23rd August 2021 Crossing over high-passes would become a drill later in the drive-trip, but today was to be the first time we would be crossing over a pass, a high one at that. We were also to cross a few shallow rivers. These rivers swell up in the latter half of the day, so … Continue reading CLIFFHANGER 21 : OVER THE SHINKHU LA & UNDER THE IMPOSING GUMBO RANJAN
WILL BHUTAN BE THE LAST SHANGRI-LA?
Bhutan has always been charging a hefty Sustainability Fee for the non-SAARC nations. So tourists from most countries were paying US$ 250 per person per day as a flat fee for a package of transport, guide, 3 star level accomodation and meals. For any upgrade from these services, one had to further shell out more. … Continue reading WILL BHUTAN BE THE LAST SHANGRI-LA?
These indigenous people have been here for 9000 years!
Like all mountain people who live in difficult terrains, Ylva Sarri has a perpetual, glowing serenity on her face and her eyes have a twinkle that reflects the purity of nature she is surrounded with. She is very soft spoken but her straight frame beneath the beautiful ethnic Sami clothes tells you that she could … Continue reading These indigenous people have been here for 9000 years!
This Luxury Hotel in Marseilles was once a premier hospital!
It served as the premier hospital for the bustling city of Marseilles in the south of France for 800 years! (It is famous for pathbreaking Cataract eye operations). Built in French Baroque style originally and inaugurated by Napoleon the 3rd himself, this historic building is now a beautiful, luxury hotel - the intercontinental Hotel Dieu. … Continue reading This Luxury Hotel in Marseilles was once a premier hospital!
Why Berries should be a part of your Swedish Breakfast
The Swedes love their berries. During the summers - days of endless sun, the forests get laden with a huge variety of berries. These are abundant in anti-oxidants and help to survive the long, dark & cold winters. It is common to head out into the wild during the summers with a basket to collect … Continue reading Why Berries should be a part of your Swedish Breakfast
Is Facebook the new Linked-In?
Last week we had an important conference-call with the Asia head of a luxury brand of hotels. The connection was a bit dodgy. I already knew why. I also knew that this call was important to him and I appreciated that. How did I know? That morning I saw pictures of him holidaying with his … Continue reading Is Facebook the new Linked-In?
Thousands of Jewish youth are walking “The March of the Living” this week…
24th of April was marked as the Holocaust Remembrance day and it brought back the memories of visiting the Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Poland recently....
Why Santorini’s wine industry is a total basket-case!
There is, in general, a water-shortage on the island of Santorini. People barely have enough to drink and for their daily use. Therefore, there is absolutely no means of irrigation. Inspite of this, the island produces some of the best varieties of tomatoes 🍅, cucumbers, legumes and award-winning wines from its vineyards. The soil of … Continue reading Why Santorini’s wine industry is a total basket-case!
Of Dovecotes and Windmills…
As you drive around the Cycladic island of Mykonos, probably intent on looking for the next beach hotspot, and happen to look up at the white houses of the random villages, you will notice unique looking squarish constructions. If you look more closely, you will see that these are not inhabited but are beautifully decorated. … Continue reading Of Dovecotes and Windmills…
Why is this airport considered the most dangerous in the world?
Even the most hardened of frequent fliers get queasy landing at this airport consisting of a narrow runway that is less than 2 kms long flanked by a longish, pagoda roofed, green terminal buildings on one side and a gentle river on the other. The serenity of Bhutan awaits you after you land, but before … Continue reading Why is this airport considered the most dangerous in the world?
A Dash of Panache 