I Travel Not To Go Anywhere...

The City Scale: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. Often referred to as KL. It is filled with a variety of people who are friendly enough to help you with most problems you may have.

1. The People and The Culture (4/5)

The population of KL is very diverse. You will find Christian, Hindu and Islamic influences everywhere and from what I've seen, they have been able to integrate peacefully. Everyone shows off their culture respectful, in ways which breeds tolerance and some lovely art.

2. Things to Do (4/5)

There is no shortage of things to do and sights to see. It is a very lively city where there is always something going on, even late at night. I suggest stepping out of your comfort zone and singing some karaoke. The one draw back is that I didn't experience a whole lot of nature here. Like I was told many times 'KL is a mall city'. They are everywhere. So, if you like shopping make sure to take advantage.

3. Transportation (5/5)

Transport is definitely not a problem in the city. There are taxi's, busses, trains, the works. Most things are fairly close also so walking is also an option. Furthermore they have loads of transportation apps which make getting around even easier.

4. The Food (3/5)

The food is ok. There is some international selection. But most of the cheaper food is mostly local street food. Its pretty standard SEA food with some local variations. Good but again, nothing particularly spectacular

5. Standouts (2/5)

Although I think Kuala Lumpur is a great city and I had a fantastic time, writing this made me realize, there weren't any real standouts. The great thing is the feel of the city. It has a lot of city life but still manages to keep a calm air that is pleasant to be in. However, nothing particularly special standout about the city.

Overall 18/25

The City Scale

Every city is different and unique so it is difficult to judge them against each other. However, we all know that judging is what we do best and with judging there has to be competition. I write about my favorite cities but theres nothing real to back it up. To help me remedy this problem I've come up with some criteria to judge each city. They are:

1. The People and Culture

The people are what make the city. Are they friendly? Are they crazy? Do they take enough showers? The entire Human Resource of a country will be covered in this category. Closely linked to 'The People' is the culture. I've found that in several cities theres a definitely lack of an identity while in some cities thats the only thing going for them. But the real question is, 'Is it a culture which you want to experience?' 

2. Things To Do

The next thing is the attractions. This might not necessarily be just touristy things but really how active can you be. Even better, are the things to do worthwhile. There are loads of places that advertise many things to do, but the reality is they lack excitement and value.

3. Transportation

Getting around is an important factor in any place you go. Accessibility is key. There may be loads of things to do but lets face it, if you can't  get to any of them, then it is a big dud.

4. The Food

Undeniably one of the most important factors for me is access to good food. If cup-o-noodles is constantly on the menu because I simply don't trust anything else. Well then there is an issue.

5. Standouts

Last but not least, we have 'The Standouts'. There are many cities where there are several aspects that don't make sense but there is a unique factor which makes up for everything. This is where we will account for that. Whether, these are negative or positive factors, we will discuss them here.

Every category will get a score out of 5. Then we will tally up the marks and rank the cities accordingly. So what do you think of the scale? Do you think I missed anything? Let me know in the comments below. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Miss Universe 2016

I remember as a kid, watching this show with my family. I would never know when it was coming up but the day of, someone would mention it and everyone would gather around to watch. It was like the whole football season in one night for mom's. Picking a team, debating if they would win and being super critical of every move they make. I love the conversations that would come out of watching this international competition, "she doesn't even look (insert any country here)", "is that really what they wear over there?", "no way she can go home after saying that." Then debating the merits of the final winner.

One of the coolest things for me was seeing the amount of different countries. In the opening ceremony when all of the different contestants would introduce themselves, I was always tuned it completely. It was always a favorite of mine. I'm from a small country and geography was never really my thing, so I was constantly wondering if those were real countries or if someone was pulling our legs, hoping to see if someone would noticed. But it was never a hoax. There really are that many countries. I can only imagine what people think when a gorgeous lady walks across the stage claiming to be from Barbados.

This year, for the first time in many years, Barbados will be sending a candidate to the competition. Miss Shannon Harris is a lovely, 22 year old Barbadian girl, who will be representing the island at the pageant. Based on what I've been seeing, she's going to kill it. She's beautiful, smart and well spoken. The whole package. Which from what I hear, is exactly what the judges are looking for. However, its our job to continually support her. Showing her love, and letting everyone else in the world know we think she's already Miss Universe. To see more of Shannon, check out her Instagram and her Miss Universe profile. And don't forget to tune in on January 29, I bet her opening dress will be on point.

Why I Love Traveling.

The thing I love about travel isn't always the seeing new things. Its not the where you should go or the what you should do. Its the thoughts and ideas and experiences that come out of it. Yes, going somewhere and doing something is the medium that brings out the thought, but its the thought thats what is really interesting. How something opens your eyes and makes you think. How being in that particular place changed you. And made you realize certain things. The experience may be the way you will react to certain stimulus. It may be something you don't particularly like, but at least now you know.

There are many different ways to travel and every travel experience is a thing in itself. Sharing places you went and what you did is important. But the main focus is what did it really mean. That meaning can be difficult to find and may not even show up until later but I think it is pivotal. Hell some parts may not seem that important, but its all part of the story. People are a sum of their experiences. Travel opens you up to experiences that you probably won't be able to get from sitting in your living room. You could watch tv, you could read a book but there is something to be said for going outside and taking in that view for yourself. All other mediums are second hand. Experience is allowing yourself to take in something with only your filter.

The truth is you don't have to travel to have profound thoughts and to experience life. For me though, its just easier to always be learning and stay open to new things if I am constantly putting myself in new situations. Or putting myself in the same position but handling it differently because of another recent experience.

I love seeing and doing new things because of the ways it changes me, even if I don't realize what it has done at the time. What if thats the reason travel is the greatest therapist? Because you do or see something and then you are allowed to ask yourself, 'How did that make me feel?'

Once You Have Travelled...

Pokemon Go: Awesome TravelApp

There was a lot of buzz recently about PokemonGo and its massively successful launch. Personally I see it as an incredible TravelApp more than anything else. You may not think of Pokemon Go as a travel app, but I think it may just be one of the most innovative ones out there right now. 

1 - It rewards you for travel (walking). It helps you maximize the time spent traveling, and I'm always looking for things I can benefit from while on the road. Also it documents the location where you got a Pokemon. So you kind of have a cool memento of that place when you get awesome Pokemon there.

2 - It touches on a piece of nostalgia I never thought I would reconnect with. I loved Pokemon when I was younger and I know anyone born around that time had the same experience. Collecting the cards, watching the show, playing the games, there was always something Pokemon related to do. This helps me feel like I didn't waste my youth. Although in reality I'm probably just wasting my 20's too. Hell at least its been a fun ride.

3 - It has a map. Instead of just looking at Google maps you can be looking for Pokestops and Gyms. Plus it's a map so once you have an idea of where you are going you shouldn't get too lost.

4 - Its just entertaining as hell. One of my new favorite feelings is the moment after a Pokeball stops shaking and I know I've officially caught that sucker. Win.

5 - Its super social. Anyone else who plays knows how addictive it can be. It helps to have someone to go walking with when you are looking for Pokemon and Pokestops to raid. When you get too a Pokestop with a lure and you see a bunch of people with their eyes glued to their phones it almost makes you want to scream, "These are my PEOPLE."

But those are just my thoughts on this new fad as a traveler. What do you think? Better yet, what games do you play when you are traveling?

Not All Christmas' Need To Be White...

The Asian Squat: To Do or Not to Doo?

The Asian Squat is a full squat with your feet firmly planted on the ground, no tip toes. It may not seem like a big deal, but traveling to Asia has definitely opened my mind to this position. Mostly because it seems like everyone in Asia is doing it. The smallest of children to the oldest of adults, while playing, eating and everything in between.

The reason why it stuck out to me so much is because they seem so comfortable, almost as if they've lived their entire lives in that position. Its natural. Meanwhile when I tried to copy, my legs hurt and it felt incredibly unnatural to not pop onto my toes (More proof that I'm one of the worst Asians ever). But now I can comfortably stay in that position for like 5 mins. Win.

They say when you are in that position its easier to poop. Which brings me to chinese toilets. I haven't experienced this since I've been in thailand. Maybe because I've been going to all the right places. But chinese toilets are basically just porcelain holes in the ground, which you asian squat over to use. They say this opens up your bowels so you are able to use the bathroom better, but whatever help it does to my bowels, I'm pretty sure it would ruin me mentally. Regardless, the asian squat is a funny little cultural thing, gotta appreciate the little things. Also I have a theory that it might be the reason a lot of Asians have nice big calves.

Bizarre Travel Plans...

L' Oliveraie Restaurant: Marseille, France

Visiting France is all about the food. We have all heard about french technique and how good french food is, but have you ever eaten this mythical french food that everyone is raving about? It stands to reason that if you want good french food, a good place to start is in France. The minute we got to Marseille I could understand why it was famous. It's breathtaking. However, I had a mission to eat, and there was no room for failure.

Walking around the port we unsuspecting found an incredibly beautiful little restaurant, that forced us to stop. To be honest I wasn't sure of the name at first but looking at the menu I was certain there was a good time to be had there, plus the set menu came with wine. You couldn't go wrong with that.

My parents aren't exactly the biggest fans of European food. However the food here was undeniably good. There were not subtle flavors. Everything was bold to the point of feeling like an assault on your tastebuds. However, by that time the dish is done and you are wishing for more. Almost, like a culinary Stockholm Syndrome. The best part of eating here was that I felt as though the ingredients were good, but that wasn't the reason the food was amazing. It was in fact the cooking. Someone in that kitchen knew what they were doing. They were looking to take hostages. They wanted to make love in your mouth. Developing flavor is no easy task, however at L' Oliveraie it seemed like effortless art.

This experience was enlightening because it made me truly understand the notoriety of French Food. Good ingredients but better technique. It is how you use those ingredients to carry the products to the next level, to make a cuisine.

If you want to visit this incredibly underrated restaurant while in Marseille, check out there TripAdvisor page. And let me know where you would like to travel just to eat the food, in the comments below.

New Logo

I've introduced this new logo a few other places, but I'm finally putting it here. We are getting legit guys. Hope you like it. Let me know what you think of our new logo. 

The Core Of Man's Spirit...

Hitch The World: The Chronicles of Patrick Joseph Falterman II

A friend of mine posted a comic strip by Things in Squares on my Facebook page which had a lot of insightful things to say about travel. It was the story of Patrick Joseph Falterman. Basically, there was this dude, living in Texas and he wanted to see the Amazon. So, he did.

It may not seem like a lot, but taking that leap can be a pretty horrifying experience. Luckily, this gentleman's journey was epic. On his site, hitchtheworld.com, you can find archives of his travels. Reading through them, he articulates things that I've felt, but have never been able to put into words. He perfectly expresses the need to get away and writes about all the hits and misses that come with that need. Something, which I find incredibly difficult to explain to people, especially if they've never felt it. For some, travel isn't just a thing you do because you have vacation time. For some, its a thing that lives inside, that can make you miserable if you don't listen to it, but can also bring you more joy than you ever expected.

I never got a chance to meet Patrick but I'd like to think that if we met on the road, we'd hang out for a couple of weeks. Reading about his trips, reminded me that while this may not be 'normal' there are other people out there doing the same thing. Some in way more extreme circumstances. Not everyone may be a nomad, but everyone should have the zest for life this guy did. 

Please check out Patricks website, hitchtheworld.com. There's loads of great travel stories and advice that would be a shame to go to waste.

Working On Your Blog While Traveling

Traveling should be about being in the moment. Experiencing things wholeheartedly so that you are able to maximize the journey you are on. But how do you balance that with work? I've found that when I'm traveling although I'm inspired, the last thing I want to do is work. My reasoning is, I should be able to work because I have free time. I should be able to give the blog the attention I can't while I'm working a regular job. However, working kills the adventure.

The problem I'm facing, which I know most people struggle with is, that elusive work and life balance. How do you get the rest you need while still being productive in a meaningful way? Thinking about it, it's a catch-22. Writing about the amazing experiences I'm having, stops me f
rom fully experiencing them. It takes you out of the experience itself and forces you to see it as a marketable commodity.

The reality is blogging is hard work. Any job is hard work, especially if you are trying to be good at it (even more so if you aren't being paid). It requires a lot of time and effort which are limited when you are only in a location for a couple of days. It takes a lot of time sitting down and writing a post and believe it takes even more effort to force yourself out of a comfy bed after a long night out to open your computer and stare at the screen begging for words, photos and videos to materialize. Personally, this blog came out of a need to use my travel experiences and thoughts. I've done some things and I needed to share them even if it is just being launched into cyber space without a paddle.

I think the moral of this story is; work is hard, travel is great and balancing the two is damn near impossible. But if this is the path that you have decided to take, its also necessary. So have fun when there is fun to be had and try to make the best of those necessary lulls in action, like an eight hour flight to China. What do you think? Have any tips on how to blog while you traveling?

The Greatest Reward And Luxury Of Travel...

Barcelona

I think I'm in love. I'm vibing with this city like there is no tomorrow. Sitting in a corner cafe writing, drinking a beer while a skate competition happens behind me and a bunch of people walk on by.

Granted I haven't been here very long and I am barely here long enough to say I've experienced life in Barcelona, but its a fantastic first date. I want to come back here. I am definitely going to come back.

The guys style is shirts, shorts and loafers and I can definitely get down with that. The more I travel the more undeniable it becomes. I fit in with Spanish cultures, maybe its the brown skin or the Caribbean thing but I'm so comfortable and happy in Spanish cultures it is crazy. Now I need to learn more of the language so that we can actually have conversations. Until then I will be a silent admirer. Loving what I see unable to interact.

Now I'm sitting in the marina, chill in the grass with my shoes off. Life doesn't get much better than this.

Barbadian Street Art...

The Great Wall Of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the world's best known tourist attractions. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. You can't actually see it from the Moon, which is kind of a downer but the amount of crazy facts about The Wall, its not surprising that some of them aren't true.

I climbed The Wall with my family in the rain. The conditions weren't very friendly but it didn't matter. There is something very majestic about seeing the wall even in less than ideal conditions. There are a lot of things in life that don't life up to expectations, fortunately the Great Wall of China isn't one of those things.

I wasn't excited to go to the Great Wall. However being there was thrilling. I felt accomplishment from just being there. Climbing up was difficult and I felt proud for being able to conquer it but it was more than that. Looking down and seeing the snake like structure winding over the hills fill me with a sense of joy. Seeing this immense structure stand the test of time was incredibly satisfying. It made me feel like I could do almost anything. And it helped to be experiencing it with my family. I don't think I could have anticipated how being on that wall made me fell. But if I could have, I would probably have done it ages ago.

Moving to Thailand

... There are no words. I may still be in shock that I'm actually here.

I visited Bangkok, Thailand a few years ago with my family on our small tour of Asia and I loved it. At no point did I consider that I could be moving here for a couple of months.

This time I am in Phuket. It is very different. Small town feel, actually reminds me a lot of Trinidad. When I came in, it was raining but it was beautifully lush. Here's hoping that I love it as much when I am leaving.

Much like my other moves, moving here kind of just fell into my lap. As part of my masters, I have to do a mandatory internship. Luckily for me, I got an opportunity with a property that I loved from the moment I saw it. An incredible opportunity, at an amazing property in freaking Thailand! What more could I ask for?

I have to preach, when you keep yourself open to opportunities, anything can happen. For now I am back on the shore. Even if it is a completely different one from the one I am accustomed to.