Palawan, Philippines

While living in Micronesia, I had the privilege to meet many Filipinos, and promised many of them that I would, one day, travel to the Philippines. Although I haven't physically been there yet, I just mentally arrived.

Palawan is the most remote, traditional region in the Philippines. The archipelago stretches between Luzon and Borneo, consisting of hundreds of small, rocky islands surrounding a longer island. Just picture this: absolutely clear, azure water, surrounding massive rock outcropping islands. White sand beaches magically appear--tranquil, isolated, and perfectly relaxing.

I want to travel to Palawan more than any other part of the Philippines for many reasons. Although the beauty is second-to-none, the local cultures remain in-tact. Once a year, in a festival called Baragatan Su Palawan, local tribes cover themselves in blue body-paint and compete in a inter-tribal dance competition. The islands are still devoid of many modern amenities, so life is still simple. This kind of place captures my imagination, and my attention. I love to see places as they are meant to be, not as Western influences dictate. Palawan seems to literally be islands of tranquil Filipino life, surrounded by the bustle of its South-east Asian neighbors.

Manarola, Italy

Benvenuti! This tiny Italian village is located on the nation's western coast, majestically perched along the cliffs above the Ligurian Sea. Although fishing is the main activity in the village, the town has become famous for its beauty. I suppose that my mind wandered there due to the amazing screen-saver I have on my computer, but I would still go there any day! I can picture myself strolling through the narrow alleys, ducking beneath flower baskets and around kids kicking soccer balls. Seems like a different world.

Juneau, Alaska, USA

Perhaps it's the rainy weather today, or the souvenir t-shirt I happen to be wearing, but my mind has easily departed on a trip to Juneau, Alaska. I fell in love with the majestic, mountainous Alaskan coastline last June during a family vacation there. The mountains surrounding Provo today remind me so much of those around Juneau-green, wet, and shrouded in mist and clouds. So spectacular.

Although Provo reminds me of Alaska today, there is still something missing-the ocean. Oh, I miss the ocean! Juneau delicately clings to the mountains along a strait separating Douglas Island from the mainland. I can just imagine the feeling of walking along the waterfront boardwalk in a light drizzle, gazing up to the lush slopes above, observing the spontaneous waterfalls that have been created along the mountain sides due to the rain. Ah, so relaxing.

Pohnpei, Micronesia

Well...duh. Of course. Since this is the inaugural posting on this blog, I have decided to dedicate it to the BEST place on earth-Pohnpei Sarawi. The Garden Isle of the Pacific became my home for 16 wonderful months. Rugged mountain terrain, dense jungle, sparkling lagoons, and cascading waterfalls have become "points in time" (special memories, according to Alain DeBotton) in my mind. My mind drifts back to Pohnpei daily, but I will do my very best to allow myself to travel to places far and wide, for the purposes of this blog. Until our next destination, enjoy yourself on one of the world's most secluded, impressive, and memorable islands! Pohnpei.