Destination 6

Sixth Stop:

Ever since I was young I have always wanted to go to the Holy Land. It is an area of historical and religious significance in Israel. Most of the Biblical stories have taken place in those area. It is where Jesus walked, where Mary met Joseph and other important events that will be valuable in the life of a Christian.

Aside from that, the Holy Land also boasts of really old villages and traditional cultures that date back to the time of Jesus. What is very interesting is that the land is not just for Christians, but also for Jews and Muslims. Judaism and Islam, together with Christianity, have their roots in the Holy Land. This area is very much important for a lot of people.

Some places of significance are Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Calvary Hill, Jordan River, Sea of Galilee and other familiar names we knew since grade school. The Old City of Jerusalem is in fact was added in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The Old City is the location of the Temple Mount, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock.


Walking along the streets would make me visualize the life during Jesus' time. I really want to go here someday. I have seen a lot of postcards when I was young and dream that someday I can. The only problem is the area is always under war and conflicts. Hopefully, peace will reign soon.

Destination 5

Fifth Stop:

A country I have always dream of going to (but usually forget I have that dream) is Nepal. It's a mystical yet exotic place for me. It's not a very popular tourist destination since it is located up in the sky. Nepal is home to the world's highest mountains, most notably Mt. Everest.

Nepal is also home to many beautiful and timeless Buddhist and Hindu temples. The country is in the crossroads of ancient civilization. Its capital Kathmandu alone is home to various huge temples and stupas.

The country has been ruled by a royal family, which dates back to hundreds of years. But in April 2008, Nepal will have their very first elections and on that day the royal family will cease to exist. It was in December last year, the interim parliament passed a bill declaring Nepal a federal democratic republic. Gyanendra will be the last king ever.


I remember the country was featured in The Correspondents a few years ago, when host Abner Mercado went there for the Kathmandu TV Awards (forgot the exact name). I was fascinated with the place. It was also mentioned that some movies were shot in that city.

I actually have no idea how to get to this mysterious place. I bet it will be really expensive, since I have to take connecting flights along the way. I think I have to take a Manila to New Delhi route then from India to Nepal. I'm not really sure, have to research first. But certainly, this beautiful country must be visited. Maybe soon.

Destination 4

Fourth Stop:

My next want-go-to-place is one of the most popular sites in the world. It is in fact considered an icon and is used as setting in various movies and novels. It is the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

Everyone knows this place. And pictures continue to attract me to this ancient place that was built because of love. The Taj is actually a complex of structures and gardens completed in 1648. The most famous of all is the white mausoleum with Mughal architectural design, consisting of Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic style elements.

The Taj Mahal was built under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is also the place where he was buried beside his wife. It is the most lavish and famous of all cemeteries in the world. In 1983, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I want to go to this place because of many reasons. One because it is really popular. And of course, it is really beautiful. You don't only get to see the mausoleum, but also experience other old structures and great gardens and ponds. India has so many things to offer, which you could also visit after going to Taj Mahal.

As said, the reason it was built was because of the love of a husband to his wife. Mahal is aptly the translation of love in Filipino language. A symbol of love, known across the world, that lasts till death.


I am not sure if there are flights from Manila to New Delhi. But definitely there are connecting flights, maybe through Hongkong, Singapore or Bangkok. In time, I hope I could visit this place. Maybe not now due to lack of funds, but maybe... just maybe, i can in the future years.