Third stop on the sabbatical: United States Of AmericaA people and places pilgrimage O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? - The Star Spangled Banner, USA National Anthem I didn’t know what to expect from this trip, I really didn’t. All I… Continue reading A Month Of Memories In U.S.A.
Ola Espana!
Second stop on the sabbatical: Spain Soon after we got married, B and decided that our fifth anniversary should be celebrated someplace nice, keeping the exact place open to evolving tastes and interests. As we hit that milestone last year, we unanimously picked Europe, and almost unanimously chose southern Spain. The architectural and cultural clash… Continue reading Ola Espana!
Chocolates, Cheese and Cities in Switzerland
First stop on the sabbatical: Switzerland Have you ever heard of a trip to Switzerland without visiting the Alps? Well, welcome to one! Europe to me has always meant history and art ensconced deceptively in either a sleepy old village or a glitzy world city, and the towering Alps that cuts across eight countries. I’ve… Continue reading Chocolates, Cheese and Cities in Switzerland
Of Transitions And Travel
Five years ago, I took my first two month sabbatical when I moved countries, jobs and phase of life all at the same time. It felt luscious, light and liberating. I was looking forward more than looking back, optimistic more than pessimistic, excited more than nervous. Ah, youth. In the five years since, I’ve grown… Continue reading Of Transitions And Travel
A Different Kind Of Journey
Ok, I think I can finally say it out loud here, my travel tastes are changing. We’re mid-way into a four day long weekend and all I did was look forward to try out cycling in town, host family and do a few things together with B now that he’s finally home a bit from… Continue reading A Different Kind Of Journey
The Kase Of The Kyoto Konfusion
Ok, I have finally met my match in misplaced expectations. Maybe it was because of very last minute prep for this trip, or maybe it is finally a spotlight on how my travel tastes are changing, I know not. But Kyoto left me very, very konfused. Every since I heard of a Japanese temple town… Continue reading The Kase Of The Kyoto Konfusion
Relax, Reflect, Revive – Phuket
“Wonder how these stars look like right now”, B said, as he gazed up at the night sky. It startled me like nothing had in a while. “You’re right”, I agreed. Nothing is really as it seems, I thought. We were sprawled out on an empty rooftop bar, perfect psychedelic music thumping softly from a… Continue reading Relax, Reflect, Revive – Phuket
Two Years in Singapore
Be a tourist in your own life. Note your private landmarks, your important historical sights, your favourite spots. - Found in Gretchen Rubin’s “Moments Of Happiness” It’s been two years in Singapore today! What an interesting time it has been. For once, not in terms of the place and the travel and the externalities, like… Continue reading Two Years in Singapore
Wats, Mountains and Khao Soy – Chiang Mai
Sometimes, just sometimes, I go with the flow. I don’t plan much and I don’t read or educate myself about my destination. This time, the reason was two-pronged. One, the destination was Thailand, where I’d already been a couple of times. I knew about its deep contradictions and stunning beauty and tourism friendliness. Two, a… Continue reading Wats, Mountains and Khao Soy – Chiang Mai
North Vietnam – Part 1
We sat in Mrs.Duong’s courtyard sipping tea, as Na helped translate the seventy-five year old’s life story to us. After politely enquiring about her children, her husband’s nine siblings, their association with Uncle Ho and the ornate shrine in their small living room, we took the plunge. “Is it ok to ask her about the… Continue reading North Vietnam – Part 1