"Exploring horizons" Tijavi's Profile

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England | Ireland | Scotland

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England is addictive: Although small, England is a country that needs a lifetime to explore and experience. My two-week visit to the Lakes, some off-the-guidebook towns in southern England, and of course, London, definitely did not even scratch the surface of this great country. I so love London that am I now a new convert of the English poet Samuel Johnson, who couldn't have said it much better: "When a man is tired of London he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." Or perhaps not? London is such an expensive city!

Ireland is fiercely proud and fun: Definitely more affordable than London, Ireland (yes, the independent republic), and Dublin for that matter, is a country fiercely proud - and rightly so - of its independence from imperial London. Beyond the patriotic factor, Dublin is a fun city to visit - the welcoming pubs and live music scene are enough to lure you back, as are the friendly Irish people. From Dublin, I had the chance to see other bits of Ireland - the magnificent Cliffs of Moher and the otherworldly Burren.

Scotland is cool: Literally, and figuratively, Scotland is a cool country. The air in Edinburgh is definitely much cooler than in London, and the people more laidback. Edinburgh breathes history - loads of it - enough to keep history buffs occupied for days. I wanted to explore bits of the Scottish highlands, but three days were clearly not enough just for Edinburgh. There will always be a next time, I promised myself.

Oman: what took you so long?
Taking advantage of a four-day weekend in the Gulf, I landed into Muscat's airport with one of the most memorable "welcomes" I've had. The immigration officer asked me how long I've been based in the Middle East, I said "five years." His response: "what took you so long?"

This initial encounter with the friendly and welcoming Omanis would be replicated in Muscat, and the Sharqiya Sands and the Wadi Bani Khalid during an excursion out of Muscat.

Lebanon: tiny wonder
Lebanon is so compact that during a one-week visit, I got to do so many things and experience so much: saw Beirut’s attractions and sampled its nightlife and cuisine; relived the glorious ancient days of Byblos, a World Heritage site; marvelled at the well-preserved mega-temple complex in Baalbek and trodden the ancient streets of an Ummayad city in Aanjar – World Heritage sites both; hiked the Qadisha Valley with its gorgeous scenery and cliff-hanging monasteries – also World Heritage sites – while relishing genuine Lebanese hospitality in the town of Bcharre; and got lost in Sidon’s old city and medieval souk while mingling with its warm and welcoming people.

One amazingly compact country, six locations, four World Heritage sites, one fantastic holiday!

In the land of the free...refills.
Perhaps because of its size, everything in America is BIG: sweeping landscapes, towering skyscrapers, lofty ambitions, big portions and free refills.

In a three-week trip in October-November 2009 that took me to Maryland (Baltimore (under construction) and Annapolis), Boston, New York (under construction) and Washington DC – my first time in the States – I’ve experienced all of the above and then some. And I loved every minute of it.

Just as my soda gets constantly refilled, I’ll keep coming back for more; possibly lasting a lifetime till my cup runneth over....

And it didn't take long to have my first refill, in July 2010. This time, it was from sea to shining sea: from the beaches of Delaware on the Atlantic seaboard, to San Francisco and Monterey on the Californian coast of the Pacific Ocean, and to one of the most commercially-lucrative magical places on earth, Disney World, Orlando!

Travel experiences and memories are shaped not just by what we see, but also by the scents, sounds, flavors and textures of the places we've visited. Emotions, too, play a role in molding travel experiences - after all, only the hardest of hearts is unmoved by Bombay's heart-rending poverty, or by the beauty of the Bosphorus basking under a summer's full moon.

This is one of travel's greatest and priceless pleasures: the chance to sample each destination's offerings through our senses, and our emotions. Beyond the wonderful sights and magnificent architecture, travel allows us to immerse ourselves in the local culture - sample indigenous flavors, party with the locals and get to know their dreams and aspirations.

These experiences and encounters make life more enriching, broaden our world view and temper our ethnocentric tendencies.

I am delighted to share some of these experiences with you....

> Mumbai's beggars, particularly the children, will break your heart.
> The view of shanties and squatter colonies from a plane about to land in Mumbai sharply contrasts with the well-manicured gardens and towering buildings in Singapore.
> The explosive burst of colors at Lucban's annual Pahiyas Festival is symbolic of the Filipinos' colorful character and zest for life.
> The scale and science that went into building Istanbul's Aya Sofya is unimaginable. Truly, it is one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces.
> Nothing could have ever prepared me for my awe inspiring encounter with the Great Pyramids of Giza.
> What can I say about Boston's autumn colors? Fiery!

> Indian songs are powerful sleep/boredom inhibitors for drivers cruising India's notoriously unsafe highways.
> They, the music, not the drivers, could be entertaining, too.
> What is it with the daily calls to prayer (in Muslim countries) that inspire piety even among the non-Muslims?
> You know you're in Italy (and Hanoi) when the vroom of vespas/scooters becomes an all too familiar sound.

> Before sipping, one must savor the aroma of Kashmir's teas.
> In most parts of India, particularly in Madras, Tamil Nadu, it would be a shame if one misses the pleasant scent from women's fresh floral headdress.
> But what is that noxious smell in Bombay's streets, so particularly powerful during the monsoons?
> While cruising between Bangkok's two most famous wats - Wat Pho and Wat Arun - take some time out to experience the sights and scents of Tha Tien.
> To many, Piazza di Spagna is a postcard-worthy image of a romantic Rome. But in reality, the stench of the place is a perception-changing experience, and a rude awakening to the city's decay.

> The feel of Boracay's powdery white sand on one's aching city feet is soothing (aaahhh!).
> The smoothness of Philippine seas during the summer months (April-May) inspires thoughts of peace and tranquility.
> The richness of Kashmiri silk carpets against one's skin is akin to soft, gentle caresses.
> When in Aswan, go with the gentle flow of the Nile.
> Why spend millions on inter-planetary tourism when you can visit Kapadokya, Turkey for out-of-this-world lunar landscape?

> For non-veg like me, the crunchy skin of cochinillo (roasted suckling pig) is simply delightful. Sarap!
> Scorching hot day under the Indian sun...scoops of yummy ice cream...bliss....
> Was I levitating or floating the first time I had Turkish coffee with sheesha?
> Can't wait for my next bite of manakish, a Middle Eastern pastry akin to pizza, only folded and stuffed with the region's best cheeses, spices, and meats.
> Turkish hospitality is synonymous with cay (tea) - lots of it. Be prepared to guzzle gallons when visiting Turkey.
> When in Tuscany, it's alright to forget that gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins.

> I shall forever be grateful to my Jordanian friend who has been teaching me Arabic for free. He feels duty-bound to spread their Arab culture, and language has always been an effective means to get to know (and love) a new culture.
> The sight of homeless beggars sleeping on Mumbai's cold, wet pavements gives one a sense of gratitude - for being more blessed (materially, at least). Count your blessings!
> A deep sense of nostalgia engulfed me while doing the travelogue on my hometown, Iloilo City. It feels great to once again experience familiar sights, sounds, scents, and smiles in the city that you hold most dear.
> More than the lovely beaches and stunning temples, it is the Balinese' genuinely warm and charming ways that captivated me.
> In Cairo's largest souk, Khan el-Khalili, not everything has a price. Not convinced? Read this story of the red jug.