“You should also go see Cappadocia while you're here. It is very beautiful and unique too,” recommends Yucel Ikiler. As a life long local, he would know. And if there is one thing I've learned in my travels, it's to listen to advice from locals. Cappadocia is only an hour drive from the Ercyies ski resort, where we have been skiing for the last few days. And it turns out to be even more beautiful in winter, when the orange-red rocks are covered … [Read more...]
Why skiing in Turkey is an Awesome Experience
“One-third of the world’s population lives within a 4-hour flight from here. That’s why we call it the nearest ski resort in the world.” The winds of change are finally drifting across Turkey. The country is not exactly the first place that comes to mind when we think of skiing. Less than 1% of the country participates, and its international reputation for the winter sport is non-existent. But that may change if Yucel Ikiler has his way. He … [Read more...]
Sri Lanka Destination Guide
Sri Lanka has never really been on my bucket list of countries to see. However, I was recently invited to a destination wedding in this country and decided to take the opportunity to discover the island and what it has to offer. Sri Lanka truly has something for everyone, from its laid-back beach towns, spectacular train journeys, to historical ruins, to tea estates to hiking up mountain peaks. This island nation has been voted top country for … [Read more...]
The Turkish Hammam Experience
“Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.” ― Dodie Smith While Scandinavians are famed for their saunas, Turks proudly boast of their hammams. These are essentially the middle eastern relatives of the dry Nordic saunas, with a focus on steam baths and full body scrubs. Venture into any Turkish city and you are bound to stumble across a myriad of bathhouses scattered throughout town. Hammams have always carried a certain … [Read more...]
A Glimpse Of Davao City
This busy metropolis on the southeastern island of Mindanao is one of the world’s largest cities in terms of land area. Since the 1970s when the city gained the earmark of being the “killing fields” of the Philippines —a “murder city”— Davao has dramatically transformed. But since 1988 it has become the safest city in the country and one of the most livable cities in Asia. Famous as the home turf of once legendary mayor (and now Philippine … [Read more...]
Tips for Trekking to Everest Base Camp-Ultimate Guide
Trekking to the mountains is a passion of many adventure lovers. It begins with a single step and slowly and gradually as we put one foot in front of the other, we push our body and our mind to reach places that very few people have ever been to. Trekking not only takes us to special Godly abodes but also helps us know our strengths and weaknesses. Out of all the places in the world, trekking to Everest Base Camp (the base of the world’s highest … [Read more...]
Tokyo Attractions: A Quickie Guide
If you haven’t yet visited Tokyo, the time is ripe. This dynamic city is gearing up for the 2020 Summer Olympics so it’s a fine time to discover its wealth of offerings. From the swanky shops in Ginza to the teen fashion Mecca Harajuku, there’s a neighborhood to please every tourist’s taste. There’s so much to do and see in this bustling metropolis, you could stay for months--or years-- and still not see it all. Make sure you allow plenty of … [Read more...]
Ode to the Antonov-24
I’ll hear no grumbles about bumpy flights on twin-prop planes from regional airports in the U.S.. No sighs about the robotic sign-off from the cabin steward, “Thank you for choosing United” (as if you had a choice). No, you have no grounds for complaint because you don’t know how terrifying such flights can be. You have not had the Antonov-24 (a Soviet-era airplane) experience. The Antonov-24, a Soviet 44-seater turboprop which made its … [Read more...]
A Teacher’s Story: My Gaijin Experience In Japan
I’ve always had a curiosity about life outside of the United States. Geography was my favorite subject as a child. I first heard of Japan in the fourth grade when my teacher would go on xenophobic rants about how the Japanese were determined to take over the world and eventually own America. Due to circumstances, I would have to wait until my mid-twenties before going abroad. One day, my life took a drastic turn. My first serious relationship … [Read more...]
“Advancing in a different direction.” The lows and highs of an Indian Ayurveda Retreat
There is a slither of daylight creeping through the windows that are covered by heavy red drapes. I stay in bed to keep warm. My room is just as bad this morning as it was in the dark on arrival last night. There’s a draught from the chimney, so I adjust the wood cover to prevent cold air from entering. The hard floor is ice cold when I put my feet down. From my window, the sky is misty over the hills outside. The window is slightly open and I … [Read more...]
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