18th Century Transport!
Painting of 18th century transport: Offered by Tremont Auction House. Sold for US$1300 (2016) jm March 2016
Waiting to Grow Old
A friend reminded me that at 50, we are the youngest of the old people. But I cannot wait to get to the next stage and become the oldest of … Continue reading
WHY I travel
A note on the ‘Why’ of travel – by a woman who lived a hundred years ago and traveled solo in those days [with servants]
Textiles in Ancient Balinese Paintings
Life is full of choices and the worst challenges are choosing between two bad choices or between two good choices. Shall I buy a painting or a textile? Shall I … Continue reading
Side Effects of Religion
With the world slowly going crazy and the use of religion as a platform to justify it all, it is natural that there are discussions everywhere on this provocative subject. … Continue reading
Jewels of Serendipity
When I look at the whole picture of my life, I have no doubt that I am on the right side of the luck line. But in every segment of … Continue reading
Indonesian Archipelago Diaries
Traveling through active Volcanoes that spewed ash just 2 months ago! Ancient Temples & Prehistoric Dragons, Coral reef snorkelling (and a few lectures) beckon! The villages of Borobudur & Prambanan … Continue reading
Anatolia Diaries
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone Interesting Istanbul 1 Interesting Istanbul 2 A Walk through the Grand Bazar of Istanbul Intrigued by the past – Cappadocia Art … Continue reading
Art in Architecture – The Magnificent Blue Mosque of Istanbul
The Sultan Ahmet Mosque or Blue Mosque is stunning not only because of the Blue tiled interiors that give it its other name, but also because of the dome structure … Continue reading
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
Guest Post – Memories of Swat – Kohistan Valley
Steve Wallace is a Textile Collector living in Australia and has kindly shared his memories of a visit to the Swat Valley three decades ago through this note. Photos are … Continue reading
The Fiesty San Jao Festival of Goa
Reposting an earlier article about the San Jao Festival held every year on June 24th. Click to View The Fiesty San Jao Festival of Goa jm June 2015
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
Longer Stronger Lives
Rug repairers in Turkey blessing the textiles with their skills. Critiques have a lot to say about this controversial topic of textile repair…. But the fact is that repairs arrest … 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
Vietnam Diaries
So close yet so far! Vietnam being just a short flight away – there is the feeling that I can go there anytime. And as a result I put it … 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
