Blogs from Asia - page 13031

Beijing-China, the Great Wall, Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Chairman Mao…, all names to invoke thoughts of events both recent and historic. And here we are en route to what was called Peking in my old atlas. Arriving at the newish airport some distance from the capital there is much evidence of a massive building program in preparation for the Olympics (August 2008). A modern airport is taking shape plus high-speed rail links confirm the rate of growth and investment taking place. The atmosphere is heavy, the sun hidden in the haze, which looks familiar to those of us who recall London in the 50’s. A long transfer to our hotel, very modern and well appointed. Top of our list is the purchase of a genuine ‘coolie’ hat as used by workers in the paddy ... read more

When arriving in Baroda, state of Gujarat, we had a bizarre experience right off the bat. While checking in at the hole-in-the-wall hotel office, Randy and the hotel manager were interrupted by a “sadhu” (holy man in search of enlightenment). He was draped a long orange robe and dangling gold jewelry, with a painted face and wild hair. Exactly what happened next remains a mystery since they were speaking in a foreign language, but it went something like this: Sadhu insists manager look through album of naked-sadhu-in-desert photos. Manager protests that he’s busy with customer (Randy). Loud arguing. Manager reluctantly thumbs through photos. Randy pretends not to notice that grown men are discussing naked man photos on desk in front of him. Sadhu performs prayer ritual on manager. Manager begrudgingly complies. Flower petals are thrown and ... read more

Wow, I am here. Long trip!!!!! I am so far away from USA it is pretty crazy. HA... Well, I am in Chiang Mai and I really like it, there are so many backpackers all over the place from everywhere. I hear so many different languages it is exciting to be in such a cultural diverse place!! My plane ride went well slept most of the way, but it was long!!! Didn't get sick either and no drugs!!! My ginger pills really worked! So tommorrow I head out to the Elephant Park I am very excited to go, can't wait!!! I will write more after the ENP thanks for all your thoughts and prayers everyone, oh yeah, Nancy, I have never seen so many perms in my life!!!yikes..... Write soon, Hi James, Juliette, Sis miss you ... read more

Had a lie in for the first time in 3 days which felt good. Got myself a nice English breakfast and had a relaxing day. There were some FA cup games in the evening so I watched them. Watford were on last but I coudn't stay up late enough so set my alarm instead.... read more

On the Sacred Banks of Mother Ganga... Asia » India » Uttaranchal » Rishikesh By PaulnKariMarch 11th 2007Enjoy these pictures of Rishikesh, where we spent time with the International Yoga Festival, washed in the famous and worshipped Ganges River, enjoyed devotional singing night after night, and got our kundalini a-flowin'! More pictures of Rishikesh to come within a few days....... read more