Docking at the wharf of Manila reminds me of my first arrival in the city many years ago: the first of many arrivals I have experienced in the Philippine capital. A sunny climate greets me. The sunlight is intense yet reflecting so vibrantly upon the waters of Manila Bay. Over the years, there have been critics moaning about the city - mentioning its smog and chaotic traffic, its crimes, not to mention the voluminous homes (if such can be called … [Read more...]
Why Myanmar, Why Now?
As President Obama’s high profile visit to Myanmar in recent years helped to illustrate, the country has undergone major democratic reforms and emerged from a half century of isolation. With the hardline military junta dissolved; General turned President Thein Sein trading in his army uniform for Hugo Boss, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi freely elected to parliament, "The Golden Land" has at long last re-opened her arms to the … [Read more...]
Ketut and me: An encounter with Bali’s medicine man
"You so pretty, your lips like sugar." The 98 year old frail man let go of my palm and made me turn around so he can read my neck and pronounced with a toothless smile that I would have great sex at midnight. Good to know. "Um Ketut, so what about my career?" Ketut coughed a bit, and said he had to go take a pee and got up to go inside. I smiled accommodatingly and looked at my friends patiently waiting their turn to speak to the most … [Read more...]
Weekend in Bangkok
Bangkok is truly one of the world's great cities - it is a thriving hub of activity both day and night. A world class airport connects to the city via a raised skytrain - which in turn connects to the metro. Bangkok is well known for its horrendous traffic - but with public transportation you can avoid a number of these traffic jams. Budget travelers can head straight to Sukhumvit Road on the skytrain - this is a central area from which to … [Read more...]
What defines royalty for Jaipur?
We all have heard that the Indian city Jaipur pours the definition of royalty. But the question is what makes the city royal? What is that one thing that completely entitles that circle of rich heritage of PinkCity? The travelers visiting Jaipur are amazed by the beauty of this city and then at the end of the journey, we title the city as synonym of royalty. But what makes it a royal place? The answer is "History of Jaipur". The founder of Jaipur … [Read more...]
Guilin the Glistening Gem of China
Driving out of the Guilin airport, you may immediately say to yourself, "Hey, where's all the beautiful scenery I was told about? All I see is flat ground, a highway and a dull 45 minute ride ahead of me to my hotel." Don't nod off just yet to take a nap because in about 20 minutes, peaks will rise out of the horizon and jut toward the sky forming a unique panoramic view that soon entirely engulfs your vision. At once, you understand why the … [Read more...]
Ways to Get From Siem Reap to Bangkok and Back
Two of the most popular destinations in south-east Asia are Siem Reap and Bangkok. Siem Reap is the nearest city to Angkor Wat, the largest religious complex in the world, and Bangkok is famous for cheap flights, booze and finger-licking good food. Their geographical proximity make the route Bangkok - Siem Reap well-trodden by travellers from around the world on their way around SE Asia. There are several ways to get from one city to … [Read more...]
Seychelles, an Introduction
Warm tropical waters - aquamarine colors layer, upon layer - clear waters and white warm and inviting sandy beaches. Perhaps those are the thoughts that come to mind when one mentions the Seychelles. Rightly so! However, geographically their location may be a bit hazy and one may grasp for their exact location. In fact these small islands are a part of Africa. The Seychelles are located about 1600 km east of Zanzibar and the Eastern African … [Read more...]
The Three Gili’s, Indonesia
Sometimes traveling slowly can be more enjoyable than the "preferred", faster transportation. During our return trip to Gili (a series of islands located just off the northwest tip of Lombok, Indonesia) we meandered rather than take the Gili Cat, a brand new speed boat. We had more time to meet people and ultimately arrived in the Gili's after several days in Senggigi. Gili T seems so different compared to our time here in 2008. Is that why … [Read more...]
The Good and The Bali
There is something so curiously captivating about the island of Bali, Indonesia. When I flew from Sydney to the Denpasar airport in Bali, I expected to step off of the plane and into the raw, lush paradise that everyone had described to me. As I was quick to find out, that wasn't the case at all. As part of a developing nation, Bali's undertone of old-world life is peppered with the new-world wealth of a booming tourist industry. I had just … [Read more...]
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