Laraque's Journal

Tag: travel

Before the bubbles, how I prepare for a day diving in Raja Ampat

A photo of me diving in Raja Ampat hold my my underwater camera.- Image taken by Megan Hassa

When you wake up anywhere to go diving, you feel a sense of excitement. The feeling that you are going to explore the underwater world is like entering another realm in this reality. It adds a whole other layer to life. Unlocking a world humanity wasn’t designed to live in. Every day, I feel that when I wake up, I will be taken to a place that not everyone will understand emotionally. However, as humans, we are deeply connected to nature, as we rely on it for our survival. Knowing that nature is my primary form of entertainment, I believe it has helped me grow as a person, fostering respect for others and the world we live in. That being said, when I wake up in the morning, I always tell myself to be genuinely grateful to have these experiences, as they are extraordinary. After that, I always check my camera gear to ensure it’s charged and the underwater housing is sealed properly, ready for the day. My camera is essential to me, as it allows me to capture and share the world underwater. A place truly unique.

A green sea turtle swimming effortlessly over the reef at Cape Mansuar in Central Raja Ampat

Life in the ocean is moving all around you and is dynamic. Making sure my camera is prepared properly is critical, so I can capture every stunning moment I witness. After checking my camera, I ensure my dive computer is ready, which is a crucial piece of equipment that monitors my dive and helps me stay safe. Making sure my camera and dive computer are prepared gives me a sense of clarity in the morning. Knowing these things are working well helps me stay calm. I then follow up with a light breakfast and a cup of coffee. Some simple fuel to get my mind going and ready for the day. During this time, I take a moment to mentally reflect on the shots I want to capture and stay as relaxed as possible, as getting too excited in the morning can cause me to lose focus and take away from the excitement I may experience while diving. Staying calm is a crucial part of my morning routine, as it helps me maintain the right mindset for the day ahead.

A portrait of me diving in Raja Ampat Indonesia

Additionally, this allows you to stay more present, as preparation is a critical part of an essential day of diving. I then take a quick shower and brush my teeth. Ensuring I feel fresh before embarking on the day makes me feel even more ready for what’s ahead and is a vital part of my preparation process. The morning before the dive is a time for reflection and good preparation, allowing you to stay focused and dive with confidence, allowing me to produce stunning imagery. After I finish my morning routine, it is time to head to the boat and go diving. In Raja Ampat, I have my dive equipment ready at the dive boat, prepared to go. I enjoy the morning before you head to the boat to go diving. It gives me a sense of focus and calmness. Something I never take for granted, as it is all a part of the amazing process of scuba diving. The more prepared I am, the better I feel. Allowing me to be mesmerized by the underwater world, truly.

A collage of coral at Melissa’s Garden In Central Raja Ampat

June 17, 2025
Discovering the wonderful people of Nepal and their way of life

Women walking through rice terrace near Pokhara

Nepal has one of the most diverse population of people I have witnessed when it comes to physical facial appearance. The people look like they could be from several surrounding nations and even different places overseas. This is what makes Nepal so special: it has a unique diversity of people living in harmony and enjoying life. The people in Nepal, regardless of their origin, adhere to the same principles when it comes to meeting and interacting with foreigners, striving to be as welcoming and friendly as possible. A big part of their culture is to make you feel like you are comfortable and at home in one of the most breathtaking places on our planet.

Eldery women working souvenir stand in Pokhara on the way World Peace Pagoda

I believe, while traveling and meeting people it is important to create genuine connections. Through this you are able to understand their way of life. I met a lot of amazing Nepali people over the last couple of weeks, people willing to open up to me telling me about themselves and their life. During my time photographing the people of Nepal, I was able to capture some fantastic images that show how they live, as well through portraits. With the photos I created, I aimed to emphasize authenticity, showcasing the the people of Nepal in the best way possible. When I was trekking in the Annapurna region, renowned for its stunning mountains and breathtaking beauty. I had some fantastic interactions with Nepali people in every place I stayed for the night or just wanted to get a chai during a break while trekking. The people were very welcoming and peaceful. Open to sharing a part of their life with me to make me feel at home. They realized I had a genuine interest and care for who they were.

Man feeding goats near Bhimjung where I started my Mardi Himal trek

Nepali people have adopted a way of life that is in harmony with nature, while trekking in the Himalayas you can witness people working hard cultivating a diverse range of fruits and vegetables. They manage a very effective way of farming while living in a stunning mountain range that offers some challenges. To them, nature is a part of who they are. They are delighted with what they have, as it provides them with everything they need to live a peaceful way of life. Waking up each day truly appreciative of the beauty that surrounds them and the abundance it provides them. A way of life rooted in harmony. Nepal also has two famous cities I visited while traveling before I embarked on my treks., Kathmandu and Pokhara. The people who live in each city were welcoming and friendly. The rush of city life doesn’t seem to have a significant impact on the people, they remain respectful and caring to others. The core principles that the people of Nepal live by run deep and are an essential representation of who they are.

A women monk walks around the famous Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu

Along with everything else, religion plays a significant role in shaping the behavior and interactions of the people of Nepal. Buddha is a religous figure born in Nepal, a man who was once a prince who set out to find peace without attachment to the material world. The people in Nepal adhere to many buddhist principles and beliefs. These beliefs stem in peace, happiness, and kindness. They are essential beliefs we should all live with each day. These beliefs create abundance and fill our hearts with good intentions. This is something the Nepali people embody well. Along with Buddhist beliefs, Hinduism is the main religion in Nepal. The people follow the beliefs of Hinduism, which have a deep-rooted history. Some of the main practices of Hinduism are practicing good karma, living ethically, and rebirth until one’s soul achieves liberation. These beliefs are at the core of what the Nepali people believe, shaping how they act. They understand doing the righteousness thing is best for oneself and others. This has help shaped a culture rooted in trying to live a fulfilling life.

Women cutting down branches to feed cattle during Poon Hill trek

The belief of practicing good karma is a significant driver in influencing each individual’s actions. Karma is the belief that how we interact and do things will come back to us, whether we do the right or wrong thing. This has shaped the people of Nepal to try to embody kindness to others as much as possible and to refrain from committing crimes or acting poorly. Karma is also believed to extend across several lifetimes influencing each one of our lives differently. I also believe that the people I met in Nepal and all the positive interactions don’t just stem from religious faith, but rather because they believe doing the right thing is what we must do to be at peace with one another. To understand, we must treat others the way we want to be treated, we are all connected in this life, living a journey with an unwritten story. Spreading love is deeply important, it allows us to live day by day, so at peace. I am genuinely thankful for all the amazing people I have met in Nepal and the fantastic memories I have created.

Eldery man working hard carrying heavy loads of food on shoulders during mardi Himal trek

June 11, 2025
The Last Paradise on Earth under threat from a greedy world

Hawksbill sea turtle swims over the crystal clear waters at Cape Mansuar in central, Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is simply paradise on Earth. Stunning scenery and some of the best marine life on our planet. It is a biological hotspot with the highest concentration of different tropical marine species in the world. It is home to the largest ray on earth, the oceanic manta ray, which can grow up to a staggering 9 meters in width. It is not commonly seen while scuba diving in most places on Earth and has made Raja Ampat its home. Many other species, like large green sea turtles, reef manta rays, and sharks, can be found in these waters. Many profound species call Raja Ampat their home. The landscapes in Raja Ampat are breathtaking, featuring lush forest islands with stunning beaches. It is also home to some of the most beautiful birds on Earth, called the birds of paradise. The beauty in Raja Ampat is simply incredible, whether you are above or below the water. It is a place on Earth that redefines what you think is possible on our planet.

Wayag, Raja Ampat and it stunning island formations

It is no secret that the beauty and significance it offers us is undeniable. It provides a hotspot for tourists from around the world to discover. Additionally, it is a place where local people obtain their food source and live their traditional way of life. Despite all of this, greed has outweighed what matters most to us, the beauty of the natural world. Nickel mining has been going on in smaller islands in the archipelago, such as Kawe, Gag and Manuran, due to their location and proximity to essential locations in Raja Ampat. They should be off-limits to Nickel mining. Nickel Mining is destructive to the environment, as it involves the devestation of forests for excavation. The destruction of the islands can harm the marine ecosystem as debris and runoff from the operation enter the water, damaging the marine life that the waters of Raja Ampat support.

Oceanic manta ray glides right over my head at the world famous Blue Magic dive site. A cleaning station for these animals. Located in central, Raja Ampat

Indonesia has the largest nickel reserve on the planet and is trying to benefit as quickly and as much as possible for economic growth. The companies and lawmakers involved have lost their way and have been blinded by greed and destruction. Not thinking about the repercussions of their actions is truly sad. Allowing nickel mining in Raja Ampat highlights how people can become detached from the significance of nature, especially in a region that holds such incredible beauty and biodiversity. We can not live without preserving the natural world. It provides food, shelter, breathable air, and its awe-inspiring beauty. Raja Ampat’s reefs offer an abundance of fish for local people and the tourists who visit. Homestays are an essential source of income for local people, on which they heavily rely, as the ocean provides a vital food source to support themselves and their guests. Nickel mining in this area has the potential to disrupt the delicate ecological balance in the sea of Raja Ampat, which would kill the coral reefs, causing a devastating cascading effect for the marine life. Fragile environments have to be well protected so they can thrive and stay strong. Without the threat of nickel mining activity.

Stunning reef scape at the galaxy dive site in the Fam islands in central, Raja Ampat

Scuba diving and snorkeling in Raja Ampat have been a life-changing experience for me. It has also had a similar impact on many people from around the world.Travellers and divers have been coming to Raja Ampat over and over again to continue to marvel and appreciate such unique and astonishing beauty. I have been coming to Raja Ampat since 2023, and ever since then, I have fallen in love with the underwater world. The experience I have had with the marine life and people in Raja Ampat has had a profound impact on me. Something that will forever be in my heart. It has reshaped my perspective on the possibilities of the ocean. The importance of preserving a place like Raja Ampat is paramount for future generations to create such incredible memories for their life. Nature provides an experience like no other. Connecting us deeply with our emotions and the world around us. No form of greed can replace our real feelings and lust for life.

Blacktip reef sharks in Wayag, Raja Ampat swimming close to the beach. A safe place where they call home

I understand the importance of economic expansion and a changing world as we go further into the technological era. But in a region that is so precious like Raja Ampat, the introduction of Nickel Mining should have never entered the picture. As of right now, with strong protest’s nickel mining in the region has been stopped by the government for the time being, and the potential to stop all nickel mining in the area is an high possibility as people continue to have a loud outcry. Today, Raja Ampat is already facing threats from plastic pollution and coral bleaching. In late 2024, central Raja Ampat experienced a severe bleaching event, resulting in the death of coral at major dive sites. Due to the abundance of marine life, the ecosystem remains resilient, and many marine species are still plentiful. With the threat of warming oceans and nickel mining in the region, we can see bad changes happening to the ecosystem not so far in the future. Right now, Raja Ampat hangs in the balance, and I hope all the right decisions will be made to stop nickel mining and protect Raja Ampat fully. The Last Paradise on Earth. A place close to my heart and of which I call my home!

Stunning sunset with impressive island formations in Misool, Raja Ampat

June 9, 2025
Embracing the beauty around you and living in the present moment while trekking in the majestic Himalayas

Mardi Himal High Camp- An amazing view of the Machapuchare with the perfect timing of a eagle flying by in the early morning.

The present moment is all that we have at that specific point in time to live, observe, and do the things we want in life. It is of great significance that we can be present and appreciate what we can do every day. Trekking here in the Himalayas makes it necessary to live in the present and be thankful for the beautiful nature that surrounds you. As a photographer, it is also essential to observe and have the right feeling to capture the perfect moments that make great images while trekking. Trekking can be challenging, making it more difficult to take great photos. It is still amazing to be able to live in the present moment and struggle through the trek. This is a valuable lesson because it highlights the importance of being thankful for what we can do in the present moment, above all else. Being present and persevering through pain is a great way to improve your mental toughness. Showing you can rise above adversity, which helped me trek higher and further.

While trekking, I am taking in all the nature around me. I am observing many things and getting lost in the enchantment of the Himalayas. I feel very alive and free seeing all the remarkable trees, bugs, animals, and foliage. Being taken away by all this beauty, you can imagine the appreciation I feel when photographing, seeing the world as a true expression of love and beauty. Capturing impactful moments as I move along each step of the way. I am thankful beyond anything for the fantastic gifts that nature has offered us. I remember at one point during a trek, I said the trees were my family, and we are all connected. This may sound a bit crazy, but living in the present moment surrounded by such astonishing nature gives you a completely different feeling about the things that surround you.

Mardi Himal trek, Yak rest infront of Annapurna south positioned perfectly

The acknowledgement and love for nature are crucial for the human species. Much of what we do to nature does not align with the present moment and does not complement the complex beauty of nature. Greed has driven humanity down a path contrary to nature and all the critical processes that have sustained us for centuries, such as hunting, foraging for food, and farming. All essential for survival, yet many in the world do not stay connected to a more natural way of life, a way that would keep much of our society grounded and in the present moment, allowing us to have a much greater appreciation for our lives. If we stayed more connected, we could feel happier,present, and fulfilled as a society, creating a great abundance for our hearts. The most important things in life.

While trekking, stunning views and beautiful trees made me want to stick around at some parts for a while. Even after photographing and capturing the moment, I couldn’t leave. I was fully absorbed, not wanting to leave the greatest gifts in life, the ones that come naturally. Staying present throughout the trekking experience has taught me valuable lessons about life and helped me complete tough days when I didn’t feel like trekking. During challenging moments going up during trekking, I would tell myself to rise over and over in my head. Staying present and determined, as I knew that was the only thing that mattered in life, to head higher up that mountain and appreciate the gift of having the fire to keep going. My goal in life is to spend most of my life in the present moment. Trekking has taught me that the most essential thing in life is to appreciate every step of the journey.

Mardi Himal trek, walking through the amazing lush forest

June 7, 2025