Interesting Istanbul 2 – The Shoe Shine Men
Just outside the Topkapi Palace…. A shoe shine man with a glamorous set up! This was not just a scene of a service provider and a customer. It was a … Continue reading
Interesting Istanbul 1 – Artistic Locks
After hearing a story of my friend’s credit cards being stolen from the overhead compartment on a flight on one of the world’s best airlines, I have begun using locks … Continue reading
Who Knew! Forts of Maharashtra
Who knew that Maharashtra had over 75 forts!! Seventy Five!!! And who knew that there are nearly 200 groups that organise trekking & hiking day / overnight tours to … Continue reading
A Walk through the Grand Bazar of Istanbul
Too often as I stroll through a market and like something, I do not buy it right away – thinking that I will pick it up on the way back. … Continue reading
Lost & Found – An Ancient City in Northern Thailand
An experience from 8 years ago almost lost in my memory… revived through photos. In 1984, some ancient tablets were found at a site about 5km from Chiang Mai in … Continue reading
Intrigued by the Past – Cappadocia 1
The viewing is done, the guide’s explanation of possible theories has been heard and some basic material on the land formations and subsequent habitation has been read. But questions remain … Continue reading
Life begins at the End of your Comfort Zone…
This timely advice was given to me by my daughter when I was choosing a travel destination. The other options were 2 places near Singapore – Bagan & Bali. But … Continue reading
Caving in Halong Bay – First Adventure
Well ‘almost’. Caving is the recreational pastime of exploring wild generally non-commercial cave systems. The beautiful Halong Bay in Vietnam with its 2000 towering limestone islands and islets offered me … Continue reading
Strength to Nepal Earthquake Survivors
Love & strength to all Nepalis. 🙁 Memories from a few years ago. All these places are beautiful and it is sad that some of these did not survive. … Continue reading
The Charm of a Small Town – Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Until my ship sailed to Sihanoukville I did not even know that such a town existed. Cambodia is usually all about Angkor Wat and being the blind tourist that I … Continue reading
A Resting Place
Somewhere in Sikkim – a place of complete silence. What a desirable resting place that is! jm April 2015
Wealth of South Asia – Sun, Sea & Islands
Some phenomena, try as we might, cannot be conveyed in words. They can only be experienced. Try as I might I cannot convey the taste of Pani Puri with words. … Continue reading
Asia Travelogues Coming Soon
The Wealth of South Asia – Islands, Sun & Sea Vietnam: Caving in Vietnam Vietnam: Just what were you thinking? Guerilla Jungles & Tunnels Vietnam: The Tale of a Refugee … Continue reading
50 Shades of Blue
Not actually 50 … but many many shades of blue. This post has nothing to do with culture or art. But in my pursuit of these two aspects of life, … Continue reading
A Temple Lies Locked
Many temples are run by trusts. Trusts that are made up of people. Sometimes people disagree. And fight. And over time, with the addition of ego and the passage of … Continue reading
We all love a good story! – Street Photo – Lambani Gypsies
We all love a good story! We all love some details of other lives. This inherent trait of humans across cultures is probably one of the biggest advantages of the … Continue reading
Transport in the Olden Days
I have not travelled in ANY of these! Or even SEEN any in use! 1. A hand-pushed Rickshaw 2. A rough Palkhi 3. A Palkhi 4. A Bullock with wheels? … Continue reading
Going Solo Again
Another speaking assignment – another fantastic cruise ship and a whole lot of new places waiting to be seen! A month ago I was in the Andaman Seas – stopping … Continue reading
Ideology of a Nomadic Life
The general belief is that a nomadic life is a forced choice but on the contrary it is a preferred way of life. Read more…
A Walk through Penang
Well – not exactly a walk! I rode through Penang in a cycle rickshaw. Driven around by the most entertaining & the most spirited driver I have ever met – … Continue reading
Shedding Draupadi’s Sari before the Ocean
Yes – these are the true colors of the ocean in Phi Phi island, near Phuket Thailand. Yes I am extremely fortunate to have seen such waters several times in … Continue reading
