Accidental Tourist Buddies in Jakarta

May 30, 2014

Remember the two ladies who made a cameo on my flight-to-Jakarta narrative? well they stayed in the capital of Indonesia while I took a train to Yogyakarta. I thought the story ended there but to my wonderful surprise I bumped into them again a few days later. After spending 4 days at Yogyakarta I went back to Jakarta for the tail-end of my trip and ended up staying at the same hostel as these two lovelies. They answers to the name of Tania Gonzales and Carmel So. I was downstairs of the hostel at the lounge working on my laptop when I saw them come down, I almost fell out of my seat and just froze. I heard about them talking about eating in a Korean Restaurant before they walked out the door. 

Tania Maria Gonzalez and Carmel Co

Postcard Series: Taj Mahal Kids | India

May 20, 2014

We were viewing the Taj Mahal from a spot where according to local myth, was the place where the Black Taj was supposed to be built, when these kids eagerly posed and asked us to take some photographs of them. In a heartwarming display of child-like wonder and innocence came a very humbling image of these kids, while living within simple means, could still convey such happiness amidst the background of the ultimate symbol of love - the Taj Mahal.

Smiling kids in Taj Mahal

Murmurs of Awe at Borobudur | Yogyakarta, Indonesia

May 09, 2014

Anytime you find your way to the world's largest Buddhist temple in the world, you feel like toasting your kismet for bringing you there. Just the mere fact of stepping foot on a structure built with oozing creativity dating back to the 9th century, is already a significant moment for myself. Borobudur is the primary reason why I journeyed to the city of Yogyakarta—which at the time was my longest train ride—from Jakarta. It was one of those place forever etched in my mind as something I must see.

Levy Amosin at Borobudur Yogyakarta Indonesia

Must Love Spelunking at Lahab Cave, Lights out for Pacquiao | Capiz

May 02, 2014

Seated among other travel writers inside a van, we advanced further inland of Capiz province. As we passed by the scenic countryside my mind seem to wander towards the fourth fight of Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, which at that time was about to happen in a few minutes. I was somehow unexcited about our next destination, a cave called Lahab Cave located at the town of Dumalag - around 45 klicks south of Roxas City. Little do I know that a shocker of a boxing result and a charming cave which exceeded my expectation, awaits me in a few hours. 

Kiara Lagrisola