The Eternal Guardians of Qin!

25/02/2012.Reading time 3 minutes.

Excavations of grand tombs and mausoleums around the globe are witness to the ancient world’s preoccupation with death and the afterlife. But the grandest excavation by far, has to be that of the terracotta army of Emperor Qin in Xian. The on site museum is concealed under an unsightly hangar like building. The sheer scale of […]

Santorini Indulgence

24/02/2012.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Bright sunny morning, freshly squeezed orange juice, flaky croissants, creamy cheese, fresh fruit and fragrant coffee served on our very own private terrace…….perfection!

Paradise On Earth?

22/02/2012.Reading time 11 minutes.

Several ancient Chinese texts refer to Hangzhou as ‘Paradise on Earth’. West Lake – the original of several namesakes around China and beyond – is the soul of Hangzhou and it is quickly apparent why so many poets and artists have drawn inspiration from it for centuries. But the city felt a bit contrived, and […]

Suzhou Museum – The Genius Of I.M.Pei

20/02/2012.Reading time 6 minutes.

A visit to Suzhuo Museum: I M Pei’s masterful fusion of contemporary design with his hometown’s vernacular aesthetic. A must do when in Suzhou, China.

Suzhou, China – The City Of The Earth

19/02/2012.Reading time 9 minutes.

Series of bridges along a canal in Suzhou, China

…By the name of Singui [Suzhou]is to be understood ‘the city of the earth’,as by that of Kinsai [Hangzhou],‘the city of heaven’ ~ The “Travels Of Marco Polo” At first glance Suzhou seems soulless. It is one of the largest manufacturing hubs in China with smoke belching chimneys and traffic choked streets. Its GDP growth […]

The Bridges Of Tongli

15/02/2012.Reading time 4 minutes.

To any one wondering why I have been switching countries: My posts are chronicles of my past journeys and I took a conscious decision to not stick to any particular order, to make for some variety. Posts (when I have written enough to overflow my front page :-)) can be viewed by destination from the drop down “Destinations” […]

Crossing Thresholds

09/02/2012.Reading time less than 1 minute.

I love doors and doorways. Apart from their functional and architectural appeal, doors are symbols of transition, of endings and beginnings. Of shedding the familiar and crossing the threshold to embrace the unknown! I find them mysterious….What secrets are they privy to? What stories do they tell? For doors are both frame and monument to our […]

The Historic Heart Of Cairo, Egypt – Complete Travel Guide

06/02/2012.Reading time 41 minutes.

What to do in Cairo, Egypt. Ultimate guide to the fascinating medieval heart of Egypt’s capital city.

Egypt – Khufu’s Boat Museum In Giza

30/01/2012.Reading time 11 minutes.

The Solar Boat Museum in Giza is dedicated to the Khufu Ship. Read all about the only surviving ancient Egyptian Solar Boat and the best way to see it.

Pyramids Of Egypt – Facts, Myths & Practical Tips

25/01/2012.Reading time 36 minutes.

Panoramic view of the Pyramids of Khufu & Khafre in Giza

Optimise your visit to the Pyramids of Giza, Dahshur & Saqqara with this useful guide filled with amazing facts and practical tips.

China – More from the Chongqing Region…

22/01/2012.Reading time 6 minutes.

Featuring three of the amazing world Heritage sites we explored from Chongqing: Furong Cave, Natural Three Bridges in Wulong County and Dazu Rock Caves.

People Watching

19/01/2012.Reading time 1 minute.

“Well I’m just people watching. The other people watching me And we’re all people watching. The other people watching we” ~Jack Johnson, from the song “People Watching” I find people amusing, fascinating, inspiring! When I travel, I enjoy sitting in a cafe, looking out onto a busy street and observing random strangers going about their […]