Variety is the Spice of Life

Photos of the hustling bazaar, breathtaking natural scenery, as well as colourful souvenirs at my home together brought me back to my journey to Xinjiang almost five years ago. It was when we followed the path of the Ancient Silk Road, discovering the corners that might sound unfamiliar for many of us. China, nowadays, attempts to revive the past glory of the Silk Road in the region by advocating the “One Belt One Road” strategy. However, through the camera lens and first-hand interaction with the locals, is Xinjiang really blessed with the rosy picture of all ethnicities being respected and living without fear in all aspects?

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2022/03/13/in-retrospect-of-my-week-in-xinjiang-in-2017/

An ethnic Kazakh man, in his limited Chinese, told us that Sayram means “blessing” in his mother tongue, and wished us peace wherever we go. Being in one of the most impressive bodies of water, I felt particularly blessed to be around the lake. Framed by the majestic Tianshan Mountain in the backdrop, the turquoise water of Sayram lake seemed to be meeting the azure sky in the distance. Immersing in the locals’ hospitality and this picturesque scene in Illi was nothing more we could wish for.

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2021/12/01/sayram-lake-%e8%b3%bd%e9%87%8c%e6%9c%a8%e6%b9%96-turquoise-water-thriving-meadows-an-undulating-mountain-view/

To surmount the dry heat and miles of sand, Turpan, perhaps, was the most challenging part of the Journey to the West for traders and travellers in the Silk Road. Even we only stayed there for one entire day, we could already feel our sweat drizzling and our longing craving for a set of juicy grapes. Outside this city lies an impregnable mountain range blanketed by perpetual snow, with Tianshan that separates the northern and southern part of Xinjiang. Monkey King and monk Xuanzang should be proud of themselves for how much they endured and what they had achieved.

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2021/09/10/turpan-%e5%90%90%e9%ad%af%e7%95%aa-chinas-flaming-furnace/

Both Dunhuang and the Silk Road bear witness to the transmission of diverse cultural content that took place here. Lying in an oasis at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, this city changed hands myriads of times over its long history and remained a vibrant hub of exchange until the 11th century. Those were the days when the sight of the city brought smiles of relief to the weary caravans of travellers, and it nowadays brings immense joy to us to be in this invaluable depositary of historic documents along the Silk Roads.

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2021/07/14/dunhuang-%e6%95%a6%e7%85%8c-a-silk-road-oasis/

Located in the middle of the Korean Peninsula, Seoul was a strategic location in bygone centuries where the three kingdoms of Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla (BCE 57 – CE 688) all targeted to conquer it. Whoever captured Seoul reflected its extraordinary military power. To gain a firm foothold there, the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910) even declared Seoul its capital, a role that Seoul is still playing.

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2021/06/24/a-glimpse-into-seouls-past-and-present/

Don’t be surprised that there lies the highest mountain in Chiang Mai that is blessed with lush green landscapes, breezy weather and a high-rise peak that reaches 2500 metres above sea level. It becomes a perfect paradise for the locals and tourists from all walks of life to spend their holiday to escape from the all-year heat and embrace nature. If you have a chance to visit Chiang Mai, do immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Doi Inthanon, and appreciate this natural treasure that our Mother Earth created for every one of us.

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2021/05/05/doi-inthanon-a-mountainous-paradise-in-thailand/

Let's take a look and explore inside the villages of long-neck Kayans in Thailand. Originally from Burma, they were forced to flee to Thailand as refugees some time ago.  Some of them are still living in the bamboo huts in northern Thailand where they welcome flocks of tourists.  Yet, do their lives get improved?

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2021/02/08/the-long-neck-kayans-restricted-unprotected-and-their-unsolved-plight/

The Golden Triangle, a Mekong river confluence between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, was used to be a hotbed for opium production by drug traffickers. Yet nowadays, with China's soaring investment, the nearby Daosao island in Laos is being transformed into a Special Economic Zone.  But will Laos' government continue to embrace China's politically in exchange for its massive economic benefits?

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2020/02/08/golden-triangle-from-a-drug-zone-to-a-chinas-enclave/

Though it seemed so nerve-wracking, this first solo backpacking turned out to be one of the most liberating, exhilarating experiences. The chief delight of travelling alone is the simple act of just doing it: going beyond my cocoon and deciding to go somewhere, even if it means doing it by yourself.  

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2020/01/14/out-of-my-comfort-zone-reflections-on-my-first-solo-backpacking-abroad/

I found myself in a period of intense soul-searching and stress occurring, typically because I feel that I am not achieving my full potential or am lagging behind, or being tied down by insecurities and loneliness. Sometimes I wonder whether I could really taste the fruit of success after months and years of toil, blood and sweat? Could I sow what I reaped? What am I doing here and am I creating any impact on this world?

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2019/11/24/a-personal-record-me-and-my-quarter-life-crisis/