Ancient city gates – those gigantic entryways, patiently clocking the footfalls of generations – hold a special fascination for me. Set into heavy fortifications or floating on water, these gates were more than mere access points. Most were hubs of trade, places where city edicts were read out and hangings executed. Some were symbolic and exclusive, […]
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Stepping on the ancient, lichen covered stones of Beng Mealea, in the deep, dark shadows of late afternoon, is almost meditative. No armies of tourists to vie with for the best camera angles here. Just us and a couple of nimble footed little descendants of the Khmer. Beng Mealea – meaning ‘Lotus Pond’ – situated 45 km East of […]
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Imagine for a moment, that you are an early French explorer. You are stumbling upon these crumbling ruins in the shadowy half light of dense tropical jungle and making the startling discovery that those tree covered towers are, in fact, eerie, mysterious faces! Hundreds of them! With hooded staring eyes and implacable smiles. In the […]
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We found the children of Cambodia even more enchanting than the temples of their ancestors that we had come to see. They are pesky, persistent and beautiful. And most, exceptionally bright! Like the little girl in the purple blouse, who rattled off numbers from 1 – 10 in Hindi, before I had time to react to her question about […]
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When Meenakshi of Laughing Penguins kindly agreed – thank you Meenakshi! – to pair her verses with my images of the iconic ‘Lara Croft’ temple of Ta Phrom, I knew she would bring more to this post than just her evocative words. Here is her homage to the desolate grandeur of the tree strangled monument. […]
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These are two images from the Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, in Luang Prabang. The first is the generic landscape view of the red interior nave and altar, with its array of gilded Buddhas. Gorgeous enough. Take the trouble to perambulate around to the back however, and you will be rewarded with this peculiar, but stunning detail […]
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Bridges become frames for looking at the world around us. ~ Bruce Jackson I cross my 200 mark, with these bridges! Look forward to your company on the journey to the next 200.
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Discover the symbolism behind Angkor Wat temple architecture and details on how to visit these magnificent temple ruins in Cambodia.
Read MoreMy Angkor posts are long overdue. While I struggle to finish my draft between house guests and trips to Bangalore, here is a scene that was the realisation of a longstanding dream. As breathtaking and unforgettable as we had imagined, despite the partly cloudy sky and the scaffolding in the center. Until next time…..happy travels, no matter […]
Read MoreI spot the Otorii from across the expanse of the (Seto) Inland Sea, emerging from the waters like a giant Pi symbol against the dense green mantle of the hills beyond. More bleached terracotta than the vermilion of the postcards, this 52 feet high floating ‘grand gate‘ claims equal billing with Mount Fuji as the iconic symbol of […]
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They say warm weather is conducive to spectacular sunsets. But that doesn’t explain why the sunsets on the Mekong were so much more memorable than any I have witnessed in the subcontinent…..and there have been many. I am a West coast girl remember? Whatever the reason, those moments spent in anticipation of the radiant feast […]
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Laos Travel: Experiencing Luang Prabang, its tranquility and identity as a practicing Buddhist city steeped in ancient traditions.
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The Urge To Wander 