Tag Archives: Travel Blog

The Stupas Have Eyes

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.

From Ayr With Love

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.

This town is coming like a Ghost Town

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.

Ain’t no mountain high enough….

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.

Gotta Catch Em All – Pokhara!!!

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.

Bhaktapur Future

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.

Kathmandu among the pigeons

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.

The Dark Fort Rises!!

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 […]

India Highlights!

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.

Our Houseboat in the middle…

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.

The Rocky Road to Thekkady

1.2.3.4.5 Early morning mist came flooding down the mountains as we tucked into our “Wonderful” Toast. I say Toast.. Slightly warmed bread is a better description. Today we would be heading south to the town of Kumily and the Periyar National Park, located in the Thekkady area. Our hope would be to discover some elephants […]

Bangalore: Where East meets West

The journey from Hampi to Bangalore was an adventurous ride, involving a terrifying rickshaw trip and a broken-down bus. After reaching Bangalore, the travelers enjoyed a luxurious stay at Elenza hotel and explored the city, noting its development since their last visit. A visit to the Nikon repair shop and leisurely strolls made for a refreshing break before their next stop in Kerala.

This gun’s for hire..

They were just Lanterns in the Dark!! Bruce Springsteen We lit lanterns on the beach in Palolem, Goa on our final night to celebrate Karen’s birthday and the newly engaged status. As Mankar Sangranti was just on the 15th January there were plenty of sky lanterns left for us to purchase.

More Wedding Pictures from Mumbai

Here are some more wedding pictures from our friend’s wedding in Mumbai.

Hampi Birthday Mum!

“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!” Nothing beside remains. Round the Decay. Situated on the banks of the river Tungabhadra, lies those ruins of a once grand and ancient capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire. At it’s height this medieval Hindi empire ruled all of Southern India […]