I make it a habit that whenever I have something I want to experience, I schedule it early. I heard it is good luck to start the year with whatever you want to be experiencing for the rest of the year. I have always loved traveling. So for 2007, I left on the 18th of February. The original plan was January but it just didn't happen. (In the year 2006, I started right on time, on a January, for the Batanes islands trip.)
just arrived
My first destination was to the Langkawi island of Malaysia, to volunteer for an animal sanctuary. Though I would have loved to have been involved on the ongoing Malaysian wildlife project, (orangutans and giant turtles!!) there was just no opportunity at that time. So the animals I went to see and care for were not very wild -- the dogs and cats that were abandoned.
the next day after arriving in Kuala Lumpur, I took the night train and was in Langkawi in the early morning. this bird is the symbol of the island from which it's name was taken. fly Langkawi fly...
this is part of the upscale resort-restaurant of the 'boss.' the philanthropist who took it upon herself to gather, give food and shelter to all the stray dogs and cats of the island. I think she's a Buddhist, and so this project is a part of her dharma and good karma. I really see it as a good service to the animal-kind, we included.
each volunteer is given a 'house.' I had two bedrooms in my house. This is my day-room for taking naps at daytime or when I wanted to watch DVDs. I made it a day-room because it's located in a more airy corner.
this is my night-room, more insulated from distracting outside lights.
me and one of the cats at the
veterinary clinic.
The task as a volunteer was very easy and basic. Clean the dogs' pen in the morning. Play with them. Feed them for lunch. Play with them again. Play some peaceful music to guide them reach the alpha level of the mind, and maybe attain some Nirvana-like-state of consciousness. Feed them again in the evening.
That's all.
There were about 40 dogs in Sanctuary B where I was assigned. I liked the dogs and they liked me too, though it would have also been fun to be with the cats, because they are really my tribe.
Food and lodging for the volunteer is provided.
Some of the things to see in Langkawi
Langkawi's most popular beach, Pantai Cenang
guesthouse of some dignitary?
The Dockyard.
I was invited to a barbecue party in one of these yachts. Some people live in these yachts, they travel the seas of the world.
After two weeks in Langkawi, (I originally committed for a month) I couldn't stand the heat and the isolation, mostly the heat in that orchard area where the dogs are "sanctuaried." And because I was there on a purely volunteer basis, I could legally leave anytime I wanted. So I bid goodbye and went back down to Kuala Lumpur.
In KL, a whole new adventure awaited me.
travel period: February 2007
The photographer was sure that he was going to see the end of his dogs when the
It's hard to believe that this polar bear only needed to hug someone! 
The Polar Bear returned every night that week to play with the dogs.
