About Me


Hello all, I'm Ravioli!

A passionate adventurer on a journey fuelled by a love for both rich history and authentic local experiences. I dive into new cultures by drinking with locals, sharing laughs and learning about the traditions that make each place unique, and exploring historical sights that whisper the secrets of the past. Join me as I capture these unforgettable moments and share my journey through engaging stories and personal reflections.




"So travel, for many of us, is a quest for not just the unknown, but the unknowing; I, at least, travel in search of an innocent eye that can return me to a more innocent self. I tend to believe more abroad than I do at home" - Pico Iyer


Why do I travel?

I seek to uncover the truth behind every stereotype—both the flattering and the not-so-flattering. I travel to see if countries truly deserve the reputations they've been given. Whether I'm clinking glasses with locals over heartfelt conversation or wandering through historic sites steeped in centuries of culture, I strive to peel back the layers of preconceived notions. My journey is all about discovering the authentic stories that lie beyond the surface, questioning assumptions, and celebrating the unique character of each destination.

Places I've been to

Japan
Australia
Thailand
Cambodia


https://pixabay.com/photos/balloons-over-bagan-1997316/



Currently in Myanmar!








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Shwedagon Pagoda

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 The Timeless Beacon of Myanmar In the bustling heart of Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda towers above the cityscape with its radiant gold body. a sight that has to embody the spiritual and cultural identity of the country. This majestic structure isn't just a tourist attraction however, it is a ongoing testament to the deep-rooted Buddhist heritage and resilience of its people. Image by Adobe Stock Legend states that the pagoda houses relics of the Gautama Buddha, a sacred connection that has made it a revered site for over 2,600 years . While having the distinction of not only being the world's oldest pagoda, it also lays claim to being the world's most expensive, being encrusted with over 7,000 diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, and covered completely in gold, anywhere from 9 to 60 tons of precious metals . By Bjørn Christian Tørrissen But to understand the importance of the Pagoda to devotees, it helps to think about how symbols work in creating national or religious identiti...
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Beyond the "Land of Golden Pagodas"

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Myanmar Given its nickname as the "Land of the Golden Pagodas", it is not a uncommon occurrence to view Myanmar as a single image of Buddhist temples steeped in unchanging tradition, given the country's abundance of golden stupas among the flatlands and deep-rooted Buddhist culture, many tend of gloss over the extraordinary diversity and complexity of its people, languages, and history. The essence bound to Myanmar is a timeless, spiritual enclave, untouched by modernity and defined solely by its religious monuments. By  SteveAllenPhoto /  Getty Images Such a portrayal can be challenged by looking more closely at Myanmar's multifaceted cultural and geographical landscape. In urban centres like Yangon and Mandalay, for instance, contemporary art scenes and bustling nightlife defy the notion of a purely traditional society. Meanwhile, Myanmar is home to over 135 ethnic groups , each with their own distinct languages, customs, and traditions. Like Doreen Massey reminds u...
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Navigating Risk in Myanmar

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 Civil Conflict and Curfews Following the military coup in February 2021, travelling to Myanmar currently carries significant risks due to the ongoing civil conflict. Violent clashes between military forces and resistance groups have escalated into a nationwide civil war, resulting in widespread instability and unpredictability. A real risk that travellers might be impacted by is the introduction of a strict curfew in major cities like Yangon and Mandalay, where movement is prohibited after dark. Yangon in particular has a curfew in place from 1 am to 3 am . This curfew is strictly enforced, and violations may result in arrest or confrontation with military personnel. Jimi15, Reddit The likelihood of encountering risks associated with civil unrest, such as protests and roadblocks, is still quite high. Although central tourist spots may appear relatively safe during daylight hours, the situation could rapidly change after sunset when security forces become more vigilant, and streets...
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