Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown Inspired by our visit to the weekend market at Chattachuk we decided to spend our last full day in Bangkok in Chinatown and it’s sprawling maze of stalls and shops. It took us about an hour to reach The outskirts of Chinatown. Our first clues were the red lanterns and […]

After the full day of palaces and sight seeing, Karen was palaced out…this called for retail therapy. There was only one place to go on a Sunday in Bangkok, Chatuchak weekend market. Chatuchak is the largest market in Thailand and the world’s largest weekend market. Frequently called J.J it covers over 35 acres and contains […]

After a much needed lie in we set off on foot to the Grand Palace. After 10 minutes we wish we had got a TukTuk as it was hot hot! But no. We are travellers and not tourists so we continued á pied (as the French say). We eventually made it to the walls of […]

The author reflects on their visit to Bangkok, arriving amid civil disturbances. They stayed briefly at Chillax Resort, enjoying local cuisine and rooftop pool views. Their nostalgic exploration revealed changes on Khao San Road, now less vibrant. Ultimately, they opted for Villa Cha Cha for its pool and location, planning visits to local landmarks.

Our 16 days in spectacular Nepal came to an end and we made it out the country with lots of tales but no visa issues.

With one day left in Nepal, the choice between Swayambhunath and Bodhnath Stupa was influenced by Bodhnath’s size and surrounding monasteries. The massive Stupa, rich in symbolism and history, dates back to 600 AD. After exploring and enjoying local food, the group prepared to head to Thailand amidst visa concerns.

After a filling breakfast, the group embarked on a journey to Patan via overcrowded mini vans. They navigated the bustling market, purchased tickets, and met Arun, a helpful guide from Ayr. Arun showcased Patan’s Durbar Square and its temples. Following their tour, they enjoyed authentic Malaysian cuisine before returning to Kathmandu.

Karen and John decide to break up their long bus journey to Kathmandu by visiting the cultural town of Bandipur. However, their trip involves unexpected challenges, including a shared taxi experience and being approached for money by a local girl. Despite setbacks, they enjoy exploring, dining, and ultimately return to Kathmandu.

Karen Hamilton recounts her challenging trek to Poonhill with John and their guide Gunas. Equipped for adventure but undertrained, they faced steep steps and cold weather. Despite struggles, they reached Poonhill for sunrise, reveling in breathtaking views. The descent back to Pokhara was daunting, yet they celebrated their achievement with a beer.

The journey to Pokhara began with an early flight on a small plane, landing amidst stunning Himalayan views. After exploring nearby attractions like the World Peace Pagoda and a Tibetan Refugee Settlement, the travelers encountered a mix of spirituality and challenges. They later booked a rafting and trekking expedition, anticipating further adventures.

The narrative details a journey to Bhaktapur, a UNESCO heritage site in Nepal, where the travelers enjoyed their stay at a charitable guesthouse supporting disabled children. They explored the town, faced detours during a bus trip for Himalayan views, and relished affordable local cuisine. Their experience highlighted Bhaktapur’s charm and hospitality.

After five weeks in India, the travelers arrived in Kathmandu, facing a visa hiccup that required a 30-day extension. They explored the bustling Thamel area, enjoyed local cuisine, and overcame a misadventure with rabid dogs. Their journey included visits to temples and planning future travels, while navigating laundry and communication challenges.

Crowd: Deshi basara! Deshi basara!Bruce Wayne: What does that mean?Prisoner: Rise.   Catwoman, played by Anne Hathaway has just led Christian Bale’s Batman into a trap in the sewer system of Gotham City. A fight between him and the physically dominating antagonist Bane(played by Tom Hardy)ensues and it becomes pretty clear that Batman is out […]

Some of our highlights of India. We spent 6 weeks on the sub-continent exploring every nook and cranny (and bowl of Dhali) You can read about each moment here.

The backwaters of Kerala, particularly Allepey, offered a unique experience on a houseboat. Despite a disappointing stay at a beach hut, the boat excursion was remarkable. Exploring canals, indulging in delicious meals, and encountering Kerala Duck Farmers made the trip unforgettable. The encounter with thousands of ducks created a memorable experience in this serene setting.