Chatting with: Traveler and writer Alice Sun-Cua

Don't we all want to remember every bit of that memorable vacation — be it in Bali's Ubud area, spending springtime in Seoul, or visiting various biblical stops in Israel? 

Aside from taking tons of photographs and posting them on social media, we can write about our journeys in our journals (and blogs) or in travel essays worthy to see print.

At the recent launch of her latest book, "Golden Kumquats in Trieste and Other Travel Tales," travel writer Dr. Alice Sun-Cua said, "What better way to remember these travels but to write about them, put them on paper, so they can be recalled in later years, when the memory fails?"

We asked her for helpful tips on travel writing. A contributor of GMA News Online, Dr. Cua has written three other travel books: "Riding Towards the Sunrise," "Autumn in Madrid and Other Travel Tales," and "Kissing Through a Handkerchief and Other Travel Tales."

You obviously love traveling and writing about it. Can you tell us more about your first trip out of the country? 

That first trip was in December 1987, to Chin Chiang, China. As a new bride, I accompanied my husband Alex to visit his paternal grandmother in their village, Lung Ho Tan, which was about an hour’s drive from Xiamen City. In a way it was also to introduce me to the clan. I was a bit apprehensive meeting Alex’s relatives for the first time, but when they learned I spoke fluent Fukienese, they were so happy, and slowly I felt I really belonged. 

How often do you travel? How many countries have you gone to?

Alex and I usually travel once a year, if our schedules permit it. We cannot leave the country for a long time, as we are looking after elderly parents. But since we don’t have children, it is easier to arrange the trip, especially now that I have let go of some of my hospital responsibilities.

As to the number of countries, I would say that we still have a lot that we want to visit. I love going to Europe because the places are so full of history, and the roads are pedestrian-friendly. They usually have a very efficient mass-transit system, so going around is easier and more enjoyable. We lived in Sydney, Australia, for six months, and a year and a half in Jakarta, Indonesia, so these were also opportunities for us to explore the countries in depth.

What is the most memorable trip you have taken and why?

I think all our trips were memorable, that’s why I wrote about all of them (laughs). But I love to go back to Spain and practice my Spanish some more, and visit the other parts of the country that we haven’t gone to. Italy, as well. The Czech Republic, especially Prague, is beautiful.

One Sunday while waiting for the noon day English Mass to start at the Church of Our Lady Victorious (with the enshrined Infant Jesus of Prague), the Filipino ladies in charge of the Mass asked me to read the First Reading. I felt so happy and blessed with this active participation, and we also became friends with the ladies. The countryside of the Czech Republic and the other Central European countries are also places that we would really want to go and visit.

The Medellín International Poetry Festival was also very memorable. More than 120 poets from all around the world converged in Medellín, Colombia, and I represented our country in 2009. We read our poems in our original language (mine in English), and a Colombian reader read them in Spanish. The warmth of the throng that attended the festival was unforgettable.

What preparations do you take before going on a journey? Any tips for travelers?

I usually read about the place we are visiting, learn a few useful phrases, and memorize one or two songs. The locals are usually very happy to know that we have exerted efforts to learn their language. Recently we visited Lenhovda, Sweden, and met a friend’s 76-year-old mother-in-law to whom I sang a Swedish song, and she must have loved it, she sang along with me. There was so much quiet joy in that moment!

As for the tips to travelers, it is always best to be open to possibilities. Be like a child and bring back the wonder in your discoveries!

How do you go about writing your travel pieces?

I usually look for a unique angle, perhaps a poetry line pertinent to the piece, a dialogue with a new friend in that country… something to hook the reader. I put the first drafts aside, and wait for the stories to “develop,” then look at them again after a week or so, to gain “distance.” Looking at them with fresh eyes brings out many discordant phrases. Do not hurry. Avoid sloppiness. Be conscious of your readers.

Lastly, what pointers can you give to aspiring travel writers or those who just want to document their trip?

Start a travel journal, and try to write every day so you do not forget the details. It is the details that make your travel narrative special. Open your senses. Describe not only how the place looked like but also how it smelled, felt, sounded, and tasted. — LA, GMA News