For the longest time after this, I kept saying to myself – “Negombo… khush hua” and feeling very pleased about it too. Anyway. This is from a December evening in Negombo, very close to Colombo’s international airport.
Also see: Friday photo series
And my earlier stories from Srilanka – I particularly love this one – Uneven path to peace
From many summers ago, a memory from Ranthambhore…
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Also see: Friday photo series
And definitely read my story on Ranthambhore from long ago… Burning Bright
From a lazy evening in Aix-en-Provence…
Time moves very slowly in Provence. It is this part of the world that J.B. Priestley had in mind when he declared, “A good holiday is one that is spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours.” This is not to say that Provençals never take the concept of time seriously. Come lunch hour and all the outdoor cafés fill up rapidly with locals even before the poor tourist has finished weighing his options. The point is: take it easy when you are in Provence and savour (or cultivate) that unfamiliar feeling that you have all the time in the world. It will help you deal with the locals, bless their friendly hearts.
From my story on Provence – Life in the slow lane
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If Madhya Pradesh is the “Heart of Incredible India”, then Orchha is its heart. Founded in the 16th century by the Bundela chief Maharaja Rudra Pratap, this town today lies well off the beaten track for most travellers. With its riches of palaces, temples and cenotaphs by the banks of the Betwa River, it is a fascinating study in sepia. When in Orchha, here’s what you can see, do and experience.
From a story I did for the Conde Nast Traveller website – ‘Exploring Orchha‘…
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After the delightful charm of Bruges, Ghent was initially a disappointment – cloudy skies and construction material everywhere did not help. In the evening, we took a boat ride on the river Lys (Leie); the sun had come out by then and young people by the dozens were sitting by the river, enjoying that fine spring day. Here, an image from that evening…
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Continuing on the floating theme, this Friday, an image from the Damnoen Saduak floating market outside Bangkok.
The floating market is filled with hundreds of sellers and buyers of local produce including fruit, vegetables and flowers. There are also vendors who make fresh food, right from their boats and several locals on both sides of the canal hawking local handicraft. The best time to experience this market is early in the mornings, when the crowds are lesser and the vendors less antsy.
More photographs from the market on my flickr set – floating into focus…
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From a lazy morning in Sindhudurg in Southern Maharashtra. I have been a champion of this region since my first visit there from Mumbai a few years ago. Tiny towns, beautiful beaches, great food, local arts and craft – all that Goa has, without the crowdss and chaos of Goa.
Here are a few of my stories about Sindhudurg (you can see I really love the area)
~ Seaside story – on the small town of Sawantwadi, just before the Goa border
~ Footprints on the sand – wandering purposefully around the region
~ Come home to Sindhudurg – on the lovely homestays there run by Culture Aangan
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Everyone I know who’s been to Italy comes away disliking Milan. They think it’s too unlike the rest of Italy, too modern, too polished, too soulless… I liked Milan, perhaps because it was the first Italian city I went to. I like the gleaming shop windows, striking street art everywhere and of course, the absolutely gorgeous Duomo. The next time I am there, I plan to book in advance to see ‘The Last Supper’) even if, as I am told, from a long distance. And make that trip to Lake Como.
This Friday, an image from the streets of Milan…
Also see: Friday photo series
My prayer, always…
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
~ Reinhold Niebuhr
This photograph from a visit to Mcleodganj a few years ago – I just finished reading ‘Sky Train’ a book about Tibetan women under the Chinese rule and I am amazed at their resilience and courage. Most of which stems from their unwavering faith in the Dalai Lama and their dreams of a free Tibet.
Here, a couple of stories I have written about Mcleodganj…
The Tibetan book of living – in Mint Lounge
Journey to little Lhasa – in Sunday Mid Day
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