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Turbans, Bindis and Saris: The Unusual Significance of India’s Clothing

1 Comment / Asia, Blogging, Sights to See, Solo Travel, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

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 […]

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Spicy, Strange and Spectacular Foods of India

Leave a Comment / Asia, Blogging, Food and Wine, Solo Travel, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

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

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Big Time Big-Screen Bollywood at Jaipur’s Raj Mandir Cinema

Leave a Comment / Asia, Blogging, Sights to See, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

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

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Baby Taj, Big Taj and Black Taj: India’s Extravagance

Leave a Comment / Asia, Blogging, Sights to See, Solo Travel, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

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

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Delhi’s Cultural Cacophony: A Rich Feast of Sights, Sounds and Flavors

Leave a Comment / Asia, Sights to See, Solo Travel, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

Delhi is like no other place on earth. The capital of India and home to 20 million, all of whom crowd the streets, souk-like bazaars, sidewalks and roads day and night. There are no signs, no traffic rules, no order. The chaos is both overwhelming and glorious; a sensual assault. Dive in with a cycle

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Beating Heart of the Inca Empire: History of Ecuador’s People

Leave a Comment / Blogging, Photos, Sights to See, Solo Travel, South America, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

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

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Where Can You Find the World’s Most Beautiful Roses?

Leave a Comment / Natural Wonders, Shopping, Sights to See, South America, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

The answer to this burning question is at the end of this post. Enjoy the visual feast until you get there…. The country ranks #2 to the world wide leader, the Netherlands, in the export of this flower. Here, roses grow longer, thicker and heartier stems, with larger buds and fuller blooms making them the

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Be Dazzled! Don’t Miss Quito’s Shimmering Golden Cathedral

Leave a Comment / Blogging, Sights to See, Solo Travel, South America, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

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

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Must See to Believe! The Luxurious Textile Art of Otavalo

Leave a Comment / Shopping, Solo Travel, South America, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

On a recent Saturday afternoon I visited market square in Otavalo, Ecuador, two hours from the larger city of Quito. Textile arts and fabric creation is integral to South American culture, especially in the Andean region. Here, indigenous vendors dress in traditional outfits in a comfortable, easy to navigate setting. Saturday is the biggest day

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The Most Delicious and/or Unusual Dishes to Try in Ecuador

Leave a Comment / Food and Wine, South America, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

Let’s start with breakfast. And plantains or “platanos” which are an Ecuadorian culinary staple. Plantains are also used to prepare many popular street food dishes like emborrajados and platanos asados. But first thing in the morning, we start with Bolón de verde. Bolón de verde This classic Ecuadorian breakfast dish is made from green plantains fried

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