Side Effects of Tourism and Globalization

From my jaunts around the world, I have noticed that cultural boundaries are becoming a thing of the past. Regardless whether I am in the Himalayan mountains or deep in the Amazon or on a Safari in Africa – it requires no effort for me to find a man wearing T-shirt and jeans. On the contrary, the chances of seeing a local resident dressed in traditional, local attire are pretty slim, in most cases. Gone, are the days of partial nudism in the name of modesty, conformity – women are bound by restrictive bras and loincloths are things of the past.

Due to the power and spread of technology, mass media, western idealism, and “The American Dream” – more and more cultural groups around the world are allowing their cultural identity to diminish. Many reserve their traditional attire for special occasions or performances. In turn, tourists try on local attire for photos or buy them as a souvenir or as a novelty item.

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Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.

~ Buddha

Life in Central Java, Indonesia

Sifting through my 1000’s of photos from previous travels, to look for specific photos to post with my writings often brings back fond memories… Then my mind drifts and wanders down memory lane – it is no wonder it takes me hours, sometime days to write one article!

A few times, I would start with one intention and by the time I click “Publish” – the post is about a completely different country, a different trip, a different experience all together. It is happening right now!

My intention yesterday was to write about my day trip to Borobudur in Indonesia, it is still in Draft. I have been distracted by the photos of locals, going about their daily life.

Single Woman Travels! on Multiple platforms

Hello fellow Travelers on the world!

I’d just like to let you know that I’ve moved my site – SingleWomanTravels.com from Tumblr to WordPress (overnight)!

I am stepping into the next phase. For the last 2 months, I have been on a posting rampage – trying to write 1 post per day on WordPress. It’s been hectic and fun!! There are so many travel tips and past travel experiences that I want to share with you. In March, I will try a different pace.

Aside from posting my own material on WordPress and Tumblr – I will keep reblogging other people’s beautiful photos and quotes on Tumblr. Today I have joined P interest – so feel free to follow me there as well!

While I have your attention, I hope my writings have been helpful. Thank you muchly for following me and reading my posts!! This will be my 200th post on WordPress – how time flies!

I am happy our paths have crossed in this lifetime. Namaste.

Karen – Single Woman Travels!

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Forget about what might have been. Think only about what will be. There is no point feeling regret or remorse. It won’t change a thing. Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

Use it and enjoy it.

~ Unknown

Wildlife – Cassowary

My first interaction with a Cassowary was from a distance – we shared a sideways glance as I sat in the back of a Greyhound bus.

I had been traveling from Cairns to Melbourne with multiple stops in between. I had heard about a giant bird, much like an ostrich or an emu in appearance but the cassowary is much more colorful in comparison. However, it has a nasty temper and known for attacking people.

That day, as I watched the world drift by from the inside of the Greyhound bus, I noticed a bright splash of color in the distance. Just standing in the middle of the road, in the other lane. As my head whipped around to catch the final glimpse, I noticed there’s not one but two cassowaries! The second was smaller, I presume it is the baby and mom was shielding the baby from the traffic.

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Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know.

~ Pema Chodron

How Safe is it to Travel Solo?!!?

So you’re considering spending some time away from your daily routine. However, you are not sure if you are comfortable with the idea of traveling on your own – near or far… now you’re wondering how safe is it to see the world on your own?!

First of all, I’d like to congratulate you on making the decision to see the world – solo!

Regardless, whether you’re just going to another city in your country or a whole different country or continent. It takes courage to travel solo – I am constantly reminded of this aspect by my friends and random strangers. Honestly, I did not know it takes courage or bravery, its almost second nature to me to spend time on my own but it all started as method of survival.

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Never chase love, affection or attention – if it isn’t give freely by another person, it isn’t worth having.

~ Unknown

Weekly Photo Challenge: Threes

Personally, I have an attachment to the number 3. So when I saw this photo challenge, I liked it, I liked it – a LOT.

Here are 3 facts about me…

To begin with my birthdate is March 3, that’s 3 + 3.