What! There Are TWO Love Stories in Agra?
I came to Agra on a day trip from Delhi, intending to see the famous monument to love, the Taj Mahal. But I left with two love stories, not one. You see, I also...
Tagged: reflection
Victorious
How do you enjoy art without feeling the human behind the poured genius? You are afraid of grief. You cannot bear to listen to trauma and refuse to note its signs not even when...
Why You Should Not Fear Scams in India
The very first person I met when venturing into Varanasi, was probably a scammer. This may be a strange way to begin an article about not fearing scams in India, but stay with me. Then...
Shadows of the Mughals by the Red Fort of Delhi
I had a free day in between the day I got my train tickets to Agra, and the day of actually going to Agra. So I decided to join a Delhi walking tour that my...
We Nearly Bought a Goat in the Delhi Goat Market!
I did not expect to see much sign of Eid-ul-Adha in New Delhi, when I found myself there last year of the eve of the holiday, instead of back home. Although Muslims are a significant...
Leaving Varanasi on a Train Bound for Lucknow
I stowed my things beneath the bottom bunk, climbed up to mine, and breathed a sigh of relief. The train leaving Varanasi had not left without me. A detour for Banaras silk before leaving...
Underground in Varanasi: Contrasts and Blasphemies
By far, the most common remark from foreigners who have travelled in India, is that she does not leave you unmoved. Whether you loved her or hated her, whether you’ve felt both – in...
A Kumari Contemplates Kathmandu Durbar Square
The tour guide seemed to hope greatly. An older man, he insisted on showing me his credentials as an authorised independent guide with quiet dignity. And he continued giving me his pitch on why...
Annapurna in the Monsoon Day 7: To the Base Camp on a Trail of Flowers
It dawned foggy and cold, on the day we aimed to reach Annapurna Base Camp. There was no mercy from Annapurna. It was still drizzling. The monsoon was unrelenting. In no particular good humour,...
Did We Find the Hidden Sibu Island Mermaids?
He chose Sibu Island for the dugongs. “Remind me to take you to a Malaysian island!” I had said, many weeks before my couchsurfer even arrived. In retrospect, it was an unusual invitation to...
Tanah Rata: Seeing All the Little Things in Cameron Highlands
Like most foreign visitors, he wanted to visit Cameron Highlands. Somehow, despite fairly regularly returning to Malaysia, my new friend still had not been. I thought about it. Cameron Highlands today has changed since...
Dancing with Pulau Carey Guardians on Mah Meri Spirits’ Day
“Why don’t you ask the shaman directly? He’s at ease now, since we’re waiting for low tide,” the organiser said. He led me over to the rough wooden platform, bedecked in nipah frond origami decorations,...
