dreamcatcher14

Greetings from India!!!!

2009-04-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hi all...
What an incredible couple of weeks in ..
chaotic...crazy...yet beautiful Chennai...South India..

So what have I been up to??
Apart from being immersed in the culture..
with Weddings...ceremonies...
don't worry...not mine..hehehehe

been ...watercolour painting..
jewellery making..
and now Hindi lessons..yup...
with a very enthusiastic teacher who wears a beret????!

had a fabulous time with Henrietta..
yoga in the morning with our very own guru ..at home..
silk painting classes..
creating outfits from sarees...
chilling by the beach...
and loving our rides in the city..
trying to mind the pedestrians..rickshaws and of course
the cow!!!!

So I've finally booked my flight home...
yikes..ouch..back to reality..
but its ok...taking a deep breath...
as I set home on 22nd of April..

Can't wait to see you all!!!!!

and...Bangkok

2009-03-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

and more...

2009-03-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

Incredible Cambodia

2009-03-13T22:46:00.001-07:00

Vietnam...

2009-03-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

Images of beautiful Bali...

2009-03-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Madness in Bangkok

2009-03-01T01:43:00.000-08:00

11th till 15th February....

Sorry for the late update...still recovering from the madness of Bangkok..hehe..

A short stay, enough for a second viewing and first for my parents.

We scoured the city and loved ...

The Grand Palace tour...despite many touts trying to prevent us from going...why?? who knows?? Exactly what the reviews described...to be aware of them..and don't believe a word..

The Reclining Buddha...the Emerald Buddha......and the Golden Buddhas..

The beautiful Teak Palace of Vimanek Mansions and Jim Thompsons Private residence, famous for developing the silk industry of Thailand.

The endless shopping plazas, food courts and restaurants...

Glad to leave the heat, pollution and unfair taxi drivers of Bangkok, we fly to Chennai, South India...for a touch of ...more heat....pollution...and mad drivers..hehehe..

Mind Blowing Angkor Wat, Cambodia

2009-02-12T23:22:00.000-08:00

6th till 11th February...

Where is this year going???...

Wow...spine tingling..mind blowing..breathtaking Angkor Wat, the world's largest Hindu temple, stands mangnificiently in an estate in Siem Reap.

Angkor..meaning city, Wat ..meaning temple, was built in the 12th Century under the rule of King Suryavarman II. Each and every stone has carvings and has travelled at least 70km to this site. The effort, the intricacies and size is just overwhelming.

We hired a guide for a 3 day tour of the site which includes many other temples in the region; Bayon in Angkor Thom which has 54 face towers of the Lord Buddha, The ruins featured in Tomb Raider, the island temple...and many more. As you can tell, we were templed out by the last day, our enthusiasm wary, and happy to relax in the small town of Siem Reap and indulged in foot massages, yummy ginger tea and scrumptious Amok ( curry served in a coconut ).

Off to bustling Bangkok on 11th February...

Enticing Vietnam....

2009-02-04T19:07:00.000-08:00

31st January till 6th February..

So we land in Ho Chi Minh City with limited expectations but duly impressed as we are greeted by more festivities, this time, the Moon Festival.

Our taxi takes us straight to District 1 where our hotel lies on the banks of the River Saigon. As we later find out, a very biased view of Vietnam.

Wide streets, packed with motorcyclists who pile on families of 4..yes..all 4 members on one bike...holding on tightly to babies who wear masks to cover their mouths and miniature sunglasses...definitely a sight to remember..

Horns honking loudly...as we dodge non stop traffic to cross the roads...
for some reason, noone takes note of pedestrian crossings...
and we soon learn that the trick is to just keep walking.... and pray...hehehe

Surrounded by shiny shopping plazas...roads lined with versace..gucci...
endless rows of art galleries, restaurants, souvenirs ....
and then out pops a coconut seller..who catches you unaware and demands you try his coconut water, whilst balancing 2 baskets on one bamboo stick..
the infamous vietnamese hats ( cones ) ...providing shade to the many..
the elegant long tunics with long baggy trousers in all shades of silk..their national costume...
Getting used to the Vietnamese currency, Dong.(24000 Dong to the pound)
Yes, just withdrew over a million Dong!!!
I can only say Ho chi Minh is truly a sight to remember...

However, I will always remember....
Ben Thanh Market...selling local vietnamese delicacies..I'm sure I spotted snakes in jars of oil...yikes....
The War Remnants musuem depicting tales of the Vietnam War which lasted 17 years.
The impressive Chu Chi Tunnels, a 3 floor system of underground tunnels providing shelter and a means of escape during the Vietnam War.
The colourful and unusual Cao Tai temple in Tay Ninh, who believe in combining the beliefs of all religions and uses the eye as a symbol for prayer.

oh...and of course bumping into a lovely American couple who I met in Guatemala...what a small world...

and off we fly to Siem Reap..Cambodia..

Beautiful Bali

2009-02-04T18:55:00.000-08:00

.. 26th till 30th January..

Bali now seems a lifetime away...but oh..what a pleasant surprise..
apart from the fact I landed on Chinese New Year..with festivities in full swing..
that's right...fire works...dragon dances...
my parents were at the airport with open arms...and quite frankly glad to see me in one piece after my Latin American adventures...hehehehe..

So we fully indulged in the food...trying the local delicacies of Nasi Goreng..Nasi Ayam...and more Nasis..( rice in Indonesian)..

..oh...the mangosteens..rambutans...watermelons...Coconuts...local fruits..

But I guess the funniest part...and quite impressive at that too..was mum, dad and I speaking our forgotten language...which I apparently studied for 5 years...Bahasa Melayu..which is very close to Bahasa Indonesian..... and you would never think so..

I guess it all comes back to you when you are in the atmosphere...
.. Sangat Panas lah... ( it's very hot )
.. Kurang Sikit .lah ..( reduce the price..lah)..hehehe..
... Apa itu... ( what's that)

and this is just for Aisha.... Why you so like that one lah...hehehehe..

The highlights were definitely...

wandering around Uluwatu temple...without glasses...as we walked in fear of the monkeys..hehehe..
watching the unusual kecak dancing ..on a cliff...just in time for sunset...
Visiting the world's largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur, on the island of Java, a plane ride away.... just incredible..
Choosing our fish to be cooked and eaten...on a beach..
Taking in the story of Ramayana in the form of Barong Dance...
Sipping Coconut water..from coconuts...as we lounge with beach views...ahhhh...

Bali has so much to offer....and it's true when they say tourists book their return tickets before they leave!!!!

Hola..Hola...and soon Adios from Downunder!!

2009-01-21T21:17:00.000-08:00

As I try desperately not to forget my Spanish...and thanks to Jo..we banter in this gorgeous language...as we reminisce..hehehe..

Wow...so my days in Oz are coming to an end...

It's been 2 weeks of non stop chatter..giggling..and pure reminiscing as I step back in time..and retrace old haunts in Sydney..Adelaide..and now Perth..

Catching up with such old friends that it still amazes me that we have known each other for over 20 years...ouch...yikes...is that possible...yes dating back to the days in Brunei...

However, now friends have married,multiplied and settled into the Aussie way of living. Time has surely flown by...

But it never ceases to give me a buzz as I walk along the markets of the Rocks, catch the views of Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the hot Oz sun of 36 degrees... eat in my favourite restaurant..Malaya in Darling Harbour...Ahh..soo good to be back..

Now enjoying the endless white sands, turquoise waters of the coast of Perth...how lucky are Jo and Tom to have this view on their doorstep??!!!??

Off to the Open Air Cinema in Kings Park, Perth...and hope to end this trip on a high with Ryan Adams ..not Bryan..Concert in Freemantle.....

Bali...Monday...

Adelaide

2009-01-19T15:20:00.001-08:00

Ramya and Baby Maya

Sydney

2009-01-19T15:16:00.000-08:00

Debbie, Baby Nayantara and Prashanth

Snapshots of New Zealand..

2009-01-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

Kia Ora from New Zealand!!!

2009-01-03T17:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

Where has 2008 gone????

Just about to leave New Zealand for a taste of Aussie pastures and wondering where did those 3 1/2 weeks go. It's been surreal being back in familiar territory but more so catching up with old friends. A blast from the past of the days of working and living in Palmerston North!

So my journey took me from Auckland, where I was warmly welcomed by Fiona and Mahilo with their gorgeous daughter Maia, and managed to receive an osteopathic back treatment...great timing ..and thanks Mahilo! Having dinner with an old school friend from the UK, Shirley, who has now joined the Kiwi way of living. How did she know I was craving for south indian food ??? But did attempt something touristy...a trip to Waiheke island and a coastal walk.

Headed south on a 5 hour coach journey to Taupo for a long weekend with Antonia. Dipped into some Kiwi culture by attending a farmer's christmas BBQ. I still can't get over what outstanding views of the countryside Antonia and Nick wake up to every morning....

Back north to Hamilton to reminisce with Peter and his family, Karen and baby Luca!
Oh...and hopefully ..the last leg...took the 9 hour transcenic train all the way back down to Wellington. Highly recommended for the view of Mt Ruapehu and viaducts along the way...but strongly advise on patience...and to bring some of your own snacks!

So, as I am about to leave Wellington, the cultural capital of New Zealand and one of my favourite cities in the world for its fabulous location... I thank Andy, Bronwyn and Mike for taking me in and welcoming 2009 in style!... yup..that's right...a BBQ...only in New Zealand!

Faces of Peru

2008-12-16T17:34:00.000-08:00

Machu Picchu

2008-12-16T17:16:00.000-08:00

Peru..

2008-12-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

20 hours in Santiago, Chile....

2008-12-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

A stop over before heading to former homeland...New Zealand..

sitting in Internet bar....32 degrees outside...swealtering...hot...
the streets are packed with last minute christmas shoppers..
headed back to Plaza de Armas...central square...always a good starting point..
learnt more of the Chilean history in one of the museums...
took in the beautiful architecture of the main cathedral...
people watched in the central square...
chilling in the many cafes...

definitely better than being stuck in an airport....

See you all in New Zealand...on 15th December !!

Hasta Leugo Peru....

2008-12-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

Cant quite believe, the amazing, fun packed 3 weeks have come to an end....

Spent the last 2 days in Lima, reminiscing, taking in a bit more of the history of the Pre Inca period....

yes...those 12000 years before Inca...hehehe..which many forget..at Huaca Pucllana...in central Lima.

Learnt about the different styles in their buildings but amazed once again how they managed to build structures earthquake proof. Also, realised more women and children were sacrificed.. this time to the Sea Gods...

Chilled on the beaches of Miraflores....last glimpse of sunlight for Shuba...

And...then ended the experience in style... by attending a fountain and light show in one of Lima´s parks and danced the night away, with our new found friend, Lidia, listening to the sounds of a local salsa band.......

Hasta Luego Peru....

The White City...Arequipa..

2008-12-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

As we count down our days in Peru, we finish with a taste of local culture in the White City, Arequipa, named after the its white volcanic stone, Sillar.

Surrounded by volcanoes....and I have to say it...more Plazas...squares..churches..fountains...hehehe... sensing a pattern yet??

but... giving Arequipa a break from the usual Spanish Colonial influence, it takes pride in having the most beautiful Central Square, Plaza de Armas, in the whole of South America... then again...not sure who rated it...hehehehe..

We are so fortunate to meet Lidia´s sisters, Angelica and Roxanna, who were both born and raised in this city. They took us on board like long lost children despite not knowing a word of English....yup...I´m so thankful for those two months of Spanish lessons!!! A blessing!

Thanks to their endless kindness, we tasted local dishes, met their families, were welcomed into their homes...and wait for this.... danced the ..afternoon ...away in their local hang out...

Sorry, did I mention Roxanna is in her 40´s with a beautiful 9 year old daughter, Sophia, and Angelica is in her 50´s and a proud grandmother....hehehe...put us all to shame with their dancing spirit.

With local knowledge in hand, we checked out the two most important tourist attractions...the Museum which holds the Mummy Juanita and the Santa Catalina Monastery.

I would have to rate this museum as one of the best in the world....for the sheer closeness to the Incan way of life.

Juanita, was a 12 year old girl, who was sacrificed by the Incas, to make peace with Mountain Gods at around 1440. She was buried at around 6000 feet but with the activity of the volcano, rolled out of her grave and was discovered by anthropologist, Johan Reinhard, in southern Peru.

As you are guided through the museum, you learn more of the Incan sacrifices of children and women. You are amazed to find there were around 18 bodies found but the most well preserved was Juanita. You are shown her clothing and the many artefacts that were buried around the children.

However, little do you realise, you can actually see Juanita, preserved in below 20 degrees centigrade. Incredible. The closest you will ever be to an Incan..

The Inca Empire...

2008-12-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

Cusco is the gateway to the famous Inca Ruins lining the Sacred Valley.

Just a few stats to grasp the altitude. Cusco sits at approximately 3,300 m and the Sacred Valley´s elevation is approx 2,500 m. General advise to combat SOROCHE or altitude sickness is time, lots of water, less alcohol and eat regularly as you can lose your appetite.

The Inca Civilization began around 1200AD and Cusco became its political and religious capital until the Spanish arrived in 1533. The Incas laid out the city in the shape of a Puma, their sacred animal.

I guess the closest ruins to the city is Sacsayhuaman, lying on the hillsides rising above Cusco. What astounds most tourists is the impressive stone work which fits together perfectly without mortar. Also, it´s a great opportunity to get your cameras our for fabulous views over Cusco city with the mountains as a backdrop.

Further a field, but en route on the city tour, lie more ruins of Puca Pucara, the Red Fort, and Tambo Machay which bear examples of Inca baths.

A local bus ride away, costing just 2 sols, sits Pisac, the famous handicraft market town, which appears to cater to truck loads of tourists, but worth the visit for the atmosphere and a glimpse of local women in their gorgeous traditional attire. Yes....and there are more ruins here... gradually getting stoned out...hehhee..

I vividly remember being perched on a balcony, sipping limonada to cool ourselves down, resembling CIA New York, as we sneakily grab photos of the locals...hehehe

The train from Aguas Calientes, the town closes to Machu Picchu, stops at Ollantaytambo, another town boasting Inca Ruins. Here we hail a taxi for our 90 minute journey, spoilt for spectacular views of the valley and mountains, to head back to Cusco. An extra tip was required for our patient taxi driver...not for constantly stopping for photos...but for us singing out loud to UB40...heheheh....

However, the ultimate ruins are of course Machu Picchu. Hence, it´s probably advisable to check out the Sacred Valley before you start your pilgrimage to incredible Machu Picchu...

Enjoy...

Magical Cusco.....

2008-12-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

I think we can unanimously agree that from the moment we stepped onto Cusco soil, we fell in love with it....

I guess its the Spanish Colonial Architecture, the many squares dotted with fountains surrounded by hilly cobbled stoned streets....arches..churches...the mountains... the smiles on locals who continue to wear their traditional attire of large flowing skirts, hats, hair in plaits and carry their children in slings on their backs.... the warmth of the people...but more importantly ..the safety...

It´s truly magical at night when the hills turn into fairy lights, the fountains are on full blast and you can hear the pipe music in the background...

We were lucky to have met some new found friends who work at Maximo Nivel, the school I attended in Costa Rica, which happened to have their main branch in Cusco. Chris and Carlene were incredibly hospitable to show us the main hot night spots in town...The Fallen Angel...a very funky bar and restaurant with tables made of bath tubs filled with water and live fish.... and..great Mango Margaritas!!

Hasta Luego Cusco!!

In the JUNGLE......

2008-12-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

Just to add more variety and diversity to our trip, we head to the Amazon Jungle, Tambopata Nature Reserve, accessible from Puerto Maldonado which is just a 30 minute plane ride away from Cusco.

What a transformation, from wintery clothes, to trying desperately not to sweat...hehehe ....and fighting off mosquitoes...

We were greeted by our tour guide amongst the hustle and bustle of fellow taxi drivers desperate to earn some cash. Little did we know about the journey to
Sandoval Lake Lodge...

A bus ride to the shores of the Tambopata river to take the 45 minute boat ride where we eat our lunch which comprised fried rice wrapped in banana leaves....what a pleasant surprise...

Provided with wellington boots, we begin our sweaty 45 minute trek through the muddy jungle and have flashes of LOST in our minds...hehee..

and finally the last leg was by a 30 minute canoe journey on the Sandoval ox bow lake....

Tranquil, stunning reflections of the palms lining the lake, sounds of the Red Howler Monkeys swinging from tree to tree, the occasional heron sweeping past us as the rowers gracefully cross the lake.......ahhhhh...we are truly transported to another world...

The 3 day, 4 night package is worth every penny, as the nights and days are packed with tours to discover wildlife in their natural habitat. Either walks in the jungle to learn about vegetation, for example, tasting the bark of the quinine tree, tapping the rubber tree... spotting tarantulas and snakes... or taking the catamaran across the lake to see the otters fighting for fish or catching the eyes of the caimans as they laze along its shores....oh...must not forget the blue and yellow macaws at 5.30 in the morning!!!

At times it´s hard to believe we are in their natural habitat ....and actually think we are about to enter another part of Disneyworld...hehehe......

As we begin our trek back to the airport..yup...the canoe, boat ride, jungle trek , we are eager to discover another secret of Peru, Arequipa, the white volcanic city...
just 3 plane rides away....

Impressions of Lima

2008-12-01T14:55:00.000-08:00

Hugely impressed as we land in this well loved metropolis... but soon whisked away
to the affluent area of Miraflore lying on the shores of the Pacific, perhaps a more skewed view of Lima, Peru.

You really could be in any part of the world with high rise buildings, shopping malls and exquisite restaurants boasting great views of the ocean..

We were very lucky to have a contact, Lidia, a Peruvian, who showed the sights and sounds of downtown Lima. She herself insisted how improved Lima has become in the last 10 years as she herself could not walk in the squares without being hassled by young homeless children.

We tasted the local Pisco Sour in one of the oldest hotels of Lima, strolled through the squares to arrive at the Presidents Residence to see the changing of the guards.

How fortunate to spend a weekend in Lima when 21 presidents of the world decided to convene for APEC. We have never felt so safe!

The streets were adorned with Spanish colonial architecture, wide lanes and immaculately clean. Truly impressed with the security and the friendliness of the Peruvians and shocked by the extent of the Japanese migration.