Rhododendrons for Luck in Nepal

Rhododendrons for Luck in Nepal

The gods must be cranky. “Sorry for picking the rhododendron, fellas. Truce, please?” I whispered my apology to the heavens and snuggled into the outcrop of Hinku Cave, a protective nook 3,000 meters and five days into Nepal’s notorious Annapurna Base Camp hike. In typical mountain fashion, the morning sky promised cerulean vistas and caressing … Continued

Laos: Learning to Fly

In many Asian cultures the age 25 is an unlucky one…and after a series of rather unfortunate events I was starting to believe it. As an absent-minded English teacher I forgot my wallet, passport included, on a hook in a Thailand squatty potty over one hundred kilometers from my out-of-country destination. After returning for it, … Continued

The Classroom in Thailand

This morning I had a dream about being in the classroom again. I awoke to the grandfather clock that chimes every fifteen minutes throughout the house, feeling like I had seen them. In my dream, I’m standing at the head of a non-air-conditioned classroom. All ten ASEAN flags dangling from the walls. Five rows of … Continued

Mcleodganj,India:Musing over my muse(s)

MCLEODGANJ, INDIA: MUSING OVER MY MUSE(S) Breathless and unable to fight the temptation, I surrender. The comfort of rest offered by the rocky ledge and what lies before me is irresistible. I am just a few minutes away from completing Kora, the circular trail around Tsuglagkhang complex. The valley stands before me with arms flung … Continued

Gosaikunda, Nepal, where heaven meets earth

The semester was over, with month long arduous exams just attended. Another challenging semester and further exasperating exams. Life wasn’t particularly blissful, with the same monotonicity, absent of any vigor and gusto. The thoughts were infuriating. And, all such turmoil and muddle, set on the noisy, dull and cynical city of Kathmandu made me sometimes … Continued

Honored to share in Vietnam

Prolonged exposure to the frenzied pace of Southeast Asia’s mega-metropolitan areas is perhaps best remedied by a detour to Hoi An in central Vietnam. In addition to the beautiful Cua Dai Beach showcasing views of the Cham Islands, the former port trading center offers a picturesque and historic, UNESCO-designated downtown featuring centuries-old Vietnamese homes, museums … Continued

Historic City of Ayuttaya: Carefully Picking Things Up

The challenge posed by this site is to make sense of the scattered remains of a former strong Southeast Asian empire’s capital.  The historic city of Ayutthaya gained global importance due to its strategic trading location and strong diplomatic networks that were highly prized by the Chinese, Indians, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese, and even the British. … Continued

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