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
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
The Sea Shell Museum – Viewing the world through the Awe of Another!
Picking up shells along the beach is something we all do. Every shell is unique and they fascinate all of us at least for a few moments. And then we … 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
Myanmar Diaries
A few notes on the culture & art of Myanmar (Burma) experienced first-hand.
SAIL AWAY …
‘Let me sail, let me sail, let the orinoco flow, Let me reach, let me beach On the shores of Tripoli. Let me sail, let me sail, Let me crash … Continue reading
The Narakasura Festival, Goa
[A post from 2010 on the occasion of Diwali & Narakasur] Goa. Narakasur. Pre-Diwali. A unique folk festival that I noticed for the first time in 2004Â then became more … Continue reading
Mumbai – Bombay Diaries
Born, brought up & lived life in the most spirited, most diverse city in the world. A few glimpses of my love for the city can be seen through the … Continue reading
Rajasthan Diaries
The caravan stops again. At Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and the surrounding desert villages! Sand dunes, an abandoned village, mesmerising architecture, a surprising desert-turned-fertile landscape, warm people, and finally an unforgettable meeting … Continue reading
Rural India Beckons!
Wanderlust strikes again! The unparalleled beauty of rural India is beginning to call out to me again…. The simplicity, the warmth, the genuineness, people living as one with the earth, … Continue reading
Costumes from Mongolia – A Peep into the Past
A discussion on a forum board opened my eyes to the details that form part of the background of paintings. In this particular case, the forum discussed rugs in the … Continue reading
Mystical Gold Ornaments from the past
When I look at some of the ornaments from the past, they leave me awestruck! The art & craft within them is doubtlessly stunning. But beyond that, there is an … Continue reading
Lifestyle & Beliefs of the Dard Aryan Ethnic Group of Ladakh
“It happens when it happens” Time is not a rare commodity and leisure is a luxury that all enjoy. ‘It happens when it happens’. No hurry. No time crunch. No … Continue reading
The Magnificent 11th Century Lamayuru Monastery – A photoessay
The Monastery   Student Monks doing their laundry.  And finally an invitation to lunch of Rajam & Rice with the student monks! Food for the Soul, Food for the … Continue reading
A Cup of Tea with the Lamaji of Lamayuru Monastery
Imagine a much revered 11th century Gompa (monastery). The drive to Lamayuru takes us through unusual & complex Himalayan landscapes. We arrive tired and saturated with all the beautiful views. … Continue reading
An Adventure on the mighty Indus River
The road to the Dard village wound along the Indus river. We saw several bridges along the way. And I was also shown a few hand pulled rope carriages that … Continue reading
Living with a Dard Family
Sitting in a train in the city or a plane I often see people whose faces or expressions or language intrigue me. And I wonder what their lives must be … Continue reading
Aryan Diaries
My first trip to Ladakh in 2011 was an extravagant visual feast of culture. As a first-time viewer I was dazzled and overwhelmed so much that I could barely differentiate … Continue reading
