Dance holiday... read more

Dubai - a transit stop on my way back from India. It's stating the obvious but it was hot here, even in this time of the year. In some ways it felt like that I am still in India but in a different environment. Half of the time I got by speaking Hindi. There are plenty of electronic and gold shops here. I was staying in Deria (near the creek) and the thing which really stands out in the sky line is Burj Dubai. The world's longest tower and they are still building it. It is sinister looking and a little creepy. Probably because it is much taller than any other building in the skyline by a long way. There is construction going on everywhere around Dubai. The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial islands in a ... read more

Well before starting a new job I thought I'll do a little trip, since I've still have the momentum. Of all the places in Europe, why Rome? I was 9 years old the last time I was in Rome. I sure it must have left a impression on me. I have vague memories and images of Rome. Also, it was my first time in Europe, a stopover on our way to India. Having only spend time in Africa and India, Rome was obviously different. It must have also been a important time as it was translation from life in Libya to India. Anyway, for me it was important stage and for some reason I felt Rome was calling me, so I packed my backpack and off I went to Rome! My trip to Rome was a ... read more

After 4 weeks in Pacific islands, it was always going to take tiny bit of time to get use to civilization again. Actually, I didn't like it here on my first day. It is really big with 80+ cities, everything is far and without a car it's difficult to get anywhere. I was thinking where have I landed! Good to be using internet and making phone calls again :) It is very commercial here but what else did I expect? There is definitely star obsession here. It was sensible to take the city tour. Countless references to movies places here which were used in movies. Visited the usual suspects: muscle beach, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip, Venice, Bel-Air, Santa Monia, Olvera Street and movie star homes. The last one I didn't like too much. We ... read more

Bula! It's the Fiji word for "hello" and it's the first Fijian word you'll learn. Arriving at night I wasn't sure what to expect. A few bula here and there at the airport. I was rushing at the airport knowing that I had to visit two offices to sort out the tours I had booked before taking the taxi to the accommodation. I was thinking that the taxi must be waiting and the staff would look at my booking quickly and send me off. I am told there is no rush and the staff were very laid back. I am in Fiji and it's Fiji Time from now on :) Fiji is a place I wasn't sure about and had mixed feelings. When I got to the hostel from the airport I looked at how many ... read more