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...
Jaipur’s Cafés - Perfect Hideaways for Relaxation and European Breakfasts

Cafés in Jaipur Serving Breakfast with a European Twist

Jaipur, the Pink City and capital of Rajasthan, is a city of contrasts. Between majestic palaces, bustling bazaars, and chaotic streets, travellers seek moments of calm.  As a result, the cafés in Jaipur provide...

Day 12- 17 April 2011 – Match Day

Updated October 2021 Manish, our host from Friday’s meeting, had agreed to take us sightseeing today but our plans were significantly disrupted due to the death of Jaipur’s last maharaja, Bhawani Singh, who was 80. The...

Dunedin – Chocolate, Hops and Albatrosses

Update: Cadbury World closed permanently in May 2018 We only had two days and chose to focus on Cadbury World’s Tasting Tour, Speights’ Brewery Tour and a guided tour at the Royal Albatross Centre. Yet, Dunedin...
Sky Tower, Auckland, New Zealand

10 Of My Favourite Bars and Restaurants With Stunning Views

Updated: September 2021 What could be more elegant than sipping cocktails on a roof-top bar?  Or dining in a restaurant that has the most amazing killer views? Whether you're perched, eagle like, above a neon-lit city;...

Pembrokeshire: Wales’ wild and rugged west

I fondly recall many, and sometimes wet, summer holidays as a child in West Wales.  If you allow it, Pembrokeshire will immediately capture your heart.  Purple-grained sea cliffs fall abruptly to sea caves, golden...

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...
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 Crown of Palaces – The Taj Mahal

Famous globally for its breathtaking beauty and mirror-like symmetry, the Taj Mahal is India’s most famous landmark. Located in Agra, it reportedly attracts more than 6 million visitors each year. The Crown of Palaces The Taj...