Walking Tour in Mumbai

I had a terrible experience in Mumbai, and that's something unforgettable. The city is the financial and cultural capital of India. And it's one of the finest and wealthiest cities in India.

But with its glamour comes the downside of bustling city life for the Mumbaikars. It's the chaos of daily living like other major world megacities. And with a month-long stay in Mumbai, I couldn't help to stay much longer. I had had enough of the good times and the bad times.

The district of Bandra where I stayed was a busy scene of street commerce, where businesses are displayed on the streets, primarily ready-to-wear, colorful garments, and other personal products. I didn't bring many clothes from New Delhi, so I could buy something new from Mumbai, but then I haven't bought a new Kurta, but just a few shirts for 150 rupees each and a new pair of shoes from a Nike outlet store in Bandra. That's all I needed for my walking tours around Mumbai's streets and downtown areas.

In Bandra, I would take a daily walk along with the bandstand and pass by the mansion of Shah Rukh Khan, one of the famous Bollywood actors. The Bollywood "Walk of Stars" was newly installed then. The name of stars like Kareena Kapoor, whom I've known from the movie "3 Idiots" and other celebrities whose expressions and body marks are inscribed and molded-- their version of the Hollywood "Walk of Fame."

Some days, I would travel by cab from Bandra and pass through the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. It's a majestic bridge connecting Mumbai's two most essential districts and the gateway to the downtown area where the world heritage sites are located.

I would pass and get intrigued with the tower mansion of the Ambanis. They're India's richest family and business tycoon. That's a million-dollar house in Mumbai's most expensive real estate location.

As I reached the old downtown area, my walking tour started with appreciating the old European structures like the Gateway of India and the magnificent Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, rich in colonial history and built during the British Raj.

I enjoyed the gallery viewing inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. From its construction, the Royal visits, and the terrorist attack, I learned a piece of its glory and gruesome history.

One day, I traveled by train from Bandra to Christchurch station, and I had a horrible experience with the ticketing system, in which I got into trouble. Luckily, I survived and continued exploring the cricket field around the University of Mumbai and the nearby areas where I had escaped from another trap. Still, I enjoy watching students playing cricket -- a popular Indian sport similar to baseball.

I spent more days in Bandra, and so I explored the streets. There were days I enjoyed a cup of cappuccino in a café, and some days I visited the nearby churches to pray. I went to a church on a hilltop, a short distance car ride via Hill Road.

Before I left Mumbai, I had yet to find Bollywood. It's not a place, but it's a film center. I understand they're the largest producer of films in the world. I've watched some of Shah Rukh Khan and Amir Khan's films not in Mumbai but in the cinema in Delhi. There's more to Bollywood in Mumbai, but I needed more.

That was a month-long stay, and I learned about the place and the people, culture, food, music, and lifestyle.

Mumbai has a colorful heritage and history; whenever I have a chance to return in the future, it will be much more wonderful and truly memorable.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Bollywood and Mehandi Night in New Delhi

An Indian wedding would last for three days. That's a very long celebration, and yes! It could also be expensive if too grandiose.

In New Delhi, I was invited to attend the Mehandi night, like a pre-wedding celebration, a day before the main wedding ceremony.

The Mehandi night is a fun and colorful celebration of love between the couple and their families, relatives, and friends. 

In Hindu culture, the bride has to apply a red-orange Mehandi or a henna tattoo on the back of her hands, palms, and feet. I have witnessed the actual application of Mehandi, which takes time. It's an art for the bride. It's attractive to the groom's eyes for sure.

The Mehandi night was a joyous moment for everyone present at the event. Dance and Bollywood music all night long, with the couple being the center of attention as they made a Couple dance surrounded by family and friends.

I love Bollywood music. It's upbeat and so alive. The live performances from invited Bollywood artists were fantastic. I had fun. It was an enjoyable and unique wedding experience to remember.

Of course, an Indian wedding is also about food and delicacy, with the finest cuisine from all over India. The buffet meal was great while listening to the soulful Bollywood music and getting entertained.

Mehandi Night has a casual lounge feel with colorful pillows and clothes everywhere. I had a wonderful conversation with other guests and learned more about their Indian wedding culture.

The Mehandi night is full of vibrant colors, from traditional Indian clothes to decorations. It's an extravagant but meaningful moment.

The wedding venue was full of decorations with fresh flowers all over. It's like a night of fantasy -- a fairytale.

That was a fantastic and magical night. It was a pure and magical delight.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Living with the Gods in McLeod Ganj

A balanced living where nature meets progress and development. It's a place that's a blend of culture and faith.

These are the Indians and the Tibetans, living in harmony with the Gods in McLeod Ganj.

In February 2013, I traveled a distance to be with the Gods in McLeod Ganj. They call it "Little Lhasa" since it had had a large population of Tibetans-in-exile" since 1959 when the Indian Government accepted them and gave them a place to put up their Government while in exile. 

That's only in India. They're accepting refugees in a warm embrace and protecting their rights, safety, and security. 

And the greatest love is the Indian Government's support with their expression of faith -- Tibetan Buddhism.

In McLeod Ganj, I met The Dalai Lama, the Spiritual leader of the Tibetans-in-exile. I was lucky to have met him at his residence when he gave a talk about "Jataka Tales" to the local and international pilgrims.

I'm a Christian, but I've studied Major religions in India for over a year. And incorporate the beliefs into my faith.

The world would be better if we were not too fanatic about our religious affiliation. When people would tend to fight for their faith as the best and the only truth, I would try to learn and understand others' faith deeply.

I befriend people of different backgrounds and faith in India. It's about respect and understanding and not about prejudice and religious superiority. 

With the universal God, we're all equal. It just happened that God appeared in different places and times in a completely different image depending on the culture and language unique to each country.

When I was in India, their Gods were my Gods. The Gods and the Goddesses in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity. All are Gods, but also a universal God.

In McLeod Ganj, I felt the Divine Beings, the Gods of the Tibetans and the Indians. It was different images, but I prayed to their Gods on its universal form.

As I entered the Namgyal Monastery, it was a heaven-and-earth experience of being one with the Divine. It didn't make me less of a Christian, but it helped me strengthen and appreciate my faith even more. 

That's why Major religions thrive in India, and they learn to live in harmony with reverence to each other's faith.

My visit to Himachal Pradesh was Divine- inspired. It was solo travel with my faith in the Divine guides. 

Whether you're a Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim, or Christian, we're all brothers and sisters here on earth. We have a shared humanity. Your suffering is also my suffering.

And so what we need most during these difficult times is shared humanity where we pray for each other with no boundaries, no religious affiliations, no prejudice, and no discrimination.

Just love.

Because our love for humanity is our highest reverence to God. 

So it is.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Strolling at the Garden of Dreams

A Garden in the city makes life more balanced and achieves a healthier lifestyle. It's a breath of fresher air amidst the toxicity.

And with an urban garden in the city center, I was fortunate to have an afternoon stroll in the fully restored Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu, Nepal, in August 2013. It reopened to the public six years after several decades of closure.

Kathmandu's lifestyle may be less lavish than in big cosmopolitan cities. But it has the best culture and its people. 

The entire city of Kathmandu blends cultural heritage and a modern society due to its preserved structures like monuments and temples and the restoration of public places like the Garden of Dreams and other modern infrastructures.

As I strolled inside the walled garden, I suddenly experienced serenity due to the absence of noise surrounding the bustling city. It was 5 minutes from the hotel where I stayed, so I got to visit and unwind.

The Walled Urban Garden

What's noticeable about the garden is its European-style architecture since its restoration with the help of the Austrian Government. It has features like six pavilions representing the '6 seasons of Nepal' and where the place got its second name, the "Garden of the Six Seasons." 

The garden has a veranda, fountains, and a pergola, giving it a European vibe. Also, the Amphitheater is where visitors can sit or lie down to chat or read a book. Such a relaxing scene.

The Amphitheater

European-inspired pergola

The flowers, shrubs, and trees make it greener. And it's beautiful since well maintained by several caretakers. It's clean, green, and rejuvenating.

I appreciate art, so I spent time at the gallery and conversed with the locals. That was a meaningful encounter as I learned more about their culture. 

Café by the garden

That was a delightful afternoon stroll at the Garden of Dreams, and before leaving, I had a cup of cappuccino as I reflected and planned for my next journey around Kathmandu.

The Garden of Dreams is true to its name. It's a sophisticated garden of its time and became more beautiful after its restoration. Urban dwellers need green space for leisure, and hopefully, more cities will adapt to this kind of garden that offers respite to the people from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Garden of Dreams. The Garden of the Six Seasons. A garden for the soul.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

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The Gaddi Tribe of Naddi Village

When I step foot in Dharamshala, I'll have a pleasant vacation with its friendly vibe. That was a long 12 hours bus ride from New Delhi, India, and I promised my stay would be worth it, like a lifetime vacation.

The emotion is still alive whenever it flashes back to my soulful journey in the lower Himalayan foothill of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Seven years have passed, but the memories still live on.

A little rain greeted me at the bus station in McLeod Ganj as I looked for a taxi heading to the hotel in Naddi Village -- the home of the Gaddi Tribe.            

That was a cold and shivering early morning check-in at around 7 a.m., so I unpacked my things, had a little rest, enjoyed a cold shower, had my first breakfast, and got ready for my first day of tour and adventure in the land of the Tibetans-in-exile in McLeod Ganj.

I spent four days exploring McLeod Ganj and saw and heard from The Dalai Lama when he talked about his place in the Tsuglagkhang temple.

McLeod Ganj was the town center, but it was in Naddi Village where I enjoyed the serenity. That was a blissful experience.

Just a few steps away from the hotel where I stayed in the home of the sweet and gentle Naddi tribe. I've met several Gaddi people, including children and adults, and learned about their culture, livelihood, and living conditions. A little interaction but a meaningful observation.

An effortless yet joyful and soulful living in the mountains. When I met them downhill, the Gaddi people, mostly shepherds, took care of their flocks and did their morning activities.

Little kids are courteous with their rosy cheeks and smiling faces. They are now grown up to be a refined young lady and gentleman. 

In Naddi View Point, near the hotel, I finally had a closer view of the Dhauladhar range. I had never seen such a beautiful mountain. A solemn moment, so peaceful, and the snow-capped peak is just incredible.

Even when I'm back at the hotel, I can't get over that experience. I've been to some of the mountains in the Philippines, but seeing the Dhauladhar range is purely captivating. 

I was finally in the Middle Himalayas. A dream turned into a reality.

A heaven and earth experience that I'll cherish and reminisce about for a lifetime. From then, I promised I'll be back in the future, and I just hope it will come true.

The hotel's roof deck restaurant is where I get the most beautiful view of the Dhauladhar as I have breakfast. It's a picturesque view as if heaven is real. India is genuinely the Home of the Gods, and I felt the Divinity of the place. A soulful solitude in a paradise closer to heaven.

I will never forget Dharamshala. A wondrous place in the Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. I will always remember the beautiful and natural scenery and never forget the Naddi people of Naddi Village.

India has a prominent place in my heart. I have learned much about the places and met soulful and endearing people like the Gaddi of the Naddi Village. When the Kingdom of heaven is on earth, it would have been there in the Dhauladhar, and I've met God there and live forever here in my heart.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Sweet Smiles of the Negrense

The Negros Island in the Philippines. Home of the sweet smiling people, or we call them Negrense or Negrosanon.

In December 2014, after my Journey in the city of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental, I took almost 7 hours of land travel going to Bacolod, the capital city of Negros Occidental. 

From the Eastern to Western Negros, I had a journey after a fulfilled short visit to the "City of Gentle People" in Dumaguete.

I was undoubtedly in the land of the 'sweet and charming' people since I was at the sugar center of the Philippines... The Negros Island. 

From Dumaguete to Bacolod, you'll see the massive plantations of sugarcane on both sides of the road, passing by several cities.

Yes, Negros Occidental is the province of the Philippines with the most cities, primarily due to its prosperous sugar industry. 

The sugar industry is so huge that they supply the entire Philippines and even exports it to other countries.

Arriving in Bacolod after a long journey on a bus, I was greeted with a Negrense brand of hospitality, a sweet smile, and a pleasant melodious voice.

I'm in Bacolod! The City of Smile and the home of the famous "Maskara Festival."

That was my 5th time visiting Bacolod, and I love returning to one of the most highly urbanized cities and one of the most livable cities in the Philippines.

In Bacolod and the entire Negros, people live a good life no matter what challenges they may be going through; they still keep on surviving and never forget to smile.

My highlight of the visit to Negros Island was a day tour of "The Ruins," which is an Italian-inspired architectural mansion built in the early 1900s and was burned during world war 2.

Garden by the ruins

A mansion built with the love of a wealthy Sugar baron to his Portuguese wife. The love story is just as romantic as the heritage of "the ruins." 

Sweet as the Negrense, they produce sweet products, most of which are my favorite. Muscovado sugar is the healthiest of its kind and an ingredient in making sweet delicacy like "Piaya and Pinasugbo," which is two of the most popular and a-must try delicacy if you visit Bacolod and Negros Island. 

After the pandemic, I hope to try the sweet smiles again. When the world loses its smiles, the Negrense will always give their most adorable smiles to anyone. During this time, that's all we need -- a sweet smile.

The people of Negros Island are some of the most refined and kind people I've met. Beyond their sweet smiles, they deserve a precious life. A life that is full of hope, meaning, and inspiration.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

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Serenity at the Nan Lian Garden

I find serenity wherever I go. In the hustle and bustle of city life, there's still a piece of pure calmness and soulful paradise. 

A pond... A rock formation... A waterfall... All that can be found in an oasis of pure joy; a magnificent city garden.

A bustling megacity like Hong Kong isn't just about a magnificent and stunning skyline. It also boasts some of the most beautiful and refined traditional Chinese landscaped gardens.

The entrance of Nan Lian Garden

In the busy area of Diamond Hill in Kowloon, Hong Kong is where I've found a peaceful ambiance of an ancient Tang dynasty-style complex; the Chi Lin Nunnery and the Nan Lian Garden.

That's a refined piece of ancient Chinese architecture brought back to life in Modern-day Hong Kong, with towering residential skyscrapers and a mountain range in a backdrop. 

Nan Lian Gardens' Wooden Gate

An entrance to the complex makes you feel welcomed with the garden's natural elements of lush greenery, ornamental rocks, and a wooden gate. That's a blissful and truly welcoming sight to behold.

Passing through the wooden gate leads you to one of the beautiful attractions: the golden pagoda with an attached red-wooden bridge. Colors that bring good luck and prosperity according to Chinese beliefs.

The Golden Pavilion/Pagoda

A few steps from the Golden Pagoda is the Chi Lin Nunnery, a Buddhist temple converted into a school, library, and home for the elderly.

The Chi Lin Nunnery is an impressive Chinese architecture with a surrounding koi-filled pond. The wooden structure is a work of art from ancient times (618 AD to 907 AD), revived in modern times.

The Chi Lin Nunnery

To better understand ancient Chinese architecture, I had a solemn moment inside the Chinese Timber Architecture Gallery. It's a place to discover the different Chinese architecture in other cities of China in a different period.

The Nan Lian Garden is a Tang Dynasty-inspired garden built in modern times. It's reminiscent of old but refined Chinese architecture with a balance element of nature.

The Chi Lin Nunnery

The garden's tranquil ambiance offers visitors a great sense of peace and rejuvenation. It's not just a typical Chinese garden, but it's filled with learning about the Chinese way of living back in the old days -- the earliest civilization.

Heritage and culture must be preserved for the world to see and experience. The Nan Lian Garden is not a typical attraction; it has an old soul Chinese ambiance in a modern setting -- teleported back in time.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Sunset Viewing at the Manila Bay

A reddish-gold hue. That's the best sunset I've ever seen. Stunningly beautiful, romantic, and just wonderful.

There's something mysterious in the silhouette. A seeming work- of art. But it's real!  

What you see in the picture is what you get when witnessing it.

That's the Manila Bay sunset. Indeed one of the world's best, as many people attest, includes foreign tourists. It's a famous attraction when visiting the Philippine capital city of Manila.

At Harbour Square baywalk, CCP Complex

The stunning glow until dusk, before it disappears, makes the Manila Bay sunset beautiful. And so you get a picture-perfect 'silhouette,' a mysterious shadow against the background that glows.

On June 6, 2019, I enjoyed strolling at the Harbour Square baywalk at the Philippine Cultural Center complex. After having an afternoon coffee at the café, I waited to glimpse the sunset. That was my last sunset viewing at Manila Bay before returning to my hometown on Panay Island.

While strolling, I can't help but appreciate this natural wonder before my eyes and with the hundreds of other people who share smiles and happiness.

The Harbour Square baywalk

Families, groups of friends, and even local and foreign solo travelers may have forgotten their worries and relieved their stresses. It does healing wonders to the soul. It captures' emotions and captivates the mind.

Manila Bay may not be perfect. It has its flaws and needs some healing too. And only people who have been there could understand the problem and how to fix it.

A year later, despite the pandemic, Manila Bay is at the center of controversies.

With the beach nourishment project that aims to beautify a portion of Manila Bay with artificial white sand, the question is, 'Is it timely?' or 'Is it necessary and appropriate?'

It's not authentic white sand like in Boracay or Palawan, but it's from a crushed Dolomite rock transported from the island province of Cebu.

Just recently, in just a few days, a portion of Manila Bay turned into a white sand beach and was partially opened to the public on September 19, 2020.

Manila Yacht Club

Thousands have flocked to witness how the area transformed from natural black sand to coveted white sand.

People have different opinions on the issue of the filling in of white sand. With no Environmental Impact Assessment conducted, things can go wrong. 

The main attraction is the natural and charming sunset view of Manila Bay. It's not the color of the sand, after all. 

The Manila Bay skyline

Yes, we have several years to go before we can revive the ecosystem and beauty of Manila Bay. But we see the excitement of the people who want a transformational development and a beautiful personal experience when they stroll on Manila's famous baywalk.

When I return to Manila, I will be glad to witness the alluring sunset again. I would be enjoying a soulful moment. And just like last, seeing people's happy and smiling faces. 

Manila Bay is a precious jewel of the Philippines. We care for it. We show our concern, and we love it.

The Manila Bay sunset

As we slowly regain Manila Bay, we take pride as Filipino in showing the world a better Philippines. The "Pearl of the Orient Seas," today and beyond.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Island Hopping in Guimaras

We need to regain ourselves. At times we get stressed, and it's due to various stressors of daily living. From multitasking work, daily commute, never-ending problems, and the pandemic.

This global health crisis puts our lives our life at risk. Either we become a victim or a survivor.

Since the lockdown early this year, we have been thinking of ways to stay mentally healthy daily. How to keep our sanity and not experience loneliness, apathy, and depression.

Every day is a battle for survival. We keep diverting our consciousness toward happy thoughts. We reminisce about the happiest moments in our life. Those times we live our best life.

The boat ride from Iloilo to Guimaras Island

And for me, there's one great way to relieve stress and rejuvenate. That is to travel to beautiful places and spend weekend getaways for pure thinking moments. To distress through meditation and to appreciate the healing wonders of nature.

Every Sunday, I reminisce about the times when I had my Soulful travel moments. We can't travel during this pandemic due to restrictions, so the best way is to have a mental vacation. 

It works! It's as good as visiting the place in real-time, with almost the same feeling. It's just that we process with our mental power -- our wild imagination.

The power of the mind does healing and contributes to our well-being. Whenever we feel sad, lonely, or depressed, we lack the energy to do our daily tasks and become productive. And so, when we feel happy, we suddenly become more inspired to do great things to lift others with our positive energy.

Positive energy is contagious, and so is negativity. That's what I believe.

I would rather be with someone or a group that would inspire me or makes me happy than suffer from negative emotions brought by someone, a group, or worst, a personal creation -- becoming an enemy of oneself.

Having a mental vacation is a heavenly experience without leaving the comfort of your home. We can go to almost any place we dream of, those on our bucket list.

One of my favorite Islands in the Philippines is Guimaras. It's one of the smallest Island-Province, and I'd like to keep returning whenever I am in the region.

Island Cove on Guimaras Island

Guimaras is just a 20-minute boat ride from the coast of Iloilo province on Panay Island, so near the distance that both Island is visible.

One thing I like about Guimaras is the serenity of nature. It's not a very touristy place, so definitely not crowded, and you'll enjoy soulful moments on the waters, on the shore, or on a cliff.

Guimaras is not overdeveloped as compared to Island destinations like Boracay or Siargao. That's one reason why I like it even more when there are Filipino-style cottages and not huge hotels that can pollute the ecosystem of the place. 

I hope Guimaras will retain its grandeur. It's a natural environment and will not be subject to over-commercialization.

The naturally beautiful environment on Guimaras Island

Guimaras is already beautiful as it is in its present state. And so many people would appreciate its hidden beauty and natural charm.

Guimaras is not just a tiny island; it has friendly and hospitable people with good hearts. That makes them different from the rest. It has the heart and soul at its best.

© 2020 Del Cusay

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