Tag: photography

Travel

Oregon Trail

“In humanity’s trails, it is ultimately landscapes which direct our journey. While some look to our footpaths, the greatest imprints will always be found in nature.”

When it comes to Oregon, it’s one of the few places I remember more for its residents than I do for its landscapes.

While most trips I sojourn alone, Oregon is a destination in which I visit family, with both my brothers living there.

What I witnessed from visiting Oregon three times in the past six years is that where you live affects the person you become. An obvious distinction, right?

But nowhere has this been more evident than Oregon, as I saw how my brothers have transformed to living in rural America, far from the metropolis that is Los Angeles. In a way, I was able to understand Trump supporters more from seeing the changes I saw in my own brothers, as they went from city liberals in their 20s to conservative hillbillies in their 30s and beyond.

Oregon averages over 40,000 incoming Californians per year, with a whopping 57% of its residents migrants from other states. So what’s driving the boom?

The state is famous for its nonexistent sales tax, 4 seasons, laidback style, and its bevy of more than 200 breweries and nature trails. It’s kind of how I imagine California would have been a century ago, before Hollywood took over its culture.

So what are Oregon’s highlights?

Topping the list has to be Crater Lake, which is famous for its deep blue waters and clarity. At near 2000 feet deep, it is the deepest lake in all of America and is featured on America’s quarter as an emblem for the state.

In the city of Bend, are several nearby geographical features that give it its moniker of being an outdoor sports gateway for fishing, hiking, skiing, and mountain climbing.

With so many scenic spots and an affordable standard of living, Men’s Journal ranked Bend as one of “The Top 10 Places to Live Now” in 2015.

Though I could imagine living here for a few months, it’s hard to imagine doing so permanently, as my middle brother appears destined. With less than 100,o00 residents, the city feels more like a town and there’s not much to get into at night.

While its craft beer scene is fulsome, I just might drive myself mad from the silence.

But that’s what gives Bend its character. The town isn’t one for those who strive for Hollywood glamour, it’s meant for those who prefer comfort with who they are.

In the bottom-right of the above image, you can make out the tracings of my figure. In a way, this scene encapsulates life in Bend — and that of greater Oregon. At center stage, it is Oregon’s natural beauty that takes precedence, while humanity sifts to the outskirts of her trails and powerful rivers.

I wonder, “How would living in such tranquil bliss have affected my upbringing?” Perhaps it is something my nephew and niece could inform me upon in 20 years.

As it is now, my travels must continue — for there are many more destinations that beckon my arrival. As a proper guest, I must not keep them waiting…

Tags backpacker, craterlake, hiking, journal, nature, nomad, oregon, photography

Travel

Horse Backing Mongolia

“To understand the life of a nomad, you must see it through their eyes, feel it through their movements, and live it through their experiences.”

I first traveled to Mongolia almost a decade ago and it has forever left a lasting imprint, serving as an impetus which gave me reassurance to pursue my nomadic lifestyle today.

In our modern paradigm of planning every step of our future, there’s something to be said for those who arrange their lives according to the capricious sentiments of the winds and the weather. They accept what the present holds, and move accordingly. One morning may bring you sun, while the next brings you snow.

Regardless, you keep moving…

The Mongolians on the steppes are rough, rugged, and raw. And what makes them so hardy is they have no idea they are.

Waking up as the sun rises, you snap out of your hangover to gear yourself up for the day that lies ahead. We got another eight hours to ride so let’s get moving.

What’s interesting as a tourist is that I have no idea where I’m going to sleep that night.

“Who will we meet?” I ask my guide. He says he’s not sure but has a rough idea of where we can go and who we can visit.

So this is how you spend your days: horse backing for several hours as you come across a ger, open its door, drink their tea, catch up on local news, and carry on.

The next day you may find yourself helping a local setup his ger or pack it up, as they get ready to head to their next destination, going where there are fresh pastures for their goats.

Though you don’t ever sleep at the same place, there’s a routine that sets in after the third day or so. You adjust to the free-flowing nature of these nomads and the unplanned nature of the day ahead becomes refreshing, as you meet family after family, get a glimpse into their lives, sleep, wake up, say your goodbyes, and carry on.

On some days you may find yourself goat herding…

On other days, you may find yourself sleeping alone in a cabin. The cabins are much colder inside than the gers because of the gaping holes between some panels. So what do you do? Go outside, collect wood, and build a fire to last the night…

Then there are those random moments where you may meet a local, chat it up, and he offers you to go off-roading for a few nights. So what do you do? Ask him if you can drive in exchange for providing the liquor…

Speaking of liquor, the beverage of choice in Mongolia is Chinggis Vodka (named after Genghis Khan). I had never heard of the brand before but I got to know it well by the end of my stay. It’s surprisingly pleasant and goes down smooth, akin to a decent vodka.

When you’re not drinking alcohol, you’re brewing tea by the river.

Or interacting with students at a local school.

While at night testing your strength:

In our ever more conscientious consuming culture, what I noticed after spending a few weeks with Mongolians is that they waste nothing. You eat everything that’s given to you, and at times prepare meals yourself as you strike a goat’s head with a metal rod to ensure it a quick death. Then you skin and knead its organs for consumption. Even the hooves and head are consumed, to be boiled in a stew.

All of this makes for quite the experience and I highly recommend others to go check out Lake Khovsgol for an authentic Mongolian excursion.

This is one of those places that has yet to be populated by tourism so the local culture is intact and truly feels like you’re getting a genuine experience.

“A true nomad won’t be found in the city, for the presence of too many will perturb his instincts. No, he is found in nature, the only refuge which beckons him to go his own way.”

Tags backpacker, culture, digitalnomad, horsebacking, mongolia, nomad, photography, tourism, travel, wanderlust

Travel

True Romance: Europe

“Romance is akin to a fine wine. The pleasure derives from as much the flavor as it does the environment in which we’re enjoying it.”

As a young backpacker, let’s be honest: a primary reason why we travel is to engage in the occasional tryst or rendezvous, be it of the one-night variety or to last a lifetime.

We’re interested in the people we meet and, ideally, we hope to meet people we’re attracted to. In Europe is where I’ve had some of my most romantic encounters.

Looking back, I realize it was the atmosphere of these encounters that made these memories so unique: be it sipping wine until daybreak under a bridge by a canal, meeting someone on the train cabin right next to yours, or hanging out at a café where the ambience strikes a different chord from what we’re accustomed to.

Non-Europeans tend to have a romanticized view of the continent. For many of us, exploring Europe has been on our bucket list since childhood. While other destinations can offer history or modernity, European cities are great at offering both: providing leisure as we peruse landmarks in the day and seek fun at night. Either way, we can explore in comfort and style.

With an abundance of travelers in Europe, it’s easy to mingle with both tourists and locals alike. In particular, southern Europe and its Greek Islands are beautiful in the spring and summer, with an abundance of accommodations available to enjoy stunning views.

Simply put, Europe is romantic. And a great reason why is because of the historic nature of its cities: of cobblestone bricks, centuries-old apartments and cafes, and monuments which have endured even after warfare and strife.

History is romantic. And Europe has plenty of it.

Tags backpacker, europe, nomad, photography, romance, tourism, travel, wanderlust

Travel

Uzi Island

“It’s probably a name you’ve never heard of or a place you imagined existing.”

I’ve traveled to several remote locations in my life, and Uzi Island is memorable because the natural elements still reign supreme, as the locals adjust their lifestyle accordingly. To picture Uzi Island is to get a glimpse of how Zanzibar Island was like centuries ago, without all its recent development.

Regarding its locals, there is about 6000 people living here, mainly as fishermen or farmers.

Yet, there is not a single bar, restaurant or hotel in sight, revealing how seldom tourists travel here. There is a school in the area, but that’s about it in terms of landmarks.

Located in the south of Zanzibar, Uzi Island can only be reached by boat or by vehicle during low tide.

Either way, you cross its dense mangrove forests, which is a memorable excursion in of itself.

While Zanzibar is a tourist mecca for those traveling to East Africa, less than 1% probably traverse this far south. The northeast and northwest are the hotbeds for tourism here.

Spending my days in locations like Uzi Island is hypnotic in the sense that nothing changes from day-to-day but the weather. There is no urge to turn its scenic locations into hotels, build its economy, or to make the most of its resources. With so much of human desire driven by exploitation of our environment, it feels comforting to know places like Uzi Island exist where that drive remains muted.

On a personal level, this creates a sort of tension within myself. As I’m reaching middle age, I know I need material accumulation for myself to have a successful future, yet I feel an aversion to it, as I see how people live in remote locations in such peace with their environment. Though poverty is prevalent, the drive to suicide or depression is nonexistent in these locales.

So what should I do? Spend the next twenty years accumulating as much capital as I can, or return to the city realizing that so much of what occupies our mind is a façade? I don’t know the answer to these questions, and I think it’s up to each individual to make that decision themselves.

The only recommendation I can give is that I hope young individuals get the opportunity to travel to such remote locations on their own so they can re-tune their rhythms to nature rather than the market.

The lives here are as worthy as our own, and I’m thankful for such experiences as they’ve widened my understanding regarding the breadth of human experience.

This world is big. Locations like Uzi Island abound everywhere; it’s on us to decide are such locations meant for development or should we leave them as is?

Tags africa, backpacker, culture, island, nature, nomad, photography, travel, zanzibar

Travel

Kyoto Unique

“Contrast makes life vivid.”

Kyoto is a city of contrasts, in which the traditional collides with the present, roads bustle near serene gardens, colorful kimonos dot the streets amidst a sea of grey and green, and geishas scurry to teahouses in the evening while businessmen stumble home from whiskey houses in the morning.

As more businessman than geisha, I found myself stumbling to my hotel on several late nights, forgetting its location as I was in a daze from swirling too much Suntory and Nikka whiskey. Though most bars close by 2AM, the smaller, local joints stay open till much later if patrons are still seated. When I picture Japan, I think of polite society — and nothing is more polite than allowing a patron to enjoy his bottle till it’s finished.

Though Kyotolites speak little English and my Japanese abilities are nonexistent, the conversations were pleasant and many of the bars were family-run which always adds to the ambience and distinctness to a neighborhood.

The Japanese are bounded by a sense of mutual trust and duty, which is evident in how very few bikes have locks attached to them at night. They trust that no one would steal them, for who would do such a thing?

For visitors, Kyoto is frequently rated as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Asia due to the sheer number of local bikers and its relatively flat landscape with grid-like design making it easy to navigate.

But what would biking be without interesting destinations to visit?

And what makes Kyoto one of my favorite cities is its uniqueness; there’s nothing quite like it and I have no idea what other city I can compare it to, from its origins as the birthplace of kaiseki cuisine (in which 6-15 dishes are served) to its historic temples and rock gardens.

Taking a 2-3 hour stroll through Fushimi Inari as you glance at locals making crafts, or taking a shorter walk through the Philosopher’s Path to enjoy the view of Cherry Trees, is as quaint and peaceful as life gets — all of which makes it understandable why Kyoto has the 4th longest life expectancy out of Japan’s 47 prefectures (at 84.38 years).

Kyoto is often considered the cultural heart of Japan and what’s beautiful is that, for a modern city, its traditions are still living, from the attire of its locals to the architecture of its temples — a sense of the past is ever-pervading and it’s not too difficult to imagine how life was like here centuries ago, something that is incredibly rare for a contemporary city to maintain.

Tags backpacker, japan, kyoto, nomad, photography, travel

Travel

Scuba, Sun, & Sipidan

“While we look to the stars to gleam our future, it is the depths of the oceans that unveil our past. For it is in these channels, we gain an inkling of our current selves.”

Having spent much of my travels trekking across various terrain, I began to feel an inkling for something different. While the beauty of landscapes and cityscapes leaves one in awe, what lies below is a bit of a mystery. It is from the cajoling of scuba enthusiasts that I decided to give it a go and googled, “Best diving spots in the world.”

What immediately captured my attention was Sipidan Island, purely because of the sheer number of aquatic life I saw from its images. Located in the heart of the Indo-Pacific Basin, Sipidan has one of the most robust marine ecosystems in the world, with over 3000 species of fish.

But how does one go about learning how to scuba dive? It can’t be too difficult to find an operator, right? So it is on a whim I bought a plane ticket to Borneo to figure it out. When I plan my trips, all I do is purchase the plane ticket. Where I stay, who I meet, I leave up to serendipity and my intuition to guide me. This makes my arrivals at airports a thrilling experience because I have no idea how my trip will unfold, or even where I’m going to sleep for the night.

This also allows me to negotiate better deals, especially in developing countries where prices are rarely fixed, unlike the rates advertised online. Naturally, guides and operators are much more willing to offer steep discounts in-person. The only suggestion I’ll give is to speak to the owners or management directly, as employees will usually not have the interest or authority to negotiate rates. Mom-and-pop shops will give you the best deals, especially at boutique hotels where they’ll be willing to throw in upgrades to suites since travelers often don’t rent them.

To keep the coral reefs pristine, Sipidan does not allow people to stay past 3PM on the island, though they have increased their permit allotment to 176 divers per day (as of 2019). No overnight accommodations exist. Instead, we stay at Mabul Island which is about 14 kilometers away. And it is here where you learn how to dive for beginners.

The process to get a license was far more expedient and lax than I had imagined. The first day of training is spent in the resort pool practicing, while the next two days are spent diving Mabul Island which offers some unique sights as well.

My stay happened to coincide with a turtle-tagging excursion, which I had the fortune to be invited to. The speed of the divers was impressive as they ensnared turtles and roped them. The team of professionals keeps track of turtle population figures, migration patterns, and growth rates.

Then it was off to Sipidan…

The most popular dive site surrounding Sipidan is Barracuda Point (which is considered a top-10 dive site in the world), while the most unique one is Turtle Tomb because you get the opportunity to go cave diving. Turtle Tomb got its moniker from the unfortunate skeletal remains observed of sea turtles who didn’t manage to find their way out. Plunging into these depths and entering the various caverns feels otherworldly, like you’re living a movie scene.

But my most indelible memory is seeing all the jack tuna and barracudas, as thousands will swarm around you. Though it’s completely sensible — but not something you think much about as a land dweller — what immediately struck me when I was underwater is the sheer speed at which schools of fish travel. They envelop you like a hurricane and, as some of the fastest species of fish in the world, tuna and barracudas will dart at upwards of 40 mph as they zip right past you.

You realize how out of your element you are underwater. The currents are strong in several of the dive spots in Sipidan, however, so it feels like you’re flying through the ocean at times. It all makes for quite the experience.

Looks like one massive aquarium:

Diving all day is taxing. And after your 4^th dive, you’re ready to call it a day and happy to head back to land. But, after a week spent orangutan trekking, I had the itch to return to Sipidan to give it a go one last time for a third day of diving its various drop points.

Though nothing compares quite like your first experience trying something new, I enjoyed my return — as I foresaw it as unlikely I will ever return to this fascinating destination.

Tags backpacker, borneo, diving, fish, marine, nature, nomad, ocean, photography, scuba, sipidan, travel

Travel

Cityscapes

“To the city goes excess: where our primordial drives have full reign to unveil their carnal selves.”

Far removed from nature as we conceptualize it, lies cityscapes which show humanity’s ingenuity to redefine and design landscapes to serve purposes we see as fit for human society, be it the sprawling concrete jungles of Asia or the historical centres of Europe.

Just like landscapes, cityscapes have two personalities: the day and night, which serve as a marked contrast in terms of what creatures come out and what role the environment plays. For most of us, we labor in the day to enjoy our leisure in the evening.

Like human personalities, the city in the daytime reveals its persona, the view it tries to craft of itself; in the night, all the other elements come to play — and it is at night you can really get to know a city and its people in terms of what they eat, how much they drink, and what is the next spot we’re heading to?

Some cities turn eerily quiet at night, like a Zurich or a Venice, while others are bustling like a Cairo or Istanbul, where noise pollution has been linked to multiple deaths.

Zurich, Vienna, and Oslo have the distinction of being the quietest major cities in the world, while at the opposite end Guangzhou, Delhi, and Cairo are the loudest.

In the evening, East Asia is infamous for its elaborate room salons and high-end lounges residing underneath corporate basements while America and Europe are more renown for their rooftop digs.

Hotel-wise, Bangkok offers some of the most stunning views from its contemporary pool decks and sky lounges.

Though I enjoy marveling at the tranquil views of a city in the day, it is at night where the memories are made and humanity’s chaos is at its finest.

So cheers to the night!

Tags backpacker, cities, cityscapes, nomad, photography, travel, world

Travel

Landscapes

“Landscapes are like people. The more unique they are, the greater the impression they’ll leave.”

What fascinates me most about traveling is to experience unique landscapes, from plains to deserts, rainforests to jungles, glaciers to mountains, coasts to cliffs. Seeing nature at its most natural leaves a sense of wonder at the sheer spectacle of how vast this planet is, and how much of it still remains sparsely populated by humans.

What’s also unique about landscapes is how they shape their inhabitants, affecting the perspectives and viewpoints of local culture, from Saharan nomads in the desert to Mongolian nomads in the steppes.

Island cultures are also fascinating, as they live at such a leisurely pace compared to the mainland, be it Zanzibar Island in comparison to Tanzania or Jeju Island to that of the Korean peninsula.

All I know is that the less people there are, the more chill and down-to-earth individuals become. So, if you ever need to decompress and are afforded the time and funds, I recommend tuning out, logging off, and heading to unpopulated landscapes.

When you’re back in the city, close your eyes, and feel that serenity once again whenever you wish to relive it.

There’s no one to impress in the desert, no brand awareness in the jungles, and no keeping up with the Jones’ in the rainforests.

Nature doesn’t judge. It lives.

Tags backpacker, landscapes, nature, nomad, photography, travel

Travel

Wildlife Photography

“There is no feeling greater than to have pride in one’s company.”
At Noble Ventures, our aim is to continue climbing new heights as we expand our boundaries. To the bold goes a life well-lived.

As someone who is a travel enthusiast but has an aversion for fully documenting their experiences, I made the decision to buy a zoom lens before I traveled to Tanzania at the beginning of this year. I purchased a Sigma 100-400MM lens, which I attached to my Panasonic GH4 (with Metabones Speed Booster Adapter). Simply put, the Sigma lens is one of the most affordable options out there for zoom lenses.

And then it was off to the Serengeti, N’gorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Lake Manyara is also a popular destination to fit in when one visits Northern Tanzania, but essential bucket list excursions are only the first two destinations in my opinion.

The Serengeti is wondrous due to the sheer number of wildlife existing in the region (with over 2 million wildebeests and zebras roaming), while the N’gorongoro Crater is memorable because of its unique topography (having been formed as a result of a large volcanic eruption in which its cone collapsed inward 2.5 million years ago).

But, of course, why someone goes on an African safari is to see the lions. And with over 3,000 in the Serengeti alone, the park likely has the largest concentration of the species in the world.

The N’gorongoro Crater is famous for its rhino population as well, which has doubled since the 1970s due to anti-poaching efforts. Meanwhile, the Serengeti also boasts a large contingent of giraffes, hippos, and 4 of the Big 5 (lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos).

Usually solitary creatures, here are several rhinos posing for a group photo.

When I travel, my natural instinct is to live in the moment rather than document the experience. A blessing of spending 8-hour days in a Land Cruiser, however, is there’s not much option to do anything else but to take photos, including those of the over 500 species of birds that inhabit this region.

With smartphones getting yearly upgrades in their camera department, I wouldn’t say it’s necessary to purchase a camera for shooting videos or photos. As an amateur, my Iphone did a commendable job. I’m making it a personal goal of mine to improve documenting my future trips, however, so I look forward to improving my photography skills. And what better place is there to practice than in what’s considered by many the greatest wildlife park in the world?

Whether a nomadic vagabond or high-end tourist, one recommendation I can give is to document your experiences. As years pass, you’ll forget most of what has happened. Seeing a single photo has the power to evoke so many memories. So keep shooting! And make sure to include yourself every now and then.

Tags backpacker, nature, nomad, photography, serengeti, wildlife