Asia
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Climbing an Active Volcano: Mount Bromo, Indonesia
Everyone in our tour group got up super early to see the sunrise at Indonesia’s famous Mount Bromo. However, we decided we wanted to avoid the crowds, and have this active volcano for ourselves. So around early morning, we leisurely found our way to this natural wonder. Upon reaching the site, I remember thinking, “Wow this is beautiful!” This was the first time ever that we had stepped foot and climbed an active volcano. When we reached the top we could see the sulfur gas bubbling and escaping from the interior of the crater. The smell was extremely strong and not very pleasant. But we managed to escape from the…
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Picking Tea Leaves in Darjeeling, India
These Indian women work very hard to diligently pick tea leaves at the tea plantation sites in Darjeeling, India. After touring the nearby Happy Valley Tea Estate, I learned that a great amount of effort is put forth not only by the women picking the tea leaves outside, but also the workers who work in the tea factory. It was a very educational trip that left me with a deeper appreciation for tea. By the way, the green tea I drank in Darjeeling was wonderful!
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Kerala, India’s Kathakali Dance
These talented artists prepare for their upcoming Kathakali dance performance in Fort Kochin, Kerala, India. Aside from the elaborate costumes and make-up, the actual dancing was very impressive. This was one of the most entertaining and memorable dance dramas, I have ever seen. I was amazed by how the artists used only body movements and specifically their eyes, to tell the entire story. What is the most memorable dance performance you have seen?
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Chivalry in Old Age
We were dining at a restaurant in Gunung Mulu National Park in Borneo, Malaysia, when I noticed this lovely couple. A few moments before I took the picture, the elderly man had opened a soda can for his wife. It was such an adorable and cute act of chivalry. What a gentleman! And of course, what a lucky lady!
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Cambodia: Leaving an Impression
There are so many young and poor children in Cambodia selling merchandise around Angkor Wat and other major temples. These children were particularly friendly. It was admirable how hard they work to sell even the smallest item. I remember this one particular girl, who really left impression on me. She insisted on giving me a bracelet and a paper, on which she had drawn some colorful pictures, for free. There was nothing else to it. She just wanted to give me whatever she could despite her poverty. I recall thinking, “Wow, so poor yet she has such a big heart.” I still have that bracelet and paper, which reminds me…
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Seeing Wild Orangutans in Borneo, Malaysia!
Watching wild orangutans swinging and eating in the rainforest was an incredible experience. With no bars between us and the orangutans and having heard stories of them attacking some visitors in the past, I felt a bit anxious. However despite the fear, I was more excited to see these incredible animals. It was lovely to see them roaming around so freely and happily. I particularly loved seeing the baby orangutan with its mother. It was so cute!
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Riding a Steam Locomotive to Darjeeling
A group of local women gather outside the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway station to relax. This is a small town located in the state of West Bengal, at an elevation of about 6,710 ft (2,045.2 m). When we visited in mid-April, the temperatures were fairly cool. Riding this steam locomotive up to Darjeeling was a very unique and memorable experience due to the small size of the train and the picturesque views of the Himalayas.
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An Israeli Prays at the Wailing Wall
An Israeli soldier, prays at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, Israel. It was also a common sight to see very young soldiers with weapons casually walking around the city. It created a very disturbing and uncomfortable feeling for me. Perhaps, it was due to the presence of Israeli soldiers, I am not sure, but I could definitely sense the tension in the air as I wandered through the streets of Jerusalem. Now, this was back in 2009. Today, with the all the unrest happening in Jerusalem, I could only imagine the chaos and tension in the city. What are your views on the recent violent uprisings in Jerusalem?
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Bubbles!
Despite all the chaos around her, this little Taiwanese girl is truly captivated by a sense of happiness. She is lost in the magical and beautiful world of bubbles. Bubbles are pretty awesome and fun! What intrigues you to become so happy like this little girl
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The Black Hmong Tribe of Sapa
A small ethnic group, known as the Black Hmong Tribe, lives in the northern mountainous area of Vietnam called Sapa. This was one of the most beautiful places we visited in Vietnam. The hillsides were breathtaking, the air was fresh, and the atmosphere was peaceful and relaxing. But most importantly, the Hmong tribe members were so kind and helpful. They guided us through the villages and showed us their homes and culture. It was interesting to note that all the members of the Black Hmong tribe were seen wearing traditional clothes like this mother and child.
