If you’ve ever been to Macau, it’s almost impossible to miss the Macau Tower, standing tall against the historically quaint but rapidly urbanizing special administrative region. Located in the south side of Macau Peninsula, Macau Tower is among the most popular tourist spots and, of course, the most photographed as well. Coming from the Taipa district where our CouchSurfing host Darren lives, the Macau Tower and the Sai Wan Bridge is always a sight to behold, same way on the way back, day or night. As Leah and I cross the Zhujiang River estuary through the Governador Noble de Carvalho Bridge, I tried to hold my breath and made a wish. I don’t remember what it was anymore but I guess it must have come true, coz so far, it’s been really good. 🙂 Maybe it was to go bungee jumping at the Macau Tower next time!
The first dam I ever saw in full in my life is Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija. This photo was taken in 2009, back when having a 3.2 megapixel Nokia phone was the in thing. 🙂 Pantabangan Dam is a multi-purpose dam / water reservoir that’s used for hydroelectricity generation, irrigation water for farmlands, and household water supply. I think it’s also used as catchment basin (or reservoir) for rainwater. Its water comes from two sources, I just can’t remember their names. (Help from NIA colleagues please!) When we were there, the Pantabangan Dam and it’s water (after the spillway — it’s not a slide!) was so still and it’s mostly green colored, which I am guessing is either a reflection of the trees, or moss. Either way, I found (actually find) it really beautiful. >
Hyderabad is often called the city of palaces and the Andhra Pradesh High Court, sitting by the south bank of the Musi River, is an impressive structure that merits attention like all the other palaces in the “old city”. Coming from a country where the only palace is the seat of Presidential Power and where historical buildings are more or less not our best tourist selling point, I was amazed at the number of palaces you can just go and enter in at Hyderabad and Secunderabad. While the High Court also had limited entry, it didn’t stop us (me and my couchsurfing host) to get photos from the outside. When we got tired, we took photos from the Naya Pul bridge (close by and walkable). We spent some time looking over the Musi River, and enjoying the red orange reflection while looking out for a flock of birds flying by. It’s a cool place to be in especially for sunset junkies like you and me!>
I like old things and places. Whenever I travel, especially to different countries, old temples and buildings as well as national and historical museums are on the list of places that I must visit. So, imagine my leap of joy while biking (yep, pedal bicycle!) around the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap! No, it wasn’t like Angelina Jolie or Indiana Jones kind of exploring but still, Julian (the old Spanish photographer-who lives in Ireland-and works as cargo plane customer service specialist whom I’ve met in Phuket) and I had fun! Sadly, Julian departed the night before and en route to our favorite food stall inside the Angkor Archaeological Park, I passed by this group of towers opposite to the Terrace of the Elephants. Called Prasat Suor Prat, these 12 identical towers are believed to may have been built post-Bayon era, aka around 11th century (it’s a good thing I kept my free Angkor Archaeological Park temple guidebook). Made of laterite and sandstone, the Prasat Suor Prat was said to function as a “lock-up” cell for parties involved in a “legal dispute and matters of criminal justice”. After a few days of being confined in site the Prasat Suor Prat, the one who ends up sick is declared the losing party, “guilty by divine decree”. Hmmmm. Haha 🙂 I didn’t get the chance to see the towers up close so if you get to, please let me know if the Prsat Suor Prat makes you feel the divine presence as well!>
Not really being a morning person, I normally only get to see sunrise in two instances — when I come back home from a really fun club party or when I’m traveling. This photo was one of the traveling mornings while we were on the way to Nagsasa Cove, aboard possibly one of the smallest boats I have taken, ever! It was a good thing that the sea was really calm when we sailed on that May morning, like a lake, calm and soothing. The topography (naks!) of Zambales and its coves is actually really nice, suited for different travelers. With the mountain range on one side for you to trek and the sea on another for you to swim, it’s something I would gladly wake up early for. 🙂
Life is short so take a leap of faith. Let’s wander, explore and discover. Come and journey with me.
The Diarist Wanders 