Angkor Wat, a temple complex located in northwestern Cambodia, stands as a testament to the greatness of the Khmer civilization. Beyond its architectural grandeur, the spiritual meaning of Angkor Wat reveals profound insights into the religious beliefs and cultural transformations of its time. When I visited the complex in early…
Spirituality for Sale in Bali: How Tourism Transforms Sacred Practices into Consumable Products
When I arrived in Bali in January 2023, I couldn’t help but wonder if it would be as portrayed in Julia Roberts’ movie. Would it really be as spiritual as so many people of my generation imagine? Just like the movie Eat, Pray, Love suggests, Bali is a destination infused…
The Duality of the Traveler and the Fugitive
When I first started traveling the world and embraced the backpacking lifestyle, I believed every traveler was on a journey of self-discovery, just like me. But after years of hostel-hopping and deep conversations in tucked-away cafés, I came to understand that this isn’t always true. Some people cannot be called…
Bangkok: Between the Sacred and the Profane
Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a city of contrasts where the sacred and the profane coexist almost naturally. With its stunning Buddhist temples and streets packed with bars and nightclubs, the city reflects the cultural complexity of a country that has successfully balanced its religious traditions with a…
Buddhism in Thailand: Reflections from a Western Traveler
As a traveler from Latin America who was baptized and raised in Christianity, one of the aspects that intrigued me most about my journey through Asia was how Buddhism integrates into society. I was eager to see if there were any differences between the Buddhism described in books and how…