Travel Gourmande

"Life is Collaborative."

If you look closely at this picture, each tree, wildflower and natural element was created uniquely. Each has a distinct quality and a purpose. When they are all combined together, a beautiful masterpiece is formed. The absence of one will affect the overall essence, beauty, function and composition. The balance shifts.

After years of reflection and hard experiences, I gather, this is what life is all about. We all have a role to play.

Harry S. Truman once quoted, “There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.” What a wonderful world this would be if we all combine our talents for the social good. Imagine a world where we'll help each other reach our fullest potential.

A choice we always need to make, to dance and convene with what life has in store for us, or connive to create havoc for personal gain.

Sadly, the first option isn't always the case. Ruthless egoistic greed exists out there.

I always believe that life keeps a record of every thing and no one really gets away with anything.

Familiar with the law of karma, the law of cause and effect?

There's always a price to pay for every deed that no Hail Marys and penance at the confessional can erase. It's inescapable.

I was privileged to have witnessed as a third party spectator countless consequences that swept over acquaintances and enemies who took advantage of others.

How unexplainable misfortune beyond their control met them, in different aspects of their lives in an unexpected fashion,, despite all of their careful planning.

"Time & Circumstances can change at any time. Don't de-value or hurt anyone in life. You may be powerful today. But remember, time is more powerful than you."

"Life is a boomerang, you get what you give."

What we sow is what we reap indeed.

For this path leads to happiness and fulfillment.

A road less traveled because it requires strength and courage to do good and be good.

Cheers to a beautiful life.

Love & light,

Arni

The Rose Red City of Petra was the highlight of our company incentive trip to Jordan. It wasn't just because of its title, being one of the 7 wonders of the world. It was the experience of journeying through massive rocks that catapulted me back to the History of Architecture class in college.

The influence of Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Architecture carved on the rocks was astonishing. It was a 3-hour hike under scorching heat, as we found temporary relief under the shade of huge mounds of ancient sculpted rocks.

240 km south of Amman

Dramatic Entrance to the City, through the Siq

Al Khazneh, The Treasury at Petra

Gateway to the Treasury

Inside the Treasury

Our Group Photo

Great Temple, Petra

Royal Tombs

The memory that stood out that I had of Petra was when a heavy colleague rode a donkey during our descent on the rocky slopes. I remember the screaming donkey who constantly complained about the weight on its back along the way.

Visas

At the time of organizing this trip, we had our HR and Admin. take care of our visas in Dubai. Since it was an organized group tour, the application for Jordanian Tourist Visas was easy.

Do Filipinos need visas in Jordan? Yes. This can be done through Jordan Consulate in Manila.

Requirements as follows:

Valid Philippine Passport (not less than 6 months validity)
Photocopy of Philippine Passport (bio page and pages with immigration stamps)
1 Visa Application form, completed and signed (this can be obtained at the Jordan Consulate in Manila)
Two (2) recent Passport Size Photographs
Confirmed Return Air Ticket (Manila to Amman, Return to Manila). Stopovers in Israel will cause a delay in your application
Copy of Hotel Reservation
Proof of Financial Support (Bank Documents)
Non-refundable Visa Application Processing Fee.

Contact Consulate General of Jordan in Manila for Visa Inquiries

Address: Room 315, 3/F Sitio Grande Building

409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros

Manila 1002, Philippines

Tel: +63 2 310 5160

Fax: +63 2 5434181

Email: jordanconsulatemanila@gmail.com

michaelaang@yahoo.com

Office Hours: 9:00 - 17:00

*The above information is subject to change. Please contact the Consulate for updates.

What to Wear

It is hot especially during the summer months of June to September. Wear lightweight fabric like cotton or linen.

Hats and sunglasses. Lots of sun protection. The air is often dry, so bring moisturizer.

Be modest. Revealing shoulders, legs, and cleavage is frowned upon. To avoid awkward and unwanted reactions, wear capri pants. You can wear tank tops but bring scarves to cover your arms when needed. Linen shirts and cardigans for cold evenings.

Lots of desert walking along sandy paths, comfy shoes, flip flops, and sandals.

Love & light,

Arni

Amazing City of Jerash

Credit: Iain Blake

Climbing a spiral staircase.

I was inspired to write this after a dream of climbing a spiral staircase in 2012. We all have our own definitions of success. I suppose here's mine which I wrote 5 years ago.

"I realized something recently, if the path we choose is not according to what life has destined for us, whatever success others perceive there is, we will never feel it's a success. We will always crave for more and it will lead to self sabotage and turmoil. Each of us has our own ladder to climb. It could be straight, narrow, wide and steep. With each step, we discover something new. We learn a lesson, a unique virtue about ourselves that will help us climb the next one. Sometimes, we fall and slip. Yet the greatest ones are those who rise again and continue the journey.

My journey is exactly like this one. A spiral staircase that has enough space for others to climb with me. I try to inject my inner creativity with each step. It has a railing that I can always hold on to when I'm about to slip. Just like the spiral staircase, I am unable to see straight ahead, where I'm supposed to go. I always have to adjust and re-position myself in order to take the next step.

I think the worst thing that could ever happen is if we find ourselves climbing the wrong ladder. If ever we do, life has its way of showing us a landing to connect to the right one.

Yet some of us due to impatience are tempted to take the elevator as an easy way out to buy some time. Later realizing that the first track to the top will land us to the same position where we were at, sometimes sending us back to the basement.

Success is not measured by fame, money, the size of our house, the number of countries we have been to and all the tangible material things money can buy. Don't get me wrong, it's good to have them but they're mostly perks. Along the way, if we are attached to pursuing these things alone, we get sidetracked by what we are here for.

Success to me is living life the way God designed me to do. If you don't believe in God, let's say--by doing what gives me passion and purpose, by sharing with others what life has given me, may it be my time, talent, or resources. That life is not all about me. I am merely playing my role in a big picture.

I still have a long way to go. I'll let you know if I ever get there. I wish we all do reach the top of our stairs. For those who have, a big heartfelt congratulations to you."

Five years later

Reading this again, I still believe in the same things.

However, climbing the wrong ladder isn't the worst thing.

In fact, over the years, I have met a handful of people who will not hesitate to step on others to get to their illusion of success. I truly believe that's the worst thing.

They would lie their way, back stab, burn bridges, kill relationships and will lose their own integrity in the process. For them, nothing is ever enough. Sadly, some would even demolish other people's staircases to feel they're the best because their misplaced hearts couldn't take seeing others succeed. They feel they are the center of the universe.

In reality, all these titles and possessions can never be taken to the grave. One might feel he's leaving a legacy behind, to be written in books or perhaps to be associated with something as a first. The truth is, no one really remembers these later except, perhaps, for a small line on wikipedia.

I was talking to a friend about this. We're not perfect, but living life as honestly as much as possible, we could leave this world peacefully.

Yet, we all know deep in our hearts that the best legacy we can ever leave behind is to do something to enrich another person or help each other be better. To use our talents, money and possessions for the goodness of this world.

I believe it is possible to achieve success doing it the right way.

The end will never justify the means. And I pity those who think it's a dog eat dog world. For someone to think that, must have had a really messed up childhood.

So I'll change that last sentence of what I wrote 5 years ago.

" I wish we all do reach the top of our stairs. For those who managed to climb with good hearts and pure intentions while being a light to others, enabling others to achieve their dreams, climbing the stairs together in harmony, a big heartfelt congratulations to you."

Otherwise, it's always miserable to be at the top, alone.

"And once the storm is over,

you won't remember how

you made it through,

How you managed to survive,

You won't even be sure,

whether the storm is really over.

But one thing is for certain.

When you come out of the storm,

you won't be the same person who walked in.

That's what this storm is all about."

This too shall pass.

I've had so many highs and lows in my life. It still amazes me how I was able to walk through them unscathed. Exhausting, though. I feel like a boxer sometimes, receiving blows, one after the other.

I was talking to an old friend about my past recently and she had no idea. She told me she had a different perspective of me. That my life to her seemed perfect.

I have always kept everything in, the entire time. Please don't get me wrong, it was never meant to mislead people. I grew up revealing my struggles only to a few. I suppose I have learned to suffer in silence most of my life. If I were to describe it, I have always relied on my family for support and God as my ultimate therapist and companion.

I remember when my father passed away, I was broken in pieces. Yet, I chose to continue and push forward. Life went on. I went to my classes like nothing happened. I submitted my projects on time and after my evening classes, I went straight to the funeral and stayed there all night. I was early for class the next morning. None of my classmates knew what was going on. Sometimes, it's easier to be productive than deal with the pain by putting them into words.

Slowly as I grew up, I've learned to verbalize and share my concerns with others, but I still worry of being seen as a downer and being an inconvenience by involving them with my troubles. However, trust that if I ever do share, it means I am already at the end of my rope.

This too shall pass.

This short line is so powerful, don't you think?

Life is ever changing.

No struggle is permanent.

Our scars make us beautiful.

Love & light,

Arni