"the unforgettable road trip..."

Floating Dead Sea, @ Amman Coast

Admission fee requires

Overview Israel

Road trip along Dead Sea Coast

MUST TRY!MUST!

"a place with strong smells..."

Ruins of HerculesTemple @ Citadel is a heart of Downtown

Boys wandering around for some tips



Transition space between Roman and Ottoman



Night @ Downtown

Street Cafe @ Downtown

@ Downtown around 5.30pm, at 8pm the area is completely dead

Boys loitering without parental guidance is a normal scenes

Street tailor @ Downtown

Citadel @ Downtown at the highest peak of Amman

Citadel, Roman City @ Downtown Hill Top
Admission fee requires

Interesting for sculptures lover

"the place that prove God is exist..."

One of the nicest view along the highway, road to Dead Sea

Watching Sunset in Dead Sea, later am dipping in and let myself float

While on the road, bump into a lorry full of friendly smiles

As someone who adores Byzantine, my journey continues from Istanbul to Jordan. And this time I will be on a road trip along the dead sea coast (there'll be lots of road trip pixs too, which is interesting). from Amman to north-Jerash “a roman city in the middle east” to Dead sea, get myself float then to Mardaba to learn the art of mosaic and found myself been caught in tourist trap and the last destination “an ancient Petra” hiking rocky mountain just to built my own rock on top of the highest peak of Jordan.

If God let me having 3 wishes, I’ve already know what I want to wish for without taking too much time thinking. First, to be born and living in Istanbul and owns part of city’s landscape. Second, to be born as Balinese with all the good heart and wonderful craftsmanship's talents and the third, will be born during Byzantine era to experience and be part of great architectural in human history.

Overwhelming what to expect, am bit shocked to learn that Amman is not far from Cairo (note; my apologies to my kind-hearted Egyptian friends), it’s dirty and the first thing, you’ll smell urine everywhere. This is aint cats & dogs, it’s belong to man. For lonely traveler and lady, brace yourself, somewhere while you’re wandering around, they ‘ll be couples of men unzip their pants and do their business. Don’t be scared (obviously they aren’t a flasher or molester) and don’t be too excited (because nothing to see, it’s very fast, zip down, zip up). But the good point, safer than Cairo, so don’t worry to walk alone. The most they’ll greet you “Welcome to Jordan”. See, here’s the trick, give them your amazing smile and say “Salam”, next thing you know, they’ll offer you mint tea :O)

In downtown Amman, the interesting place to visit; Roman Theatre and The Citadel (the scant remains of another Roman’s and from up there you may see a similar landscape of Istanbul with Ottoman houses resting on hill steep. But the best part, you may not want to miss the Islamic contemporary art scenes at Darat al-funan. This foundation was founded by Mr. Khalid Shoman, architect and art lover. It’s on top of Omar Al-Khattab road and exhibition held in old bungalow facing nice view of Amman downtown. You may have to hike up but no worries as the surface is not corbel, so it’ll be fast and less pressure on your steps. Remember this, “the green door”. The day that I went supposed to be closed prior to Eid-Adha but am fortunate enough (with my amazing smile) informed them that I came all the way from Malaysia and read about how amazing this art foundation has done so far…they even gave me a private tour (you may have to pay for admission fee for daily visit) but again because of Eid, went inside courtesy of the host. Hence, to show my appreciation I bought the “collective artworks book” as souvenir for myself;op

The most fascinating artwork is done by Ms Catherine “de’ France” (she’s French lady, so I give her that last name;). She’s a digital photographer. What interesting is her chosen subject of “a study of burqa woman”. It is so well composed and digitalized that I wont dare taking any pixs. afraid I might plagiarized her masterpiece. So, instead I let her works stay in my mind for few days, to be very honest I still keep thinking about it tho.

Then heading to north, is Jerash. There are some similarity with Citadel only Jerash is in bigger scale township. It is hard to explain, guess better to view those pixs that I’ve taken. Tho, some people might wondering why I took most of these pixs in B&W which might be monotonous or tasteless in colours (heck I don’t actually care what people thought, as usual just follow my heart), dearest friends and bloggers, perhaps by end of this “pixtravelog” you’ll understand the reason why I choose to shot in B&W. Perhaps it'll gives you goosebump...

My worth advise, please avoid yourself to stop at Mardaba. It is famous for mosaic no doubt, and what I’ve expected is some mosaic restoration works and mosaic art class but ended up, caught in tourist trap. Again, do not buy anything here, the price is way too high. Take my word. However, they have couples of nice cafes here. If you still want to admire or atleast pretending as mosaic art lover, you may afterwards hangouts at “Dardasheh”. The sandwich is mouthwatering. And here, same as in Istanbul they’ll serve you beer or any others alcohol drink anytime you want. And if you’re into guys with machineries and sleeves tattoos, you will enjoy Ayola café, where most bikers taking break from their road x-peditions.

Some weeks ago, I wrote a poem. It’s about me & gravity. I’ve some issues with gravity because at that time am feeling bit down, felt like I’m a sunken ship and missing someone. So, as I’ve the opportunity to go against gravity, I figure why not I went to the lowest point of earth. And spend sunset there. Trust me, dipping yourself in Dead Sea is very calm and almost feel like you’re flying. If there’s not many people around, am sure I’ll be floating naked there… But beware, you cant swim there, once you tried, you’ll swallow irregular amount of salt that all of sudden make the whole x-perience not fun at all.

My last stopping point of this road trip is amazing & astoundingly Petra. I’ve spend almost 3 days & 2 nights here. And for 2 days, am hiking the rocky mountain of Petra to find myself so small, so down to earth and so peaceful. All at the same time. When am reaching both highest peaks of Petra (the south & west of the ancient city) all I can muttered was “how can you not believe in God”. I sat quietly there trying to hear what the mountain has to say, to sing and to cry about…It is…fucking amazing! I’ve covered half of the rocky mountain side on my first day (started bit late on my first hiking around 9am) then with my built-in competitive nature and I saw lots of senior citizen climbing up there earlier (even some of them with the help of 2 walking sticks) I felt so ashamed. So, the next day, at 6am started hiking to Monastery (the highest peak & the end of the earth). And am reaching there as one of the earliest. While am went down, I saw a group of American guys (as we’ve met yesterday also while hiking the other parts) resting at one of the checkpoint, I gave them an evil and victorious smile “I’m first dudes”.

When you’re traveling on your own without tour guidos, they’ll always regard you as journalist. And the best part is, they’ll show and willing to give you everything…even something that you will never ask for…I’ve got someone do me back massages with Dead Sea oilment also courtesy of the host. Plus with a cup of mint tea for rejuvenate after massages. This happened in Petra, my advise pay visit to souvenir shop “land of peace”, you may find your peace. Go there and something x-tra ordinary will be waiting for you. Amazing hospitality and friends.

This trip, I have my hat off to westerners, they’re definitely travelers not a tourist. Guess, although not the right statistic just assumption, Caucasian made of 80% of visitors here. As for Asian, I don’t hv to worry counting my toes. Asian is rarely found here, I believe in Asian’s Travel Dictionary, traveling is all about shopping and main attractions very less on exploring. How amazed to see couples of travelers around 60 to almost 80 years old still have the energy to hike up the steep rocks. And amusing too when they’ve kept reminding each other…”hold still honey, you’re too shaking while taking pictures”…”I’ll be fine darling, watch your steps”...

View of Downtown Amman - where the journey begins

The highest peak of Petra "the ancient city"

do visit this shop in Petra- you'll be surprised

"a bedoiun jawahir" in Madaba- Baba has made me special bracelet

a peep to Jerash "the Roman City" in the middle of nowhere

along the road, there's no tall trees, shrubs but this cutest creatures

breakfast in Petra, a cup of arabian coffee with 2 eggs

The mouthwatering sandwiches good enough reason to stop @ Mardaba

"go pink, heal cancer, black and white, pure heart..."

"the day a mighty vegan losing his center of gravity..."

RIP
30th October 1993, was the day my all time fave actor, River Phoenix losing his battle...the name itself is full of energy,
the rising and the flow,
guess sometimes our name is just too heavy to carry.

Heavens mourn above us until dawn
Weeping see her tears as rain they fall
Winds whip through canyons
Manifesting splintered wrath
Mother knows that we've betrayed her
Dealing with the aftermath.


Sailing ocean cross the sea
Floating vessel carries me
Once I'm there, what is it worth
If I'm betraying Mother ?
Stormy weather abruptly
Changes my course suddenly
It's so unfair starting at birth
Still mistreating Mother Earth.


So you see my friends what we have done
Shadows linger overhead
Heavy like the fog in the valleys
Under heavy earth lay dead.
In a boxcar hides an orphan
Seeking shelter, nothing more
Gliding now tracks lay before him
Leading him to distant shore.
~ Betraying Mother's lyric
by River Phoenix
1970 ~ 1993

"gravity and me..."

Never in my life,
I do care,

Never in my life,
I do feel,

Never in my life,
I do believe the existent,

Not till I am in dismay & down,
Then, I am,
Blaming all,
On gravity.

 
written by orange
lunch hour @office

"another skyscraper, another crap..."

Lately I’ve occupied most of my time thinking. No time visiting myblog.
Keep on thinking. Some. More. Lots.
Then, stop. For some reading.
While am thinking, Budget 2011 was out. Infact few days ago.
Some of the highlights.

“A new landmark, Warisan Merdeka, Expected completion date in 2020. A 100-storey tower, the tallest in Malaysia”

Yet another 100th storey skyscraper that will take over twinsy as the highest building.
We already have one. Correction. Twin. Why need another. If there's more, won't be special anymore.
The site. Old merdeka stadium. Traffic congested. Will be worse sooner. The left-over of Greenery location.
Tall trees, shrubs, grass…some
Is this the type of development, the best that we can think of?
And a part for that mega project, is there any allocation to relocate all those trees to nursery, nurturing them and send them back where they are belong?
or just chop!chop!chop!
for the sake of the tallest, the highest. the ghostly ..."hantu galah"

Then, comes another highlight.
“The Govt is committed to develop green technology to ensure sustainable development”
In what manner? Just plain committed.
How about being committed to ensure all schools are sustainable.
Build with energy saving. The old ones get face-lift.
Refreshing.For long run maintenance.
For cost saving. reduce on power & water.
Same time, educating the generation.
We do have enough sun & rain. We can make it affordable.
Still create jobs for people too.
And how about sustainable development for aboriginal's residential.
This could be interesting task. Am sure they would love too.
Infact they are more knowledgeable.
Nature is closer to their heart.
We should. Focus more. More effort.
How important and interesting this development can be.

Then, send email to my uncles and brother. "Why?".
They have replied. “There’s nothing we can do”.
Send again. "If there’s not a thing you can do. Why all of you are up there? With the system?"
Replied from dear brother, ”You’re becoming too idealist lately, dear sister. Take good care of yourself”

Push my laptop aside, lying on my bed. Heartbroken.weeping & crying until I fell asleep.
Tomorrow. Another day. Another skyscraper. Another crap.
Something goes wrong. All blame it on mother nature.
Nothing can do. Hopeless. Nobody.
I am the runaway junkie.
Dumbass. Fuckwitts. Some might think.

"amazingly beautiful..."

TIME send this to my email http://www.time.com/time/audioslide/0,32187,2021913,00.html
and I wanna share
Superb photos taken on New York
cultured and diversity
the building was during revolution+industrial
so, you can easily spot on the wrought iron features on facades
which is almost similar that i can found along Istiklal Cadesi & Asmali Mescit - Taksim Areas

Wish some of the pixs just let them be in original B&W
It gives more soul to New York
another top place on mylist!

"a jolly-good-farewell..."

"am not good when it comes to say goodbye, yet am having so much fun yesterday, was the first batch of our team taking flight and high roads back home. as i've decided to left my others part "MR. D80" @ home (note: i want to be part of the party as always am behind camera) i think am not really good infront of camera. apologies for my"finger" that wasnt intended to be caught on cam;op (due respect to mommy's wishes, the pix has been removed. love u mommy, promise will behave like a classy woman;o)



Sompol delivered the most memorable "drunken speech" ever. he's struggling all the way.
 in the end all he wants to say; that he loves me but he likes boys!



Neil keep on worrying about he drank too much and his lovely wife will be pretty upset with him.
yet he keeps on fill in his glass!lol

Koyama San & Nagamine San ~ Sayonara!

My bromate Rolly is going home this end of Sept:"(

My bromate Anos is scheduled to leave by end of Oct 2010 :"(
We all hv been together in a great team for almost 3 years!!!

a series of my not-so-flattering pixs having just too darn fun!think am better stick with being behind cam next time!

this what i love bout being in construction line.

am sorrounded myself with guys.

to be frank it does makes me feel good and booze my confidence. feel powerful & easy.

guess must be the testosterone stuff eh!

"Blue and me..."

Sea of Marmara from the ruins of Bucoleon Palace

Blue is your colour,

It's your eyes,

and in your smiles,

resembling sky,

overwhelming the universe,

too rich to be ignored,

I am,

a peasant,

neither too brilliant as you want,

nor too attractive as you wish,

too poor to be noticed,

Heart and love,

are my only possessions,

to proffer you,

as a gift of life.

~ written by orange

Marmara cafe, Ruins of Bucoleon Palace

Sept 10, 2010

"potrait of me...in Istanbul"

 "scaring the world outside my comfort zone, i've decided to explore ~ john mayer"

"the only pix of me taken in Istanbul, at one of the thousands cafe there. Pix was taken by a swedish gay couple that i'd lunch with. they're really nice couple who's stayed few blocks away from my hotel and we keep on bump into each other. to respect their privacy, the identity shall be anonymous.

(note: for all those "lonely planet traveller", is advisable to form bonding with gays. A) there's no sexual intentions; B) they're fun to be with and C) they're just fucking fun & hillarious)

and to share my secret while traveling, as they've asked me

"girl, you're petite and very small, but walk very fast while carrying heavy bags of cam & tripod everywhere and we saw you're the last one back in hotel and the first one leaving early morning (note: Istanbul is late-wake up city, most of people's activity only commence @ around 9 to 9.30am), what kinda drugs you're taken"

so, the secret; my chocolate+ginger energy bar and i keep on thinking about Brad Pitt in Troy, that's what keep me going!

thank you to all my friends and fellow bloggers, enjoy my pixs. and am promise to be back with some of sketches

I drew in Istanbul. Be patience.

"dear Istanbul..."

" how do we say goodbye,

should we laugh,

should we cry,

or,

simply smile,

i promise,

to carry you with me,

i will,

carry you in my heart"

written by orange,

kizkulesi, Maiden Tower

Sept, 11 2010

 

 

 

" Istanbul is one of the top places on my list to be visited. and am glad, I've made it.

altho, i do not have the time that i wish i have, trying my best to reach them all. and the most important, I've appreciated my life greater than before. the poem, I wrote while am at Maiden Tower when my cam battery went flat out. Tho i miss out taking pixs. of the most beautiful scenery of Istanbul's city landscape @ 360d , yet it gives me enough room for scopes of imagination. therefore, be thankful, always."