The Golden Experiences in China

Sixteen years ago, I was joining with the team for going to China. The trip was not really for pleasure but I would say, it's for a project cause. We're staying there for more than a week. I went there twice in the same year. My first visit was during winter season with the coldness temperature of -0 to-14 degree celsius. It was really cold especially for me, who came from a tropical country. I had experienced wearing seven layer of clothes just to protect my body from the winter cold. Obviously, it was not pleasurable. But I took the challenges while staying there. 

We went to the southern part of China and visited atleast three provinces. One of them is the Sichuan province. The province is vast with the population of 81 million, and the place is riched with chinese culture and beliefs. Their food, mostly spicy and sweet which I like it the most. And I like their butter tea too. The people there are wearing their thick clothes too, to keep their body warm in cold weather. Behind their smiles and warmheartedness is the unbearable coldness.

Labrang Monastery in Xiahe China
Photo by Anne Ruiz

We had visited Labrang Monastery also. It is one of the largest monastery of the Buddhist religion in China which is located closely to Tibet. It was an extra ordinary experience to me when we entered inside the monastery. As woman, I had to covered my face to avoid the monks staring at me and in respect of their beliefs and culture. They are so dedicated and devoted to what they are believing for.

Me at the Labrang Monastery

My second time visiting to china was summer time. It was less struggle from wearing thick clothes, and it was easier for me too because I was already oriented with the chinese culture and lifestyle during my first trip. This time, our purpose was to visit different universities and rural schools as part of my research. And we spent most of our time with the children. We also got chances to visit big cities, like Beijing, Guangzhou, Macao and Hongkong. 

My travel to China was my very first trip outside the Philippines and away from my family. Winter or summer, both seasons are giving me the golden experiences while staying in China. It's part of my travel diary. I always wish to visit China again. Hopefully, when time will give me the chance.

The experiences of being in China are beyond my imagination. But I've learned to be braved, independent, friendly, and open minded to different culture and people. 

Taking a Photograph with Strangers

Travelling doesn't have to be always taking a photograph of a beautiful landscape scene but knowing and connecting with other people are also important. I am sharing some of my portrait photography here in my blog so that I can show some faces which you can find beauty in their own ways. This is more than just judging their looks but also seeing and knowing the reality of their lives, their culture, and their lifestyle.

Market Vendor in Tubod Lanao Norte
Photographed by Anne Ruiz

 I have to admit that at the beginning, I am some kind hesitant when taking a photograph with the people I am not related with, because I'm so conscious of what would be their reaction when I'm focusing my camera towards them. I am not really into portrait photography with strangers before. However, I've learned the courage when I was attending a photography workshop. Also, when a photographer was once telling me that "a photography can help illuminate the lives of others", which I believe it too. Humans are important. 

 The ladies wearing yellow and red skirts selling candles 
at Santo Nino Basilica Church, Cebu City
Photographed by Anne Ruiz

One of the reasons why I like to travel is that , I can be less judgmental to people especially to someone you really don't know or you haven't meet in real life. It is an adventurous thing to do when you took a photograph with strangers. But somehow, you are creating memories with them too. When you travel get the chance to talk with interesting people and try to approach first before giving a shot.

Her name is Marilou, I met her when I visited Pamulaklakin Forest Trail
Photographed by Anne Ruiz

When I  went to Subic I met this woman who is living at Pamulaklakin Forest Trail in Subic Bay, Olongapo. She is an aeta but warm and friendly. I asked her if I can take a photograph of her after our short conversation. And without a doubt, she gives me the pose that's saying "peace". Sometimes when you travel, you will never know that you are making a difference to the lives of others. So don't just be indulged with the beauty of nature but also get in touch with people.

Widening your Horizons through Travel

Everyday we are too busy making a living for life and fail to remember that life has a deeper meaning. We are not just called to stay in one purpose but also to widen our horizons.  

As people, we can easily get stuck in a routine. Routine is easy, safe and nice. However, when you get out of that routine, that is when the adventure really begins. Getting to know other people and their culture is opening your self up to experiences that ultimately inspired you for a better person. 

Some people say it's expensive to travel and yes, it's true. Travelling cost so much. Therefore to encourage you; I will not say make a bucket list for your travels but instead try making plans to travel even once in your life. Set aside some budget for the place you ever wanted to visit. Make plan for a short term adventure and find it out what will happens next.  

Travelling once in your life won't make you stop there. A traveler's saying, "once you have traveled, a voyage never ends. The mind can never break off from the journey." I think this is so true because once you have tasted a good savor you want to taste it again. This world is beautiful and when traveling, you get to see even more of its beauty. When you travel enjoy the journey like there is no tomorrow.

To travel is living your life to the fullest. It is having an adventure that creates a memorable experiences. It's selfless. Life is too short to be anything but happy.

Balicasag Island, Panglao Bohol
Photographed by: Anne Ruiz

Be A Nature Lover

When you travel you will always have different choices of destination. But for me, most of the time I chose to look at the view of nature and sitting in the lap of it or walking with it. It's a nice feeling when you behold the beauty of nature. You enjoy the breeze and the fresh air. Watching the birds and the butterflies, the green trees, the streams of water, the sunrises and the sunsets. Those amuses me so much. It gives peace and serenity. 

However, when you go to a travel it's important to fellowship with new people and know their culture. But it is also important to give time with the beauty of nature. Being alone with the nature helps you relax and calm down from the noises of this world. It gives us life and inspiration. It reminds us the God's wonderful creation. 

Being a nature lover, it connects us with God's loving presence. It brings us closer to Him. These are the reasons why we can be happy in the natural world. This is why nature heals, and helps to live life with meaning and joy. 

Therefore, be a nature lover. According to Albert Einstein "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."  

Botanical Garden at Tagum City Davao

ARUIZ TRAVELS & TOURS

ARUIZ Travels & TOURS is founded by Anne Ruiz and working with the team who also have the same passion to travel and do the business. ARTT is affiliated to prestigious International Travelling agency in the Philippines and is registered online business with DTI Certificate no.04901674.

Our vision is to provide a creative travels for our customers. To make sure that the individual will open up to experiences that will ultimately inspired them for a better person. 

The essence of this business is to let the customers experience quality service from us to their choices of destination, tours, and food. 

Our services are to provide LOCAL and International Flights, booking of hotels and holiday tours. We will provide a creative and cheap tour packages where the customers can enjoy affordable prices. The customer can also create their own tour packages that can base on their passion. ARTT will also provide counselling for best experiences when into travel.

ARUIZ Travels & Tours is your gateway to creative travels . Please click the link and like our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pg/aruiztravel/about/?ref=page_internal and follow us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/aruiztravel/

SO WHY NOT GET OUT FROM YOUR ROUTINE, TRAVEL THE WORLD  AND LET THE FUN BEGIN!

Good to be home

Some people say, there is no place like home. And yes, it's really good to be home. I am living miles away from my home town because of my job, which takes eight hours by a ferry boat and forty five minutes by plane to reach our town. But when I want to visit my family,  most of the time I took the ferry boat rather than taking the airplane because it's more cheaper. And I think it is more challenging too. 

Rice field at Titunod, Kolambugan Lanao del Norte
Photographed by Anne Ruiz

Living away from your own town especially for a year, will make you a stranger when you come home. Maybe because of many changes like, new establishments around the town, or probably you have new neighbors. 

Sunrise at Kolambugan's Wharf
Photographed by Anne Ruiz

Our home town is not actually a well known place to everyone even to our very own country. It's a small town with a population of 27,005. It's not even desirable for a tourist destination, and the way of living is very simple. And eight years ago the place were attacked by the rebels and it cause  so much damages. So some of the people from the town flee away to find a better way of living, and some other people just decided to stay. Kolambugan is one hour away from Iligan City and thirty minutes away from Ozamis City. 

However, the last time I visited our town was to see my family and to attend an important event. But every time I get home, as a nature lover, I always wanted to go to the wharf to see the sunset or the sunrise and take a photograph of the beautiful view. For me, our town even it is not so popular for a tourist destination, we have one of the best view of the sunsets and the sunrises in the world just like other places. It has different colors and portrays it perfectly. As long as it is not rainy season, our town is covered by a brilliant sunlight of the sunrises or of the sunsets. And this light gives hope everyday to the people who are living there. So when you are living away from your home town and wish to visit, try to discover what's best in your place.

Sunset at Kolambugan's Wharf
Photographed by Anne Ruiz

Sailing into the Sunset

The sunset has a significant part for every place I have visited. Every time I go for a travel my number one to do list is to look for the best spot where I can take photo of a beautiful sunset whether it takes a minute to walk or riding a motorbike. Whenever I can capture a beautiful sunset in one place or another it signifies that I have the best experiences during my travel.

Sunsets is one of the best nature to see . Some people are climbing the mountain to behold the beauty of the sunlight. But for me, the sunset is like one of the most awaited event that you don't want to miss it. It's the best show to watch but however, it's free. It's a picturesque in the sky. The best thing about sunsets is that you're never going to see two that are completely alike.

I took a photograph of beautiful sunset in different places.  But one of my best captured photos is when I went to Boracay Island. The sunset when it starts dropping at the ocean it open out a beautiful colors in the sky like orange, red, yellow and brown. It's magnificent view. I took this photo while sailing. I can actually capture the sunset while staying in the seashore. But taking photograph while sailing into the sunset is one of the best experiences I had. You will be changed from being fearful to becoming courageous. It's a beautiful feeling when you have done things that you thought you couldn't do it. 

Sunset is full of charm and delightful to see. It portrays a beautiful rest after a long day. Whenever you travel and whatever your itinerary will be or budget will be, take advantage of that free show. Sailing into the sunset creates experiences that leaves you in wonder. 

Photographed by Anne Ruiz