Tijavi's VirtualTourist Home Page
| Page Views: 17,389 | Exploring horizons by Tijavi - last update: Jul 4, 2009  |
And giving our senses a treat in the process | Lost in shoppers' paradise, Milano |
Happy in Hanoi and Halong and back in Boracay
The charming but chaotic Vietnamese capital of Hanoi and the outrageously magnificent Halong Bay were the latest destinations in January 2009. Chaotic Hanoi oozes with old world charm, as well as suffocating scooter fumes. Halong Bay is the complete antithesis: serene, mystical, magnificent.
Prior to Vietnam, I made my way back to the Philippines' most happening island, Boracay, after a long time. Increased commercialization aside, Boracay continues to enthrall with some of the finest white sand in the world.
Between the Philippines and Vietnam, I had a quick peek of Kuala Lumpur during a 12-hour layover. Tips and photos coming soon.
A taste of the sweet life
I got to tick Italy off my long list of places to visit in November 2008. Three weeks was definitely not enough to explore the entire boot-shaped country, so I focused on sampling the tried and tested destinations. I started my adventure up north in Milan, moving to Venice, and on to Bologna, around Tuscany to Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Siena (under construction), before I took the road that leads to - just like all other roads - Rome.
Exploring the Ottoman Empire (well, parts of it)
The unifying factor for my 2007 travels was the Ottoman Empire - or at least parts of it in Egypt (May), Turkey (in October, my second time in as many years) and Aleppo, Syria (December):
Egypt: a childhood dream fulfilled
In May 2007, I fulfilled a childhood dream to visit Egypt. My two-week "spring break" to this land of pharaohs and pyramids was spent dodging touts in Luxor, going with the flow of the Nile in Aswan, "suffering" a serious case of pharaonic fatigue in Cairo before I hied off to Alexandria to recuperate. Except for occasional edits and updates, my pages on these places are 99% done.
A second helping of Turkey
They're absolutely right: Turkey's lunar-landscaped region of Kapadokya is simply out of this world, especially from a hot air balloon. But at its core, Kapadokya is 'earthly:' glorious food, surprisingly good wines, and a bohemian ambiance that is as friendly as it is laidback (except during major holidays). Those after heavenly inspiration and cultural enlightenment will find them in the Byzantine frescoes etched inside rock-cut churches. I've finished my pages on Goreme, where I was based during my three-day visit to Kapadokya.
The rest of my one-week post-Ramadan trip to Turkiye - my second visit in as many years - were spent in Istanbul enjoying new sights, trying new restaurants and exploring the city's Asian side.
Quick getaway to Aleppo
I've finished my pages on Aleppo, where I spent a weekend marvelling at the city's historical gems, getting lost in the souq, and binging on what is arguably the best cuisine in the Arab world.
Happy travels!
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| Complete assault of the senses in Aleppo's souq |
|  | Travel through our senses
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.... |
| Bursts of colors and creativity in Lucban, Phils |
| | Sights...
> 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. |
| Time for salat al-maghrib |
| | Sounds...
> 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 when the vroom of vespas becomes an all too familiar sound. |
| "Smelly"dried and salted seafood in Tha Tien |
| | Scents...
> 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. |
| Ballooning over Kapadokya's lunar landscape |
| | Textures...
> 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? |
| Food, glorious Tuscan food |
| | Flavors...
> 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. |
| Rediscovering my roots in Iloilo |
| | Emotions...
> 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. |
 Comments for Tijavi | | | | |
MM212 Mon Jun 22, 2009 15:54 UTC
San Gimignano is a gem and a reason to return to Tuscany! And no I did not climb the tower in Pisa... I was just passing through the city, so short on time. All those tourists though!!! | jorgec25 Wed Jun 17, 2009 13:28 UTC
Hello! :) Thanks for your comment on my Florence page. I'm still building it, so you're welcome to check it out again later on. Greetings from Alcochete. Carlos | kokoryko Fri Jun 12, 2009 21:49 UTC
No! Never wash mushrooms Titus! :)) Thanks for touring Auvergne with me, and thanks for your comment! Will be back there in a few days. Bon week end! | DSwede Fri Jun 12, 2009 13:26 UTC
Thanks for stopping by again! My last tour through the deserts was about a month ago, but only just now am getting my pages up. 4 years in UAE?! long time!! |
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