Many claim there are more gods than people in the Kathmandu Valley. It feels that way. Spiritually pungent, deliciously rich in culture and tradition. Flower petals, vermilion powder and rice are offered on brass trays daily at these sacred spots. The contrast with frenetic India is dramatic. Chill, more peaceful. An absence of car horns. […]
The Astonishing Craftsmanship of the Temples of Bhaktapur, Nepal Read More »
I loved watching Indian women draped in brightly colored, embellished silks managing to accomplish, to me, awkward side-saddle motor bike rides, managing unruly kids, raking basmati, worshipping at the temple all the while composed and lovely in their saris. In Indian culture, the sari symbolizes respect, dignity, modesty and confidence. The word “sari” means “strip
Turbans, Bindis and Saris: The Unusual Significance of India’s Clothing Read More »
Even their names are exotic and offer no clue as to ingredients or taste so the traveler has to proceed with caution. Pakora, Vada Pav, Aloo Gobi, Dal Tadka, Chana Masala, Vindaloo…all the dishes and spices vary dramatically based on regional preferences, flavors and culinary traditions. I sampled each of these dishes and loved the
Spicy, Strange and Spectacular Foods of India Read More »
The perfect way to spend a hot, October afternoon in Jaipur: a high budget production complete with gorgeous Indian superstars, a passionate love story, epic choreography, action, violence and popcorn. All showcased in the world-famous Raj Mandir Cinema. Situated on the Bhagwan Das Road, the meringue-shaped auditorium opened in 1976, and has become a popular
Big Time Big-Screen Bollywood at Jaipur’s Raj Mandir Cinema Read More »
Agra, India. Two wonders referred to as “Taj” exist today, the third remains the unfulfilled dream of a visionary Shah in mourning. All define the essence of India. The first of these architectural marvels is actually titled Itimad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb, known lyrically as “the jewel box in marble” and “Baby Taj.” This is the garden tomb
Baby Taj, Big Taj and Black Taj: India’s Extravagance Read More »
The Incas are noteworthy for their contributions to religion, architecture, and their famous network of roads throughout the region I recently visited in South America. The country’s name means “Equator” in Spanish, an abbreviation of the Spanish official name, República del Ecuador. Likely you’ve heard of Cusco, Machu Picchu, The Lost City of the Incas, The Sacred
Beating Heart of the Inca Empire: History of Ecuador’s People Read More »
I’ve visited many beautiful cathedrals but this one one stands apart from the rest for its incredible beauty and mind-boggling excesses! Competition Between Orders During the 16th century, religious orders were busy building churches in Quito. Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians and finally, Jesuits. Last in, the Jesuits were determined to build the MOST impressive church in
Be Dazzled! Don’t Miss Quito’s Shimmering Golden Cathedral Read More »
Iceland’s gastronomy is inventive. A function of it’s extreme climate, Norse/Irish influences, rich natural resources and creative food culture. Until very recently, fishing was the primary industry, now second only to tourism. Sheep outnumber the Icelandic population. Not a single citrus fruit can be grown but root vegetables are abundant. Winters are long, dark and
Taste These Favorites: Delicious and Just Plain Weird Foods of Iceland Read More »
I wasn’t expecting “holy ground” when we stopped in the tiny town of Stöðvarfjörður (pop.184), tucked between Iceland’s eastern-most fjords and mountains. But that’s the way it felt. One woman’s collection of stones, cleaned and on display outside the home where she’d lived and raised four children. Where now ten years after her death, her
Not to Miss! One Woman’s Lifetime Collection of Iceland’s Gems Read More »
Filling the valley between the mountains with blue-white light. Vatnajökull Glacier in Iceland is the largest glacier in Europe, covering eight percent of Iceland’s landmass. This glacier looms in the distance. It appears to breathe, a living organism. I can imagine it shape-shifting under its own weight, a moving sea of many century’s old ice.
Blue is the Color! Iceland’s Monumental Glaciers Read More »