Define Vagabond: Adventures in England

My adventures in all the four countries of the United Kingdom started as early as I was seven. To this day, I have no idea where it came from, but my seven year old self was so sure that this was where I would go one day, and I would have the time of my life.

 It eventually led to this moment I built up since I was seven. I would be traveling alone for the most part of ten days, live city to city, armed with a backpack, a camera, a map and a passport.

My general itinerary consisted of day one in London, day two and three in different cities in Wales then back to London, day four, five and six in different cities in Northern Ireland and back to London, day seven in Bath, Amesbury and London, day eight and nine in different cities in Scotland and back to London and day ten in London. So yes, I was unpacking and packing each of those days, and literally living the definition of a vagabond.

England Adventures:

I landed in London mid-afternoon on a Friday, and headed towards Oxford Street. This was the only concrete thing I had planned for my day: buy a sim card and at least establish some form of communication with the world. 

One of the things I really loved about London was it was definitely a tourist friendly city. Not only were there signs everywhere but it was home to the nicest people I have ever met. I hardly touched my map as I made my way around the city, following crowds and arrows, zipping through one attraction to the next. This feeling of complete independence was exhilarating, even intoxicating. I reveled in this new found freedom, me facing this beautiful unknown. 

One of the many highlights of this trip were the people I met along the way. As I fall under the group of atypical lone travelers, most people found it interesting. This opened my world to interacting with strangers and trusting intuition that broadened my world. I would ride the tube and take a stop. Explore the area and ask around. I would enter a restaurant and ask for the most ordered thing. I learned to sit and take the time to enjoy the company of myself and my food.

A few days later, I was able to see Stonehenge in Amesbury. I took an audio guide tour with it which I would recommend. I think if you enter the area and see this rock formation without context, you lose so much appreciation of how this structure came to be. The work and effort to make such an accurate structure patterned to the sun's movements around 3000 BC is astounding to me. 

I was also able to visit the nearby city of Bath. During the Roman occupation of Britain, they built this Roman bath which has been beautifully preserved to this day. The whole city itself still has the Roman architecture which draws hundreds of visitors day to day.

As for my favorite places, it would be where the locals were, which were the markets.

My favorite market would be Camden Market in London. It was one of the most vibrant places I have ever visited.

There's simply so many things to love about England, especially London. 
My seven year old self would say, "I told you so!"

New York City

You cannot stop New York City.

No wiser words written on a souvenir magnet.

Even after countless visits, New York has served as one of my favorite places to photograph.
It is a place that really fuels inspiration. And, nothing can stop it.

During this recent visit, I was able to see and notice more.

Ladies selling skin to somehow find fame.

People wearing funky wardrobe hoping to score some tips.

This guy, making ends meet by selling flowers.
How ironic is it that the saddest man, sells such happy beautiful flowers?

And a man hopelessly waiting for a miracle.

I am glad I also saw a hopeful side like these strangers united by friendly competition.

And, this guy sharing his passion for books.

This one, waiting patiently for the next customer.

Then, this one happily reaping the rewards of his work.

In busy cities like these, there are so many stories to tell.
I love having the chance to share their stories through my photographs.
I cannot wait to do that during my next big adventure.

Beautiful Shadows and Golden Light

For the past months, I have been making frequent trips to cities with people I was very familiar with.  I thoroughly enjoy those types of trips but I think it was time to try something new. Experience something different with unfamiliar people. 

I left my house early Saturday morning packed with a lunch box and a camera to join a camping trip. From that earlier statement, I know you can tell how underprepared (and underdressed) I was. I have never camped a day in my life, and for some reason, I had thought I’d easily survive on my spontaneity.

It was no surprise that I was wrong. My first challenge was to survive the cold. Out went the cuteness to have as much layers as I could scavenge.  Out went my OCD so I could pick twigs to burn. Out went pickiness so I could eat whatever is there. Out went comfort. In came beauty.

When stripped of comfort and distractions, I was left with nothing else but my five senses: to wonder and to notice beautiful things. We were camped at this forested elevation with houses on stills built around trees. Around lunch, the sun would peek in between trees, and cast beautiful shadows and golden light. It’s crazy how those sudden big changes can bring the best out of you. Simple is beautiful.

After much relaxation at the bonfire, we headed out for a hike at one of the Appalachian trails. I forgot how peaceful hiking could be. Maneuvering through the rocks centered my thoughts. It becomes nothing but each step. 

This rocky path led us to one of the most scenic cliffs I have ever seen, the Weverton. 
The serenity of this place was enough to lull me to sleep. 

It was a beautiful Saturday spent with a rediscovered self.

Destination: Maryland

I have been frequenting Baltimore for almost a year. One of my favorite areas there is this street in Hampden. It’s an eclectic mix of people, stores and moments. 

Flowering Crowd

The Cherry Blossom Festival draws hundreds of visitors annually. It was crowded than usual this year. In events like these, I am personally fascinated by the crowd: young and old of different cultures. I find this such a lovely sight. The blossoms also never quite bloom when they are expected to. It takes a lot of waiting and planning to get the moment of peak bloom just about right. Of my dozen visits, I think I have timed it perfectly just once. Truly, the main fascination for these blossoms is catching its beauty in its prime.