Archive for People
Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Wailing Wall or Kotel is believed to be a remnant of the ancient wall that surrounds Temple Mount. The wall is considered to be a sacred site by the Jews and thousands of pilgrims make their way there each year.
“When we are children we seldom think of the future. This innocence leaves us free to enjoy ourselves as few adults can. The day we fret about the future is the day we leave our childhood behind.” ― Patrick Rothfuss
It took me a while to make up my mind on whether I should post this photo or not. Maybe because the past few days have been an especially trying time for this region and I don’t know exactly what to say but an exasperated “Can’t you all just get along?” To hear about all the aggression going on in the news after having been there only a few weeks earlier is partly sad but mostly maddening. Like most people in the world, what I know of the Israel-Palestine region is whatever the news feeds me. I had a lot of …
This guy was surrounded by people listening intently to his lyrical poetry on politics and everyday life. It’s like rap except he uses traditional wooden clackers as his back beat instead of techno music. One man show. Awesome.
We met while walking around Petra. Although I suspect deep down that he has swindled a couple of dinars from me for a few postcards, I can’t help but think it was a bargain. I’m blaming that smirk and shirt. The Bedul tribe are a Bedouin group that inhabit Petra, Jordan. While they still maintain their traditional method of farming and agriculture, most nowadays are involved in the Petra tourism business– selling souvenirs, organizing guided tours and taking care of camels and horses used by the heftier tourists for transport. While tourism is no doubt a good source of income, conservation …
People who know me might tell you that I have an unhealthy obsession with bicycles. Well this is a blatant lie. Bicycles are extremely beneficial to your health! It’s good exercise and a great way to discover the city on the cheap. With a bike, you can go places that would otherwise be difficult to access by car or foot. And they just look unbelievably cool really. To further prove my point, check out these Chinese folks on bikes! Biking doesn’t have to be a solo venture. Nor does it have an age limit Electric bikes– if you can’t decide whether you …
I have a confession. When I was a child, I’ve read the Myth of Persephone where she was tricked by Hades into eating a pomegranate so she would stay in the underworld forever. So… I’ve always had the impression that the pomegranate was a mythical food item much like Manna or Ambrosia. Haaah! Hilarious I know! Istanbul in winter time is pomegranate season. You can order a glass of freshly squeezed juice almost anywhere for only a few liras. It is sweet and rich in anti-oxidants however, I cannot assure you that this would keep you away from the clutches …
Traversing the Shibuya Crossing is hands down the MOST FUN I’ve had in Tokyo. I kid you not. It was so enjoyable that I kept waiting for the traffic lights to turn red just so I could be one with this sea of humanity five times (or more) in the dead of winter. I hate winter! Shibuya is a scramble crossing in a sense that traffic in all directions are stopped simultaneously and then the above happens. The combination of bright lights, fashionable people and shiny cars just make this the ultimate Tokyo experience. The best part is it’s absolutely free!
These kids were looking over the Yamuna River at the supposed location of the Black Taj Mahal. Rumour has it that Shah Jahan, obsessed with symmetry, intended to build a duplicate of the Taj Mahal for himself but in black marble. Both structures would be connected across the river by a bridge. Unfortunately, the Mughal emperor was overthrown by his son and the project was never completed. Boy: Everything that your eyes can see could be yours if you become my girl. Girl: As if. *yawns* I assume this is how their conversation went. There’s a mild chance I could …
Kawaii in Japanese basically means the level of cuteness and you gotta trust these people to create a whole industry out of it (Hello Kitty and TarePanda anyone?) You can’t really fault them I guess when you have such adorable kids as inspiration! Let me out! This is how to properly fold table napkins. I’m walking out! This is the final post of the Kawaii Kids series. Previous posts can be found here and here.
