FotoFolio: Mahad on my Mind (Memories of Rural India)

January 23, 2013 geralynrigor 1 Comment

It was May last year when I first saw rural India, up close and personal. I was invited by my colleague Charu to celebrate a once-in-three-years festival at her native place Mahad in Maharashtra, India.

I wrote two blog posts about it (click for Part 1: A day in the Life and Part 2: Getting Up Close and Personal) at the Project 365 Blog developed with other VSO Bahaginan volunteers.

It was a great experience for me and I guess the nostalgia came over me so I felt the need to share some of the trip’s photos here with you. Smile

Activities and Itineraries, Backpacking, Cities, Countries, FotoFolio

FotoFolio: Killing Fields, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

January 22, 2013 geralynrigor Leave a comment

When people say Cambodia, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the famed Angkor Wat Temple Complex in Siem Reap. What most people don’t know though, or not even bother to know, is that more than the magnificent temples and ruins that leave you awestricken, Cambodia holds a darker, sadder and, albeit the different context, an equally jaw-dropping history—the Khmer Rouge regime and the horror of the Killing Fields.

Continue reading FotoFolio: Killing Fields, Phnom Penh, Cambodia →

Business Trip, Cities, FotoFolio, Provinces, Transportation

FotoFolio: Sunset at Guimaras Island

January 21, 2013 geralynrigor Leave a comment

“The sun goes down, the stars come out. And all that counts, is here and now. The universe will never be the same, I’m glad you came.” – The Wanted, I’m Glad You Came

Actually, this photo of the setting sun in the island of Guimaras in western Visayas was taken way before this song was released and I just thought it’s a nice intro. Smile

I am a big fan of sunsets (coz I can’t wake up early for sunrise) especially when the sea is close by. So when, in one of our official trips, me and my colleague had a chance to go for a four-hour side trip from Iloilo to Guimaras, we did not waste any time and boarded the passenger boat to the island.

Known mainly for the Guimaras mangoes (claimed to be the sweetest in the world), this small island province (actually several islands in the general bay area) also holds its own when it comes to its swimming beaches, caves and rock formations, and turtle conservation!

We barely noticed the time while sailing through its waters as Guimaras, for me, held such beauty, pure and untouched, radiating as the golden orange hues of the setting sun graces the sand, sea and sky. If ever you are in Iloilo or Guimaras or Western Visayas, a spectacular view of the setting sun is really an experience you must not dare to miss!

Activities and Itineraries, Cities, FotoFolio

FotoFolio: Manila, I’m Coming Home

January 19, 2013 geralynrigor Leave a comment

A few weeks before leaving for India, I went for a Manila tour as part of the In-Country Orientation of new VSO Volunteers from Canada. And of course, part of the tour is a visit to Intramuros, Manila, the old walled city.

Manila has been the Philippine capital since the time of the Spaniards, with Intramuros as its central seat of power.

So yes, though I don’t live in Manila, I dare say, “Manila, I’m coming home!”

Activities and Itineraries, Cities, Countries, FotoFolio

FotoFolio: The Helix Bridge and Singapore Flyer

January 18, 2013 geralynrigor Leave a comment

I have been to Singapore twice: first in April 2010 for a quick 4-day Singapore and Kuala Lumpur birthday holiday and second in October 2011 as part of my 4-week backpacking South East Asia trip.

The first time we went, as we had limited time in Singapore itself, I think we only saw a glimpse of the Singapore flyer and the newly-[half] opened helix bridge. The entire Helix Bridge, which connects the Marina Bay area, officially opened in July 2010.

Inside the Helix — Shaded walkway for a fine afternoon stroll

When we came the second time, we spent almost an entire day just walking around the streets of Singapore. And of course, when we visited the Marina Bay Sands area before heading to the Singapore Flyer for our ride, the Helix Bridge served as a pleasant, interesting and [most importantly] shaded connecting walkway.

Not only that. When you walk through the walkway, you also get a chance to have a different vantage point (opposite side of the Merlion area) to appreciate the calm Singapore River with the bustling skyline in the background.

Happy walking! Click here to read the Wikipedia entry for Singapore’s Helix Bridge.