Hai! My name is Vijay and I live in Chennai. Chennai, though a very pleasant city in many other ways, gets intolerably hot in summer. This year, Chennai recorded the second highest temperature in two years! We were melting in our clothes. This is why, we shouted with joy when my father told us he was taking to Kodaikanal (a hill station) for a leisurely summer vacation. Our father booked the tickets through the Internet, for our railway … [Read more...]
A Glimpse of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is the quintessentially remote Central Asian land and arguably the worlds least known country. It is situated in the southeastern part of Central Asia bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, China to the east, China and Tadjikistan to the south, and Uzbekistan to the west. It is about 900 km long from east to west and 425 km from south to north. The area of the country (198.5 thousand sq. km) is comparable with such countries as … [Read more...]
The Flood, The Tsunami Dec 26
If there is a Paradise on earth it must be here. We repeatedly confirm each other in that statement, several times a day. Mai's Quiet Zone is the name of the little resort where we live, here in the Northern part of Khao Lak. It is not a misnomer. With her husband, the Thai woman Mai has created an area where everything breathes idyllic peace. On the beach are some practical little red brick and bamboo bungalows. Two storey bungalows encircle … [Read more...]
Oasis at Death Valley – January 2006
Oasis at Death Valley (formerly The Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort) is located just above the floor of Death Valley. It is a gated 66-room desert resort located close to the world's lowest golf course. The best time to visit this resort is in the winter months as then you usually escape the soaring heat that Death Valley is best known for. Very central place to call home in the park for a few days. Desert hiking, canyon exploring, horse back … [Read more...]
Bangkok, Thailand – Markets
ARTBOX Night Market is a trendy easy to access space, and outdoor market featuring numerous vendors including a strong food presence. originally opened a few years ago as a popup market without any permanent location. Now, open daily from 4pm until midnight at its current permanent home, Chuvit Garden, Sukhumvit 10 Alley. Located a short walk from the closest Skytrain stop of Nana. Popular with youngsters, but not to young - also well frequented … [Read more...]
Bangkok, Thailand – Parks
Sometimes you need a respite from the chaos of of Bangkok's urban world - and fortunately one does not have to go very far to find any of a number of Bangkok's green spaces. Despite being surrounded by buildings and busy streets, often these spaces feature much cleaner air then the nearby surroundings, are often quieter and sometimes offer a variety of activities for all ages (paddle boats, picnicking, exercise equipment and playgrounds). … [Read more...]
Bangkok, Thailand – Day Trips
The following destinations range from half day to very long day trips from Bangkok. AYUTTHAYA used to be the largest and main city in Thailand before Bangkok. Its located about 90 minutes north of Bangkok by bus (via the Mo Chit bus station) or about 2 hours by train from the Hua Lampong train station in Bangkok. It is well worth seeing if you have a day. It takes most of the day to see this city when you count your travel and visiting … [Read more...]
Xcalak, Mexico – Directions
Up until the 1990s one would have had a very difficult time getting to Xcalak via overland transportation. In 1998 the road linking Xcalak and Highway 307 was paved which dramatically cut down travel time. And the road into Xcalak is also paved - it used to also be dirt. For travelers, by far the easiest and cheapest way to get to Xcalak from the rest of the Yucatan is with a rental car. From Cancun, Highway 307 is a very good highway (no … [Read more...]
Manzanillo, Mexico – Restaurants
Most of the fancier restaurants are located on or quite close to beaches. There is also a good selection of restaurants in or near the center of town surrounding the primary zocalo (public square). Most of the good restaurants will serve bottled water instead of tap water. However, I recommend asking if they serve bottled water at all restaurants you eat at. Or simply drink beer. Restaurant Bar Roca del Mar is located on the east side of … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Attractions
A Short Walk One day I decided to walk due west and see where I ended up. I left the phone at the hotel, I didn't research anything. I just began walking. I passed by Mercado de Abastos (a market) and then drifted by an extremely polluted river, an ecological disaster so to speak. I spent some time watching people wade back and forth through the water. I witnessed several people use the soil behind small bushes as a bathroom. I watched the wind … [Read more...]