Asif, the mid-thirties grizzly of a man, was driving our office's green Land Rover rapidly down the sun-baked and vehicle-beaten dirt road. I, the sole foreigner on our trip, assumed the seat of honor (and obligation), shotgun, while my trusted friend and colleague, Torialai sat behind me. Beside him sat Ustad Raqem, the principal of the elementary school which we were journeying to visit. It was July and each of us therefore had shed our … [Read more...]
Shanghai World Expo – China Showcases its Place in the Modern World
With its management of the 2008 Olympic games a smashing success, China will, from May 1st to October 31st, 2010 at the Shanghai World Expo, try and outdo its Olympic success. As one of the Chinese workers at the Shanghai World Expo told me, "Like it left its footprints during the ancient ages, China is beginning to make its mark on the modern world." Well, he had a point. No one can deny that this country contributed much to the ancient … [Read more...]
Huangshan Gems
"Since you are here in Huangshan, you must visit our two traditional villages, Xidi and Hongcun. They are little gems of elegance and tradition." A guide advised when I asked him his favourite attractions in the region. We had already made plans to visit these villages and his advice reinforced our decision. Both Xidi and Hongcun villages rest in the foothills of the Huangshan (Yellow) Mountain. They lay amid a landscape of greenery, … [Read more...]
The Great Wall and the Great Market
My toes are numb, I'm not sure I even have toes anymore. We have elected to take a tour to "the secret wall" somewhere along China's nearly 4000 mile "Great Wall". This is in the dead of mid April, Spring in many parts of the northern Hemisphere, but here winter's icy tentacles are far reaching and we are bundled up in multiple layers of clothing. We are all huddled in an old van for 3 hours to this "secret spot". The dense, grey gloomy fog of … [Read more...]
Hong Kong in December: A Great In-Between
While most tourists prefer to head someplace warm and cozy to escape the cold of winter, I love to do just the opposite and head to Hong Kong. I am strangely drawn to the chill, the rains, and the wind. Besides, I also love the fact that while it is chilly, it does not snow, and no snow means no blizzards which is perfect for me. Hong Kong in winter is a refreshing and wonderful respite after an extended stay in tropical heat where it's 98 … [Read more...]
Notes from Dave’s India Journal
Here in India, where there is land there are people. Where there are people there is trash. Where there is trash there are cows. Where there are cows there is cow shit. Where there is cow shit there are people collecting the shit and making cow pies. Such is the state of the outskirts of Agra. We drove through fields where we saw many cow pies drying in the sun today on our way to an old Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri 40 clicks from Agra. … [Read more...]
Street Food in Penang
Penang, an island on the east coast of Malaysia, is home to beautiful beaches, a colonial splendor, and exotic imperial architecture. But, I return every year to eat from a little cart by the side of the road. And I am not alone. When the British set up the port of Penang, they created a confluence point for Chinese, Thai, Malay and Indian traders who brought their own foods and their own spices to the island. Street food is a way of life in … [Read more...]
Dapitan: A Living Legacy in the Philippines
Roused from sleep, I sat up. Something was excitingly moving at my seat that afternoon of April 14, 2007. It was 2.30 p.m., and the thrill in the voice of a woman beside me was unmistakable. "Wake up, we're about to arrive!" Over the years, I'm used to travelling to places alone: domestic and foreign. And an easy acquaintance with foreigners isn't new to me. "We must book accommodation to Dakak right away," Sandra, the German tourist … [Read more...]
Spending Taca in Bata in Dhaka
Bata shoe stores are everywhere in Dhaka! Most people assume Bata is from "their home" country based on the companies' large International distribution. Desher's told us Bata is their own company, others said it is Canadian. In actuality Bata is based in Switzerland having been founded in 1894 in what is now the Czech Republic. The founder said, "Work collectively, and live individually" We made it safely back and are now in Thailand. What a … [Read more...]
Travel Guide To Ho Chi Minh City In Vietnam
Why should you visit Vietnam? If ever there was a reason to spend a holiday in Vietnam, it would be to immerse yourself in the Oriental Neverland whose possession changed the world. The once known only for its importance as a battleground for giant superpowers, Vietnam has emerged independent and flourishing with its mysterious spices and overwhelming architecture. The blending of European culture and Southeast Asian inscrutable charm is reason … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- …
- 37
- Next Page »