Tag Archive: Asia


Of Waterfalls, Misty Mountains, Tea Estates & Tranquil Lakes

Filed under: Asian Holidays, India, Musings & Ramblings, Travel, travels — Leave a comment
February 24, 2026

Munnar is known as the tea capital of Kerala. It took us 4 hours to drive from Cochin to Munnar with at least 3 pitstops. Reminded us of trips to Baguio, our country’s summer capital as we passed waterfalls, visited a Spices Garden and sensed the temps dropping. A long day as we settled in our hotel to prep for the next 2 days visiting tea plantations amidst misty hills and placid lakes. While we found time to enjoy cooler temps, we weren’t prepared for the zigzag drives climbing hills along narrow roads. We can hardly look as buses and cars glide past each other with only a few inches between them. Not even the green, verdant hills and serene lakes can calm our nerves as traffic grew congested while tracking steep roads and navigating sharp curves. These Keralan drivers are simply good and patient, like tight situations are par for the course.

Admittedly, we lost a lot of time because of the slow traffic. Our driver and guide tried to push it all the way to the top hill station. The Echo Point by the lake is where we stopped to stretch our limbs and vocal cords. True, the sounds reverberated as we shouted out names, and some Pinoy inanities. Another challenging episode were the trips to the loo. And if something weird or crazy is about to happen, you bet it will happen to me. But that’s another story I hope my travel mates will not repeat outside our group 🤣

Echo Point. Ctto: Trisha
Group Shot by the lake. ctto: Eman

Today, we’re headed to a Tea Museum and perhaps a stroll in the nearby tea gardens. Will update this blog after today’s visit! See ya.

Update: Went to the Tea Museum and to Srishti, a charitable trust and welfare institute — a haven for specially-abled children of Munnar’s plantation workers. It aims to prepare and empower these children for life where they can positively contribute to society by learning skills like traditional craft techniques. Some of us bought fabric, bakery products, traditional apparel, paper products made from the fiber of non-wood raw materials like tea leaves, bananas, coffee, papyrus and marigold flowers. The day after, we saw more tea gardens and some locals asking to have photos with them. I find that very warm and welcoming. As for the tea gardens, my apo said they remind her of Royce matcha chocolates cut neatly into tiny rectangles. Hmmmm, you know, she is actually right.

Srishti Charitable Trust
More tea gardens
Royce Matcha Chocolate
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The Hill Palace

Filed under: Asian Holidays, India, Musings & Ramblings, Travel, travels — Leave a comment
February 23, 2026

The drive took 4 hours from Kochi to Munnar, taunted as the “Kashmir of Southern India”. We broke the 120 kilometer journey with several pitstops, the first one being only after a half hour to visit the Hill Palace Museum in Tripunithura. The largest archaeological museum in Kerala is just 12 kilometers away from Kochi but traffic can be so bad in this corner of the world. By the time we arrived, we found many local tourists, largely older ladies elegantly garbed in sarees. We joined them locals in climbing up the many steps to reach the palace museum where we were required to take off our shoes to walk inside few of the many buildings within the complex. The first building we entered is the former residence of the Cochin Maharaja. Housed here is a huge royal elephant statue crafted from rosewood and bearing original ivory tusks. It’s a beautiful seated elephant statue, an impressive example of Keralan craftsmanship . Built in 1865 by the Maharaja of Cochin, the Cochin royal family ceded ownership to the Kerala government in 1980. Judging by how the rich collection of royal artifacts, royal jewels, weapons, antique furniture, old photos, ancient manuscripts and royal carts are artfully displayed and curated, the government of Kerala has done a good job of preserving Kerala’s heritage for future generations.

The former residence of the Cochin royal family is now the Hill Palace Museum, just 12 kilometers from Kochi.
Those are real ivory tusks attached to the seated elephant statue crafted from rosewood.

The former royal palace has a very elegant architecture. We love the windows and doors as much as we love the floorboards and tiles. Outside, the gardens are another thing. Even to this day, the palace looks “lived in” unlike palatial edifices echoing in its emptiness. The ambience is warm, and those tiles look like many happily stepped on them. Well, I sure hope so. With the death of the last Maharaja in 1964 and the complex growing into disrepair, the palace complex being transformed into a palace museum served to preserve Kerala’s heritage and culture.

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Touchdown, Kerala

Filed under: Asian Holidays, India, Musings & Ramblings, Travel, travels — Leave a comment
February 22, 2026

I have been to India back in 2014. Happy to have spent my birthday there. As a first-time visitor then, we spent nearly 2 weeks touring around New Delhi, Agra, as well as the pink, blue and white cities of Jaipur, Johdpur and Udaipur. The Golden Triangle, plus more. As expected, highlight of the trip was Taj Mahal.

I’d gladly head back to Udaipur in the heart of Rajasthan and skip Delhi which I found so (air) polluted it threatens an asthma attack. Thought too that there are other spots in India I’d love to explore, like the southern part. So when my travel group suggested Kerala in the south of India, it was a no brainer to join. Tea estates, Kochi history and cruising the backwaters on a houseboat tick off many boxes for me. The only concern we have is the Nipah virus which allegedly hit West Bengal lately, over 2,300 kilometres away. Checked the map and the distance is like Manila to Singapore. Ergo, we decided it’s “safe” and far enough. So here we are.

A grandma working in the Dhoby Ghat where all washing are done by hand, and ironing done using antique charcoal iron.

Securing travel e-visas was an ordeal as the visa system kept crashing. Most of us got stuck on page 2 of the online application but as soon as you pass that, it’s a breeze and processing only took 24-48 hours. Well, for most of us. My apo got hers after more than a week. And only after she got an email (a week from filing) requesting for submission within 24 hours (absolutely not a joke!) of additional information and proof which covered all of 18 pages. A real scramble. But we pulled through and the evisa was promptly issued within 24 hours from the 2nd filing. Phew!

St. Francis Church

We got a big group this time. These seasoned travelers must share this same sentiment for enchanting tea plantations and Kerala backwaters. Balm for the soul. Soothing to our frayed nerves. Plus I’m assuming most of us are big fans of Indian cuisine. I am. So is my apo (grandchild). And then there’s Fort Kochi. I’m curious how the 3 cultures — Dutch, British and Portuguese — blended in this historic coastal neighborhood’s architecture, heritage and culture. Prior to this trip, all I know about Kerala has to do with Vasco de Gama. This Portuguese explorer reached Kerala in 1498, thus establishing a sea-based trade route between Europe and Asia. It was an epic 2 year voyage from Lisbon, around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, towards India’s south western city of Calicut in Kerala. This new maritime route ended the monopoly of Arab and Venetian spice traders. Think pepper and cinnamon. The new route boosted Portuguese economy and commerce. The Portuguese sailor went back a couple more times but on his 3rd trip, he caught malaria, died and was buried in India’s first Catholic Church — Saint Francis Church in Fort Kochi — before his remains were returned to Portugal where he now rests in the much visited- Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon. Today, the spot where he was first buried (for 14 years, I hear) bears his tombstone.

The Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi

On our first whole day, our Kerala introduction involved a visit to the public laundry called Dhoby Ghat in Fort Kochi. This centuries-old traditional/manual and community washing center involved “dhobies” who are mostly old ladies doing handwashing and ironing using antique charcoal iron which are very heavy and hot. Frankly, it’s a tad heartbreaking to watch grandmas working way past retirement age. Thankfully, we didn’t stay too long and walked instead towards St. Francis Church. More tourists here. And even more vendors as we headed towards the Chinese fishing nets off the Arabian Sea. These teak and bamboo contraptions are a major tourist attraction here. To be honest though, we were distracted by the many beachfront vendors selling bags, purses, pens, jewelry, clothing and so much more. Before long, our tote bags just grew heavier while our wallets went lighter.

Jewish Synagogue.

Fort Kochi is an interesting neighborhood. The Jewish town included a museum, a synagogue and an assortment of market stalls selling anything from spices to clothing to jewelry to perfumes, essential oils , woodcarvings and marble statues. We had our fill of shopping around the area and would have loved to check out the Jewish Synagogue but it being a sabbath, it was closed off to tourists like us. And so, we did the next best thing. Shop some more.

Jewish Town

Tomorrow we drive towards Munnar and then Thekkady before we meet up with our houseboat in Allepey. It’s only our first whole day here and we’re giddy with excitement for some nature-tripping in the coming days. Not your typical barkada trip, I guess, but let’s just say we love going off the beaten path. Kerala may not be up there within the tourist radar but we’re here to explore and ready for some pleasant surprises. 😄

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Of Island Hops & Boodle Fight

Filed under: Asian Holidays, Food Trip, Musings & Ramblings, Philippine Travels, Travel, travels — 2 Comments
January 11, 2026

Booked this 3 island hopping tour visiting Naked Island, Dako and Guyam Islands. Joined a group of 24 pax, half of which are foreigners and the rest locals. First off was Naked Island, which is actually a sandbar. Welcome, sunshine! No trees, no shelter. Just a sizeable oval shaped sandbar off the southern shore of Siargao, with just the sand and the sea to enjoy. A slather of sunscreen here and there but I get a sense no amount of skin protection would work. Naked Island is NOT a nudist island. The sandbar itself is “naked” as no single tree stands here. One hour here is all you need. Its proximity to Siargao Island makes it a top island hopping destination especially when you have limited time.

Naked Island. A treeless sandbar off the
southern shore of Siargao.

In between the island hops, there was also a chance to jump off the boat, swim and go snorkeling. The current was quite strong though so only those confident with their swimming skills did. I stayed on the boat with the young Filipinos who are here on holiday break from their Qatar jobs. These guys made me laugh so much as they readily entertained us with their funny song and dance numbers that provided comic relief. Whoever you are, thank you guys. The “skit” where one acted like a flight attendant had me in stitches! And all that laughing made us grow really hungry and ready for the boodle fight. This is lunch, Filipino style. The spread was quite abundant — very generous servings of fried tuna, grilled pork belly, noodles, shrimps, spider conch, sea grapes or seaweeds, sautéed vegetables, mangoes and watermelons.

Noodle lunch in Dako Island

The boodle lunch was served in Dako Island where there was also enough time to swim, play volleyball or even to spread a beach towel for a quick nap on the sand. In Guyam Island, there are beach bars and some music and fruit stalls. More swimming or more naps or more volleyball games. By this time, the boat passengers have grown relaxed, friendlier and chattier. We were lucky to join a fun group. (Trivia: I was the OLDEST in the group. That means the boat crew paid more attention to my safety and welfare 🤣 )

Dako Island
Guyam Island
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Sunsets in Siargao

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January 9, 2026

We tried our luck in Cloud 9. But no surfers. No fiery orange nor pink hues across the sky from the Cloud 9 boardwalk. We waited until twilight and that’s when we decided to enjoy our piña colada, pizza and mango smoothie. The sky was woefully unstained by vibrant colors but that’s ok. It’s only our first whole day. The stray dogs and pearl vendors kept us company, relentlessly trying to make us succumb. I’m pretty good resisting this retail therapy but my niece is another matter. She’s a magnet for vendors of any kind!

Cloud Nine Boardwalk
Two lone surfers just before sunset

January must be off season. I was told it rains a lot the first month of the year. It rained when we arrived but soon enough, the sun was out. Late in the afternoon, the surfers must have gone to bars or for some nutrition as we only found a couple with their boards. The boardwalk wasn’t crowded at all. And there were empty chairs facing the waters from Shaka and X Bars where we picked up our aperitif.

Mango Smoothie Cereal Bowl from Shaka
X Bar’s Piña Colada+ Pizza

The following day, we set out for AFAM Bridge. Yes, AFAM as in “A Foreigner Assigned In Manila”. The sunset warriors are all here! Some AFAMs bearing beer bottles which they uncork while watching the sun set. Local vendors plying their wares — pearls, shirts and some handcrafted souvenir items. The local boys offer their services to take photos, amusing foreigners with their “human drone” tactics. We tried looking for dining places nearby but found none interesting. Then we remembered our hotel driver mentioning “Jorene’s Homemade Ice Cream & Halo Halo” so we promptly hailed a tuktuk to get there. Thought we’d end the day on that sweet note but there’s this Italian-Filipino restaurant called “La Carinderia” right across our hotel. Actually, I first tried La Carinderia when they opened a Makati branch. Good food, good service, and the most charming couple owners. So yeah, we ended the day with that famous Mama’s Lasagna plus Siargao Salad which I swear is really good. Chef Stefano and Miss Po also trained their staff very well. Good simple Italian – Pinoy dinner.

Sunset. AFAM Bridge
Jorene’s Maiz con Hielo and Halo Halo topped with homemade ice cream.
Mama’s Lasagna & Siargao Salad from La Carinderia
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It’s A Good Start. No Rush.

Filed under: Asian Holidays, Musings & Ramblings, Philippine Travels, Travel, travels — 6 Comments
January 7, 2026

It’s been 25 years since I retired at 47. Technically, I continued to work though not on a regular 9-5 desk job. Rather,I had 2 meetings a month. Anything more and I’m “overworked”. In between the meetings, I traveled, spent time with my friends, went to church and simply had a wonderful time celebrating life. Through it all, I ticked off destinations from a long list, searched for exotic dishes and adventures and promptly prepped for the 2 monthly meetings that sustained my lifestyle. I’m putting all that behind me now. Absolutely no more work. Nailed the last chapter of my career. No more graphs and financial reports to review. No more special zoom meetings that consumed more thinking hours. No more document deliveries for signature. The simple act of stepping down and out was liberating. Trips now need not go around the scheduled meetings and more importantly, there was no compelling rush to cover as much ground as possible. When I quit my full-time job back in 2001, I appreciated the relaxed pace already. But it is an even more elevated sense of freedom now. As in, no more worries. No more anxieties. No midnight or early morn zoom meetings while I’m abroad on a different time zone. Absolutely no stress now. No rush. Let everything take its natural course.

No rush. Love that. The luxury of time. Hours in a bookstore just browsing around, coffee breaks that are truly “breaks” and not just caffeine nutrition, sweetly poring over restaurant menus without being fussy if the dishes took awhile before being served. Traveling without an agenda, or leaving the task of crafting the itinerary to a younger set who has a long list to tick off. No rush. Every minute celebrated. Off with the travel lists and must-do’s. Just go. Explore or linger. Savour every second. I learned there is actually an art to waiting. It is when one pays more attention to details that a more authentic sense of appreciation blooms. A deeper sense of gratitude. Would you rush through a scrumptious meal, or even a good cup of brew or an excellent book? It parallels being mindful. When every single detail matters. A rushed, busy life takes that away. Where I sit now, I refuse to multi-task. Done that when I was way younger. I’d rather focus on a single item now and preserve the thoughtfulness attached to it.

Bravo Beach Resort in Siargao.

So time rolls by. Whether in the city or in the beach, it is living without the rush. It is life. 🥰

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How has it been this 2025?

Filed under: art, Asian Holidays, Europe, Food Trip, France, Japan, Musings & Ramblings, Seniors, Travel, travels — Leave a comment
December 16, 2025

And just like that, we only have a couple of weeks before the year 2026 sets in. This early, we’ve mapped out some travel plans already for the coming year. Siargao in January. Kerala, India in February. Back to Sydney in March for quite a time, till June. And for the 2nd half of the year 2026, a river cruise along the Rhine. God knows where else we’d find ourselves in in between those planned trips. There’s Hokkaido and Medan, Indonesia in the drawing boards. And of course, that forever plan to watch Messi play — either with Inter Miami or with his national team Argentina for the coveted back to back win in the World Cup. Busy 2026? Perhaps busier than this year 2025. I’ve skipped many trips with my travel mates this year — choosing to spend more time and holidays with the family. All good. 👍

Hiroshima

Started 2025 with a trip to Fukuoka although we stayed in Hiroshima for the most part. Despite the grim reminders of the horrors of war, the white and pink Sakura blooms cheered us up all throughout that spring holiday. For the 3rd time, I visited Miyajima Island to enjoy once more the iconic Torii gate and the succulent oysters and eels the island is famous for. Back in Manila for the necessary preps for a bigger trip to Spain and France. This European holiday is my first trip with a grandnephew based in Sydney, plus a niece whom I wanted to introduce to the camino as well as take to Lourdes, France for some “spiritual experience”. From the Gaudi-inspired city of Barcelona, we took the train to Pamplona and met up with cousins to Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles to Lourdes to Paris. It was time very well spent. The sightseeing, the pilgrimage walk, time with family, the art and culture aspects of a trip and most importantly, the bonding time while experiencing all these lovely adventures and creating happy memories.

Walking out of Saint Jean Pied de Port in France to cross the Pyrenees into Spain.

Soon after this European trip, I only had a few days to pack for another holiday. This time, in Bali, Indonesia where more kin from Sydney flew in to join me for 5 days of sun and sand. We made sure the trip is “senior friendly” as my 81 year old sister and brother-in-law are joining. That is not to say this newly-arrived (from a hectic trip) septuagenarian didn’t need a break. Quite honestly, I actually rested so well in Bali. It was truly a relaxing holiday after a fast-paced holiday with a younger set. Just what I needed!

With family in Bali.

Fukuoka in spring. Fukuoka in end of summer. Yes, I returned to this lovely city in September, this time with my “Apos” to attend my nieta’s art exhibit. But I hardly did anything outside of just being present. The twenty-somethings did all the planning, flight and tour bookings. Including all dining and shopping itineraries. Not bad. I can get used to this. We ate well, even if I thought we had too much coffee and ramen. I sat out the shopping part, but I enjoyed the new spots which the younger sets prefer. Besides, we are actually here for the Art Fair Asia Fukuoka !

Before the year ended, I joined my friends for yet another trip — to Kaohsiung in Taiwan. This is my first time here as I’ve only been to Taipei and nowhere else in Taiwan. Just a quick trip. Aside from shopping and eating, I only managed to visit Pier 2 Art Center. On 2 consecutive days, I visited the area which is just a short walk from the hotel we booked. Just as well. The pier is a massive place dotted with brick warehouses cum shopping and dining areas, and parks with very interesting art installations. I’m sure my young family members would love it here. But next visit, I’d be sure to time it during cooler temps. It’s hard to endure the sun in the open-air art spots. The afternoons by the river are more pleasant though.

Pier 2 Art Center. Kaoshiung, Taiwan.

And so, here ends 2025. How has it been? We look back with gratitude and look forward with hope. In a few, the year 2026 beckons. A third of the coming year is all planned out this early but the remainder is still there, leaving room for exploration. For adventure. For surprises. Oh, don’t we all love surprises? I am ready for the coming year. Are you? 💕🎉🙏🍾🚘💃✈️🚂🛳️⛱️🏕️⛰️🏝️

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Back in Pier 2 Art Center

Filed under: art, Asian Holidays, Musings & Ramblings, Travel, travels — 2 Comments
November 19, 2025

That first visit was simply NOT enough. The stroll from the Kaohsiung Music Center to the Whale Promenade across the bridge gave us a sweat. Feeling a tad out of place with the younger crowd that late Sunday afternoon cheering on a band onstage amidst food kiosks and arts and crafts booths, we headed back to our hotel in time for dinner at a nearby izakaya. On our last full day in Kaohsiung, we leisurely spent the day food shopping in the morning, then checking out this institution of a beef noodle house which has been in business for 65 years. We beat the lunch crowd and promptly got a table without having to line up. Siesta after lunch, why not? It was only wise to wait till late afternoon when it’s not too sunny and humid before giving Pier 2 another stroll with plans to enjoy cocktails in one of the seafood restaurants by the riverbank. Another afternoon, another sunset.

The row of brick warehouses and some art installations happened to be right behind the Kaohsiung Music Center. A wide promenade good for joggers, sightseers as well as some avid shoppers and friends who just want to hang out, perhaps helped along by some alcoholic beverages. We watched as the sun set and thereafter indulged in sundown cocktails in this seafood resto and wine bar by the riverbank called Yonshin Fudopia. For the first time, I’ve tried whelks — a kind of marine snails used for food — which I absolutely enjoyed! Besides, vino by the waters by sundown is one pleasurable moment in my book. A slight breeze on an otherwise humid day with good company clinched the deal.

The art installations by the water’s edge continue beyond the bridge all the way to a park and Art Center. It’s a good walk. I headed back the following morning and simply traced the route of the light rail which weaved thru brick warehouses and a mini park. A robot here, a peeing boy painted on a wall, a giant statue, some more art installations which included a mini train, something that looked like either a phonograph or a megaphone, a suitcase, dragon, swing, etc. Tried to eavesdrop on this bunch of school kids with their teacher spilling details on the sculptures but no deal — can’t break through the Chinese spiel. For sure, those kids were awed by the lessons.

By and large, Kaohsiung is a more quiet, cleaner place than Taipei. We’ve skipped the touristy stuff and simply enjoyed the shopping and strolls by the pier. We could have done better in the dining department though but trip’s short and sweet so that’s alright. I slept real good and I haven’t done that in a long time. Like 8 to 9 hours! Trips with absolutely no agenda do work.

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A Family Affair in Bali (2025)

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June 8, 2025

Rested for only a couple of days before flying out to Bali to join my OZ family. From Gay Paris to the beautiful island of Bali in the Indian Ocean. A midnight arrival along with many tourists at the height of summer. For many Aussies, it’s a welcome break from the winter spell Down Under.

Photo Opps
Out on a boat otw to Turtle Island

Soon after checking in, we took off on a boat to Turtle Island (Tumpak Sari Bali) to see them old and slow island residents. Still groggy, sleep-deprived from our midnight arrival but yes, we hit the ground running…. errrr, boating.

Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple in Bali

Next stop: Uluwatu Temple. Been here twice before but it’s a first visit for my OZ family. Surprised there weren’t many monkeys in the area. Like we probably just met 4-5 monkeys, and not at all aggressive as I remember my previous 2 visits.

Day 1 with fam. Off to a good start. We are enjoying our crib in Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Terraces, just 2 years since opening in 2023. Last time we stayed in Marriott Nusa Dua Gardens, which we loved as well. I’d say either or both are perfect cribs for families. We looked forward each day to coming home for home-cooked dinners here after a whole day visiting temples, lakeview spots and some rice terraces. Day 2 was more temples and some shopping and coffee-tasting adventure. And then, 2 more days just staying in to enjoy this resort club. Maybe hit the beach, go biking or simply taking the shuttle from the club to go shopping or checking out the spa and nearby shopping outlet. Let’s see what comes up next! Here’s the blog summary link to our previous Bali adventure.

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Something New

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January 2, 2024

Since retiring in 2001, I’ve visited a new place annually. Something new. Or rather, someplace new. Except for the pandemic year 2021, I managed to tick off a new destination. I even squeezed in a trip just before the March 2020 lockdown and 3 trips in 2022 when the world slowly eased out of the global tragedy. My ever growing bucket list now includes not just new spots but NEW EXPERIENCES too. Since I retired, my banner year was 2015 when I did my first ever Camino de Santiago de Compostela and visited such exotic spots like Myanmar, Phuket, Morocco, a Scandinavian cruise, Berlin and some areas in Spain under the tourist radar.

Since 2001. Except only 2021 because of the pandemic.
Sahara Desert. 2015.

Were there any favorite sights? The answer is YES. I have since repeated many trips if only to repeat the same experiences. Dining around Spain and Japan goes right up there at the top of the list. Doing the pilgrimage walks is an experience my travel and camino buddies won’t mind doing again and again. France — specifically Provence and Paris evoke warm and nostalgic vibes. Always a brilliant idea I’d never ever grow tired of. African safari I fortunately tried twice, both ranking among my best animal adventures. Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa. After the safaris, I vowed never to visit another zoo. Locally, my whale shark (butanding) experience I shared with my family. Just had to bring them to Sorsogon after my first time 2 months earlier. I also wish I can take them to Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Israel but the present peace situation won’t allow such. A pity.

Myanmar
First Camino. 2015.

This 2024, I will visit Machu Picchu a second time. That Incan citadel is hard to shake off one’s memory. And while there, might as well head south on that long Chilean strip all the way down to Patagonia. This is that one major trip originally scheduled — later cancelled — in 2020 before the pandemic shook the world. Off to that South American adventure via Sydney where I plan to visit family. Towards the end of the year, another trip Down Under for some Kiwi cruise experience.

An African Safari
Machu Picchu. Just once more this 2024.

Way too many in my list. First times and repeats. Earlier, I thought I should scratch off the repeats to compose a list of more visited spots. But why not? Those who gain “favorites” want to repeat, as in food adventures. After all, no 2 trips are ever the same. The experience varies according to season, company and moods. Emphasis on the moods. Visiting some places in the company of first-timers give a new dimension to the travel experience. The enthusiasm, the excitement and the “frenzy” can be quite infectious and that whiff of mirth — priceless!

Train Experience in Sri Lanka
Whale Shark Adventure off Sorsogon

Hopefully, I can tick off many more in my list. Aurora Borealis sightings? Got that listed, along with more countries in South America. I do want to do another camino, and wishing I can do so with younger members of my family. I am lucky to count many travel buddies but family trips are still the best. As for solo trips, my confidence is still there but I know such will burden my family with anxieties. So maybe I can “adjust” that by flying solo but joining an organized tour somewhere. Anything for an adventure. As they say, I don’t need therapy. Just needed to travel. 😘

Bhutan
That trip when my buddies flew home and I opted to stay around solo and extend my stay.
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