Weekend

Gorilla Trek in Rwanda /  by Yobel Muchang

4 days | April 2021
Standing face to face with a silverback gorilla, a King Kong in the making.

Standing face to face with a silverback gorilla, a King Kong in the making.

Shrouded in mist, standing alone in the thick foliage deep within the rainforest.

Shrouded in mist, standing alone in the thick foliage deep within the rainforest.

Gorilla mom strolls by with her baby in tow.

Gorilla mom strolls by with her baby in tow.

Rwanda is called the Land of a Thousand Hills for a reason.

Rwanda is called the Land of a Thousand Hills for a reason.

Woman tirelessly toiling in the fields.

Woman tirelessly toiling in the fields.

Interrupted this golden monkey’s lunchtime for a photoshoot.

Interrupted this golden monkey’s lunchtime for a photoshoot.

Baby gorilla enjoying playtime on a lazy day.

Baby gorilla enjoying playtime on a lazy day.

Silverback gorilla lumbering passed as he enters back into the rainforest.

Silverback gorilla lumbering passed as he enters back into the rainforest.

Best part of being a kid: every day is an adventure.

Best part of being a kid: every day is an adventure.

Golden monkey shrouded in foliage at the edge of the forest.

Golden monkey shrouded in foliage at the edge of the forest.

Silverback mountain gorilla enjoying his afternoon snack of eucalyptus bark.

Silverback mountain gorilla enjoying his afternoon snack of eucalyptus bark.

Quick Thoughts

This experience was one year in the making. Let’s rewind back to the beginning of March 2020. COVID-19 was just beginning to overtake the world as a flurry of news cycles brought its effects closer and closer to home. Amidst the growing chaos, I spontaneously booked a Rwandan gorilla expedition, imagining there was still time before the end of our civilization. I ultimately canceled the trip at the last minute after words of wisdom from a friend. THANKFULLY I heeded his warning because shortly thereafter…the borders shut down all over the world. This would’ve left me stranded in a foreign country for weeks if not months. So I’m grateful to live in the timeline where I chose to use my brain, but let’s pour one out for the idiotic alt-universe version of me that chose chaos.

Fast forward one year to a journey come full circle with a successful COVID-free Rwandan adventure exploring wildlife at its finest. There’s probably a life lesson somewhere in this story, but you know what? Life’s gotten too serious, so just enjoy the ride! Or at least enjoy my photos (:

Key Highlights

  • Link to my collection of Instagram Stories from the trip!

  • Kigali Genocide Memorial Site - Visited this site to inform myself on the atrocities of the 1994 Rwanda genocide where close to 1 million men, women, and children were massacred based on manufactured ethnic & class divides. Heartbreaking reminder of humanity’s potential for evil when hatred rules our hearts.

  • Gorilla trekking - Nothing beats the adrenaline rush experienced as a silverback casually lumbers closer, pauses to size you up before dismissing you as unworthy of a beatdown. I could’ve taken him though..

  • Golden Monkey trekking - This occurred higher up the mountain range within a bamboo forest. The monkeys were fascinating, but I actually found the bamboo forest more breathtaking and almost magical.

  • “Beyond Gorilla” village experience - We spent several hours exploring Kinigi village and meeting the locals who were very hospitable and friendly, especially the kids who treated me like a celebrity!

  • Hôtel des Mille Collines - It’s quite surreal visiting this historic site made famous through its portrayal in the Hotel Rwanda film. It’s worth a visit, and the film is worth a watch.

  • Ubumwe Grande Hotel Rooftop - Grab some drinks from the rooftop and enjoy the panoramic landscape view.

Things to Know

  • Uber Luxe Safaris - I highly recommend this team to book your travel experience! They took care of everything in the most professional manner: the itinerary, hotels, transport, permits, PCR logistics, the whole nine yards.

  • General itinerary - Day 1: quarantining at hotel until receiving PCR test done on arrival. Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial site visit and transport to Volcanoes Nat’l Park area. Day 3: Gorilla trekking in the morning, Beyond Gorilla experience in the afternoon, and PCR test for departure. Day 4: Golden Monkey trekking and transport back to Kigali airport.

  • Trekking duration - Gorilla treks can take hours of trekking through thick foliage and mud. Fortunately, not even an hour into the trek we encountered the Kwitonda gorilla family. In a rare turn of events these gorillas emerged from the rainforest and wandered into nearby farmland to feast on tomato crops. It made for wonderful photos, but don’t count on being this lucky!

  • Trekking gear - This trip occurred during Rwanda’s rainy season, but regardless make sure to bring sturdy boots, trouser and hat. The hotel provided leg gaiters which protects against mud and worse, with walking sticks optional.

  • COVID-19 PCR test - This is obviously subject to change, but keep in mind in order to pay for a PCR test in Rwanda, you have to go to a local bank and convert cash into a bank deposit slip. This can be quite frustrating so prepare in advance.

  • Malaria tablets - These are optional but better safe than sorry! Just make sure to take them a couple days before your trip.

  • Places I stayed: Kigali Serena Hotel and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

Bird’s Eye View

Trip by the Photos

Weekend in India /  by Yobel Muchang

3 days | Apr 2019 | Akash the tiger bathing in a watering hole. Photo taken through the thick jungle foliage.

3 days | Apr 2019 | Akash the tiger bathing in a watering hole. Photo taken through the thick jungle foliage.

Quick Thoughts

Not gonna lie, planning a trip to India was quite daunting as I experienced a bit of information overload. I mean we’re talking about a country with 4,000 freaking cities and the seventh largest land mass in the world.

With that said, my goal was to witness India’s wonderfully diverse wildlife and in particular: the bengal tigers. So I narrowed down my options for a weekend getaway and landed on Ranthambhore National Park near Jaipur.

The weekend only afforded me a taste of India, but after surviving a staredown with the King of the Jungle, suffice to say I’m ready for round two 🐯

Key Highlights

  • Link to my collection of Instagram Stories from the trip!

  • Key highlight was the wildlife safari (obviously). In 1.5 days I took 2,500 photos, mostly of tigers but also got an elusive leopard sighting, tons of langur monkeys, deer, peacocks, mongoose, wild boar, kingfishers, herons, and so on.

  • Galta Ji Monkey Temple - I spent my last afternoon in India hanging out with a bunch of monkeys, quite literally. It was entertaining watching dozens of playful monkeys dive repeatedly into the temple pool and wrestling nonstop with each other. Time well spent.

  • Cows own the roads - I understand cows are considered sacred in the majority-Hindu nation, but it’s still quite the spectacle seeing a single cow able to force the chaotic and uncompromising road to bend the knee.

  • Speaking of roads, do you seek the thrill of rollercoasters but are afraid of heights? Well, driving in India is somewhat of its own adrenaline rush. I’d be lying if I said there weren’t a few times I closed my eyes and whispered, “Jesus take the wheel” while my driver nonchalantly weaved his way between cars, tuk tuks, cows, bikers, pedestrians, and chaos incarnate. But the more time I spent on the roads, the more fascinated I became at the technical prowess and confidence of the drivers (cows excluded). Take a few steps back and you’ll see there are unspoken, hidden rules of the road that once discovered enable you to control the chaos and ride the current. Like a boss.

Things to Know

  • Travel Visa - In typical fashion I booked this trip last minute and almost forgot about the travel visa. Fortunately I successfully applied for a rush e-visa via this website which approved me in 24 hours.

  • I stayed at the Ranthambhore Heritage Haveli hotel which I recommend. They took care of my airport pickup / dropoff, my wildlife safari bookings, and are also located in close proximity to the national park.

  • I flew into Jaipur International Airport in Rajasthan followed by a ~3 hour drive to my hotel near Ranthambore National Park.

  • In total, I booked three safaris: two morning and one afternoon drives. Definitely recommend as you’re not guaranteed optimal weather conditions or tiger sightings.

Bird’s Eye View

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Trip by the Photos

Weekend in Istanbul /  by Yobel Muchang

2 days | Feb 2019 | Closeup of Hagia Sophia Museum as seen through a glass of Turkish tea.

2 days | Feb 2019 | Closeup of Hagia Sophia Museum as seen through a glass of Turkish tea.

Quick Thoughts

Istanbul is one of the rare cities that checks all the boxes. It’s a sprawling transcontinental metropolis that’s withstood the test of time & humanity, which as a tourist means endless explorations of both the ancient & the modern.

This “City on the Seven Hills” also boasts one of the most impressive skylines which can be enjoyed from countless rooftop bars, cafes, & restaurants. Speaking of which, the food may very well be the highlight for most travelers it’s that amazing.

With that said, the best part for me was *drumroll* chilling with the friendly stray dogs & cats that run the streets of Istanbul. But hey, different priorities 🤷‍♂️🐕🐈

Key Highlights

  • Link to my collection of Instagram Stories from the trip!

  • Befriending this street dog with heterochromatic eyes.

  • You can’t visit Turkey without trying Turkish coffee ☕️

  • The moment I landed, I went straight from the airport to Ortakoy Mosque and caught this stormy sunrise just in time!

  • Fish sandwich from the boat restaurant near Galata Bridge (Deniz Yildizi Balikci).

  • Watching the sunset views of Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia from Seven Hills Hotel rooftop.

  • Turkish street food is worth trying, especially roasted chestnuts 🌰And of course, try some Turkish ice cream & enjoy the show.

Things to Know

  • For a free rooftop view of Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia museum, check out Seven Hills Hotel.

  • There are two major airports, both roughly an hour away from the city so factor that into your itinerary!

  • Cheers Hostel - I highly recommend this place! Plus the hostel comes with its own dog (:

  • Get ready to encounter street dogs & cats everywhere! But don’t worry, they are treated well & are quite friendly.

  • Use Uber.

  • Watch out for hustlers. I unfortunately had one taxi driver rip me off, and had another interesting incident. In an elaborate scheme, a shoe shiner walked ahead of me and “accidentally” dropped his shoe brush. I picked it up and approached him to return it. He acted surprised and grateful, followed by insisting in giving me a shoe shine. Luckily, my slow brain finally remembered I read about this scheme prior to my trip, so I hurried along my way. Apparently this is a method used to hook you into buying something. I respect the hustle.

Bird’s Eye View

Weekend in Istanbul

Trip by the Photos

Roadtrip in Arizona /  by Yobel Muchang

4 days | Dec 2018 | View of the sky seahorse and seal @ Lower Antelope Canyon.

4 days | Dec 2018 | View of the sky seahorse and seal @ Lower Antelope Canyon.

Quick Thoughts

Arizona is a roadtripping photographer’s dream destination, as one hops from panoramic desert terrains and jaw-dropping canyons, to starlit nights and lush forests, all within a day’s drive. For that reason, a couple buddies and I decided to roadtrip through northern Arizona. I spent my entire childhood in the state, but it took me leaving to realize how stunning & diverse Arizona truly is. Come visit, you won’t regret it!

Key Highlights

Things to Know

  • I went right around Christmas time which means you beat the crowds, but make sure to bring a thick jacket. Northern Arizona gets quite chilly!

  • Don’t bring a drone - they’re not allowed in the national parks (as of this writing). It didn’t stop some folks from flying them around Horseshoe Bend, but take my advice: don’t be That Guy. No one likes That Guy. That Guy’s mother doesn’t even like That Guy.

Bird’s Eye View

Roadtrip in Arizona

Trip by the Photos

3 days in Myanmar /  by Yobel Muchang

3 days | Dec 2018 | Bagan’s pagoda landscape view during sunset.

3 days | Dec 2018 | Bagan’s pagoda landscape view during sunset.

Quick Thoughts

I had a blast exploring the ancient temples, engaging with friendly & extremely gracious locals, and traversing the enchanted foggy landscape whilst floating in a hot air balloon or zipping around in an electric scooter. Myanmar was magical to its core - I only wish I had more than a weekend to enjoy it. Next time I guess.

Key Highlights

  • Link to my collection of Instagram Stories from the trip!

  • Zipping aimlessly on electric scooters from pagoda to pagoda along the dirt roads. Trust me - best way to travel!

  • Hot air balloon ride over Bagan for sunrise. There aren’t words to describe how breathtaking & surreal it is to be floating silently above a misty landscape with only the sounds of birds to keep you company (and the occasional fire blast keeping you afloat).

  • I lost my phone while riding along the dirt roads. And as anyone would do in the modern age, I panicked. Long story short, some locals came to help without hesitation and we found it! A bit worse for wear, but lesson learned.

Things to Know

  • Make sure to get your travel visa in advance! I realized the hard way of my own naiveté when I almost missed my flight. Don’t be like me: with 45 minutes before the gates closed, scrambling to get on airport wifi, taking passport-sized photos, completing applications online, refreshing my inbox every second for an approval notification like a madman, rushing to find an airport printer to print the visa, and making it with less than 5 minutes to go. WHEW!

  • BaobaBed Hostel Bagan - I ended up staying in a private room, and couldn’t have asked for a more comfortable stay. Plus it was across the street from an e-scooter rental spot which made traversing even easier.

  • Zip around on electric scooters! It’s dirt cheap but also incredibly fun, especially once you go onto the dirt paths and explore the pagodas on your own.

  • Watching sunset atop pagodas - A popular attraction is climbing up the temples to watch the sunset. Having said that, most of the pagodas are off-limits now due to safety concerns. Luckily I ran into a local who took me to an open one, saved me from missing out on such an incredible view. I pinned the location in my maps (below).

  • Tipping locals - there was a handful of times when a local helped me out. Instead of paying them directly, they instead asked if I wished to purchase their goods (e.g., artwork). I happily obliged, but keep this in mind!

Bird’s Eye View

3 Days in Bagan

Trip by the Photos

3 days in Kathmandu Nepal /  by Yobel Muchang

3 days | September 2018 | Macaque monkey staring up at a shrine in Swayambhunath Maha Chaitya monkey temple.

3 days | September 2018 | Macaque monkey staring up at a shrine in Swayambhunath Maha Chaitya monkey temple.

Quick Thoughts

Quick thoughts for a quick trip! I had just finished a two-week Eurotrip (Budapest, Norway, Amsterdam), but realized there was a 3-day weekend coming up. Not to pass up on the opportunity, I booked last-minute flights to Kathmandu, Nepal. My only goal? Chill with monkeys. That’s it. Enjoy some monkey pics ^^

Key Highlights

Things to Know

  • When visiting Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), make sure to secure your belongings - these monkeys are professional thieves! I had one rip the hand sanitizer right off my bag. Joke’s on the monkey though when he tried eating it (:

Bird’s Eye View

Weekend in Kathmandu, Nepal

Trip by the Photos