I bought a new cycle today. I cannot deal with the rickshaws or three wheel autos having to bargain all the time. So I decided to buy a new bike for my transportation needs. It’s is a little tricky driving on the left-side of the road, but I will get use to the concept. The Read more
The Archives of Traveling India—2010-2011
Today I am Varanasi and will be for the next month or longer renting a flat. This situation materialized through meeting Mona in Slovakia during breakfast at a hostel. I stayed with her family (husband and kids) for about five days in Hyderabad. I inquired about a flat or personal space to rent and Mona Read more
Last Monday I pushed off from Darjeeling to Gangtok in Sikkim in a shared jeep. The journey was the most difficult jaunt I have experienced in the last three years. One of the most difficult journeys was from Mostar to Jajce in Bosnia—after five minutes in the bus I started sweating and feeling nauseous. A Read more
The charming town of Darjeeling is the prime attraction within the hills of West Bengal. Surrounded by tea plantations that produce the famous Darjeeling Black Tea, and a spectacular view of the majestic mountain backdrop of Khangchendzonga—Darjeeling is not your average Indian town. As you travel north from Calcutta the facial features of the locals Read more
The Sun Temple at Konark in the State of Orissa is one of India’s signature archeological landmarks and an Unesco Heritage Site. Most people visit the sun temple on a day trip from Puri or Bhubaneswar. Constructed during the mid-13th century to celebrate a military victory over the Muslims, the sun temple experienced continual usage Read more
Around certain parts of India there human powered “Rickshaws”. These guys are a slight head-rush. In Puri there are all pedal-cycle style. In Calcutta there are many rickshaws but no pedal-cycle, they human power the cart with their legs. These guys are the lower class of society and are more than willing to rip you Read more
All last week I decided to nest here in Puri which is a pilgrimage area for several different types of individuals who are seeking the external form of spirituality. This last week consisted of rain and cool temperatures that I greeted enthusiastically; a change in the weather always adds to good health. Hindu pilgrims make Read more
The train ride from Visakhapatnam (Vizag) to the Araku valley consists of multiple mountain tunnels and spectacular landscape. The semi slow 4 hour train ride is the best ride through the magnificent eastern ghats. It’s a fun ride with the Indians, all the kids shout, squawk, and yell through every tunnel. There are about 40 Read more
During the home-stay in Hyderabad I was had the opportunity to observe two different housewarming parties or “Puja”, Pūjā alternatively written as Pooja, means reverence or worship. Puja is any Hindu ceremonial, from a simple ritual in the home to an elaborate public festival, in which an image or other symbol of the god is Read more