Author: Ululatetravels

An individual built with way too many contradictions. Historian by training, but I hate reading books. Adrenaline junkie with a fear of heights. Loves cooking, but hates washing. National Park person, but hates camping.

#11- Thoughts on Childhood

DSC_0280-1

We met this little boy at one of the random pagodas we tried to climb up in Bagan. He was really curious, and yet behaved in a really warm way, sharing about the pagoda with us in whatever little English that he could speak. The bulk of the communication was done through pointing and gestures. At the end, we were thinking if we were supposed to tip him, as this was always the case in SEA. To our surprise, he simply said bye to us, and signaled for us to make our way down the pagoda.

I enjoyed the short encounter with this kid, as this reminded me of the innocence that children have. Circumstances, more often than not, take that right of childhood away from them, evident from the neighbouring countries we have traveled to.

Children should be allowed to enjoy their childhood, regardless of where and what sort of families they are born into, and this is definitely an area I hope to make a difference to, if given a chance to.

As I look at how the children in the city are spoilt rotten with the introduction of first world “necessities” such as Ipads, Iphones, tablets, I cannot help but think that I was lucky to be born into a time where I could enjoy my childhood in a tiny village back in Hong Kong in the 80s, where I lived in wooden houses. Even though we did not have any of the luxury that we enjoy today, I definitely think that we were all happier then. Much of it was filled with running around the tiny village with my neighbours, and getting screamed at by the adults as we ran around the neighbourhood. I think I miss that pure happiness, and am ever more so thankful that I had the opportunity to enjoy my childhood.

by Categories: blogpostTags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

#10- Taking things for granted

DSC_0736-1

I met this uncle whilst visiting one of the villages in Myanmar. The village had just started to have electricity just 2 months ago, and I could see that they were still trying adjust to the new lifestyle, with firewood placed everywhere around the village. This village had no locks, doors, but with the introduction of electricity, the wealthier families were beginning to build their own wells, so as to have a stake on clean water before everyone else. Seems that as society progresses, the notion of selflessness begins to diminish, and personal gains become prioritised.

Civilisation definitely drives the change in humanity, but I am not too sure if this is a good thing, as I look at how our houses these days have to be locked up, and so many measures have to put in place to ensure that others do not take advantage of another.

On another note, visiting the village was a humbling experience, as it got me thinking about how I should be grateful about the availability of electricity, clean water, which we very often take for granted. The flick of a switch, and the convenience of modern life drives one to take many things for granted. There is just so much in life to be grateful for.

~Ululatetravels

by Categories: blogpostTags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment

#9- Hong Kong and Spontaneity

11760324_688579821248118_7546939748323323199_n

I chose to travel without my camera this time round, as I figured that it would provide me with alot more mobility, so please excuse the lack of quality in terms of photos.

Just got back from Hong Kong this morning. So many things happened, and reflecting on all the serendipitous encounters and experiences in the last few days, I feel some parts of me stirring as I start pondering about the next steps and priorities in life.

This is the first time in my life where I allowed myself to act on complete spontaneity even though there were financial considerations involved for that decision. I extended my stay, at the very very last minute, cancelled my existing flight ticket back to Singapore, and ended up paying a premium for another ticket back to Singapore.  I also had to bear the cost for additional nights of accommodation as well. I have never done this before, and it was really liberating (albeit the slight tinge of regret when I looked at the bank numbers). However, I do not regret the decision, as the extra time allowed for me to meet so many people, and reconnected with so many different parts of me.

I have always had a sense of detachment with Hong Kong, because it was always just a stopover for me. I never felt any connection with the city even though I spent my formative years here.  There is just this part of me living in nostalgia, thinking about how I used to be really happy, when I lived a much simpler life back in HK as a kid. Taking the time to explore the city all over again has got me rethinking my relationship with the city, and maybe, just maybe, there is so much meaning in this city. It is the people that make the difference, I have no doubts about that. But, there is also that element of reconnecting with the me, before I moved to Singapore.

Maybe, just maybe, Hong Kong might be the answer I am looking for, as I continue on my journey to find that missing piece of me. Which begs the question, what is one’s priority in life? What should be the most important to me right now?

~~ Ululatetravels

by Categories: blogpostTags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

#8- Thoughts Post Taiwan

DSC_0604-1

Back in Singapore and my second solo trip ended last night. Its been an amazing trip full of firsts. First time trying 檳榔，first time visiting and navigating random offshore islands on my own, driving an electric scooter, crashing a motorbike while trying to drive it for the first time, taking day trips with random strangers who are now my friends, etc. I’ve definitely found out so much more about myself and even reaffirming certain traits, such as how poor my sense of direction and balance are. Despite these,  it has still been amazing finding out so much more about myself. Revisiting old spots just made me realize how far I’ve come from my past, and the need to keep moving forward without looking backwards. Thank you so much Taiwan, I learnt alot the last few days!

Meeting new people and learning more about others makes me appreciate the little things in life so much more. Take for example Jili and his owner, featured above, the bond shared by them is something that I found really precious, and made me think about my lack of time spent with Camry as I have been traveling quite abit the last few months. Perhaps, it is a stark reminder that I should remain in town next week so as to spend more time with my family, friends, and my precious Camry.

~~Ululatetravels

by Categories: blogpostTags: , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

#5- Carpe Diem

As my sabbatical continues, the biggest realisation is that people around me (myself included), always forget to live in the moment. We get so hung up over the tomorrow-s, or the next week-s, or even the past, (I am very guilty of doing that!) hindering our ability to truly live and breathe the moment we are in.

How do you ensure that you still live in the here and now, and not lose yourself as you introduce new elements, be it new people, spouse, pets, jobs, etc into your life? I am fearful, because I know that once I start introducing new elements into my current situation in probably a month’s time, I might start losing sight of what is important to me, or what I determine as important since I am free of such commitments now.

It is not unusual for people to get so caught up with the grind or memories from the past, and then end up forgetting the now and the present. Like me, sometimes I get so caught up on capturing that “perfect” shot, and I forget to enjoy what is before my eyes. I am behind my lenses way too much than I should. Other times, I get so obsessed with should-haves, could-haves or would-haves, and lose sight of what is before me, or what I already have. Doubtful Sound- NZ-1

The yesterday, tomorrow and the today are equally important, and they are all there for a reason, but I think for now, I’d like to believe that I can focus on the now, and maintain that delicate balance between the three!

So, start to “Carpe Diem” (Enjoy the moment) and enjoy your life in present tense!

That being said, I am really looking forward to my “soul-searching” solo trip to Taiwan next week. ~~ Ululatetravels

by Categories: blogpost Leave a comment

#4- Some thoughts

In the last 6 months, events in my life have led me to start pondering deeper, and trying harder to connect with my own identity. I wouldn’t say I have found myself even though I have endeavoured to do some “soul searching” through my recent trips, but I do think the journey of self-discovery is something well worth reflecting on.

Getting this blog/portfolio site started, connecting with my own body through practising Yoga, spending more time with Camry and my family, traveling more, reconnecting with friends across the region,all of these would not be possible if not for the events the last few months.

20000628-DSC_0318_4

Honestly, I still have not found the answers to the questions I have been asking myself. Especially with respect to what I am doing with my life. Point is, how many people know what they are doing with their lives? Maybe I will never find that answer, maybe I will, but for now, I am thankful to have found that sense of gratification towards the people around me, the little things around me, and most importantly, being able to appreciate who I am more so than ever. ~~ Ululatetravels

by Categories: blogpostTags: , 1 Comment

My reflections on traveling

DSC_0589_3Traveling has always been a source of nourishment for my soul. Each time I feel like I’ve lost my direction in life, I travel, and I find new possibilities. When I am unhappy with any part of my life, I travel, and I find happiness. When I am satisfied with my life, I travel, and then realize that there is so much more out there in this world. Each time I get my heart broken, it is that independence with traveling that empowers me so much that makes it whole again.

Through traveling, I have met amazing people, be it that random person next to me on the plane, or a random person at the cafe, every encounter lets me reconnect deeper with who I really am. They say happiness comes from within, and learning to be grateful brings me so much happiness.

To those whom I’ve met during my travels and made that difference to my life, thank you, and I hope I have made that difference to you as well. Looking forward to finding more peace and happiness within my heart in my future adventures!

by Categories: blogpost Leave a comment