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 |   ON THE WRITE PATH: travel journal for Around-the-World in 2015, 16, 18. |
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For there are many paths.  A tlog. A travel blog. A keeping-track of my trials, er.. travels. February 26, 2015 until ... June 18,2015. January 12, 2016 until February 15, 2016. November 13 to 30 2018 ... 2019, 2020: Taiwain. I went nowhere in 2021. 2022: Portugal, Thailand. Will include: Hawai'i, Japan, Australia, South Africa, Untied Arab Emirates, Portugal, Norway, Ireland and... (2015) ... Norway and Estonia (2016), México (2018), Taiwan, Balkans, Baltics, Turkey, Costa Rica, Nicaragua. Vi får se.  "Where I have traveled, stayed and visited. Over 181 places."     |
| I commented to Neva in her entry "Day 14: The Most Beautiful House of Worship in India" : "Thank-you for the link [Baha'i House of Worship (design, construction)]. I don't know whether I've seen this one before; if so, it's been years. Also glad you posted before I did as I probably wouldn't have found this. If I'm going to Delhi or the Taj Mahal ... yes, this is where I would begin. Fascinated by how much work and workers it took. I knew that much was done by hand but it's riveting to actually see it. August isn't too bad a time to visit, 91/78 all week this week and rainy but sunny on Sunday.  I thought about going to India last November. Probably should have. Hindsight is 20/20 or ... 2020?" I would also like to see the Taj Majal. The use of marble and water would entice me regardless. India ... can overwhelm all the senses. I like quiet ... that's a premium. I would visit Bengaluru, Hampi, Goa, Mumbai ... would even like to get to the north like Darjeeling or Gangtok or Bhutan or east to Kalkut. Maybe one month? My friends say: "There is no place like India". As for culture? Too much! In the clip that Neva links there is the observation, "Everything in India has meaning." [sic] Ah ... Bollywood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFvnTnzpCeQ Can I understand the above link? Not really, but it's evident that cultural taboos are being addressed in India just like anywhere else in the world. I'm also sure that every movement in dance has a meaning. This is fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxXuzrILWFA "Blogging Circle of Friends " : Discuss the different types of entertainment that are popular in India. Is it different than what we're used to and why? Would this type of entertainment work in the U.S. or the U.K. or where our friend Wiesblaize lives?https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_and_entertainment_in_India https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfN7M6SD-T0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgAnj6r1O48 "30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS" We're staying at the Grand Imperial while we're in Agra. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297683-d671997-Reviews-The_Grand_Imper... 30 day: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g304551-d15008778-Taj_Mahal_... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal Everyone says this is the gem of India, what are your thoughts? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=665AHTNpf2o We're dining at Tea'se Me a recoomended place to see Agra at night from the roof top restaurant. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297683-d7789920-Reviews-Tea_se_Me... |
| I'd prolly cross the border from India at Puntsholing and stay at Hotel Thuenpa Puenzhi so I could sort out permits. Great staff and about $20/2 nights. The resort in Paro is $1,000/2 nights. Paro and Thimpu look accessible. BUT... permits for Americans and others are $250-290/day so ... I think not. At $2,000 for one week I just can't afford it. Travelers from India, Maldives and Bengladesh are welcomed. Anyhoo... sure wish I could because there are distinct customs and architecture. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Bhutan And always food: Ema Datshi – (chilies and cheese) If there is one national dish to eat when touring Bhutan, this is it. ... Jasha Maroo or Maru – (spicy chicken) ... Phaksha Paa – (Pork with Red Chilies) ... Momos – (Dumplings) ... Red Rice. ... Just remember to refuse at first but never totally say no. Also wait until everyone is served and the host indicates it's okay to start eating! I don't know about you but I'm needing some quiet time, we've been with a lot of people. There are many things available for you to explore. Discuss what works for you. This prompt is for both 30 day and BCoF groups. So it will count if you have discussed different things in each post. EX. say in 30 day you discussed yoga and wellness treatment.For it to content you will need to discuss something different like maybe exploring the tibetan massage therapy and art classes or cooking classes. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g321541-d14994126-Reviews-Bhutan_Spirit... Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the High Himalayas, peaks such as 7,326m Jomolhari are popular trekking destinations. Paro Taktsang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley. Imagine a place of tranquility and beauty. A place where you connect to yourself and all that surrounds you; body, mind and spirit. This is the newly opened (August 2018) Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, located high in the beautiful Neyphu valley in Paro. We are a 5+ star boutique resort, aiming to create a lasting positive change in our guests’ daily lives. As guests in our home experience what ‘Inspirational Hospitality’ means to us. We are the only well-being inclusive property in Bhutan, which means all services are included in our room rates. From all meals and snacks to all drinks and minibar (only excluding alcohol) to individually designed well-being programs, including a consult with the traditional medicine doctor, yoga/meditation classes, as well as a wide variety of wellness treatments such as Kunye (Tibetan massage therapy) and Hot Oil Compression. Enjoy many more complimentary services such as art classes, cooking classes, and short excursions surrounding our San ctuary. |
 Hopefully you-all saw something like this photo I took in Vrelo Cave in Matka Canyon in Makedonia. We took a boat to get there. Not as huge as Sung Sot Cave. I'd love to see that one! No... I didn't join people on the beach.  I keep covered up as much as I can. I do tan more than burn but that's because I'm careful. Asian Night markets... too hot during the day! And in some places in the tropics (like Costa Rica) less rain in the evening. In CR people go to markets early 6-10 a.m. Some of the night markets in Taiwan are famous. Find most anything. I like seafood. Anything that's deep fried, and therefore dead, will do. I'd be looking for cheap and different; however, I love squid and I'd probably stuff myself with that. There are some exotic foods that are very expensive. I'll pass on those. Why? 1. I'm stingy. 2. Exotic = rare = possible endangered. I don't need to exacerbate the problems. The more I learn about this area, the more I'm tempted to stay a few days and relax. Viet Nam warrants one month at a nice slow pace. That may give me time to look for smaller dong (the currency) https://www.123rf.com/photo_71106051_heap-of-vietnamese-dong-bank-notes.html The notes are very colorful. Since 23,000 đ = 1 USD. I might be able to find two each of the smaller notes and even coins ... if I'm lucky. Doubt I'd find them in tourist areas (big money, expensive in tourist areas). I collect for me and a friend. "30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS" Halong Bay, we're going for an up-close look at its amazing limestone islands, rock formations and caves. Whittled away over centuries by wind and water, they’re breathtaking.Today we're going to see Sung Sot Cave (Surprised Cave) and Titop island https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293923-d17475877-Halong_Bay... https://indochinatravelblog.com/tag/sung-sot-cave-wikipedia https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293923-Activities-c57-t54-Halong_Bay_Qu... Discuss what you've learned and what you felt seeing the pictures. "Blogging Circle of Friends " : BCoF prompt is Halong Bay is located by the sea so needless to say there are a variety of local fruits and vegetables and you can also check out the local seafood. There are huge mounds of crabs, jump shrimp and fish here, and if you want to set up your own beach barbecue later then this is the place to source your produce.Take us on a shopping excursion.What's different about Vietnamese markets versus ours? https://www.visithalongbay.com/travel-tips/halong-bay-food-guide.html https://vina.com/halong-night-market/ https://www.fareastour.asia/guide/detail/what-to-eat-in-halong-bay-22.html |
| With temps between 31/26 and rain every day I may feel like I'm in a steam bath. I would avoid the noon-day sun and probably lose weight. March is the best month to visit the entire country with the North good until May. (February for flowers, South and Cambodia.) I do not do water. No fishing. No kayaking (although if I ever learn how to swim I'd be tempted). Never swimming. Sounds like Hell. I like eating squid and learning about squid-fishing might be nice. I can learn how to cook from locals where I live or perhaps in a hostel. A good source for where to go when: https://asianwaytravel.com/best-time-to-visit-vietnam/ This may be Paradise... for others. I'd have to remember to pack my water-resistant Fuji camera. It's one of the most scenic places on Earth. And that's what I'd probably do ... chat, take photos, eat local food, as always... Bai Chay and Cat Ba have good hostels under $10/day. (Cat Ba Rustic Homestay has an excellent host and Ha Long Bay Fancy Hostel looks enticing as well. Both are under $5/night.) The myths must come from the lovely limestone fingers jutting out of the bay. One legend talks about 'defense'. I can understand. In Scandinavia an island archipelago protects many a major city, like Stockholm and Karlskrona (home of the Swedish Navy). Lost to time Hands rise from waters, fingers jut from the bay, while floating lanterns flit like fireflies hoping that foolish squid think that night is day. And days remain calm or tranquil in the breeze. So easy to dream of paradise, easier to just go and stay. In the gentle sway of hammocks, worries slip away. Like the lapping water, time slips away. © Kåre Enga [177.182] (11.avgust.2020) "Blogging Circle of Friends " : Day 2825: Halong Bay, Vietnam. Prompt: Pick out one of the five legends/myths in this article: The Legend of Halong Bay: Discover Myths Behind The Names https://www.visithalongbay.com/insight-guides/the-legend-of-halong-bay.html and write a story or poem based on the legend/myth."30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS" : Halong Bay, Vietnam: We're doing a 2 day/2night cruise Day 11 and Day 12 will be in Halong Bay. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293924-d20211050-Halong_bay...Kayaking, swimming on the beach, learning how to make Vietnamese spring rolls and after dinner squid fishing. Let your imagination get carried away, discuss what fun things you've experienced. |
| Cambodia has been on my radar and the Siem Reap area especially. Cambodia is 'cheap' but for me the weather might be problematic. In reading it has a similar climate to Costa Rica and similar advantages and disadvantages. (Love Costa Rica in December/January before and after the tourists; July/August is also excellant there. I avoid both April's heat and dust and October's pall and flooding.) "The best time to go to Cambodia is during the rainy season is between June and early September as the rains won’t be quite as bad and the temperature will be drastically cooler when compared to the hot season." Also November till February in the dry season. November: cool December: ideal weather but too many tourists. January: ditto. February: cool March: getting hot and humid April: too hot and humid May: ditto June: hot and humid July: rainy - off season August: rainy - off season September: rainy can flood October: flooding Siem Reap has many places to stay for 2 nights for under $10 or $15. Pomme Hostel in Battambang costs $9/2 nights in a single room shared facilities (9.1 rating). They have tours which are also highly rated. As one guest croons: "The tour including the Bamboo train and Bat caves was excellent and the Pomme was just somewhere great to spend your time." Siem Reap: has too much to see and do. The market would be a must for me. Eating local foods like tarantulas? Why not! Gemological Institute? Apsara dance? Sure. A small gem might make a nice gift. Fish massage: "For around $2-5 you can soak your feet in a tank of tiny fish, which will nibble dead skin from your toes in about 20 minutes." I'd ask at my hostel. My feet need a soak RIGHT NOW. Kampong Phluk floating village... yeah, I'd find that interesting. The Landmine Museum (25 km north) might be nice because it's not something I'll find elsewhere. Baha'i House of Worship in Battambang would be a must-see for me. There are only a few local Baha'i houses of worship in the world. Maybe Prosperous Snow celebrating  would join me. No steep steps like Angor Wat as I told her, "I would probably have to clamber up on my knees. Bad vertigo and bad balance. I'm just not as young as I used to be.  " https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303666-d13238749-Reviews-The_Baha... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303666-d13238749-Reviews-The_Baha... I told BlueMoon  : "A balloon flight sounds awesome until I remember my vertigo and how terrified at times I've been with heights.The fish massage sounds interesting as does the dancing. I cook at home but would only take a cooking class if I were to spend a week or more at a place with a kitchen where I could practice. Cambodia is 'cheap' but I'd rather stay at a hostel." Apondia  posted a music video. I responded with "Artists, writers, thinkers ... same risk in Hong Kong right now. [re Pol Pot's purge]The music you linked would be great while I attempt to clean. Very simple instruments whereas lyrics can intrude. One can find Sin Sisamuth on youtube and listen to him sing for an hour or two!" |
Prompt: Perth - As a tourist, which would you rather come home with: lots of souvenirs or lots of pictures. Why? Well... 1. I'm not a tourist. 2. I'm not a shopper. I meet people, stay mostly in hostels. I take hundreds of pictures. Those are my memories. I buy and send postcards. (Haven't gotten one = you never gave me your address.) I always end up with extras = souvenirs. I like to learn about local culture, try local foods. Get frustrated because I seldom speak the local language! Plus... I'm a budget traveler and tend to travel for a month or two. Lugging around extra 'stuff' is problematic. I only do 'carry-on'.
Perth, Australia and where we are landing next in Angkor, Cambodia. Perth experience before we fly to Cambodia Cycling is the locals’ favourite way to get around. So hop on, blend in, and discover the sights of Perth on this 3 hours experience. I pass. I've managed to arrange a way to meet Sumojo  . I prefer local connections and frankly? My back can't take cycling. Hope everyone else has a good time! |
| Ah ... Darwin ... we didna get to know ye. 30DBG: You-all stayed at the Vibe (on Kitchener ... named after a scorched-earth imperialist ... cool ... not!) ... really ... at $183/night... I opted to stay at the hostel for $22, on the other side of the CBD about a kilometer away. Begged for a lower bed. Score! I did the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. Not cheap, but with little time it gives an overview. Since there's only one bus/hour a word-to-the-wise... if you hop off note the time and be back in 50 minutes. I stayed close to Bicentennial Park, so a walk along the Esplanade at sunset was pleasant. A tropical 29 degrees with a bit of a breeze. Awesome. BCoF: You really don't want me to come along. The Entertainment Center is pretty and the Stone Bar may entice you, but I don't drink ... as in ... not one drop. Throb however ... I think Quentin would have been twirling his pearls! I ended up not going. The drag show is worth it but $5 drinks? Again, maybe great for drinkers, but I don't like the drama that surrounds drunks like a funeral-shroud. And last but certainly not least ... WakeUpAndLive️~🚬🚭2024  snitched on me! I'm supposed to be traveling in cognito.  I must thank her for trying to teach me how to swim though. I'm deathly afraid of water. She was an angel.  |
| Weave us a tale about an opal heist. 30 day prompt. From your morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues. |
I know you've seen this photo before Aennaytte: Free & Wild in GoT  but it really captures the emptiness. The landscape was mostly 'boring' from the train between Sydney and Melbourne (for 11 hours). Have you taken this ride Cappucine  ? Passing through Gunning If love were a train, would it rumble and sway as it sought its way to destinations we seldom reach? This train bumbles past pasture of land-lice oblivious to us, as we pick up our Devonshire Tea: hot scones and jam, a dollop of cream. Tummy full it would be easy to snooze, perhaps dream. An announcement jars us awake. It grumbles an apology—ten minutes late. But we're making up time. If love were only a dream would we be allowed to take it with us? In time would it become a landscape tumbling out of soft hills? On a soft day of mist, clouds and sun we're passing Gunning, heading south towards the Pole. If this train were like love—would we reach it? clack of rails black and white— magpies in flight © Kåre Enga 11.april.2015. Originally in: "Passing through Gunning " Not anything like the wonderful scone I had at the Ridley in Manchester, UK. Devonshire tea on the train: 
Day 4 we catch a Ghan train in Adelaide. Have you ever ridden a train? What was it like? If you haven't ridden a train what do you think it would be like? First I remember: Phoebe Snow (Lackawanna RR) Smooth, comfortable: Estonia. Old, slow: Latvia Old, dirty: Romania. Too fast: TGV Paris - Luxenbourg. Expensive, not worth it: Flåmsbana (mellom Myrdal og Flåm) Worth it in Norway: Raumabana (mellom Åndalsnes and Dombås) and the ride through the Dovrefjell between Dombås and Trondheim. Worth it in the USA: going west out of Chicago the double decker trains sway a bit (one can usually find a seat in the lower area) but the views are lovely going through mountains or along the Pacific seashore. No longer: Train from Cartago to Limon, Costa Rica. Earthquake destroyed part of the line in 1991. Scenic but dangerous. A friend's brother fell off the train in 1975 and died. A joke: current 'trains' in Costa Rica. Well connected: trains in Japan. A bit confusing for visitors but works well. Same system in Taiwan is wonderful. Old, cheap, not necessarily safe: Cape Town to Simon's Town in South Africa. Crowded: Netherlands. Others: Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, England, Italy, Austria, Slovenia? 2,570 |
I wish I could say nice things about Sydney... Bahá'í House of Worship in Mona Vale, NSW near Sydney. 9.april.2015. The floors were being redone. Very glossy at moment. Will have a matte finish when done. But... glossy gives wonderful reflections! I'm sure Prosperous Snow celebrating would visit.1. New South Wales has a brilliant metro system. I took a bus to Mona Vale to see the Baha'i House of Worship. There are only a few in the world. 2. The free walking tour guide was brilliant. 3. Leah from Germany split a kangaroo/emu pizza with me. 4. Flavio (from near Rome, Italy; I met him in Bergen, Norway) had me go out on Oxford Street. We had a nice time. 5. ... I think I went to the botanical gardens.  Coat of Arms: kangaroo and emu pizza at Australian Heritage Hotel, 100 Cumberland, The Rocks, Sydney, 10.april.2015. Shared with Lea Tsio (from Germany). Cost $26AUD. Do you eat this 💙 Carly  , Sumojo ?BUT: 1. Food is very expensive in Australia. 2. Cheap hostels are flophouses and horrible (I will pay more if I ever go back). 3. Budget traveling was perhaps the worst in the world. 4. I did not feel particularly safe. 5. Life is a beach. Obnoxious comes to mind. The Hilton would set me back $143/night. Too rich for my pocket.  Tour guide. She projected well and was humorous and knowledgeable. Would fit well in Portland or Missoula.  Sydney, 10.april.2015. BCoF: Sydney in general is eclectic. You can be on that brilliant blue ocean walk in the morning and then within 20 minutes you can be in a completely vast suburban sprawl or an Italian or Asian suburb, and it's that mix of people, it's that melting pot of people that give it its vital personality. Baz Luhrmann But to experience it you really need to be there for a week. I was there for too short a time and did not like where I was staying. I like to just wander around. Did so for 3 days I believe. Everything is $$$ and I did not like the vibe of the city. All of that could change if I had more time to get to know the place. 30BDC: "There are a lot of great things to do and see in Sydney but you have one day so pick from the links what appeals to you and discuss what you discovered. Make us envious. Let your imagination get carried away." |
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