Globetrotter

There is a well-known saying, “Bagan is (the) spirit of (the) history of Myanmar” and to fully understand the importance and complexity of the Buddhist influence over Myanmar then you really should treat yourself to a hot air balloon flight over the ancient city of Bagan. Although not yet awarded a UNESCIO World Heritage listing, this area is home to the highest density of Buddhist architecture anywhere in the world and stretches across 42 square kilometers of the Irrawaddy plain. I had already spent two leisurely days exploring the area by electric moped, where I  was amazed by the craftsmanship of the builders dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries, however, I needed to experience a “birds eye view,” to really appreciate the historic and cultural wealth of this site.

This was my opportunity NOT to see another tourist for the next four hours! The sun was low in the eastern sky and all I could hear was the clip-clop of my horse’s feet, as I rode along the dusty tracks on the outskirts of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Not many tourists equate riding horses in Asia to their typical holiday pleasure, but for me, after 2 days of conquering the temples of Angkor it was the perfect way to connect with the rural people of Cambodia - people who are just like me:  farmers. Horse riding is also a very quiet experience, a time when it is easy to gather thoughts and take in the sights, sounds and smells.

When it comes to selecting new luggage, “Yes, size does matter!” 

Four years ago, in 2012, my travel partner suggested we start planning a photographic trip to Myanmar. He sent me endless newspaper articles regarding civil unrest and the impact of the military government which suggested the need for caution in planning our travel itinerary. I booked my ticket but unfortunately, my travel partner changed his mind!
With trepidation, I ventured alone to this country which had only recently opened its doors to tourism. I could not have been more surprised by the relative ease of travel and the welcome I received from the Burmese people. The ancient Buddhist sites and ethnic cultures make this country a must-see for travellers who think outside traditional tourist destinations.

Follow Penny, a farmer from Australia as she roams the roads less traveled with photography in mind. Enjoy the ride!

A few years ago, I realized that purely being a tourist had lost its appeal for me. I wanted more out of my travels; where I could ‘give back’ to the country I was visiting.  I had a dormant desire to connect with people at a grass roots level and contribute in some way to help those in the disadvantaged countries I often travel.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead.

Could you imagine your life without the love and companionships of animals? I couldn't. 

Now let’s get this out in the open – my knowledge of baseball was limited until my daughter and I were invited to fly to Chicago to attend a Cubs game. My old friend, Jerry Cohen from Ebbets Field Flannels, Seattle, did his best to advise me on the finer points of the game and warned that the Cubs had a history with a certain farm animal.  Jerry even arranged a vintage jersey for our host but with the gentle reminder, not to mention the word, “goat.”

Like women all over the world, cosmetic makeup plays an important part in preparing for my day whether I am heading off to work in the city, traveling internationally or just gardening at home. Let's face it - none of us want to look one day older than we already are! With the use of a little foundation to even out my tone and especially with the addition of an SP factor, I am also protecting my skin against the hash effects of the sun.

From a distance I could see the tears welling up in her eyes, and as they began to roll down her cheeks he leant closer and stroked her hair, whispering softly, “I love you, mum. Be strong. Remember, it’s not a final goodbye, goodbye. I will miss you, but have a wonderful time.”

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal, offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. The park, which is situated approximately 150km southwest of Kathmandu, is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Clouded Leopard, Striped Hyena, One-Horned Indian Rhino, wild boar, deer, monkey, Gharial (crocodile), over 450 species of birdlife and can all been seen in their natural habitat. 

How My Travels Influenced My Decision to Become a Homestay Host.

“We can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us, and make us kinder. We always have the choice.” Dalai Lama

What does a smile mean to you? 

“The value of a relationship should not be measured by the length of time the relationship lasts, but by the strength of the bond that exists every moment you are together. When you eventually say goodbye, you need to appreciate the moments you had, more than you dread the moments you won’t have.”

“Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” Thich Nhat Hanh.