Day 18 – 23 April 2011 – Farewell Mumbai

Updated October 2011 What an experience last night at the game.  Mumbai Indians won a close game and the atmosphere at the stadium was excellent.  Certainly the best of the venues we’d been to. But what...

Taieri Gorge Railway – Combining History and Charm

Updated November 2018 I braced myself against the safety rail at the end of the carriage and squinted as the wind and splashes of rain caught my face. Nevertheless, I was determined to take a photo....

A Spiritual Experience In Varanasi and Sarnath

There’s no doubt that Varanasi is as compelling as any trip to Delhi, Agra or Jaipur. In a single visit, you can witness life and death side-by-side while Varanasi’s residents carry on with their...
Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat

Day 1 – 6 April 2011 – Slumdog Millionaire, Rickshaws and Spicy Paneers

  Updated October 2021 After all of the planning and hype and nearly 24 hours flying, Rhys and I were finally in the city that Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire propelled to world fame.  But in the...
Karni Mata Temple’s ornate marble entrance displays Rajputana architecture

Exploring Karni Mata Rat Temple

Introduction India is well-known for its numerous religions, countless gods and goddesses, rituals, and many myths. Would it surprise you that it has a rat temple? No, I’m not kidding. It has! It’s estimated more than...

The Algarve – Portugal’s Winter-less Region

Ever considered Portugal’s Algarve for a winter break from Northern Europe’s chilly winters? So what makes The Algarve an ideal winter destination? For a start, temperatures consistently reach the high teens during daylight hours. And...
Praça do Comércio

24 Hours Exploring Lisbon’s Maritime Past and Tram 28

It’s one of the oldest cities in Europe and predates London, Rome and Paris.     Let me share a brief insight into one of my favourite cities.  It’s...
tapu

72 Hours in Taupō, New Zealand

There’s so much to see and do in and around Taupō. Where do you begin? How much time do you need to visit Taupō? To really experience Taupō you should plan for a minimum of...
The Red Fort or Lal Qila

Day 4 – 9 April 2011 – Sarongs, Sandstone and Cycle Rides

Updated October 2021 After a healthy breakfast of fruit and juices (honestly!) our driver collected us just after 8am to start a full day of sightseeing in Old Delhi.  First stop was the very impressive...

Scream Like a Baby on Queenstown’s Rapids

Updated: November 2018 After Shock-Pinball, Jaws.  Sounds like a list of action movies, right?  Well, they’re the gateway to some action, but just part of the movie that’s Challenge Rafting on the Shotover River in...