Reflections Reflection: Embrace Our Uniqueness 8:18 PM Each of us is a unique strand in the intricate web of life, and here to make a contribution. -Deepak Chopra Embrace Our Uniqueness We are all different from each other. No two DNA are the same. Even for identical twins. We know this since time immemorial, right? So why do we keep on judging one another for our differences---in skin color, in preferences, in beliefs, in taste of style or music, in culture? Why can't we just embrace our uniqueness? Embracing our uniqueness does not only mean being comfortable in our choices and individuality. As long as you're not hurting anyone in the process, why not? Whatever floats your boat as long as it doesn't sink mine, you know? Giphy To embrace our uniqueness also means celebrating others for who they are. Allowing them to shine their own light knowing no one else can do it but them. For we are all called to play a different role, but ultimately, our purpose is the same: to love. How can we love if judgment comes first? How can we bridge a gap if we build a wall? How can we understand if we refuse to accept? There is no music if there is only one note. There can't be a rainbow if there is only one color. The world will be dead boring if we are all the same. Where is the challenge? How will the growth happen? Where is the excitement? What is there to look forward to and learn if we are all the same? The key to finding peace despite our differences, in my humble opinion, is respect. Live your life, embrace your uniqueness, but most importantly, let live. Respect the other person's idiosyncrasies. Because we all came from different backgrounds. Even siblings living under one roof for years could turn out to be different people with different perspectives. Giphy We are all wired that way; to be different and to possess a special gift only us could offer. Isn't that beautiful? Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Dogs How to Travel with Dogs: Tips and Advice 6:00 AM Are you a dog lover? If so, you know how challenging it can be to part with your fur baby while traveling. Our pets are our family, our best friends, and you wouldn’t dare leave one of them behind, would you? Of course not! Fortunately, with the proper preparations, you can travel in style with your healthy and happy pup. Here are some tips and advice on how to travel with your dogs.How to Travel with DogsTraveling by plane? Consider a few things beforehand to make things easier on yourself and your pooch. Does your dog have the right temperament for a plane ride? Do you have a carrier that aligns with your airline's size requirements? Is your dog up to date on all their shots and vaccinations? The same thing goes for car rides. You want to be sure your pup is comfortable in their seat, and be prepared to make some potty & stretching stops for them! This graphic by PuppySpot can serve as a helpful checklist before your next trip. Once you determine your mode of transportation, simply check off each necessity to be sure you don’t miss a thing. Once the travel portion is over, be sure to arrange accommodations for your pet at your destination as well. Websites like Bring Fido can help you find dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities near you. Planning out these things will relieve the stress of leaving your dog in the hotel all day and allow you to freely explore the area. Even if you’re not a pet owner at the moment, checking out some of the local dog-friendly beaches and hiking trails can still be a fun way to fill your daily dose of cuteness. Do you have any tried-and-true travel tips? Let me know in the comments! About the author: The PuppySpot Team
Listicle A Bucket List Of 10 Must-See Places 6:00 PM In his most notable play, Shakespeare famously said that the main question of our existence was whether to be or not to be. Where to be Not to criticize his genius, but let us offer an alternative way of looking at life and a different question: where to be? Being stuck in a stuffy office, sitting in front of the computer while performing the same boring tasks that you performed yesterday, cannot be compared to being out and about in the world, experiencing cities, forests, beaches, and quaint little villages, discovering unknown places, and breathing in foreign air. Traveling is a unique experience, and it is no surprise that our bucket lists are usually filled with distant places we would like to see before our time runs out. Do you have all of the most impressive sights on the list? Or is there something that you could still add to it? Read our guide of 10 must-see things to see and do around the globe and find out! 1. Ponder the magnificence of the Great Wall of ChinaThis ancient fortification is not considered one of this planet’s greatest wonders for nothing. It is one thing to see it in pictures, but to actually set foot on it and touch the stones that have been there for centuries is an experience that does not compare to anything else. Do not be afraid to stray off the beaten path and explore some of its older stairs and hidden towers. You will wander around its crumbling battlements for hours, amazed and enchanted by the history embedded in this man-made monument. 2. See the Taj Mahal bathed in the light of a full moon The melancholic beauty of the Taj Mahal is sure to blow your mind at any time of day, but if you wish to experience it at its most profound, visit the memorial when the moon is full. The complex is open to visitors at night during this time, and nothing is quite as beautiful as its solemn white structure drenched in the dazzling moonlight. The building takes on a life of its own during these nights, and you can almost hear it whispering the sad story of an emperor and the love of his life sleeping her eternal sleep in the mausoleum. 3. Embark on the Irish Oyster Trail in Galway The annual International Oyster Festival, held in Galway, is a must for every self-proclaimed foodie. It lasts three days and celebrates the beginning of oyster season in true Irish fashion—drinking, dancing, and the traditional hospitality of the locals are included. The biggest crustacean worshippers are challenged to drink a pint of beer and chase it with some oysters in every pub along the Oyster Trail throughout the festival, which adds up to around thirty pints and over a hundred oysters in three days! You will not find a better way to plunge headfirst into the very middle of the unique culture of Ireland. 4. Gape at the Golden Rock in Myanmar The Golden Rock, or Kyaiktiyo, as the locals call it, is a gigantic granite boulder on the edge of a natural stone plinth in the Eastern Yoma mountains of Myanmar. This structure, which defies the laws of physics, is believed to be sacred by the Burmese Buddhists and attracts thousands of pilgrims yearly. The legend claims that a few strands of Buddha’s hair hold it firmly in place. It is a mind-boggling sight all year round, but its religious significance reaches its peak between November and March, when dedicated Buddhists pray to it amid the smell of incense at the dawn of a new day. 5. Discover the Caribbean gem of Antigua Nestled cosily between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the island of Antigua is home to some of the most beautiful beaches you will ever see – not to mention that this tiny island offers a choice of 365 of them! If you can travel to Antigua, stop by the capital city of St. John’s for some amazing vistas. 6. Get messy at La TomatinaOn the last Wednesday of every August, the tiny Spanish town of Buñol descends into the most entertaining madness. An enormous crowd gathers in the city centre and engages in a public tomato fight that has no equals—around 130,000 kilograms of overripe tomatoes cover the streets and the public in just one hour. Remember how your mother precluded you from getting dirty when you were a child? Well, this is your chance to get as messy as you want while participating in an unforgettable celebration of life! 7. Experience the wonders of an African safari Even the most impressive zoo cannot compare to the sight of wild animals roaming around in the wild right next to you. The diversity of species, the intimacy involved in seeing them in their natural habitat, and the deep appreciation of nature that stems from it are something that you are bound to treasure for years afterwards. No matter how cliche it might be, experiencing a safari in Africa was always going to make this bucket list. 8. Visit the marvelous Grand Canyon If one had to choose the most iconic landscape in the USA, a sight capable of transforming you, the Grand Canyon would be it. This natural wonder is almost 300 miles long and a whole mile deep. The modern world often forces us to forget our sweet insignificance; we fail to appreciate the vastness of our planet. The immensity of the Grand Canyon can change that in mere seconds. 9. Explore the city of Petra Petra is a unique historical and archeological site located in southern Jordan. Tourists from all over the world flock to marvel at its rock-carved structures and the surrounding valleys. The Siq – the main entrance to the city, comprised of a narrow gorge – is particularly impressive and will remain in your mind forever. 10. Sail around the Whitsunday IslandsThe Whitsundays are a collection of islands off the central coast of Australia, and it is also one of the most idyllic places on this planet. The bright, transparent seas, the perfectly white sands, and the green islets rising their backs timidly out of the water instantly calm a wandering mind and allow you to submerge yourself in undisturbed peace. Must-See Places and Must-Do Before Hitting the Bucket There is such an overabundance of beauty on our planet, and for us, there is meaning in that fact alone. Scanning this list should pop the question of being or not being right out of your mind. Venture into the world now and start pursuing the ultimate experience of truly being in it.
Reflections Reflection: Humblest Person Alive 6:00 PM True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. - C.S. Lewis Humblest Person Alive "I love what you write. I think you're brilliant. You're wise. I needed to hear this today. You're a fantastic writer." It's easy to receive all these praises of men and claim it as my own. But then I want you to know that I don't because I'm the humblest person alive today. Kidding! Isn't it awkward to claim something like that? Seriously though, how easy is it to claim all the glory when people like you and like what you do? Of course we're allowed to feel good and receive compliments. But I think the problem comes in when instead of pointing to the direction of the Source, we tell the world that we did it all by ourselves. George Burton Adams said: There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success. Now, that's something that puts things into perspective. We may have made 90% of the effort; blood, sweat and tears, but we owe at least 10% to other people. We owe it... to our parents who gave us life (unless you're a test tube baby who came purely from chemicals or whatever science did), to our teachers, whether they taught us the right things and encouraged us to do better, or like Albert Einstein's teacher who told his father: "He will never amount to anything.", to the class bully who always picked on us, to our friends who always got our back, to the interviewer of that one company we've always wanted to be a part of who told us we're not the right fit for the job, to the stranger who showed us a random act of kindness...or rudeness! There's no point in bragging about our achievement because we couldn't have made it on our own. Don't get me wrong. When people tell me I look beautiful, I'm smart, I'm good at something, or they like me, I blush, I feel flattered, I receive it. I bask in it. Hey, it's a blessing! Not everyone gets that compliment. Tenor But I consider it as God affirming me and like a boss telling me, "Good job! Keep up the good work." Or a Father who lovingly looks at me and say, "Of course you're beautiful. You're my daughter. I'm proud of you." I let myself receive all these love and kind words. (Even the criticisms that I know will help make me grow and improve). But at the end of the day, I know and I believe that it's all because of Him and for Him. That without His grace and mercy, I wouldn't even be here typing this reflection. Humblest person alive? I know one. A good friend of mine. In fact, I think most of my friends and mentors are humble beings. That's why I want to emulate them. But the humblest person alive in my opinion is Someone Who gave up His majesty, His throne and His glory and took the form of a lowly mortal. He who ate, drank, perspired, walked the muddy and sometimes dusty road on Earth to be with His servants. Lived with them, talked to them, and loved them with all that He is. Took their place at the cross. Someone who traded His royal crown for the crown of thorns to show His big love. That is one King worthy of praise. That's the real humblest person alive. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Travels Planning Your Backpacking Trip through Europe - a Few Tips and Must-see Cities 6:00 AM Planning Your Backpacking Trip through Europe - a Few Tips and Must-see Cities 5 General Tips If this is your first time planning a backpacking trip (through Europe or any other country, as well), these tips might help you. Plan Your Trip When composing the itinerary, you will be tempted to include as many places as it is possible, but be sure to leave yourself enough time to really enjoy the city you are visiting. Choose quality over quantity. And do not underestimate the time you will spend in the transportation, too. Also, try to include a few peaceful destinations just to relax and get some good night’s sleep. Thanks to the best air mattress, which most backpackers carry with them, comfortable sleeping is guaranteed, but sometimes you'll need some peace and quiet, as well. Pack Smart Make a packing list and pack only the things you will really need. With the packing list, you will be sure not to forget anything, and you can use that list as a reminder so you can quickly check if everything is still there. Never pack valuable things - just think about how you’d feel if you lose any of them. Another important thing when it comes to packing your backpack is to pack light - heavy luggage will only slow you down and you might have to pay higher luggage fees during the transportation. And don’t forget to pack some snacks, too. Bring Your Own Air Mattress As camping and backpacking become more and more popular, new, improved versions of air mattresses appear on the market. All you need to do is to find the best air mattress that fits your needs and the size of your backpack. Consider weight and packed size, as well as the comfort and warmth. The best air mattress for backpacking is the one that is light, comfortable and it is easy to roll up. Before choosing one, it might be smart to read some reviews, either by other backpackers or independent review sites like TheSleepStudies.com. Save Your Money Do what the locals do, and go where the locals go. Places in the city center and near the tourist attractions usually overcharge their services, but you do not have to pay more than you opt to. In every destination, there are also many free activities and attractions you do not have to pay to see. Or try to find the ones that offer special deals for students and families or have discount days and hours. Avoid Pickpockets and Scams Although pickpocketing is most likely to happen in large cities full of tourists, be careful wherever you go, you definitely would not want that someone rips you off or scams you in any other way. Pickpockets are usually persons you would never suspect on - young girls and boys or well-dressed people. They work in groups and use the crowd in the popular tourist attractions, as well as in the transportation. Pay attention to all your belongings when you are in places like the beach, restaurant or a bar. In such places, people usually let their guard down and leave their stuff unattended. There are a few tricks that might help you protect your stuff - use a zippered or a pickpocket-proof bag, wear a money-belt, split your money… And get to know a few most common scams before you leave anywhere. This guide on BemusedPackpacker might be useful to avoid common travel scams. Five Must-see Cities in Europe When traveling only with a backpack, you are free to go wherever you want, but it would be a good idea that before you go, you make at least some outline of the cities you want to visit, and that fit your travel style and budget. Here are a few suggestions. Budapest, Hungary With affordable prices and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Budapest is undoubtedly the city you should visit. The St. Stephen’s Basilica, City Park (with the Széchenyi Baths), House of Terror, Great Synagogue, Castle Hill... these are just some of the sights you must see. You can see many of Budapest’s best sights from the Danube Promenade. Also, once you come to Hungary, do not forget to try some of the best traditional Hungarian dishes. And if you love nightlife and cheap alcohol, visit some of the 'ruin pubs' - pubs built in buildings destroyed during the WWII. But, if you are looking for a place to relax, visit thermal baths. There are many, and the two are most famous the Széchenyi Spa and the Gellért Spa. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find an opulent nightlife scene, especially when it comes to pubs. You can use this Budapest pub crawl to find your way around more easily. Munich, Germany Munich is not the cheapest place to visit, but it is also not that expensive as other major cities in Europe are. This city has everything - history, culture, cuisine, sport... and most importantly - huge beer mug. Find a place according to your taste, and enjoy with a cold beer and a soft pretzel. But do not forget about real local specialties, especially if you are a meat lover. You will need a few days to visit all the sights - the Cathedral Church of Our Lady, St. Peter’s Church, Konigsplatz, Residenz, Marienplatz with the New Town Hall… Munich also has a numerous excellent museums (Deutsches Museum, Egyptian Museum, Nazi Documentation Center…). This guide on LonelyPlanet might make things easier. Belgrade, Serbia Belgrade is a pleasant city, with lots of cultural and historical sites to visit. Numerous museums offer you the opportunity to learn more about the culture and tradition of the people from this area. Among many churches, the one that stands out in its beauty and its size is the Church of St. Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world as well as the picturesque Kalemegdan fortress. Other sites you should visit are the Residence of Prince MiloÅ¡ and Princess Ljubica's Residence, House of Flowers - the resting place of Marshal Josip Broz Tito and his wife, Jovanka Broz... When you come to the city center, walk along the Knez Mihailova Street and come to the Belgrade Fortress (Kalemegdan), where you can enjoy nature blended with the historic site. Here’s a more detailed guide on must-see sites in Belgrade on TripAdvisor. Prague, Czech Republic Prague is a city you always return to, no matter how many times you have visited it so far. With its breathtaking architecture, untouched during the WWII, it seems like a city from a fairy-tale. Walk around the Old Town and its square, visit St. Charles Bridge, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Astronomical Clock Tower and Old Town Hall There are many other sights and attractions to see, such as the Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Lobkowicz Palace, Old Jewish Cemetery and the Old-New Synagogue. Prague is well-known for its quality beer, which you can enjoy along with delicious local specialties at one of the restaurants. And since it has a large student population, the city offers an excellent nightlife. Vienna, Austria Vienna has always been a large city, and it was a home to many artists, especially composers including Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Haydn, Schubert and Johann Strauss II. When you come to Vienna, you will be amazed by the city’s architecture and the combination of various architectural styles. You must see the Schönbrunn Palace, with the Tiergarten Schönbrunn - the zoo in the palace gardens. Other attractions to see are the St. Stephen's Cathedral, Danube Tower (Donauturm), The Giant Ferris Wheel and its Square, Albertina, Imperial Palace (Hofburg), Esterházy Palace… And if you love museums, there are about a hundred of them in Vienna. In conclusion… If you are an adventurous soul, you owe it to yourself to add the Europe experience to your memories. If you are from the USA, it will be discovering a whole new perspective on life. That’s not an exaggeration; Europe is at that sweet spot between urban, busy life and history. The experience will change you. In a good way, too. This article was submitted by site supporter and may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
