Hawa Mahal is a magnificent orange-pink facade in the middle of a busy street dating back to 1799. Ornate lattice work and honeycomb patterns are reminders of the Islamic architecture mixed with Hindu styles often used in this time period and though out the Jaipur region. Today is ‘student election day’ which makes for fun shots … Read More
The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734. It is modeled after the Mughal capital of Delhi. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these. It has been inscribed on the World … Read More
On the highways in India there are many surprises: spirited colorful decorated trucks, buses, tuk-tuks, rickshaw, cows, camels, goats, bull, buffalo, donkey, elephants, and of course, people – walking and hauling loads with these animals. Drivers will, if it suits their purpose, drive in the opposite direction down the highway. Buses will be filled to … Read More
Gurgaon, India is a quick 20 minute drive from Delhi Airport. Amidst the busy India streets, stands a cluster of modern buildings bearing a variety of brightly lit tech company logo’s from Google to IBM. Staying at the newly completed Oberoi, Gurgaon proves to be an interesting experience. Enthusiastic staff watches your every move to ensure that … Read More
I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be on this day (my birthday :) than the Maldives. Worth the 3 hour wait for a connection in Bangalore for a quick 1.5 hr flight to Male; the 2 hr wait for the Maldivian Air Taxi Sea Plane (for a 30 min journey); then, finally, the … Read More
It’s been four years since I was last in India. Wow. I can feel the difference. The emerging nation and bustling economy has led to mass construction projects–everywhere. Having driven from Shimla to Delhi, and viewing the endless highway construction. The beautiful new Bangelore Airport is perfect compliment a city that is considered India”s Silicon Valley. … Read More
The destination is Wildflower Hall www.oberoihotels.com located at an altitude of over 8000 ft. After landing in Delhi I’m taking a short connecting flight to Shimla and then a 90 minute journey further into the mountains. There is one problem with the plan: it’s Monsoon season and a flight hasn’t landed in in Shimla in 26 … Read More
Beautiful Bora Bora. Turquoise waters and little huts abound. Bora Bora consists of a main island and tiny islets that surround the main island – creating a circle around it. Interesting fact: the lagoon/island facing side is white sand: the ocean facing side has a shores of black pebbles (due to the islands volcanic origins) sand … Read More
A thirty minute drive ($42 USD) from Papeete airport, on a smooth double-laned highway/road, in a well kept suburb is the Radison Hotel, worth it if you want to see a bit of Tahiti before transferring to Bora Bora or any of the other islands. The Radison easily fits the bill an affordable day or two stay. … Read More
After years of wondering – I am finally here at the Post Ranch Inn. I’ve read so much about it, and still trying to figure out. On one hand, it’s quite pricey (750 – 2000 per night) and on the other hand the photos I kept seeing looked like it was rather rustic and certainly not worth … Read More
An hour drive up the coast from Phutket’s busy airport lies the JW Marriot Khao Lak – there are 2 Marriot’s one just after the airport that is not as new, smaller and more casual. My photo’s of the resort turned out great – which is not always ideal because it paints the resort a bit nicer than … Read More
An hour flight from Bangkok is the resort island of Koh Samui. Staggered on a hill-side, the Four Seasons resort consists of self contained villas. The food is incredible and the service outstanding. The only downside would be the steep hill down to the beach, but they happily send a cart for you. If you … Read More
Situated atop the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel – is Vertigo Restaurant with insane views of Bangkok with dining tables on the very edgy. Swervy, breezy and well…kind of scary. In a good way – think: a scary amusement park ride that you will survive. I ate as fast as I could and exhaled once … Read More
A three hour flight from Hong Kong is Bangkok. Here for one day stay, before heading to the beachy paradise of Koh Samui. Bangkok has a modern train that goes from the airport to the city center for around .50 cents – a painless, fume-free ride. While here, I’m fascintated to see is these “garment making shops” … Read More
Hong Kong is a place I know very little about. Sometimes I research, and other times I enjoy letting a new place unfold before me. I have a great resource – someone who knows enough about the city make it interesting but not “ex-pat-been-there-done-that.” I have only ONE day and I’m not working, so I … Read More
I have been to Rome over 10 times, but unfortunately never longer then a day or two. This particular day, I’m driving back from the Amalfi Coast to meet friends (that happen to be in Rome) for dinner, then off to the airport back to the USA. I created a traffic nightmare to get this … Read More
I often find Florence a sleepy city, and It usually isn’t on my hit list, but I’m driving from Nice to the Amalfi Coast, it makes for a nice place to stop. The Lungarno Collection, Contientele Hotel on the Pontevecchio, in Florence was a last minute booking after a poor room at Villa la Vedetta. … Read More
Every year in Cannes, in the first week of May, huge trucks come and drop of tons of sand to the beach front. At any other time of year its beaches are typical Mediterranean pebbles –but not during the Cannes Film Festival –this time of year, powdery sand will be poured on top the pebbles … Read More
The Hotel Le Germain on 30 Mercer St, Toronto ( the “03 rooms have a great layout) . And Summer in Toronto is great weather – warm and humid – I miss it. I’m on a fashion hunt this trip for the Fashion Nomad iPhone App. It’s sad to admit, but I don’t know Toronto … Read More