cultures and happy memories to experience. Lastly, I believe that the most important learning I got from my travel experiences in Singapore and Malaysia is that we all owe ourselves the experiences we can get from travelling the world.

We need to be brave in experiencing other cultures in order to truly appreciate who we really are as a person. Through our travels, we are able to widen our horizons even more. Also, we get to exercise our freedom. My personal mantra now is: If you want to be free, travel more. Each one of us should realize how short life is to be a prisoner of fear. It is healthy to get out of our comfort zones once in awhile. The experiences we gain from our travels are truly priceless. These experiences will help us realize how beautiful life is.

The day I went back to the Philippines, I was able to say to myself that I was truly free and happy. My travel experiences freed me. I am hoping that you will find your freedom and happiness too!

Again, I am Steph and this is my story. It’s time you write your own travel story too. Enjoy!

About the Author: Stephanie Almeda is from the Philippines. She enjoys reading books and visiting new places. She works as a researcher and writer for a US company based in Manila. Read more of her writing.

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Myanmar: Bagan Day Three in the Rain(video)

WATCH: 26 Bagan Day Three Oct: Moving in the Rain, Myanmar (Burma)

26 Bagan Day Three moving hotels sunset in the rain at Shwe Zigon, Myanmar (Burma)

Winner Guesthouse is under construction. They have a permit to build and it is a bit noisy and dusty. After watching the ladies carry bricks on their heads, we move to New Park Hotel in Nyuang U which is the Lonely Planet’s top pick. They have one room left with two twin beds for $25usd so we take it!

George visits his doctor who saved him from a terrible rash and was very reasonably priced!

Between rainstorms we visit Shwezigon for Sunset. Thunder, lightening, a big storm but we are not hot anymore!

More about this day October 12, 2012 on www.wesaidgotravel.com

This movie is from our 28 days in Myanmar (Burma) from September 28, 2012 to October 26, 2012 and our year TRIP in South East Asia, see all the videos from our trip.

Thank you for watching our movies! We have 45 movies about our time in Myanmar and our YouTube channel now was over 100,000 views! We published our memoir, Traveling in Sin! Are you reading it yet? It is a true tale of transformation through Love and Travel!

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Colombia: Free Yourself From Yourself

“It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.” The first time that I heard Brad Pitt’s quote in the movie Fight Club, I didn’t really put any thought into it but for some reason, the passage stuck with me in my mind.

I was hiking in Colombia when this quote randomly popped in my head and I began to think how it applied to me. I interpreted the quote as leaving all my possessions, bills and anything that tied me town to a monotonous life. It was on this hike that I realised that it was when I had a destination ahead of me that I was free. It doesn’t matter where I’m at or where I’m going. As long as I have a destination, I’m free. I’m living life like it is my last day on Earth because one of these days it will be the last.

I’m a firm believer of another quote in Fight Club. “The things that we own end up owning us.”

So many people live to work in order to fulfil the belief that materialism equals happiness. The vicious cycle of buying a nice car to get to a job, only to work to pay off the car. By the time the month is over, most of us are out of money, having to worry about next month and what we can buy.

Why? We are programmed to believe that possessions equals happiness. Who really needs a nice car, designer clothes, a fancy phone or an entire room dedicated to television? It is these possessions that prevent us from being free. The list of things that we own that end up owning us grows with every purchase that we make. Instead of this lifestyle, I decided to work to live, to see the world and experience all that I could before I die.

I made myself that promise twenty years ago when my family took me to visit relatives in Tokyo, Japan. I saw all the latest gadgets that they had with all the bells and whistles. The toilet seat with a remote control attached to it. The latest brand name…whatever it was. I learned that our hosts worked six days and 60-80 hours a week in order to keep up their lifestyle. I made the promise to myself twenty years ago and I have not broken that promise today.

Looking back at that promise? I could not be happier. Instead of possessions that own me, it is the lust for experiences and the desire to go places that I have dreamed about since I can remember. After my trip to Japan I bought a huge wall map and hung it next to my bed. Over the years before I was old enough to travel independently I drew countless lines on the map; itineraries of where I wanted to go and dreaming what life would be like on the lines that I drew. Now that I am older and I have traveled, I have been able to replace lines of old itineraries with pins that take their place.

Each pin represents to me a time and place that I will remember forever and an experience that is unique to me. New lines and new dreams of where to go next continue to fill the map as well as newly placed pins. Every time I get on an airplane, bus, boat or any other mode of transportation to a new place I am free. I am free from the job that I worked at in order to save money. I am free from the gadget that kept me tied down with monthly payments. I am free from the fear, doubt and disbelief that I would not be able to travel.

I have been on a trip for the last five months in South America and it is ending tomorrow. These last five months have been spent living fantasies that I dreamed about as a kid and experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life. When my friends ask me why I do it my response is this: “The greatest risk of all is the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” Get out off the couch and travel. Find that place that makes you feel free. Be free of everything that holds you back from doing what you want to do.

About the Author: Tyler Brooks: Tyler has always had a world map posted on his wall with trips planned out and places pinned to-go.  After meeting his wife in Colorado, they moved to Thailand, her home country.  After 4 years in Thailand, he is back in Colorado saving money for a house and  for the ever lasting thirst for travel. Read more from Tyler.

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Thailand: Break-free Moment

As a kid, standing in the balcony watching the night sky, I always wondered if one fine day I could travel and reach the stars. The similar feeling encapsulate my heart when I saw the birds flying. The only thing I wish was to have wings so that I could fly to far off places.

The desire to travel overseas fulfilled with my very first journey to USA. In New York, while travelling to Statue of Liberty in ferry, I discovered my love for sea and an urge to visit the place of beaches, sand, waves and tides seemed to shadow my mind.

I soon planned a voyage to Mauritius which actually acted like a catalyst to my passion of travelling. So, my next destination was to the Land of the Free i.e Thailand.

Visit to Thailand

With the dream in my eyes, dream to explore the places, dream to meet wonderful people out there in the world, dream to discover nature, dream to know what actually I am; I undertook this journey to Thailand along with my husband. I went to Phuket, Pattaya and Bangkok.

Phuket- the most exotic destination for relaxing and enjoying the scenic beauty the nature has offered to us.

Pattaya – the most lively place with a wide array of activities for people of different age groups. Water sports, cabaret shows, shopping, museums- one destination for action packed holiday.

Bangkok- The experience was amazing. The place offers you to view a different culture altogether. Thai people are remarkably amiable and courteous with respect in their gestures. Spiritualism and the love for their country and Royal family can be easily seen as soon as you reach Thailand and leave the airport for the hotel.

In Bangkok, we visited most spectacular temples, local markets, safari world, shopping arcades and in the night we boarded Grand Pearl Cruise on Chao Phraya, the “River of Kings”, for dinner.

I have been to such cruise while in Mauritius as well. However, this was altogether a different experience. In this cruise, I can see many fellow Indians as well as people from different ethnicity.

Grand Pearl Cruise

The ambience, buffet, hospitality and the entertainment was extremely appreciable, however I felt the cruise was bit overcrowded. We could not find a single place of solace on the cruise that was not occupied. There was huge rush of people on the deck too. Everybody wants to see the Bangkok in the night beauty of stars and rivers.

We were little annoyed as we could not find a place to stand and enjoy what the cruise has to offer. Then suddenly the weather has favored us.

It was then we discovered that Bangkok has extremely unexpected weather. It might be hot and sunny in the afternoon but it could be raining heavily in the evening of the same day.

As soon as the clouds started pouring water on us, the people rushed back to the cabin and all of sudden the deck was absolute empty.

Along with the rain, gushing wind of Chao Phraya also started blowing. The wine glasses on the nearby table shattered with a loud sound. People got bit scared and the guards started putting the transparent sheets so that rain and wind can cause no further damage to the half covered part of the deck. Everyone one was suddenly quiet as if rain has stolen their best of moments. The deck too was silent except the noise of rain falling of wood. The whole view was a perfect example of tranquility.

My Moment of Independence

I was staring from the plastic sheet towards deck and was trying to have a glimpse of cloudy sky. Then suddenly a drop of water had fallen on my face and the wind passed by my ear as if suggesting me to break all the bonds and must not behave like a hostage. It’s just the water, the same water I like too much, for which I have planned this whole journey, the same water I enjoy dancing in while the first monsoon rains strike my city.

The weather was insisting us to “Come outside and play with his children”.

And suddenly, I break-free. I was not in captivity any longer. I pulled my husband and in another second, we were completely exposed to the open sky with the drops of shower welcoming us to the ceremony. The touch of wind made us realize that this is our moment, moment to rejoice, moment of togetherness, moment to celebrate our love.

Spreading my arms, I tried to catch hold the cool breeze and it seemed as if breeze was playing the game “Catch me if you can”.

My eyes want to capture the amazing scene which we were admiring so blissfully. I suddenly became fearless. Shedding all the internal inhibitions, I got the wings and was flying in the open sky. I was extremely happy as I was enjoying this moment of my freedom with my loving husband.

In fact this moment of independence was so unique that soon the overcrowded cruise turned into a big party for us. The “people” became “friends” with whom we danced on some Bollywood numbers sung by the beautiful singer of the cruise. The place of solace had been found with the new friends. This was the true magic of that break-free moment.

We went back to the deck and this time there were more people rather “friends” accompanying us and then a person suddenly asked us whether we want to be clicked here.

As he clicked, the sound of camera defined and kept the moment of my independence safe and alive forever.

About the Author: Himanshi Garg:  I live in New Delhi, India. I am an IT professional and love to write my experiences. I love travelling and wish to explore this world to the fullest.

To know more about me, pls visit https://www.facebook.com/himanshi.gar...

 

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