Travel Tales from India and Abroad

Going Places- V

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 09:57:49 +0200

As I am not traveling currently let me take you places that I have been to. In part five I present Philippines, Indonesia, Israel and United Arab Emirates through my Instagram Reels. All of them were blogging trips! You can read the parts I II III and IV from the respective links.

17. Philippines

I went to Philippines on a speaking assignment and got to spend some time in Manila and Boracay Island. Boracay has been on the list of the world’s most beautiful islands for ever! Island hopping around Boracay was stunning too.

18. Indonesia

I went to Indonesia on a blogging trip with the Indonesian Tourism Board. We visited Jakarta (transit), Yogyakarta, Raja Ampat and Bali. While all of them are amazingly beautiful places, Raja Ampat has my heart. I have traveled a bit but I have never seen anything like Raja Ampat, the beaches, the people, the whole vibe is amazing. I know in my heart that I will go back to Raja Ampat one day.

19. Israel

Once again, I visited Israel with their tourism board. It is a country like any other I have ever been too. I don’t even know where to start talking about my experiences. I had a surreal experience at the Western Wall which I will never forget.

20. United Arab Emirates

After Israel I visited Dubai with flydubai (airline) and later Sharjah with the Sharjah Tourism Board. As I sit at home and write these posts, I can see how lucky I have been to experience so many different cultures first hand.

While I sit at home making reels about the 32 countries I have visited, I so want to feel safe again to travel!

Going Places- IV

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 17:04:09 +0200

You know what is the good bit about traveling? Not only you enjoy the trip, you get to enjoy the memories too. My way of keeping a journal is through the pictures I click. I have tried experimenting with videos on and often, without any great success. After getting hooked to the Instagram Reels, I feel this might change.

I have been creating reels for every country that I have visited, and sharing them here too, 4 at a time. You can read the Part 1, 2 and 3 from the links. Onward to the next four countries, Finland, Jordan, Bhutan and Hong Kong.

13. Finland

Finland was a winter fairy tale, it was beyond anything I had ever seen. I was lucky to go to Lapland and experience a bit of Sami culture too. I went in March of 2014, it was a blogging trip with Noika and the highest temperature was 1 degree Celsius.

14. Jordan

I went to Jordan soon after Finland. This was a special blogging trip too! I was invited by the Jordan Tourism Board to Cover the Pope’s visit to Jordan! It was the first time I floated on the Dead Sea too.

Finland and Jordan were also special because both the PR contacts were my former students!

15. Bhutan

I had an opportunity to go to Bhutan in 2014 with Make My Trip on a blogging trip. Bhutan is our neighbor and it is stunningly beautiful. I totally love their tranquil vibe.

16. Hong Kong

When I look back, I realize 2014 was an amazing year travel wise. I got to see so many new places. But it is extra special because I took my niece Vasudha and daughter Chhavi on their first trip abroad. I was brave I ventured out with two kids and two suitcases. The suitcases behaved well, the girls are naughty. This trip will always remain special for the three of us!

While I wait for an opportunity to travel, I take this time to enjoy my trips again! How are you coping with these times?

Going Places- Part III

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 09:03:46 +0200

While I am sitting at home during the ongoing pandemic, I am remembering my travels through Instagram Reels. I have visited 32 countries till 2019 and I hope this list will start growing up once again. Till then I will live with the memories! You can read the Part I and Part II of this post from the respective links.

9. Cambodia

Cambodia was a short blogging trip arranged in conjunction with my trip to Thaialnd! But I did get to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat!

10. Sri Lanka

I am lucky I have been to Sri Lanka five times. The first trip was a personal vacation with my nephew Sunil also known as Brat 2. The other four were blogging trips. I tell Sunil traveling with him is like traveling with a piece of luggage!

11. South Africa

South Africa was on of my early blogging trips, it came my way in 2013. And boy it was exotic! It raised my hopes from blogging! I have been to South Africa only once!

12. Maldives

I traveled to Maldives once again with my nephew Sunil on a vacation. True to his form, he behaved like a piece of luggage once again! But we have not managed to go again on a vacation after this. It needs to be rectified.

And guess what, I miss traveling so much that I keep doing silly reels about that too! Have a look at my state of mind these days in the reel above!

Remembering Thailand

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 21:48:04 +0200

Thailand has a piece of my heart. But travel has taken a back seat since March 2020. So, when #tatnewdelhi and #tatindia came up with #BlogYourThailand contest, I went on a trip down the memory lane to #AmazingThailand

Pretty yellow flowers that instantly revive weary spirits! Farm Chokchai, Thailand

Let’s go back to Koh Nang Yuan and rediscover these blues!

The fiery sunsets that rejuvenate tired souls! Koh Samui, Thailand

Feel the warm sea and reboot your life, again! Koh Samui, Thailand

Rejoice with Culture and Tradition! Ciang Mai, Thailand

Relax and #restinthailand along stunning beaches! Krabi, Thailand

The rapture of delicate sights and fragrant smells! Flower Market, Bangkok

Waiting for the humanity to repair its collective soul and celebrate once again! Songkran Festival, Bangkok

Aching to resume my adventures! Train Market, Thailand

And what better place to do all this than Thailand?

Going Places- Part II

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 09:31:26 +0200

As the pandemic has brought my travels to a complete halt since March 2020 I am using this time to reminisce about my past travels. I am doing this via Instagram Reels primarily but the blog gives me more freedom to write and I don’t need to worry about hashtags here! You can find the Part I of this post here. The picture above is of me at the Everest Base Camp in Nepal!

5. United Kingdom

I am lucky to have traveled to United Kingdom 6 times. A lot of it was for work but the last trip to England was for blogging. All of them were immense fun! I managed to visit London, Lancaster, Oxford, Lake District, Edinburgh, Cotswold and a few more places! On the last trip I cruised on the Harmony of the Seas from Southampton. I love traveling on the London Underground. And I want to go back to the country again!

6. Malaysia

I visited Malaysia on my first international blogging trip! This was way back in 2012. The first trip was to Kuala Lumpur but I went back on another blogging trip the same year and this time I also visited Redang Island. First international blogging trips are special and for that Malaysia will always have a piece of my heart.

7. Nepal

I first visited Nepal in 2012, just a few days after my first trip to Malaysia. The plan was to Trek up to the Everest Base Camp and that is what I exactly did. That was one special trek! I went back in 2013 to trek through the Annapurna Circuit but the weather had other ideas! Then I went back in 2019 to Pokhara and for the first time to Chitwan on a blogging trip!

8. Thailand

What do I say about Thailand? I have been there 11 times. 10 of those were blogging trips! The last time I went to Koh Samui, it was with Chhavi. Even then part of my trip was sponsored. I have been to Bangkok, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, Kaho Yai, Huna Hin, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai and more. And I love it all. I will happily go back again!

As I write this I realize how lucky I have been to see a bit of this beautiful world. I also know I took it all for granted. Not anymore. When I feel safe to travel again, I am going to cherish every moment of it.

Going Places- Part 1

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 17:26:36 +0200

I come from Gorakhpur, a small town in UP. Growing up, I only dreamed of traveling in a plane. I boarded a plane for the first time in 1999. I was traveling to Singapore to attend an academic conference while I was doing my Ph.D. at IIT Kanpur. I still remember the rush of the aircraft thundering through the runway and then suddenly taking off.

I got my first travel opportunity as an academic and then as a travel blogger. I feel immensely lucky to have traveled to 32 countries till date. And while all my travel has come to a grinding halt since March 2020 due to the pandemic, it is time to remember my trips through Instagram Reels.

Singapore

As I said Singapore was the foreign land I ever set my foot on! I was sitting inside conference rooms most of the time but I did manage to see a little of the city. Then I went back to Singapore in 2017 on a blogging trip! Singapore will always remain special to me!

2. Athens, Greece

I once again went to Athens for an academic conference in 2001. I was still a broke Ph.D. student. I still sat through a lot of papers in a conference room and I only saw a little of the city. I boarded a metro for the first time in Athens! I didn’t know how the system worked. I have come a long way since then!

3. Amsterdam and Groningen, The Netherlands

I appeared in a post doc interview with the University of Groningen in 2002. Those were the days, they invited you to the city to take an interview. I managed to spend some time in Amsterdam too.

4. Modena, Venice and Rome, Italy

I visited Modena as you know now, for an academic conference and I hopped over to Venice for a day trip from there. This was 2003. None of my pictures from this trip can be found. But I transited through Rome in 2017 along with my sister Alka. We did spend a night in Rome and managed some sightseeing.

So, these are the first four countries I visited. Not bad for a small town girl, who never thought she will travel the world. I even named my blog Travel Tales from India and added the ‘and Abroad’ bit much later.

This is to be continued!

Dress Code for Women in Vietnam

Fri, 28 May 2021 12:33:22 +0200

I often check on the dress code before I travel to a country for the first time. I have to admit I completely forgot to do so before traveling to Vietnam. My impression was I could wear anything I want, dress, shorts etc. and I was right.

I always do the dress code posts on the blog after visiting the country with actual pictures of what I saw. So, here is what I saw in Vietnam. It is based on visiting 3 places, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. The first picture in this post is of our cruise at Halong Bay. The beautiful lady was part of our media group.

Women at the Saigon Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City

I captured this scene at the Saigon Central Post Office, which is a landmark at the Ho Chi Minh City. I liked the vibe of the place and how relaxed the girls in the picture were, wearing their short dresses without a care in the world.

Women Outside the Saigon Central Ppst Office, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I spotted these two tourists outside the same post office and they looked comfortable in shorts, capri and spaghetti tops.

A Woman at the Saint Joseph Cathedral Church, Hanoi, Vietnam

Next I spotted this woman posing in front of the Saint Joseph Cathedral Church in Hanoi in her off shoulder dress. Wearing it outside the church is totally fine. However I would check again if I wanted to visit the church as most religious places have a dress code. The church opens only at specific hours so I have not been inside it.

Our Guide at the World of Heinken Museum, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

It was fun to visit the World of Heinken which is a museum devoted to the beer! This lovely lady was our guide and this is her work uniform. Beer museums are always fun to visit.

A Couple Enjoying their Day in Hanoi

Spotted this couple having a good time in Hanoi. It was a moderately hot day. I liked the woman’s comfortable dress and their fascination with the tree behind them!

A Street Vendor with her Beautiful Flowers in Hanoi

I saw street vendors covering arms and legs as well as in shorts. As they stay in the sun for long hours some of them choose to cover a lot to avoid tanning. I clicked a lot of photos around her and she was totally cool with it.

A Woman at National Museum, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

This lovely lady was part of our media group and she dressed well. She would always let me me click her pictures too! Her asymmetrical dress looked beautiful and I am sure it was comfortable.

Mom with Kids in a Pretty Dress, Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi

I spotted this family at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi. The father was clicking a picture of the beautiful mom and the kids!

So this is my impression of the way women dress in Vietnam. It is an easy place to be. All kind of dresses, shorts, skirts, tank tops were fine. It also makes sense because of the climate.

Getting the Second Dose of Covaxin in Gurgaon

Mon, 24 May 2021 13:57:22 +0200

I got my first dose of vaccine in Gurgaon around April 14, it was Covaxin. As I am in 45+ age category, I could walk in for my first dose. May 26th is the last date to get my second dose of Covaxin done. I was not too keen to go out but I eventually got it done today. The images in this post are of the vaccination center in Chauma Primary Health Center (PHC) in Gurgaon. This is where I got both my doses. It is a free vaccination site operated by the state government.

As I took free vaccines and I can definitely pay for them, I would donate the money to an organization of my choice. I went to Chauma PHC because of its outdoor waiting area. I didn’t want to go to a private hospital as all of them have vaccination centers inside a building with air conditioning! And even otherwise, in my area, Chauma PHC has been the choice of people because of their efficient work.

After my first dose of vaccine, life went on. But by the end of April 2021, came the big Corona wave and all hell broke loose in India. Between the first and the second lock downs I have been only to two places regularly. First we would go to my daughter’s tennis academy and secondly I would play table tennis with a Fitso facility. My daughter’s academy is totally outdoors. My table tennis place had a tin roof and tent like flaps, so not totally closed. On April 24 we stopped going out at all. We stayed at home. We stopped taking assistance from the house helps two days earlier. Gradually, I stopped opening my door at all. I would talk to my vegetable vendor (may God bless you Sanjay), milk vendor (may God bless you Tarun) and kirana vendor (may God bless the employees of the local store) on phone and pay them through Paytm. I would go to the front room window to tell all Amazon/Big Basket Deliveries to be left at the gate, they were anyway prepaid, may God bless them too, because of them we can stay indoors.

Living like this, I slowly got used to the routine. We would go up in the balcony for the evening tea as we could see bits of sky from there. Days went by. By May 22 I started getting uneasy about the second dose of vaccine as I had only till 26th to get it done. Everyone told me not to go out. My cousin is a doctor and she too suggested to delay it. I knew I would not go on the weekend as the PHC would be crowded.

The Chauma PHC, Gurgaon

I started asking questions in my Resident Welfare Association’s (RWA) WhatsApp group on Friday. The government owned Health Center in Chauma was people’s choice as it has a large outdoor area. You go into a room only when you are getting the vaccine. They call two people inside at a time. Over the weekend I kept thinking about it and then I decided to give it a try on Monday. I told my husband that if it was too crowded, I would not get out of my car and simply drive back home.

The vaccination starts at the Chauma PHC at 10.00 am. I left my home at 9.15 am as it is not too far from my place. As it is always with me, I got a little lost while find the PHC. I took a U turn when the road started looking unfamiliar. I asked a person on the street where the place is and he told me to take the cut right beside me and then take the first right. I was 200 meters away from it (170 by Google Maps) when I asked for the direction. I parked my car and went to the small building that works as the vaccination center as it was not crowded. The main center was closed but many people were waiting outside. I went back to my car to wait.

When I saw other people around me walking in, I too went to the premises again. An old lady was making a list of the people who wanted to get vaccinated. She maintained two lists, one for the first dose and the other for the second dose. The first dose (Covishield) is by prior appointment via the Cowin Website. For the second dose of Covaxin walk in is allowed. I was 43 on the second dose list. After getting my name listed I went to the park behind the PHC to wait.

At 10.00 am the vaccination started. I saw a few people going in and coming out from the distance. They call out your name and number and then you can go in to get vaccinated. At one point, a small fight broke out between a woman and the hospital staff but it got sorted in a few minutes.

The Door to Vaccination

The only thing I don’t like about this center is the people who come in to get vaccinated. They crowd the front door in spite of the token system. The attendant handling the list was a thin woman, she would request people to stay away but to no avail. I firmly believe it is not the job of the hospital to police the people. They have a system in place, it works if we cooperate. But people tend to bunch at the door and that gives the creeps. So, I stood away till it was almost my turn. The good bit is that we can wait in the open. I would hate it even more if this happened indoors.

While I was waiting in the open (and not near the gate) I saw the old lady who made the list in the morning. I asked if she was a volunteer? She said yes, she came to get her vaccination done and she did the list as well. I asked her name and she replied, “let it be, I don’t do it for fame.” I didn’t insist, only thanked her. My feeling is that is a retired staff as people knew her around the center but that is just a guess. I was totally impressed by what she did.

The numbers move fast. So when it came to 30 I had to move closer. I still stood away from the crowd. There was another girl who was 44 on the list. Both of us cribbed how people crowded the gate unnecessarily. Then it was my turn. I went in, they asked for my mobile number and then requested me to show my first dose certificate. They took the last four digits of my beneficiary id and then I got the shot. I thanked them profusely on my way out.

I straight went to my car, sanitized my hands and drove home. At home, we had an agreement. That I would go to one of the bedrooms and quarantine myself for 4 days. I know it is extreme, but what to do, this disease is extreme too. We have stayed home for so long that even venturing out for vaccination feels unsafe.

So while I am sitting in my room, my husband, daughter and father leave stuff at my doorstep. So far, I do not have any noticeable side effects other than a slight tingling in my arm. The side effects are definitely milder than the first dose.

I remember talking to two parents sometime in March 2021 while our kids played tennis. I told them that common people like me would be the last to get the vaccine. But I have been proven wrong. I could get the vaccine as a common citizen at a government center for free without pulling in any favors.

When I went to sleep on Sunday night I was still flipping the coin, should I do it, should I not? I had a thousand different thoughts running through my mind. I some how fell asleep, still undecided. When I woke up, my first thought was to chuck it. Why risk anything when I was safe at home. But I remembered my vegetable vendor, Sanjay, who brings vegetables and fruits to the doorstep every day by going out and I decided to go out for one day to get this essential work done. Other than avoiding standing close to people, I also used a double mask while I was at the PHC.

I will update this post when I come out of my room after 4 days! I will update if I feel any side effects. What strange times we are living in.

My Experience of Getting the Covid 19 Vaccine in Gurgaon

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 18:52:56 +0200

There are three member of my family who have taken the first dose of vaccine, our age range is from 47 to 80 years. Two of us got Covishield and one, me Covaxin. I am writing this blog, in the hope that some of you might find the experience helpful.

Registration Process

It started with my dad first who is 80. At that time he was able to get an appointment in a private hospital in Gurgaon through the Aarogya Setu App. The process is menu driven, not difficult to use. It requires your mobile number to register and pincode for finding hospitals near you. When the time came, he had to reschedule a few days before. He was able to do that successfully. He went at the day of his rescheduled appointment and got the vaccine successfully. All he needed was to take his Aadhar card and pay for the vaccine.

Walking In to Get Vaccinated

By the time it was my husband’s and my turn, things changed slightly. I tried for an appointment. I would get it through the app but it would automatically get cancelled. That baffled me a lot till I asked around. People told me just to walk in to the place I feel comfortable and get vaccinated. This was the advice from friends and on Twitter too.

My husband was able to go first. He walked in to a private hospital but nothing happened for an hour. He walked out and tried the nearby government health center. He could get it done in 20 minutes or so after getting the first dose of Covishield. He also need the Aadhar card and the vaccine was free.

My Experience

Then I found time around mid April. I tried the appointment route once again but got no success. So, I went in to the same government health center. It was a holiday, the hospital was closed but the vaccination was going on. On asking around I was given a number, 49 and asked to wait. I decided to wait outside as I have been avoiding closed spaces all this time.

I asked the attendant handling the list twice about the number going on. I told him I was waiting outside and I was number 49. I also asked how many people were called in. He said two at a time. People though sometimes gathered inside to inquire. He came out after a while and said, I was next.

The Formalities at the Site

I reported to the desk, handed in my Aadhar card and the gentleman asked for my cell number. Then he asked if I was already registered, to which I said I tried but sure if I succeeded as all my appointments got cancelled. He then just asked me for my phone number and waved me in.

Getting the Jab

There were two nurses, one kept chatting to me and I hardly even realized that I already got the injection. Mine was Covaxin. The nurses told me to take a paracetamol if I got mild fever. I was asked to provide my phone number and sign a register. I came out, I was asked to wait and after a while I went home.

The After Effects

My dad got mild fever for one morning, my husband got no fever but he felt tired for a few days. I got mild fever for one evening and then settled in. My hand was a little sore too. And for us that was it.

Downloading the Certificate

You can download the certificate once you register on the Cowin website. It will even remind you about your second dose date.

What I gathered While I Waited

I got vaccinated under the 45+ category. So, I am not sure how much of this would be relevant to the next drive where the vaccination starts for 18+. But even in mid April the health care workers told me that the base was going to expand after May 1. When I asked what age, they said not sure maybe 30+ or maybe even 18+.

They told me I could take my second dose anywhere I wish it was not mandatory to come back to the same place. I was told to take the same second dose, of Covaxin.

They told me I had no choice over the vaccine, you simply take what is available on the day. Private hospitals then were collecting the vaccines from the Government Center. When I talked about infection and such they said and look at us, we are here everyday.

I wrote this post quickly, just so that someone might benefit from reading it. I have no interest to engage in a political discussions in my comment section. I simply wrote how it went for my family.

Possibility of a Covid 19 Third Wave in India

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 21:29:14 +0200

These days I live on internet looking for information. Coronavirus Worldometers is something I refresh multiple times these days, particularly at night. My heart sank today when I saw the numbers and they are not even final, we are nearing 300000 cases in a single day. We are firmly inside the second wave and it is a scary place. Twitter is full of request for medical help. We as a nation have messed up this time.

No Politics

I do not discuss politics often because I am someone who gets beaten even by the office politics every single time. I consider national and state politics totally beyond me. I grew up in an era where everything used to be in short supply. Sugar used to become unavailable close to festivals! I hardly expect anything from the government, any government.

What We Did Between the First and Second Wave?

This is anecdotal, this is not data but prove me wrong by bringing in data. There is popular sweet shop in my vicinity. When the cases declined, the cars would spill over on the road over the weekends. It was very difficult for me to convince my daughter that she was still not allowed to go. Masks were rarely in sight.

One day an elderly lady in the neighborhood knocked at my door to get some help with her cell phone. She must be in her 70s. I was wearing a mask and she was not. We all know of such examples. We, the citizens, never thought of a second wave.

The Third Wave of Covid 19

If you are spending time on finding data that can give you some foresight, look at the countries who went through a third wave, if you have not already done so. You are smart you can find the data. See how many restrictions countries like Germany, Italy and France have gone through. The third wave is almost a certainty in India too and it is in our hands to break its back. Something we did not do with the second one.

While we are in the thick of the second wave, times are immensely tough. The feeling of helplessness is real. This too shall pass. However, I sincerely wish we would not forget the lessons of the second wave. My fear is that within a week of the infections going down, 15 days maximum, the cars will start spilling over the road again near that sweet shop. And that means more misery and the third wave.

Vaccination Data

I am over 45 and I already got my first dose of vaccination. And that is what I really feel hopeful about. Look at the Israel data now which went aggressively for the vaccination. Even UK numbers are encouraging which is another nation that is aggressive about its vaccination program. India is opening up vaccination for everyone above 18 from May 1. That gives me some hope.

When the vaccines just came to the market in India, they were available for 60 plus or people with comorbidities. I remember saying to someone that I would be probably the last one to find a vaccine in a land where connections mean everything. How wrong I was, I could simply walk in and get my first dose of vaccine. And a little later, all hell broke lose.

I am not sure how easily the vaccine will be available now as the population eligible is much larger. And I grew up in a time when everything used to be short supply, scooters, cars, sugar you get the drift? But I sincerely hope, I am wrong a second time and that vaccine will be easily available in India.

Remember the Possibility of a Third Wave

While I am anxiously waiting for the second wave subside in India I sincerely hope that we the common people will not forget the lessons learned in the second wave. And that we are aware of the data from other countries about their third wave. However, having lived here all my life, I will not be surprised when I see the cars spilling on the road again.

Traveling from Colombo to Mt. Lavinia by Train

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 20:34:32 +0200

The thought of taking a train out of Colombo was spontaneous. If I stood at the window of my suite at the Movenpic Hotel in Colombo, I could see a train station by the sea beyond the bathtub in the far distance! The tracks were running parallel to the sea . It fascinated me immensely.

I Could See a Train Station Beyond the Bathtub!

I had to wait till the last day as that is when I had free time. My trip was sponsored, I got to do a lot of fun things in Colombo. Because of a late night flight, I had one free day in Colombo and that is when I decided to explore the train station and see what could be done.

Kollupitiya Railway Station, Colombo

On my first try, I missed the entrance to the station. That is when I decided to get mobile data on my phone. Without digital maps and directions I can get lost in a telephone booth if it has two exits! I asked around the stores near my hotel but for a local SIM card I had to walk up to a nearby mall. After securing a card, and my phone having internet, I was all set to explore. With walking directions on Google Maps I found the entrance to the station on my second try.

The Ticket Counter at the Kollupitiya Railway Station

Kollupitiya is a small station with two platforms, not all trains stopped here. When I walked in, the ticket counter was closed, the station almost deserted. But it is so colorful that I kept clicking pictures! Soon, a few other tourists walked in.

A Ticket to Mt. Lavinia

After the ticket counter opened, I was the first person out there. I told the gentleman behind the counter about my rough plan. I told him I wanted to go on a joy ride and I had no idea where to go. I wanted to travel by the sea but not far as I had a late flight back home the same night. He suggested Mt. Lavina and Mt. Lavinia it was. The locals knew the train time and closer to it the platform got reasonably packed! I boarded the train and after 20 minutes or so I arrived at Mt. Lavina.

Meeting Karina!

After getting out of the Mt. Lavina Railway Station, I went in search of the beach. I met Karina on the same road and both of us could not find the beach! We asked around and figured out a way to reach the beach. We stayed together till dinner and my trip was better for it. But dinner came much later. It was late afternoon and we hungry souls were looking for food.

Sugar Beach Restaurant at Mt. Lavina

I picked up the Sugar Beach Restaurant and my only criteria was that it was busy. If it was busy the food has to be good. And I was not disappointed. My good friend Riian George (who organized the sponsored trip) was also eating there. That surely was a good sign as he knows Sri Lanka well. With food inside us, Karina and I felt much happier. We went in for a stroll by the beach!

Mt. Lavinia Beach, Sri Lanka

As it was Karina’s first trip to Sri Lanka I had a lot to tell her. I told her to get her phone on a local SIM, she would feel much more confident knowing where she was going. We generally chatted about this and that and soon it was time to catch the last train back to Colombo. You can see the Colombo Skyline from Mt. Lavinia, all those tall buildings in the background are in Colombo.

Mt. Lavinia Railway Station

We waited at this colorful platform to take our train back. I was hoping it would stop at Kollupitiya but it was a fast train. It stopped at the main station- Colombo Fort. And that is when my mobile data came in handy. I booked an Uber from the Fort Station to the Park Street where Karina and I had plans for dinner. You can read Karina’s account of our meeting here.

My Feet on the Foot-board of the Train!

I would highly recommend a trip from Colombo to Mt. Lavina if you have time. If you can take the local train then nothing like it. Taxis are avail too but what is the fun in that?

Sri Lanka has been my last international trip before Covid shook the world. I love traveling because it gives me opportunities to go on such small spontaneous adventures! Today I got my first dose of Covaxin and it gives me some hope, that at some point in time I might be able to travel again to have such adventures!

Visiting Saigon Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 20:03:27 +0200

I stood outside the Saigon Central Post Office, in Ho Chi Ming City, Vietnam, clicking pictures. The yellow colored building with green windows looked impressive from the outside. I was trying to include the colorful wares of the local vendors hanging around the premises. And as usual I was not liking any of the pictures I clicked!

Saigon Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Right across the road was the Notre Dame Church (do not confuse it with the Paris one) and I was tempted to hop over. But the Church was closed for repair work, so I walked over to the post office wondering why were we visiting a post office of all places! But one look at the interiors and I knew the place was special.

The Impressive Interiors of the Saigon Central Post Office

The building was constructed from 1886 to 1891 by the French. It is said to have Renaissance, Gothic and French Colonial design influence but if I would be honest I can’t tell one from the other. I am your average tourist to whom the building looked great, particularly the interiors. But ask me to differentiate between Renaissance and Colonial and you lost me at R, more so when I am tired. It has been designed by Frenchman Alfred Foulhoux. If you are interested in the history of the post office head over here and read more.

The Saigon Central Post Office is Functional

The post office still functions as a post office but it popular with tourists. I was told I could mail a post card back home if I wanted but I gave it a pass. I was more interested in walking around and taking pictures. The floor was impressive, the arches were grad and the whole effect was amazing!

The Saigon Central Post Office

Our group was supposed to spend a short amount of time here and then move on. But someone went to mail a post card back home and that gave me some time. I stood at the entrance, holding my cell phone in one hand and the DSLR in another to click this shot and after about 50 tries I gave up in frustration. Later, I thought I got maybe one okay shot, the one you see above, though the cell phone in my hand is slightly crooked.

I visited Saigon Central Post Office on the first day of my Vietnam trip, I was still tried. The beauty of it hardly registered on my sleep deprived brain. But when I look back, I feel like I missed up on the opportunity to explore more. However, now that you have read this post, if you ever find yourself around there, go prepared. It is a stunning building and it is totally worth visiting.

PS. My trip to Vietnam my sponsored by Indigo.

PPS. This post belongs to me @mridulablog and you should be reading it at Travel Tales from India and Abroad.

Dada Harir Ni Vav- A Beautiful Stepwell in Ahmadabad

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 14:29:15 +0200

My joy knew no bounds when me made an unscheduled stop at the Dada Harir Ni Vav, a beautiful stepwell in Ahmadabad. It is also known as Bai Harir Ni Vav. I absolutely adore visiting stepwells and in India they go by many names, Vav, wav, baori, baoli and I am sure a few more. And there are quite a few in and around Ahmadabad. We were actually traveling to Bhuj from Ahmadabad when we stopped at the step-well.

Dada Harir Ni Vav, Ahmadabad

It was a sleepy morning when our group arrived at the Bai Harir Ni Vav. The place was just opening, sweeping was going on. Baoris set my pulse racing, I was excited to get in and explore. All the history I quote in the article is from the Gujarat Tourism website, who were the sponsors of my trip too.

The Beautiful Interiors of Dada Harir Ni Vav

The baori was was built in 1499 and named after Bai Harir a woman of the Sultan Begada’s harem. It is about 15 km away from the city center. It is a less visited monument in Ahmadabad.

Looking Up!

I find the approach to water conservation through step-wells fascinating. Who could have thought that such utility construction as well could be given such an elaborate setup! Looking up from the interiors of the step-well was a first for me. There are five levels to this Vav.

Dadi Harir Ni Vav

The wells are dry now. They thoroughly capture my imagination, whichever way I look at them, from above or below! As we visited in the morning, there were only a few tourists.

Dai Halima Mosque

As you walk about the step-well you will notice a mosque at the back of it. It is Dai Halima Mosque built in the 16th century.

The Dai Halima Mosque, Ahmadabad

The maulavi you see in the picture told us that the entry of women to the interiors was prohibited. So, I was content to click a few photos from the outside. I am told that the jalis on the walls are impressive.

Bai Hair Step-well

After I started traveling, I have realized that such beautiful structures like Dada Harir Ni Vav are considered off beat in our country because there are so many of them! The most beautiful step-well in the region is Rani Ni Vav at Patan, which is UNESCO World Heritage site. I hope we start preserving our heritage better.

PS. My trip to Gujarat was sponsored by Gujarat Tourism Board

Chhatedi- An Offbeat Historical Site in Bhuj

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 13:48:10 +0200

I have been to Bhuj a few times. So, when I was visiting in December 2019 I was looking beyond the usual tourist attractions in Bhuj. And I was not disappointed. I found two paces that I didn’t see on all my previous trips. This post is about the historical site, Chhatedi. But you also have to look for Ramkund. I am crazy about stepwells and I managed to visit Ramkund too on this trip. My trip was sponsored by Gujarat Tourism.

Chhatedi, Bhuj

If Chhatedi was in any other country it would be marketed as a major tourist attraction. But not in India, maybe it is because we have too many historical sites or maybe it is because we don’t value our history. But now you know about Chhatedi so do include it in your to do list for Bhuj. You will not be disappointed. Also, I was there at sunset and I highly recommend it.

Chhatedi in Bhuj, Gujarat

The word Chhatedi derives from Chhatri which means umbrella after the shape of the domes of the monument. Chhatris are popular all over Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Royal cenotaphs are usually associated with the resting places of the rulers of the region. Locals treat the structures with respect and they expect the same from the tourists. The Chhatedis at Bhuj were constructed by the Jadeja rules in 18th century.

Ornate Pillars at Chhatedi, Bhuj

Not much was written about Chhatedi around the site. I saw one sign board and all my historical information comes from that source. The most ornate complex is called the Rao Lakha Chhatri. The architecture style is a mixture of Rajputana and Mughal styles. They are carved out of red sandstone.

Rao Lakha Chhatris or Chhatedi Bhuj

The Rao Lakha Chhatris are designed by Ram Singh Malam. A stone slab in the complex also suggests that 15 of the King’s wives gave up their life at the funeral pyre of Rao Lakha. Many of the Chhatris were damaged in the 2001 earthquake at Bhuj.

The Ruins at Chhtedi, Bhuj

When we went, other than our group, there were only a few locals around. There was no entry fee but a caretaker was present. There are not many restrictions, but you are not supposed to climb over the actual cenotaphs, the rectangular structures on the ground. But otherwise we were free to walk around and explore.

The Architecture at Chhatedi, Bhuj

Personally, I enjoyed exploring the ruins at Chhatedi. It was quiet. The light was perfect for photography and we had time. I loved taking pictures at leisure. The ruins are striking and I hope my pictures give you an idea of how much I enjoyed my time there!

The Historical Site Chhatedi at Bhuj

There are a lot of figures and images on the pillars around the Rao Lakha Chhatri. In the absence of historical information, I would just let my imagination run wild and construct stories about the human figures.

Chhatedi, Bhuj

It is not difficult to reach Chhatedi. The local auto drives will know the way. I did not use Google Maps for this precise location but it the maps usually worked well in Bhuj. The street address of Chhatedi is 15, Town Hall Rd, Jubliee Colony, Banker’s Colony, Bhuj for your reference.

The Sunset at Chhatedi, Bhuj

I highly recommend a visit to Chhatedi in Bhuj, more so if you can manage go around the sunset time. Not too many people visit it. You might like to stay for 2 hours if you wish to take a lot of pictures. Swami Narayan Temple is nearby and that too is a beauty to hold at the sunset.

PS. My trip to Kutch was sponsored by Gujarat Tourism.

Exploring Telascica Nature Park in Croatia

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 13:26:43 +0200

Chhavi and I went to Biograd, Croatia on a Tennis Holiday in 2019. Biograd is a resort town, popular with tourists, by the Adriatic Sea. While my daughter Chhavi played a lot of tennis on this holiday, we had a day off when we took the boat, Ninad, to sail to the Telascica Nature Park. It was the first boat ride on the sea for Chhavi.

Ilirija Hotel, Biograd

We started around 9.00 am after a hearty breakfast at the Ilirija Hotel. We were excited go out to the sea. The hotel is right by the Kornati Marina, where the boat was parked. We found our boat easily and boarded it. Soon, we went to the upper deck and remained there for most of our journey.

Chhavi and I on the Boat Ninad

It was a beautiful day to be outdoors. Early morning, there was a slight chill in the air but it soon vanished as the sun went up! We were on a vacation and we were happy!

The Adriatic Sea

I was happy to gaze at the sun rays playing on the water. But soon enough, about 15 minutes into our ride, there was a commotion on the upper deck!

Spotting Dolphins

Chhavi spotted the dolphins first and pointed it out to me excitedly. It was her first dolphin sighting. They were a little far away in the water and I could manage only this picture, but we saw them and that was all that mattered.

Boats on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia

The rest of our ride was scenic too. A lot of sail boats were out on the sea! After a while, we were making a landing at the marina inside the Telescica Nature Park. We quickly hiked up to the view point and then went for a dip in the Salt lake Mir! The lake was deep, I could swim little further, leaving Chhavi behind, at a safe distance.

After our swim we spotted a cafe where we ordered french fries with a cold drink for Chhavi and a nice cold beer for me! Soon, it was time to go back to the boat. They served us a vegetarian lunch on our way back. Chhavi and I fell asleep after the meal.

The Beautiful City of Biograd

We woke up when we were close to Biograd. It was lovely to see the city from the sea. We were content to get back after such a beautiful day at the Adriatic Sea.

The Sunset at Biograd, Croatia

To conclude our lovely day, this was the sunset that greeted us later at night. Telescica Nature Park will always be special for us as it was the first boat ride on the sea for Chhavi where she also spotted dolphins for the first time!

PS. My stay, tennis lessons for Chhavi and hospitality was taken care by Tennis Holiday Croatia on this trip. I highly recommend them! We had a fabulous time in Croatia with them!

My Beautiful Stay at the Vinpearl Luxury Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 13:43:53 +0200

I have many friends who do not like to write about hotels. I am the exact opposite, I enjoy my hotel stays and I love to write about them! I visited Vietnam in October 2019, Ho Chi Minh City was my first stop. I stayed at the beautiful Vinpearl Luxury Landmark 81 hotel. And I still remember that stay fondly. My trip was sponsored by Indigo for their launch of the inaugural Kolkata Ho Chi Minh City flight.

My flight to Ho Chi Minh was via Bangkok. I usually arrive pretty tired after flying through the night. This trip was no exception. I was really looking forward to rest after the long night. My room was on a high floor somewhere above 50 and I had a view. I also had flowers and complementary wine waiting for me! I instantly liked my room and felt happy throughout my stay.

The lobby of the hotel is tastefully done. I would always hand out for a while as we as a group would assemble there to go out for the day.

The lobby has comfortable chairs and it has view. The corners were popular with the guests all looking for that perfect picture for their Instagram. I liked to click the corners without me in the frame!

If you walk around the lobby of the Vinperal Luxury landmark 81 Hotel, you will come across of this sweeping view of the city along with the Saigon River. The hotel at 461.2 meters is the tallest building in in Vietnam.

My room was super comfortable. When I went on this trip, I was feeling a little down. But this room and the view picked me and up. I was happy there. Sometimes, all I need is to sleep to twinkling lights of a new city and I wake up all happy in the morning.

I had a nice view of the city from my room too. I would sit by the window and marvel what life would be like for people in this city? The place reminded me a little of Mumbai!

This was my favorite corner for breakfast. You can see, it was with a view once again! I loved to sit by the window and take my time with the food and tea! It would not be too busy when I went and the staff would pamper me with small things!

I am not big on food but I have to say since the lock down I miss my welcome cookies, my nicely decorated coffee, my colorful fruits and my tea with the view!

This is how the hotel looked from outside, it is a place that brings smile to my face. I will always remember my stay here warmly and I do hope I will go back and stay there again.

10 Cool Experiences from Colombo, Sri Lanka

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 14:25:47 +0200

It is 2021 and Sri Lakna, which I visited in January 2020 (on a sponsored blogging trip) still remains my last international travel! I am thankful for a lot of things but how I wish I could start traveling again without a care in the world! But I guess that has to wait for sometime more. From April 1 India is offering vaccination to common public above 45 and looks like my turn will come soon! But I decided to write about my past trips, while I am waiting patiently to travel again! And I have plenty to share. So here I go about my 10 cool experiences in Colombo!

10. Watching the Sunrise

I was staying at the Movenpick Colombo and they have gorgeous with a bar and pool at the rooftop. Even though I am not an early riser, I set up my alarm for just before sunrise and went to soak in the beauty of the city early in the morning.

9. Traveling to Mt. Lavinia by a Train and Eating at Sugar Beach

I took a train from Colombo to Mt. Lavinia, a sea side resort town close to Colombo. The train follows the coast and stops at every other station. Locals take the train in large numbers, but it is popular with tourists too. That is where I met Karina and we had quite an adventure. On the beach is a popular shack known as ‘Sugar Beach.’ Do try it out. If you eat fish, you are at the right place. I am a vegetarian and their pumpkin salad was yum too.

8. Paradise Road, Colombo

If you would like to shop for curios and other local stuff, check out the Paradise Road store. It is full of cute things. I picked up a beautiful blue and white polka dot ceramic mug but alas it did not last long at my home!

7. The Design Collective

If you like to shop for clothes and accessories, do check out the Design Collective. It has an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan and Indian designers under an elegant roof.

6. Tea Tasting

Sri Lanka is home to exotic varieties of tea. If possible, go for a tea tasting session. Mine was organized at the Movenpick itself and featured a wide variety of tea by Basilur. It was paired with mouth watering snacks and the whole experience was amazing.

5. Visit Buddhi Batik

If you like batik and would like to check out a prominent local design house, do visit Buddhi Batik. They take the traditional batik designs and turn them into contemporary fashion wear.

4. Black Cat Cafe, Colombo

If you are craving cafe style food do check out Black Cat Cafe. It is housed in an old colonial style bungalow and they do rent out a few rooms upstairs via airbnb. They have a relaxed vibe, where you would love to lounge around. Their burgers are good, so is the coffee!

3. Visit the Pendi Design Store

If you would love to explore Sri Lankan Designers and products, go to the Pendi store. They feature a lot of cute products and showcase the local design talent. This place is like a treasure trove, it is difficult to walk out without buying something.

2. The Park Street, Colombo

If you are looking for beer, good food and fun vibes, hop over to the Park Street over the weekend. I went there both on Saturday and Sunday nights. The party vibes were completely missing on the Sunday night but the food was as good as ever!

Tuk Tuk Safari

These dashing young men were the tuk tuk drivers from the Tuk Tuk Safari company and they took us around Colombo in style. Their tuk tuk had a cooler with beer, soft drinks and water! They took us to the narrow lanes, local coffee and spice shops and historic spots. They doubled as tour guides for our group. I would highly recommend the tuk tuk experience in Colombo.

And while I try to get more regular with my blog, I am so waiting for travel to become normal again!

PS. I was invited as a blogger by Pendi and Movenpick on this trip!

6 Things 2020 Taught Me!

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 12:59:02 +0200

It has been that kind of a year that we are going to remember for a very long time. 2020 has been no ordinary year, it is ‘shake the foundations, change the paradigms’ kind of a year that I hope the universe is in no hurry to repeat.

We all have been in it together, and as it nears the end, I am full of gratitude for the health of my near and dear ones. I also want to remember all the people who are personally dealing with adversity in so many ways.

For me 2020 has been strange but still kind. Here is how it went, I repeated ‘this too shall pass’ much more often than I would like!

Never Take Anything for Granted, Not Even Travel

I was blessed with travel opportunities throughout the decade. Sometimes I would travel so much that I would crib about the red eye flights, that I have to get up in the middle of the night, I am tired, my blogging trips are too hectic! And then came 2020. I went on a blogging trip to Sri Lanka in January. In February I attended a family wedding in Coimbatore. I have not ventured out anywhere since. It is a little bit like childhood again, I look up at a plane thundering through the sky and think- when will I catch a flight!

Washing Vessels and Cooking

I almost never washed vessels or cooked on a daily basis. I always had help but then came the hard lockdown in March. I washed bartan and cooked on a daily basis for months on end. And I could do it, more often than not cheerfully! I have never been a good cook but I don’t consider it rocket science anymore!

It Took a Pandemic for me to Start Working Out Again

I used to be pretty active till my Ph.D. I was regularly found on the basketball or badminton court! I still can play table tennis with vengeance. I was selected for the UP Sports Hostel when I was in 9th standard. But somewhere along the way, I forgot all about it.

Then came March 2020. All of us were locked inside our homes, with fear of the unknown topmost in our minds! Chhavi had not even turned 13 by then, it was still a few months away. She was playing tennis 6 days a week since she was nine and a half. We didn’t want her to stop being active. So, my nephew Sunil, Chhavi and I started working out at home. It was the best thing that could happen to us! It was not always peach and roses as we pushed each-other. In fact, it was a lot of sweat, blood a few tears too. But I won’t change it for anything ever.

Limiting the Screen Time

If you have a child of any age at your home, please monitor the screen time, particularly the after school hours. When I was growing up in a small town in the 1980s there were simply no screens in my life. TV came in when I was in 7th and 8th standard. There was only Doordarshan with its limited hours and even more limited programs.

I never really thought much about screen time till I randomly searched about its effect and realized that my daughter was exhibiting some of those symptoms. The quality of life has been better for everyone after we severely curtailed her screen time.

I Do Not Miss Going to the Shops at All

After I quit my job, I would sometimes go the malls or shops and enjoy the experience. But when the lockdown came, I adjusted to online shopping. You will have to drag me to a store or a mall now! I have not been to one shop since March 2020 and I don’t plan going anytime soon!

I Went Back to Academics as a Visiting faculty

I quit my full time job in 2015. I was a professor then and pretty proud of it! But in 2020 I went back to teaching, part time. I taught two courses at two different places, totally online. I have never met the students of both the batches in person. And I thoroughly enjoyed teaching again! If I can manage the logistics, I would love to teach one course every semester. Once again, it took a pandemic for me to go back to teaching.

But I would be lying if I say I didn’t miss travel! I miss travel, I miss planes, I miss my hectic itineraries but above all I want to go travel with my sister Alka again! I hope 2021 will be kinder to all of us.

Offbeat Tourist Places in Bhuj- Ramkund Stepwell

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 22:01:52 +0200

Ramkund is a well preserved stepwell or ‘baori’ in Bhuj, Gujarat that is a little off the beaten path. I have been to Bhuj a few times and in 2019 I was willing to move away from the well known places like Aina Mahal and the Kutch Museum.

I visited Gujarat in 2019 on an invitation from the Gujarat Tourism Board. Our media group had a guide who was willing to drop me by the Kutch Museum while the group visited the Aina Mahal. Ramkund is close by the Kutch Museum and thus started my adventure.

Anant, our guide dropped at the beginning of the road to Ramkund. After walking a short distance I easily located the baori! When I visited there were just two couples sitting there. There was not another tourist to be seen!

The Ramkund at Bhuj

There are bigger and more ornate baoris in Gujarat, Rani Ki Vav near Patan readily comes to my mind which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, I love all kind of stepwells and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Ramkund in Bhuj.

The Beautiful Ramkund Stepwell

The Incredible India website gives the following description of the stepwell. Other than that not much is known about the origin of the stepwell.

I took my time walking around marveling at the symmetry and the thought behind the water conservation in the ancient times! I love taking pictures so after a while all my efforts went into that. I ended up putting my bright pink shawl (which I bought in Kutch) on the steps for effect.

My Pink Shawl at the Baori!

I marveled at how quiet it was the entire time I was there. The local couples were not too bothered by my presence and I was amused by their youth and need to meet away from the prying eyes! I remember requesting them to move out of picture frame once, I asked politely and they obliged.

Nothing monumental happened during my short stay at Ramkund Stepwell in 2019 but how sorely I miss those small joys of traveling in 2020!

If you are in Bhuj do check out this small stepwell that is right there in hub of city and yet somehow forgotten in time!

Postcards from Hanoi, Vietnam

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 23:34:28 +0200

I visited Vietnam in the October of 2019 on a blogging trip with IndiGo when they launched their inaugural flight from Kolkata to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This trip happened pre-covid. If I have learned one thing in 2020, it is not to take travel for granted. In today’s post I show you some sights from the capital city of Hanoi. The first image of the Hanoi skyline at sunset from the Lotte Observation Deck.

Tran Quoc Pagoda at Hanoi, Vietnam

I stayed at the Pan Pacific Hotel and the Tran Quoc Pagoda was at walking distance. Built it the 6th century, it is popular with tourists and locals alike. The walk to the Pagoda is filled with vendors. Some of them have baby tortoise which visitors buy and release in the waters of the West Lake.

A Traditional House at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi

We spent a few hours at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The displays within the main building are impressive but I could only gather so much in my short visit. I did realized the importance of bamboo in daily life in Vietnam. A little away from the main building there are replicas of the tribal homes and you see one such home in the picture above. If you plan to visit the museum and explore it in any detail give it at least half a day!

Fridge Magnets in Hanoi, Vietnam

I love looking at fridge magnets and postcards in a foreign land because they give me excellent photography ideas. I have benefited by looking at the gorgeous captures by knowledgeable local people in so many countries.

Happy Smiles

The streets of Hanoi are colorful and almost always, the vendors smile when you point your camera and ask if you can take a picture! The magnets made me aware and I was lookout for pictures whenever we were in the streets of Hanoi.

A Flower Vendor with the Traditional Hat Non La in Hanoi

Traveling in a media group has its ups and downs. I spotted this pretty flower stall a little distance away from where my group was waiting for our vehicle. I told them I would run, click a picture and come back and that is exactly how I managed to capture this scene. The lady was friendly, after a while she just went about her business and I about mine! I only encountered one woman who told me not to take a picture of her flower stall and I respected her wish.

Mother Daughter at the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi

You wait a lot for people when you travel in a group. I was waiting at the steps of the Ho Chi Minh Museum, our designated meeting point when I spotted this mother-daughter duo. I loved their color coordinated outfits and that they were dancing together oblivious to the world around them!

The Hanoi Night Market

I loved the bustle of the Hanoi Night Market in the Old Quarter, particularly the Beer Street! We sat down at the plastic stools to enjoy the local beer. It is also an amazing spot to do some people watching. I spotted mothers with their strollers, groups of teenage girls roaming around happily at night. After our beer session, the group broke up to go for shopping. I was not interested in shopping, so I hailed a motorcycle taxi to my hotel! I so love the freedom to be out at night without fear.

Lanterns at Hanoi

I clicked this image at a buffet restaurant in Hanoi. Being a vegetarian I was a bit hesitant about how I would fare at the place but they had a whole counter devoted to vegetarians. The restaurant had live music and a beautiful decoration with lanterns.

Souvenirs at Hanoi

There was a time I would buy something, if I liked the colors etc. But as I traveled more, I am content with clicking pictures of souvenirs that are eye-catching.

I was already cutting down on travel in 2019 as my daughter’s tennis practice became more intense. But then universe had other plans, the world got grounded in 2020. I am patiently waiting for travel to become safe again. My promise to self is that I will enjoy my Travel 2 even more, whenever that happens. As of now, I am only taking trips down the memory lane!