Rewind: Two Weeks Before the NCOV Lockdown: Auntie grant her nephews wish - To witness the sun rise in Atok

A couple of weeks ago before the home quarantine and the super lockdown. Me and my nephews drove to Atok to witness the sunrise. They’ve always wanted to join me for a drive but it was difficult to plan with their school schedules. And at long last, we finally found a time that worked for all of us!

In the end, we found the perfect weekend for us to drive around Atok. “Auntie, can we go to Atok please to where you took those photos of sun rise?” I was always hesitant to say “yes” because of their school schedule. Anyway, a day before we left for Atok, my three nephews came for sleep over because we needed to wake up very early the next day. 

We left home at exactly 4.25am and we arrived around 5.45am in Atok, I took my time driving as the  three boys were all sleeping inside the car. 

When we arrived in Atok, I took them to the spot where we can all relax whilst watching the sun rise. I had my super hot coffee with me, enjoyed  sipping whilst watching my three nephews so amazed watching the sunrise… “Thank you auntie for this..” They said as the sunrises. (i felt genuinely happy to hear that…) We’ve been planing this for almost months now and just by watching my three nephews happy I absolutely loving the sight and yes, I am truly blessed and every day, I am thankful for it. 

After our sunrise watching, we went to the Haights because its my favorite place to hang out and for breakfast, their menu is good for kids too… my three nephews enjoyed it very much. Then we continued our adventure, we went to the Grotto and there they are, enjoying their super free time. Me shouting here and there.. “please be careful when hopping on the rocks…” So much fun in the end.  

On our way back, we dropped quickly at the (former) highest point and they had some photo taken, thought to visit the Northern Blossom too but they were all disappointed with the massive number of visitors queuing. So much people so they said.. “auntie, we better go and eat our lunch!” So much relieved when I heard that because I have no interest of going inside the place… so much crowd.

On our way back home, I asked them if they enjoyed our road trip and they said, “The best day ever, auntie!”

To end our adventure, we wrapped up our lunch at the small local restaurant. We all had our own  choices of food to eat then head back home after wards. What a day. Totally fun filled adventure  and spending some quality ok time with my nephews, is something that I will treasure too. Thank you Father God for everything.

Here they are, enjoying the view before heading back home… 

Erros, once you’re on top of the world… 

Calm Carlhly on the edge.. 

When taking photos are the only way to bring out the best in you.. (raise the roof..)

Walking around the Haights… 

Boys watching the sunrise...

Another lovely adventure with nephews and thought we all had a great time! 

JUNE THOUGHTS

Normally, whenever I post on Facebook there’s always a photo attached to it. A photo that inspired me to create lines and share them with you. This time, I thought of just putting them on to my Facebook page.

I’ve been thinking a lot last night. I’ve been missing him. I miss those times when we sit together, have our coffee, he lights his cigar then he starts to educate me about life. I was thinking, how many days, months or years left for me to live, to enjoy this life? Tricky question isn’t it?

Just the other day when I was inside the temple. I had a sudden thought of giving blogging another try. I will re-start my blog and share stories that I may encounter or freshly a story of my own. The thing that drew me to share my Life’s stories was the idea of writing a story that shows the way Father God is at work in my daily life.

However, as I look at some of my stories these past few years, I began to wonder whether I had any interesting stories to share. I had been a stay-at-home Lorna since I became a widow, (sorry I don’t like to mention his name as it’s my deliberate choice) I wanted to try to convey that something was missing in the story. In this case, I’ll just share what comes to mind. So…what could I write about? Did or do I have any stories that anyone would want to read? Most of the time, when you share blogs or stories some may appreciate it, some will even love it or some may just tell you, “great share” or some may say.. "move on..." After a while I decided to come back to the vision of traveling. Yeah, I have been traveling and seeing places and it feels pretty good. It felt good especially when I’m driving and discovering places that I've heard of but never been or never seen. 

Then again, I might as well share some of my reflections of faith from my everyday life. I began to think about the things Father God taught me when I lost my husband. I thought I was left all alone and emotionally drained. Drained by so many things then finding how to calm this busy mind. Fortunately, it will naturally settle down, then you will come back to senses. I say Amen to that!

At the time, I wasn’t sure how I was going to survive, but by God’s grace. I did and still continue surviving. God has a way of letting me understand that we all have a purpose in life and He used those years of my feeling alone to change me, my heart and my attitude to situations. Everyday, God’s faithfulness in our everyday struggles, I love to share that prayer is very powerful.

Sometimes, when I am overwhelmed I tend to forget things. Normal, perhaps? But I am very grateful for all the blessings that God gave me and the blessings I receive every day.

I remember blogging about stories of those times when I was fortunate. Ha! Yeah, I was there too long time ago. I shared a lot of photos. Having the chance to wear fancy dresses, being in a high society parties and cocktails, eating expensive meals and drinking expensive wines and champagnes. I was taught how to open a champagne using a sword, yes, that was really something. I learned how to communicate properly with people… Wow! What a life, ha… but in the end, I also have a heart for helping people. That’s where my photography came in. I took photos and exhibited them for a cause. It worked surprisingly well. I was able to expand my creativity as an artist and learned a lot from that experience. 

Those years of being totally independent in life taught me a lot, so much lessons that I simply can’t name them all because there was always something going on every day. I am sure there are people who can relate with my experiences but sometimes, I am craving for words to define life when the situation gets complicated or tricky.

Sometimes, we start to see the goodness in a person once they’re gone. We start to appreciate their good deeds and their good intentions when we don’t see them anymore. I mean, I do appreciate and grateful to people when they are nice to me or when they do good to me. Thing is, I just don’t want you to become a candidate of someone feeling so guilty about something that you wished you could have done before. Some people post stuff on Facebook like a snap of a pose because they were standing for a minute in the suburbs and sometimes I can’t help but wonder, did they really feel it? Did they sleep there, interacted with the community and talked about their daily lives? Yeah, because at one stage, I did. We did! Somewhat felt like a tourist and whatever you do, you don’t actually fit in, so just pack your things and leave. 

In a way, I started blogging everywhere I go, taking any opportunity, about any thoughts, when I’m in a typing mood, in my laptop which I actually find entertaining and relaxing. Although, sometimes, I am quick to start then I find myself having a difficult time ending it, lol, sort of what writer’s refer to as writer’s block.

I feel like there is something fitting about (continuing to share) my blogging. I’m so thankful for all the blessings that is coming to my life. I love adventures because whenever I am driving all by myself or all alone, it gives me the opportunity to reflect on the daily gifts God has given me and the way He uses difficult circumstances to teach us lessons of patience, humility and love. And for that, I am thankful. 

I will still try to continue to reflect on my life’s events and try to share them on my Facebook page. It might not be all the time but when I can, I will use words and photos as a mirror of life. 

SIMPLY DEFINING my CLOSURE

“You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” ~Unknown

The word CLOSURE keep running to me little brain after my (final or last) meeting yesterday in Vietnam and i was like trying to find that subject that i can resemble to that matter. Is it weird to feel the need for closure? For whole trip I end up exploring the notion of closure, the more convinced I become that the issue isn’t about closure per se, but rather redefining what closure is. I think these is the part where sunflower came to me mind, I have no idea as to why.. 

Is it maybe the sunflower defines that notion.. The sunflower follows the sun. There's always hope and tomorrow, simply like that.. or maybe Im talking crap right now or maybe it says that when the sunflower bend down and fall its yellow petals unto the ground, it means, ending any kind of relationship or connection or role or I don't know... maybe it doesn't. 

I was on my way to the airport after our meeting yesterday in Hanoi. I had this rather short reflection inside the car and i had this mixed emotions. I felt like I just came out from these very dark cave and I felt so good after seeing the light, it was more of a relief after coming from a crumble situation with all those tears, time and energy for few years. 

For years, I was shackled to the belief that there must be a good end to (any) bad relationship or role, no matter how bad that was and until that happens, its more glorious to move on! I had these past experience dealing with people whom I define 'my past' and clearly no matter how bad they are to me, I feel like... I was able wrapped up that situation and throw all in the bin and i felt good! Until then, that's the part to wipe those hands, clean and go about life with closure...

Sometimes, no matter how good you are to people and agonizing about tying to have these heartfelt and 'necessary' conversations with people with whom you thought you had fallouts but trying seems not to work because only to realize that you're not really important anymore. The statement goes like these... “you got yours, I got mine...” 

This morning, i thought I'm gonna play with my camera and find inspiration to define the word closure. (made me smile just now... ) simply defines as FINALITY? Letting go of what once was? (Yes, i accepted the fact that my husband is dead.) Lots of huge happenings in my life, my past that i can't undo but learning from it. My transition away from what's finished to something new. Simply trying to find something different possibilities. 

I might not have gotten everything I wanted exactly in the way that I had envisioned, but Im glad that I was able to get myself to a place where I understood and accepted a lot of things. 

I was ready to move on and learn to begin a new chapter of my life. Sigh... 

Some days it comes easier than others. There are times when I want to dwell on how much it sucks that I have to work so hard to feel okay sometimes.

On the tough days, I am learning to go inward. I practice positive self-talk, celebrate how far I’ve come, and remind myself that closure is not just one thing. I remind myself that I have the power to create all the closure I need if I keep practicing and having faith.

Lastly, I also learned that you will become a better creature of 'closure' if you don't have any regrets and guilts in your life, no matter how much money you've got, no matter how many countries you've seen or travelled or no matter how far you go, that my friend is no closure for you at all. Forgive yourself and don't grow stubborn and spoiled. Learn to have a good heart and understand that not all people are like you. Be compassionate in the name of love but not in the name of money or material things.

Maybe it’s about learning to become a detective for closure in your everyday life in order to find it in your own way.

...till then, the flowers come and go but hope it doesn't, it remains...

VISITING THE PHU QUOC PRISON

"To be able to get testimony from the revolutionary prisoners, the prison guards at Phu Quoc applied different methods of brutal torture to the prisoners. Some of the tortures include, electric chair injection, breaking one's tooth while other watch crucifixion thrown in a hot pan or hot tank."

Sadness, misery, agony, terrifying and anger are just but the few words that describes the emotions I felt yesterday when we visited the prison. I honestly don't understand but the moment I stepped in inside the prison ground, I felt this heavy burden, having ghost bumps and really pure sadness. I really thought I'm emotionally strong when it comes to things like this but this is completely a different story. Visiting the prison made me realize and understand why some people are so bitter, mean and disliking other people. Hearth breaking. 

inside the prisoners barracks

"The Phu Quoc prison also known as the Coconut Tree prison is located in An Thoi Village Phu Quoc and is one of the largest prisons in Southern Vietnam. The prison held more than 32,000 prisoners and sometimes the prison will hold 40,000 inmates, this was more than the number of people living in Phu Quoc at the time.

The prison was re-built by the U.S troops after it was first build by the French troops during the Indochina war. The new prison had rooms for men, women and elders, new blocks were constructed to imprison more Vietnamese soldiers in 1966 amid tight security and tight supervision all the time."

Yes, I've seen and visited the Killing Fields and the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia where they 'exhibiting the photographs of the site from Pol Pot's secret prison code named "S-21" during his genocidal rule in 1975-79. It was between 1-2 million Cambodians and many thousands of foreigners were starved, tortured, or killed during this reign of terror." I've also visited the Catacombs of Paris, France which holds the remains of over six million people in a small part of the ancient mines of Paris tunnel network.

I meant to mention the two museums that i've seen because I'm trying to understand the emotional differences I felt when i visited the prison camp. Here, they have recreated a part of the larger prison camp and re-built it to it's former condition using models of soldiers prisoners to depict many horrific scenes throughout the area. Many of the models are shown being tortured in a variety of ways but the most gruesome has to be the barbwire tigers cages. Small two feet high cages only large enough to fit a person in set outside in the heat of the day and cold of night where the information advises on little for and water and fires being set next to them to further burn the prisoners until their skin just came away. Must have been a terrible ordeal. Mind you most of the torture was pretty horrific and the models on display enabled you to get a good impression on how things must have been.

Prisoner in the hot pot.

Prisoner tied, hanged and beaten.

Different ways of torturing the Prisoners

Burying the prisoner alive (photo borrowed from google)

I am not over acting but I honestly, cant stop my tears from falling. It's just about around 2pm when we arrived there, sunny and pretty humid. With my big sunglasses on, I discreetly drying my tears when Ms. Tuyen, my tour guide that day says whilst she's gently comforting me.

Prisoners are locked (more than 8 hours)  inside the container where its very hot, dirty and smelly.

As I'm walking towards the wax exhibits, I suddenly felt this strong connection from the past. It was like two worlds experience. You're in the future and yet the feelings or emotions you have at that moment is on the past. I was telling myself, lucky i didn't experience this events and lucky i was not born or as there during the years of wars. There were about 21 prisoners who where lucky enough to escape from that prison, they dig a tunnel using spoons or any objects that can help on that part, unfortunately, some of them died in the forest because of starvation and some survived and their descendants carry their legacy.

Prisoners are escaping

"To escape from the "Hell on Earth", the prisoners organized over 40 jailbreaks between July 1972 and about 300 inmates escaped to resume their revolutionary cause."

Prisoner digging the tunnel using spoons or any hard materials to dig the soil.

"The entrance of tunnel was usually dug beneath their sleeping planks and was camouflaged carefully. A team was in charge of guarding while other were digging. Tools were rudimentarily made by the prisoners themselves from whatever possible such as spoons or pieces of waste canteens, barbwire and dustbins.

Barbwires to avoid prisoners from escaping

Notably, the first 120m-long tunnel was dug at Room 13 of Prison Camp B2 in late 1969. It took the prisoners half a year to complete the work to enable 21 prisoners to successfully escape. In addition, a 113 meter-long tunnel at Prison Camp A4 men to the freedom in the late of night in December 23rd 1971."

"Among possible ways to escape, such as secretly jumping over fences, attacking enemy troops while they escorted the prisoners to work in field, or digging secrete tunnels which was proven to be the most effective one."

Here's how the original Tiger cage looks like. Saw this outside the prison.

The original Tiger cage (where they detained the prisoner) left outside the prison camp. 

With this recent experience, my anger changed to pity. I felt pity for all of them. The prison emphasized so much on the torturing towards the prisoners and when you think about it, the soldiers are like robots, they are as well doing what it being told them to do so. I think, they all are the victims here. The prison is a must see once you are in Phu Quoc island. I must say that this was the highlight of my trip that day. The moment you go in, you will feel that hardship, the tortures (both emotional and physical) and a big relief once you are out of the prison like the 21 prisoners did.

WEEKEND AT THE VINPEARL GOLF LAND RESORT & VILLAS

It's at least an hour and a half flight from Hanoi to Nah Trang. The flight went pretty well and yes, the sunset view up there was really good. Attempted to take photos but when you're sitting near the exit area, so awkwrd to walk around to take a perfect shot of the sunset.

Re-thinking, I think im getting used to living in a cold weather like Hanoi already, to be honest a similar weather like in Baguio, where I came from. I'm aware that summer weather is gonna be pretty hot but its good to enjoy the season this time of the year.

Landed in NAH TRANG - I always love arriving in Nah Trang, the weather, the people and the place. Not so fancy like a huge city full of traffic and the huzzling and buzzling, lots of highrise building but Nah Trang is so peaceful and zen... at least for me... ;) BUT I think its also important as well to stay somewhere located in a place where you feel at ease. VINPEARL. I thought the place is located in a great location for finding serene. The moment you arrived in the Island, all you wanted to do is leave everything (your stuff) in your hotel room and get out and enjoy the place. The sea view that is soooooo welcoming and the outdoor activities that is appropriate for any age.

Here, we arrived around 7.30 pm and when the lights are on. It's such a beauty. Vinpearl Golf Land Resort & Villas, built on a scenic and peaceful place. I thought the hotel is fabulous! What I love about this place is so new that everything inside are soooo sparkly. When staying in a new hotel, I always love exploring the place. I enjoy viewing their interior decorations, designs, the kids club, restaurants and bar and the combination of modern and cultural ambience in presenting their unique perspectives and etc.. BEAUTIFUL!

So yeah! From a cloudy weather to a blue skies.. Have a great warm weekend my beau-friends!

Sunset in my life

“Sunset is a wonderful opportunity for us to appreciate all the great things the sun gives us!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan

Whoa! It has certainly been a while! I remember the last time I was taking photos of the ocean was when I was in Indonesia, that was a year ago. My photo shots is taking me everywhere and I'm really enjoying it. I've been putting my heart and soul into my new project and hopefully it will be fruitful in the end.

The majority of my time will be spent on my website, as i'm busy upgrading and updating my details and busy also doing my project.

Today, I thought to change my cover photo because I thought its about time. Lolz. This sunset photo inspired me a lot lately. From the word “sunset” it already says something powerful about life.

I thought this photo speaks to me so well. I've been through all the ups and downs this past months. Many incidents that is teaching me and reminding me that sometimes, “shit happens.” In some ways, it hit me a bit and changed the way I see and do things.

Over time, I must say that at one stage, my inbox has been flooded with emails from friends around the world, reminding me.. and I quote.. “hey, you're not that.. people think you're like that, but you're not..” OR “..expect people to judge you but let it be, it will pass, real friends will always be there for you no matter what...” what a sweet lines to read, right?

T'was really a one wonderful feeling to know that there are people out there, who cares, loyal and will emotionally support you. I was also touched when I talked to my best friend Abel about life and shit... he said, “people love to see you fall so don't get provoked with their nonsense.. be strong and have faith...” – Going back to my zodiac, it came to me and made me remember, is this really the year of the dragon where its being picked by the sheep? Apparently, not all the dragons are spitting fire, isn't it.. lolz..

As I was taking a photo of the sunset. I thought i'm gonna sit on this big stone and leave my camera next to me. I started again to reflect with so many things. I knew this is what I needed to do. Rewind and unwind.

You know, there's something especially powerful about connecting with people. First, strangers. You will get to know them, become friends, then fights, then hatred, then enemies until suddenly. Sadness.. then again, happiness because you start to meet another strangers and will become friends... its a cycle. But if you come to think about it, seems, to be a Stranger from the start but the connection brought you to life. The journey into wholeness, fulfillment, bliss, self-awareness and purpose that just makes you come even more alive.

So, as the sun started to slowly bidding goodbye. I finally realized that, what happened today is gone. We can't undo things. I guess the sunset speaks a lot with me today. It basically says that, I should work on letting go and stop caring what everyone else thinking and instead define MYSELF. That's a lot of thinking but I figured out how to turn those dark days into something much bigger. I learned that I should continue to live life (on purpose). I learned what it meant to feel blissfully alive while living in alignment with my truth.

(sigh) Anyways, It's now getting dark so I have to go back to our room. On my way back, I took few snap shots of the beach. Which i'm gonna be sharing with you soon.

Life must move on even if the sun sets. Tomorrow is another day filled with sun that shines upon us. Be grateful and happiness will naturally comes back to you.

Much love my dear Friends and thank you once again for reading my long journal today.

A VISIT AT THE SEVEN COLOURED EARTHS - MAURITIUS

"...when your life feels black and white... make sure that you dream in color..." -- unknown

It was the GM of the Centara Grand Azuri Hotel who insisted that i must go to Chamerel to see the seven coloured earths. I didn't believe the way he described the colours of the sand. At first, i thought he was just joking... after few rounds of convincing, my husband was able to convince me to go and visit as they are busy working during the entire trip.

So i went to see the place, to my surprise. It was really wonderful and even better because the rain just stopped and perhaps its was a perfect timing for photo opportunity.

This tourist attraction is found in the Riviere Noire District in the south-western part of Mauritius. Seven distinct colours of sand can be seen in this area: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow. I like the contrast between the uncovered sands and the dense forest area that surrounds the dunes. This place reminds me of Iceland. The earths formed by volcanic activity. When you look closely, We could see the different hues and the almost striped effect of the sands, this is actually a visual reminder of the power of a volcano uneven cooling of the molten rock.

Enjoy the view as much as i enjoyed taking them.

according to wikipedia: (and i quote)

"The Seven Coloured Earth(s)[1] (Terres des Sept Couleurs in French) are a geological formation and prominent tourist attraction found in the Chamarel plain of the Rivière Noire District in south-western Mauritius. It is a relatively small area of sand dunes comprising sand of seven distinct colours (approximately red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow). The main feature of the place is that since these differently coloured sands spontaneously settle in different layers, dunes acquire a surrealistic, striped colouring. This phenomenon can also be observed, on a smaller scale, if one takes a handful of sands of different colours and mixes them together, as they'll eventually separate into a layered spectrum.[2] Another interesting feature of Chamarel's Coloured Earths is that the dunes seemingly never erode, in spite of Mauritius' torrential, tropical rains.

The sands have formed from the decomposition of volcanic rock (basalt) gullies into clay, further transformed into ferralitic soil by total hydrolysis; the two main elements of the resulting soil, iron and aluminium, are responsible for red/anthracite and blue/purplish colours respectively. The different shades of colour are believed to be a consequence of the molten volcanic rock cooling down at different external temperatures (hence rates), but the causes of their consistent spontaneous separation are yet to be fully clarified.[3]

The place has become one of Mauritius' main tourist attractions since the 1960s. Nowadays, the dunes are protected by a wooden fence and visitors are not allowed to climb on them, although they can look at the scenery from observation outposts placed along the fence. Curio shops in the area sell small test-tubes filled up with the coloured earths."

...whilst in Bali..

“Perhaps that is where our choice lies -- in determining how we will meet the inevitable end of things, and how we will greet each new beginning.”  ― Elana K. Arnold

Can you believe that it's already August? I find myself saying this after just about every month... it just keep going faster and faster. I've read somewhere that says.. 'life is like a roll of toilet paper, it goes faster and faster as you get the closer to the end.'... but i disgress.. let it be.. lolz...

Looking back at the half year up to this day, all I can think of is how wonderful and blessed i am. I've done few things and still doing this project which I'm looking forward too.

Let me break down my monthly activities.. Out of the months passed, i thought i really enjoyed the summer holidays in June plus the early months of July too. Recalling back: JANUARY - was totally a good start for me, unfolding 2014 came to the picture nicely..  then here comes FEBRUARY which was even better because of the Valentines day that coloured my world with awesome strawberry shortcakes.. lolz..  the trip to Phu Quoc, Vietnam and my trip to Baguio City, Philippines mostly was my first trip this year including our weekend in Khao Yai! MARCH was so delighted as it was my birth month, got my surprise celebration in Pattaya too.. lovely present from husband and friends.. aaaahhh... APRIL was an amazing month.. trip to Sri Lanka was really wonderful! enjoyed the taste of tea's in the country... The month of MAY was pretty quiet, stayed in Bangkok but the one weekend in Pattaya was fabulous! hola! JUNE -- here's the month that i really love because our summer holidays in France includes our trip to Iceland! amazing trip! and JULY -- Awesome trip to Singapore and Bali too --

Got so much to work on.. excited with few exhibits and looking forward for the sponsored trips coming.. Perhaps, my half-year is doing pretty good. Couldn't ask for more.

I'm not complaining and all but totally grateful about everything. Sharing blessing and love my Beau-Friends!

A WEEK TRIP TO BALI INDONESIA

My Bali adventure, where to begin? This is my third time to visit Bali and my  Bali experience is something that can’t be explained, it’s a cultural and spiritual journey that needs to be experienced in order to be understood. Bali is called “The Island of The Gods,” and appropriately so.

This trip, I was lucky enough to experience some of the most beautiful locations and resorts the island has to offer, beginning in Nusa Dua, then to Sanur and Uluwatu.

When I wasn’t shooting I was enjoying the luxury of Centara Grand Villa  There we had our own swimming pool. I also went for a walk near the shopping center. The thing I love most about Bali is that it offers something for everyone, amazing wave breaks, unique shopping, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and for the foodie, fantastic restaurants.

I feel as though Bali is also a reminder of how important kindness and generosity are: the locals are so lovely and cheerful that it would be hard to have a bad day, someone was always putting a smile on my face.

The four day trip to Bali was really engaging. First, we went to visit the Uluwatu Temple which is one of the oldest temple in Bali. It is also located high on a cliff top at the edge of a plateau 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean. One specular view.  There are also monkeys around the temple. These monkeys inhabit the temple and cliff face hoping for a banana or some peanuts from the visitors.

On the second day, I went to visit Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, or Pura Bratan, is the second most important temple in Bali after the mother temple Besakih. “The temple is found on the shores of Danau Bratan (Lake Bratan) in the mountains near Bedugul.  The temple was built in 1926 and is dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers.” – Here, I didn't really enjoy much because of the rain. Weather was not cooperative, my driver told me that.. weather in this area is unpredictable. Funny because when we left Nusa Dua, it was all blue skies but the time we are arriving to Pura Bratan, its all foggy, windy and raining non stop. When I went inside the temple there was a ceremonial happening. We are not allowed to go near the ceremony so I stayed inside the shed waiting for the rain to stop.

Third day, Tanah Lot Temple is probably the most famous of Bali's temples and mean "Land in the Middle of the sea".  The temple sits just off the coast on a rock, which is quite spectacular. The temple is visited quite often at sunset and provides great photos.  The temple is believed to be the work of 15th century priest Nirartha.”

I really had a great time those days. The experience that I carry with me during this travel allowed me to become more adventurous. I've seen few ceremonial activities before like the  “Ogoh-ogoh” performed with demonic statues and floats filling the streets which symbolize negativity and bad spirits. The statues are burned at the end of the night to cleanse them of all things “evil”.  That parade was really something. I should have stayed longer last year to witness but im looking forward to see that this year, perhaps?.

Something that i've learned in Bali was the part when they do the reflection and meditation. It was truly  a wonderful experience which I was so glad to be a part of it. Its more on  to focus on peace within ones self.

Anyways, please enjoy viewing the photos as much as i enjoyed taking them. Thank you too for reading all my long notes.. time to time.. lolz.