Much of the Paris we see today is the product of the gargantuan nineteenth century ‘remaking’ of Paris by Baron Hausmann, that ripped out and restructured entire neighbourhoods, with scant attention to more than 2000 years of accrued history. Its ancient labyrinth of narrow, snaking streets and cramped dwellings, transformed into this sumptuous and alluring […]
Read MoreMy exquisitely plated starter at Pirouette restaurant, that foreshadowed a deliciously perfect evening. Now before you jump to conclusions let me assure you, we did a lot more than eat our way through Paris.
Read More
The biggest allure of a visit to France for me is her array of neighbourhood markets. And Paris is undoubtedly a mecca for market enthusiasts, boasting more than 80 of them, some covered and permanent, and most temporary roving markets – called marchés volants – sprouting up a few days a week. Our Sunday morning starts with […]
Read MoreThe Ispahan No, not the city in Iran or the Damask rose. This is a concoction of fragrant rose cream with chopped litchis and luscious, whole raspberries, sandwiched between two crunchy, startling pink macaron shells. And topped with a single raspberry and a velvety rose petal, complete with a glistening sugar dewdrop.Enjoyed in the Place Saint […]
Read MoreI M Pei’s sparkling masterpiece of an entrance – albeit controversial – to an abode of exquisite masterpieces. It is said that of the 8 million average annual visitors to the Louvre, nearly 50% come for the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Pyramid! Until next time…happy travels no matter where life takes […]
Read More
Bakheng is the most popular spot for sunset viewing in Angkor. And natuarally the most crowded. So we chose Pre Rup instead. The relatively quieter state temple of the 9th century Khmer king Rajendravarman II. There couldn’t have been a more fitting finale to our four day visit than to watch the sun slip quietly behind the […]
Read MoreCould be my vintage, but far too many things make me feel nostalgic these days. Photographs and memories bring it on of course. As well as my mother’s handwriting on yellowing sheets of paper. A flowing river never fails to take me back to my childhood home. Sunsets on the East coast – where I live […]
Read More
The bridge isn’t on the Kwai at all. The upper stretch of the Mae Klong river in the Kanchanaburi district of Thailand that the bridge straddles, was renamed Khwae Yai in 1960. Three years after the release of the epic multi Oscar winning David Lean movie! I was aware that the movie had been shot […]
Read MoreConsidering my blog is about the world through my eyes, this week’s challenge should have been a cakewalk. But it wasn’t strangely. I found it hard zeroing in on a single image that as per Cheri’s specs. ” ……shows a command of your frame. Lead our eyes somewhere. Make us focus on something“. So I stopped […]
Read More
Veneration of animals as symbols of powerful cosmic forces, far predated the advent of organised religion. The worship of serpents seems the most prominent and widespread among these animist beliefs, with evidence to suggest its practice across ancient civilizations ranging from the Hopi Indian tribes and Mayans in the Americas, to those in Egypt, India, […]
Read More
Tokyo’s kitschy English signs, like the ones I linked to yesterday, are purely for the consumption of the young wannabe urbanite. The signage in smaller towns, particularly in the well preserved old towns, adhere to the spare, subtle norms of Japanese aesthetic. Elegant and beautiful, quite like the artful plating of their food or the […]
Read More
The highlight of the 17th century Wat Pho, the temple adjacent to the royal palace, that is also a school of traditional Thai massage, is the golden reclining Buddha or Phra Buddhasaiyas. This 46 meter long gilded statue is also the most visited tourist attraction in Bangkok, so braving throngs is de rigueur. We passed by […]
Read More
The Urge To Wander 