Sunrise and Sunset

Some sunrises are hard to see, and some sunsets are hard to miss. We live in a world full of people with competitive mindsets: some compete with themselves, and some compete with others. These groups often cannot understand each other. Early in my life, I realized that in the pursuit of learning, there is no competition with anyone else. It’s about understanding yourself, improving your thoughts and knowledge, and using them to serve and help others along the journey. There will be times in life when you feel completely lost, your vision clouded, and your dreams blocked. During these moments, finding meaning can often come from travelling to unknown places. On most of my journeys, I travel with specific goals, but this time, I travelled without any goals, just like a vagabond. My only goals were blue skies, red sunsets, and green mountains. Reading works by authors like Ruskin Bond, R.K. Narayan, William Somerset Maugham, and many others has inspired me, showing me how to express myself through writing. I enjoy the simple ways of expressing life and introspection, capturing it in a feel-good manner.

The journey began with a sense of peace in my heart, accompanied by the soothing strains of Raga Hamir Kalyani. Borneo beckoned, with the majestic Mount Kinabalu standing as its crown jewel. I yearned to soak in the positivity from the fresh mountain breeze. Hiking through unfamiliar trails and hitchhiking in an unknown land was an adventure, with each step filled with exhilaration. The crisp air brought a blissful serenity, and exploring Kinabalu Park, losing myself in its trails, made me realize that sometimes getting lost is necessary. Trusting our path and believing in ourselves is often the only way forward. On our adventurous journeys through life, we often encounter fascinating people. The day I traveled to Borneo, I had intriguing interactions with people from my native country in a restaurant. Initially, they mistook me for a foreigner due to my big beard and English accent, which created a different impression. I don't blame them; it was just my moment in time. From the kitchen, I heard a language similar to my native tongue and instinctively began speaking it. The atmosphere immediately shifted to a friendly and humorous one, making the experience very pleasant. They treated me exceptionally well afterwards. This experience taught me that life can place us in unfavourable situations, but with time, these situations can transform into something wonderfully pleasant.

Yellow breasted warbler

There's no better way to end a beautiful day than by witnessing a breathtaking sunset on a serene island. Walking along the beach, between two distant islands, I watched the fiery red sun sink into the sea, painting the world in hues of crimson. This magical moment reminded me that everything, even the most beautiful experiences, will pass. As I wandered through the sun-kissed sands and let the gentle waves lap at my feet, I embraced the solitude and realized that some of the most beautiful journeys are those we take alone. These moments become cherished memories, offering hope just as the setting sun promises a new day. With my favourite song, "Vida Karo," playing in the background, I walked along the beach, feeling a deep sense of peace and contentment.

Once the most powerful kingdom and a formidable ally of the Chola Empire, the Khmer Empire is home to the iconic city of Angkor Thom and the world's largest temple complex, the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat. Each sunrise here carries a promise, a hope that the past glory will return, bringing prosperity and happiness to the land once more. Watching the sun rise above the temple's gopuram, you realize that the celestial jewel has witnessed every event in history. Visiting Angkor Wat was a dream of mine, a chance to touch history. I never thought I would have this experience, but sometimes we must simply hope and seize opportunities as they come. If it’s meant to be, you will witness wonders and create memories that last a lifetime. 

Sunrise in Ankgor wat

Watching the sun rise above Angkor Wat filled me with hope and reminded me to believe in myself. Just as great things endure the harshest challenges and still stand tall, so can we overcome the odds. Walking through the corridors of Angkor Wat, admiring the intricate sculptures and carvings, and reading the stories etched into the walls was a profound experience. Each side of the temple tells a different tale—Heaven and Hell, the Ramayana, the conquests of kings, the story of Mount Meru. As I slowly explored, I marvelled at the skill and dedication of the artisans who devoted their time and effort to creating such marvels.

I can't help but wonder about today's world, where people often compete over materialistic pursuits, compared to those times when individuals poured love and sincerity into their work, creating wonders. It makes me question why more people can't approach their tasks with the same passion and dedication, rather than appropriating the efforts of others.

My takeaway from this experience is to live life doing what you love and to do everything with love and passion. By doing so, you can overcome any obstacle, and your unique qualities and personality, shaped by this dedication, can never be taken from you.

Angkor wat temple

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is another marvel, a city of citadels and monasteries. I view these complexes as centres of culture, spirituality, and knowledge. While exploring Angkor Thom, I encountered a black baza, which was a rare sight since it was not the migratory season. Seeing it up close was a delight. As I wandered through the ruins of Angkor Thom temples and the forest reclaiming the ancient remnants, I witnessed a unique wonder of nature: a long-tailed macaque breastfeeding her infant. Coincidentally, it was Mother's Day, and this scene deeply resonated with me. It reminded me that no one in this world will protect and care for us like a mother protecting her child. The genuine warmth under her arm and the innocence of the infant evoked a profound sense of security and authenticity.

As we grow up, people around us often try to strip away our innocence, encouraging us to accept wrongful behaviours as maturity and to ignore others' abuse as a sign of wisdom. Speaking out against these injustices often brands us as naïve or blunt. This experience reminded me of Albert Einstein's quote that we should not grow old and adapt to the world's crookedness. Instead, we should always remain the curious child, standing in awe before the great mysteries of the world into which we were born. I continued walking, exploring the wonders.

Long-tailed macaque

While exploring historical wonders, I realized that destiny is not the end point of life; it's the journey itself, the way we live each moment. Great leaders and visionaries initiate the creation of these wonders, and it often takes multiple lifetimes to fully appreciate their significance. Their vision is the true destiny. I wandered like a shepherd, savoring the flow of time, living in the moment, and creating memories. Life goes on, and if, in the process, you can offer a moment of peace to your fellow traveller in this world, that's the most positive way to live.
  

Shepherd and the river

By the river's gentle flow, where silver waters gleam and glow, a shepherd roams with a heart full of freedom, amidst the timeless hills and ancient trees. The soil, once rich and flourishing from the river's bounty, has thinned over time, yet the river still sings its soft refrain—a melody of joy and sorrow. Through countless storms and trials, the shepherd, with his flute and staff, keeps his enduring bond with the river. They move together with the river’s flow, sometimes tranquil, sometimes tempestuous. Together, they have shared laughter and faced fears, their connection a beautiful testament to unwavering companionship and the joyful journey of life. 

Witnessing sunrises and sunsets at various iconic places, life continually offered opportunities to see more and experience more. On the way back to my room after these monumental experiences, I felt a profound contentment in detachment, much like the shepherd and the river.

Ta Prohm