Penang : Ernest Zacharevic's Murals and the Quaint Streets of George Town

I've always admired artists. I admire the way they're able to materialize an idea, a concept, or an emotion. But I also love photographers, how they can manipulate the different aspects of light and color in capturing and highlighting a certain moment.

These are the reasons why I truly admire and enjoyed the works of Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian artist, in the streets of Old George Town in Penang, Malaysia. His murals are based and copied from real-life photos.

Inside Temples in Asia

The Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

I was born and raised a Roman Catholic. Living and studying in UP (university) opened up my eyes and heart to other religions, more so because my two bestfriends are Muslims. But my travels, more than anything, has introduced me to other religions and has strengthened my belief that faith is one of the most valuable things one has in his/her life. We just have different ways of practicing it. 

Love for Travel Rekindled in Penang

Ernest Zacharevic's Murals in Georgetown

It was an early 6am flight to Singapore on Friday. There were a lot of hassles and mishaps going there –waking up late, going to the wrong airport terminal, long lines and ques, and the immigration officer who thought it was my first time to travel because of my new passport. She asked for all my flight itineraries and hotel bookings, until I volunteered to show her my old passport. I just really don’t get why they have to be so discriminating, and wondered what would have happened if I didn’t have my old passport with me. As compared to my entry in Singapore and Malaysia, where the officers were nicer and just allowed me to pass through without any questions. 

The Big Trip : Five Months of Travel, Adventure, and Surprises

 

First Day 

I remember the first day of the Big Trip. We had drinks the night before, but I woke up early and full of energy. I was so excited. I’ve been waiting for that day for almost a year. There were days when I wanted to quit my job early and travel early. But I pushed on, I waited for the right day to start the Big Trip. 

Quaint Old Town of Melaka

"I see trees of green, red roses too.

I see them bloom for me and you.

And I think to myself what a wonderful world'

- Amazing musician at St. Paul's Church

The Cat and I in Melaka

It's 6pm, Melaka Town is about to sleep. I walked around not really knowing where to go. Stumbled upon boutique shops that are about to close and old historic structures. I thought maybe I should grab an early dinner now. I looked for restaurants that are open but couldn't find any. I turned left and just decided to eat at the first place I see that's open. There it is 'Honky Tonky Haven Cafe'. Quite a quirky name for Melaka, I thought. But I was hungry. An old man, he's from New Zealand, welcomed me in. I was about to sit down when he told me I can eat outside along the river. I didn't know there was a river nearby.

Why I'm Going Back to Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu wasn’t initially part of the Big Trip. In fact, Kota was not on my list of places to go to. It was just a spontaneous decision by four highschool bestfriends who love traveling and who tries to travel together at least once a year. There wasn’t much research involved for our almost four days stay there. We could’t do the Mt. Kinabalu climb since it has to be booked months before and it’s quite expensive. So we just booked our hostel and decided that we’ll figure out everything else once we’re there.

But after visiting the place, I found out that it has a lot to offer. 

Settling Into The Backpackers' Lifestyle in KL

Diedeth, Martin, Jen, Edgardo

Note: I apologize as this entry may probably sound like a journal. Just wanted to tell you guys how my first day of traveling alone was. 

Finding my way around and the importance of packing light.

I arrived in KL only with a print-out of the directions going to the hostel and knew that I should go see Batu Caves and Petronas Towers at night. That was it. I didn't know how to go to the Caves or the Towers or what other worthy places to go to. Upon arrival in KL Sentral, I took the Metro and walked just a few blocks near the Central Market. Good thing I packed light. ;)

A Five Minute Moment in an Old and Rusty Local Train

Original photo by Mitch

"Toot! Toot! Toot". There's a father and son behind me. The father playing with his son and making train sounds.

There are two girls engrossed in their books and magazines.

There are two Muslim girls taking photos of each other and laughing.

I am on board a Kota Kinabalu rusty local old train.