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Browsing Tag: solo travel

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

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 symbol of Jaipur. The theatre is equipped with the latest technology in sound and projection …

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

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 of Mirza Guyas Beg, Grand Vizier of the Mughal Court, built in 1622 by his …

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

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 rickshaw ride at noon, the height of the wedding season, just before Diwali (India’s high …

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

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 Valley of The Incas, and the legendary Inca Trail. But Ecuador played a major role …

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

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 premium choice. In fact, rose stems from this country can grow to be over five …

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

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 the city. One hundred sixty years later, with a combination of four different architectural styles, …