For those that have read this blog before you know that I am a big proponent of getting off the tourist path and doing some exploring wherever you happen to be. That happened recently while in Manila where I noticed a very large compound surrounded by a 8 foot tall solid metal fence painted bright green. The buildings inside where very ornate around the rooftops and appeared to be some type of Chinese Temple.
Never one to be to shy I knocked on the small gate and a gentleman working inside answered. I asked if this was a temple of some kind and he stated it was a Taoist Temple. Then I brazenly asked if I could come in and look around. He stepped outside onto the street and looked around and asked where I was from. After I told him he smiled and waved at me to hurry inside.
He seemed kind of nervous and I asked if he was sure I could come inside and look around. He stated I could look but to not take any pictures inside the main temple. The outside prayer areas were okay though.
I was inside the compound about 6 or 7 minutes when a vehicle pulled up to the compound and honked its horn to be let in. The vehicle pulled in and the driver looked at me, smiled and went to the parking area but that’s when the worker got really nervous and said I should leave. I gathered it was one of the head guys and although he smiled wasn’t too pleased the worker had allowed me in.
While I was there the worker and I took turns asking questions, me about the temple and he about where I was from and about me. It was interesting, beautiful and really cool.
That is why i love exploring places on my own. You never know what you might happen upon or who you might meet.
Next time your traveling do yourself a favor, get off the tourist path and explore a little. It can be very rewarding.
Wow crashing temples haha can’t get much crazier than that!!!
Well I have never been shy. It is amazing what you can see if your friendly and ask.
This is so awesome. One of my favorite travel moments was crashing a stranger’s house to see her nativity scene.
It is always fun discovering something new that others don’t usually get to see and experience.
I love it when the unexpected turns out to be the most memorable experience.
Hi Annette and thanks for visiting. That is one reason I try to always carve out my own path when traveling. I find that when you do get off the tourist path you seem to “discover” the great pubs, restaurants, and sights that others never get to see because theydon’t venture too far away from the standard tourist sights.
I love that you simply asked to come inside and look around. I need to get up the guts to do that more often.
Well I have never been too shy. What’s the worst that could happen? You might get a strange look and told no, which has happened to me a lot.
I am inspired to go off the tourist path on my next trip!
You never know what you might come across.
I wonder why he was so nervous? usually people are really excited to share their culture and religion
I’m not sure, but at least I got to go in and check it out for a few minutes.