A Journal of Travel Tales Across 72 Countries
Khorgos, the border town that straddles two countries – Kazakhstan and China – is a beehive of activity with construction cranes crowding the horizon. A steady stream of Kazakhs queue up at the immigration booth, waiting to cross into China and bring back manufactured goods …
Bishkek is one of those featureless, relaxed cities with spaced-out Soviet-era buildings unleavened by ugly malls that have sprouted elsewhere in Central Asia. The sprawling gardens and the excellent weather are ideal for unwinding. But if you want a piece of action, head to the …
I have had many dates with Colombo through the years. The first was in 2003 to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Our dear friends in Colombo, Nishantha and his wife Prasansa hosted us and arranged for us to tour the island. Since then, I have …
Chitkul, in Kinnaur Valley is just 80 km from theborder; it is the perfect fruit and nut village, if ever there was one. Sitting astride the gurgling Baspa river, Chitkul groans under the weight of apricots, almonds, apples, cherry, chilgoza, walnuts and other assorted hill …
As I make my way out of the terminal at Khomeini airport in Tehran, I am startled to see two placards bearing my name. One is held by a stylishly veiled lady who holds it discreetly near her waist while the other is held aloft …
Chengdu is, in some senses, the very antithesis of Sichuan, the beautiful mountain province in Southern China abutting Tibet. It is too modern a city, full of gleaming malls, but just peek behind the glitter, there are ancient temples – Tao as well as Buddhist …
Dar-es-Salaam is besotted with Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak which is in a town called Arusha in the north of the country. The hotel I stayed in was called Kilimanjaro, the taxi company that ferried me around was Kilimanjaro, the soft drinks served were called Kilimanjaro …
Sandwiched between two glamour queens – Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra seldom evokes interest in the traveller. Neatly laid out streets, predictably disciplined locals, Canberra offers little for the visitor except a stunning museum of aboriginal arts.
