While trying to upload a video on youtube of our motorbike trip to visit the remote beaches at the northern tip of  El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. I found these images of the rice paddies en route to Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beach. A short stop (for the aching bums). The sun was high up and it was a rough journey. We were about to run out of petrol on our way back. Luckily, we found a small village on the way, right in the middle of nowhere to buy a bottle of gasoline sold in a small shack and we were good to go.

Hello everyone! We celebrated a happy Eid weekend here in the UAE that started last Thursday. We spent Friday at  Wadi Adventure in Al Ain, I have yet to edit the video to capture the fun experience the Air Park offers as we crossed cables and swung on a gigantic log swing after white water rafting for two hours. Sunday marks the beginning of the work week here with post-holiday mood everywhere. For now, I'll leave you with  inspiring words to reflect on.

Have a productive and creative week!

Love and light,

Arni

P.S. Photo taken by Yohann N. in Nepal

A quick trip to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka was a very interesting experience in getting up close and personal with elephants. This huge 25-acre (10 hectare) elephant sanctuary lies in a coconut plantation located halfway between Colombo and the hilly royal city of Kandy.  The orphanage was initially designed to care and protect baby elephants found in the jungle who have lost their mothers.

They started in 1975 with five baby elephants. The green elephant pasture grew to become an orphanage, captive breeding ground and nursery known to have the largest captive herd of Elephants in the world. The facility has become one of the popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka and its income from tourism are used to care for the elephants.

The elephants roam around freely during the day and the event not to be missed during your visit is to witness the elephants' social activities as they bathe and play in the Maha Oya River.  

You might notice that a lot of travel recaps invade my recent posts. I think I'll be spending half of 2013 on staycations. My days and most evenings are spent at my work desk. I am surprised that I have no complaints. I stay late, because I often forget about the time at work. The difference between then and now is, even though tasks can be more challenging, everything feels right. On my way to work most mornings, despite being aware of a busy day ahead, I feel a wave of contentment. Today is another day of learning, not only about the things I do, but about myself. How I respond to the given situation of the day and how I can further improve. Gone are the days when I had to cry before leaving the front door of our apartment during week days. I suppose this is how contentment feels like, it feels good and so does its sibling named happiness.

When someone asks me the question, are you happy? I am now confidently glad to answer, "Yes I am."  It's my turn to pass this question to you, the same way someone did to me some time ago.

Are you happy today?

Have a beautiful weekend everyone!
Love & Light,
Arni