DMW:心灵探索 Search for Soul
It took me all nine months away from home to do this programme that impacted and enriched my life in so many ways..it took ten weeks to share with you ten hours of three quarters of the nine months and this week, we are into the eleventh episode of Destination Most Wanted..we are coming almost to the end of the journey..
Probably because of that, at this eleventh hour, we dwell into the topic of { Search For Soul}… For the huge part of last year, i did a lot of soul searching…Learning new stuffs… reconfiguring mindsets… free my soul..deriving at the present me.The journey into my soul, i guess, would be one that none on the pictures are able to show..perhaps through my thoughts..my posts..my words…
However, i could probably share these three places that perhaps when one visits there,the search could be over and you shall search no more..
里希克虚 Rishikesh, India.
this is the world reknown place for learning Yoga..yoga centres are many and students aplenty..
the mother ganges dividing the town, its serenity at its most divine..
besides learning yoga,there are also courses teaching reiki..meditation…and one of the best spots to do so is none other than right at the river ganges..
The highlight of my visit here is probably visiting this spot where the beatles came for their retreat in the sixties..
Rustic..tranquil..one can certainly find peace within and the spirits thus soars..free…
班伯里农场 Banbury hill farm, UK.
how i adore the english countryside..the sky ever so blue, dotted with puffy white clouds..the pastures filled with wheat,colours everchanging ..brown to golden,as if the fairies sprinkled gold dusts everywhere…
Country farm, once houses all animals, are now homestays,where you will find solitude..a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life..
a walk in the country lifts your spirits,as the wind caresses your hair..gently sifting troubles away ..
a brief stay in the countryside makes me understand the beauty of being back to nature..back to basics..where we live according to our needs and not our “wants”..
perhaps its time to smell the roses..and enjoy the revelation..that simplicity ,in fact, is the key to real happiness.
清迈梅塞谷 Ching Mai Mesa Valley, Thailand
We are so used to think along the lines that we have to achieve something great and big to feel the gratification that we so desire.Unknowingly, we have placed ourselves, singlehandedly, into a situation where by our self worth is measured by the greatness of our accomplishments..Perhaps thats where we have gone wrong..when was the last time we did something really small and felt the gratification? if the answer is none, then perhaps its time to change our mindset and learn to appreciate all things, however big or small..
just like this little drawing on this very little umbrella..it may not be a masterpiece, but its my own little piece of artwork.Taking delight in this little accomplishment made me realise how little credit that i have given myself all over the years..made me realise how hard i have been on myself..i did some soul searching..and i found some..Be kind to yourself..even when the world is nasty to you..
we may not be able to afford living amongst nature but we sure could afford a brief retreat ..perhaps taking a break from city life is the best remedy to a tired ,weary body and mind..
How wonderful life is when one is at peace with nature and all live forms.. i have had the most precious moments with nature at all these three places and close encounter with the huge but genteel elephants touched the deepest core of my heart. I now long for the day where i am able to forgo the convenience of modern lifestyle, the day when i am able to live on free of wants, solely based on needs.That’s a huge step and i know getting there is not an easy path..but i take comfort in the fact that at least now, at this age, i have had the pleasure of knowing an alternative lifestyle that perhaps would make my life just as enriching or even happier.I am glad to know that even if one day i were to renounce my present lifestyle, a simple life that awaits, is just as beautiful and perhaps, more of …well…a life.
on April 28th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
I’m loving every photos you’ve there and also loving your show! ^^ I wished to travel to the places you went. Maybe someday I’ll make it there.
Take care, idol!
*psst* may I know what camera are you using?
on April 28th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
hi bryan,
i like this episode of DMW…
i think there’s a certain charm in Rishikesh to make the foreigners go back year after year to practice yoga there for a couple of months. maybe we can experience the tranquility only when we visit the place …
and the elephants in Chiang Mai are so sweet and adorable…
can you share with us the name of the resort you visited in Chiang Mai, Mesa Valley? it sure looks like a wonderful place to recharge a tired soul.
on April 28th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Again, enjoyed every bit of the show very much tonight.
Especially the last part on your visit to Chiang Mai. It sure brings back lots of fond memories as I saw the same elephant show, and had the same glutinous rice you did afew years when I went for a study fieldtrip with many good friends in my poly days!
I was amazed at how you painted the paper umbrella with such ease! Your artpiece is always something full of surprises.
Had a good laugh too when u were having the “chicken talk” during your somtum making session!! aroy makmak~~!
Thanks for bringing such a gd show on tv.
Cheers!
on April 29th, 2009 at 12:14 am
dear silentz,
its canon G9
on April 29th, 2009 at 12:23 am
Dear Bryan,
DMW has opened my eyes to many many places around the world I have never heard of/do not know much about.
In particular, it has changed my perceptions of India. Two months ago, I would never have considered India as a possible travel destination. After watching DMW, i now have the desire to visit India, especially the Ganges river. The people living there may not be wealthy in terms of monetary standards, but they are spiritually rich and contented. I want to go there one day to see and to learn from them.
I was really impressed with the elephants and their extraordinary works of art. Especially that huge canvas of art drawn by 8 elephants.. it’s just so wow~. Your interaction with the elephant left a deep impression on me too. The smile on your face… so real and so sweet.. it really brought a smile to my face and warmth to my heart =)
PS: the photo of “twenty spiritual instructions” are useful!! although i cant do everything listed, but i think there are certain ones i can try to stick to =)
on April 29th, 2009 at 6:06 am
hallo..bryan koko
my name is FENdi zhou..indo chinese now work in vietnam
i like u show n the pic on the blog wall..
u have a wonderfull life men,, hope 1 day i also can fellow ur step ,,hehe
on April 29th, 2009 at 6:18 am
N bryan koko,,
u have time pls visit my friendster n leave comment 4 me 2,,
http://profiles.friendster.com/fendyzhou
thankS
on April 29th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Hi Bryan,
Can I know which hotel you stay at Chiang Mai, I love that place very much, thinking of going there for a short trip.
Regards
Kathleen Teo
on April 29th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Hi Bryan!
Saw the TV ad last night that you’ll be leading a group to Switzerland!!
I almost had a panic attack! That’s one of my must-go place before I die~~
Which part will you be visiting?
Do take loads of pix of the Swiss Alps, ya?
on April 29th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
dear kathleen,
that would be the mesa-valley resort
on April 29th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
to AtelierGal,
u can find the itinerary of bryan’s switzerland tour here:
http://www.chanbrothers.com/static/MSG4/msg4_switzerland.cfm
on April 29th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Hey Bryan
I think with all your travel experience and photos, it would be great if you can publish a travel book to pen down allyour stories. Wat say you.
on April 29th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
nice : ) glad to find this site
on April 29th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Dear Bryan,
Enjoy all the photos you posted here very much.. They are real great and thanks!
I do wish to get away from city life for a good break and be alive again living with natures and not buildings, blocks… but it’s really a dream…
on April 30th, 2009 at 4:50 am
thks for sharing! Never know elephant can draw? The elephant really draw very well but does not know how they trained the elephant did you ask them?
on April 30th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Dear Bryan,
1st of all, congrats to u on yr winning in Star Awards 2009. I’m the Ms Leong tat my fren, Shermyn, mentioned in her previous comment to U. Hehe… Like yr blog vy much as U can write vy well in every of your posts. Envy of U on yr writing. Actually, I am a Journalism student during my uni time. Bt then, after 3 years of studies, my writing is still so lousy compared to yrs. I’ll definitely sign up for yr class if U r conducting a writing class. Haha…
By the way, did U ever tot of how long will U stay in showbiz?? N U mentioned tat yr parents r fr Malaysia. Which part of Malaysia r they from?
Regards,
Yenfern
on April 30th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Hi Bryan
Watching u at Ganges is very inspiring. I’m looking to go Rishikesh next year for short yoga course. Anyone interested to form a Singapore group? Maybe Bryan can lead the group if your schedule permits.
on April 30th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
dear yogagold,
wait till i master at least a little bit yoga first la..
on April 30th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
dear yenfern,
wah..you probe deep wor..one is from selangor and the other from kelantan:) don’t know how long i will stay in showbiz..will live day by day..still kind of enjoying my job wor
on May 1st, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Dear Bryan,
Its so sad that DMW is going to end soon… *sob sob* My son (7yrs) and I watch your DMW every tue and we’re kind of addicted to it liao hahaha… He even ask me to bring him to India to learn yoga after watching your recent show…oh mine, u really inspired us! …so will there be DMW PART 2 ??? PLEASE……………………
Meanwhile, do take care and post more pix here….& remember, the DMW PART 2 !!! hehe
on May 1st, 2009 at 9:51 pm
these pictures are so nice,and give me a get back the nature’s feeling,thank you let me see these place ,so cool for me,though i want to these place,and i think you must be haven a relax heart to feel it.
on May 1st, 2009 at 10:10 pm
So envious of you. You get to travel all over the world, while working!
on May 1st, 2009 at 11:24 pm
hi bryan,
really like your photos. very well taken and with a good sense of objects in mind… keep up the good work and share with us more pictures.
Btw, do u photoshop the pics? keen on buying G9 too!
on May 2nd, 2009 at 9:25 am
Dear Bryan
It’s really a MUST to tune in every Tue night to DMW, what a great show. Thou there were comments about u not talking much or telling u to learn fm those Taiwanese travel progm but i personally prefer watching U in your own style of hosting this progm. The other travel progm can be talking too much but this progm lets us sit back, relax & enjoy the serenity with u. whc is GREAT!
U really make us want to visit where u have been, jus 1 qn, how did u cope or manage to travel in plc like India. U kw what i mean? Some plcs are so backward and looks dirty & dusty. My son was commenting he wldnt dare eat or drink what u had in that carmel market
Hope you cld gv some tips or advice when we are visiting such plcs how to “take care” of ourselves. Ya, we saw u taking that Vit C drink alright. other than that?
Thank you once again for such a GREAT show! Take care & god bless
on May 2nd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
dear cheryl,
thank you for your lovely support..glad that i managed to tempt you to go visit the places that i have been too..actually, not very much a difficult task as i feel that the places has got its own unique charms that appeals to us:) Perhaps we have been living in a very high standard of hygiene here ..so much so that perhaps some places ain’t up on par or very much less with our standards.One of the best way to travel in india would be to drink from bottled mineral water, all the time, and when it comes to food, best bet is to find a hotel or a restaurant..But to bring along medicines to treat various sickness is a must! if you are not so adaptable, than probably bring also a portable kettle and lots of instant noodles so that when you are at places where perhaps the restaurant is not so suited then you can cook noodles yourself la:)you can buy fresh eggs there to compliment your noodles wor..:)
on May 3rd, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Hi Bryan,
Can you advise which part of Rishikesh or accomodationg you guys put up at? I would really love to experience the tranquility of that place after your introduction. I need a place out of SG. =D Thanks!
on May 8th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Dear Bryan
Heard from Jasmin that you are speaking on Vesak Day. Could you please give me more details. Thanks… joey
on May 10th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Hi Bryan,
what u wrote were really impressed.
Keep it up for ur good job…
on May 14th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Hey Bryan
I’m sad DMW ended this tue : ( I had enjoyed it very very much. And pardon me, peanut cake at 1 kg… keke.
on May 17th, 2009 at 3:20 am
Hi Bryan,
Today, 2 Singaporeans told me that you’ll be bringing a tour group to Switzerland in June.
I am working in the one and only shop in the Sphinx Terrace at Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe. I am a Singaporean here
I’ve watched 明星导游 before and I can’t wait to see you bringing your tour group up to Jungfrajoch ! I’ve looked at the itienary and I guess it would be either 18 or 19 June when you’ll be going up to Jungfraujoch.
Though there’s the swine flu scare (with SG yellow alert now), Switzerland still remains peaceful like it has always. Can’t wait to see you in Switzerland !
-Sephi
on May 17th, 2009 at 8:40 am
dear sephi,
cool! can’t miss you on top of Europe ya!!!
on May 17th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Hi Bryan,
I was interested in the different world. I was watching u in the destinations about different worlds.I loves to take photos in the world. I like to go see India cos it’s very beautiful place…My friend loves to watch it..What kind of different food in India?
Warmest Regards,
Peishan
on May 18th, 2009 at 8:01 am
peishan,
in India, well, indian food lor..ha ha…seriously, its lots of veggie and curries..
on June 3rd, 2009 at 11:05 pm
嗨、，很高兴看有机会看到你的blog。。。很喜欢你拍的每一张照片，很温馨。。。
on November 1st, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Interesting blog post. What would you say was the most common problem?