On the Blog...
India: scratching the surface
I’ve been to India many times before, but I just keep going back. India never ceases to amaze me. In part because no matter how much time I spend there, it still feels like I’m just scratching the surface. Here are a few of the things that – for us anyway – make a trip to India….such a trip.
Life and death in Varanasi
We had a night train to catch to Varanasi. ‘The City of Learning and Burning’, on the banks of the Ganges: Varanasi is one of the holiest places in all of India.
Bhutan: in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon
Bhutan: a tiny Himalayan kingdom with a pricey entrance fee, and a border crossing in the middle of a city that straddles two countries. Standing on our hotel balcony in India, we looked across the street and into the next country. Surrounded by mountains, Bhutan really is a world of its own.
Bangladesh: there’s something about train travel
Dangerous driving on bad roads is a given in Bangladesh. But you don’t have to get around only by bus: train travel is a great way to go. Especially if you follow my advice below.
Bangladesh by boat: riding the Rocket
Travelling in Bangladesh will inevitably involve a river-journey or two. An iconic trip: cruising on the Rocket, an early 20th century paddlewheel steamer.
It’s not you: 9 things to expect when you travel in Bangladesh
Bangladesh: really? What should you expect? Here are some surprises and random quirks you will just have to get used to, when you travel in South Asia’s forgotten country.
Trains, buses, and a boat: to Bangladesh and back again
By train, or bus, or boat, or rickshaw – it’s rare that we’ve not been able to get somewhere we want to go. Except the time India wouldn’t let us in in the first place. However, once we’re inside the country we’ll find a ride one way or another. And keep in mind, India is huge. Bangladesh, on the other hand, is tiny. But it doesn’t always feel so tiny, when you’re traveling by public transport.
Crowds, inner peace, and a biopsy: comfort-zoning out in India
When we reached the Wagah border in Pakistan, we’d been on the road for almost seven months. Starting all the way back in Cameroon, we’d seen some wild places and done some amazing things. Still, we were looking forward to a bit of a break someplace restful and chill – like…India?
Warm welcomes, a wedding, and the Wagah border
It’s true that Pakistani hospitality is legendary amongst travelers. We’ve been here before and have always been met with kindness and generosity. On the other hand, some people are so keen to help us I get the feeling that they think we are nearly helpless, if left to ourselves.