Bali – Culture, food, temples and some traffic

Bali is exactly what happens when a rich cultural heritage meets a lot of tourists. It takes some very deep cultural roots to survive as an island dominated by one religion in a country populated by another. Indonesia is a fast developing country going through all the challenges that come with it – an over-crowded capital, pollution, and overpopulation leading to overutilization of resources. Jakarta … Continue reading Bali – Culture, food, temples and some traffic

Langkawi – A lesson in life…

There is a lot to do in Langkawi, beautiful beaches, amazing food, local markets, and some very touristy infrastructure that is still fun. We found time to do most of these, enjoy a dip in a local waterfall, drive around a lot, and witness some beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The one thing that still comes to memory first when I think of the trip is … Continue reading Langkawi – A lesson in life…

Vientiane – Food, temples and do you need anything else?

Laos is a small country that sits quietly among its very prominent and loud neighbors like Thailand and Vietnam. Vientiane is its befitting capital! A quiet place where all the buzz and the nightlife in Bangkok is replaced by awesome local food and beautiful temples all around. You can look across the river to see a Thai town known for its flesh trade. In Vientiane, … Continue reading Vientiane – Food, temples and do you need anything else?

Iceland – never felt like Earth!

There is no place in the world like Iceland, period. Nothing more needs be said and nothing less would do it justice. While I had combined my trip to Iceland with Sweden, I think they deserve separate posts (and even trips) – so here goes. Planning for Iceland wasn’t easy because there isn’t much information to go by and outside of Reykjavik, the hotels get … Continue reading Iceland – never felt like Earth!

Porto – Six bridges, a festival and many glasses of wine

Most people visit Europe for the architecture, some natural beauty, the museums or fashion. Porto has a bit of everything, but most importantly a unique culture that is its biggest attraction. It of course is the only place in the world than can legally call its wine Port. It boasts of a city center that is a UNESCO world heritage site with the world’s largest … Continue reading Porto – Six bridges, a festival and many glasses of wine

Portugal – Midsummer’s, wine and long walks

I am by no means an expert on European travel but this just had different written all over it. I had been eyeing a trip to the westernmost country in continental Europe after having heard a lot about the culture, the food, and of course the architecture. It is also the country known to be the most laid back and maybe even a little cheaper … Continue reading Portugal – Midsummer’s, wine and long walks