Quite a view from the top of 3210 meters at Poon Hill. Worth the 45 minute 430 am hike thanks to a pretty sunrise and Nepali tea ladies up top (60rp black tea/70rp milk tea). It starts with a few hundred people, so plan on staying an extra hour or two after everyone else leaves. [...]
Entries Tagged as ‘Asia’
October 8, 2009
namaste
travel hiatus. my favorite kind.
we’re in nepal and india for the next four months, volunteering for VCD Nepal, Pencils of Promise, shooting a lot, playing a lot, and testing out olfactory fatigue.
india has gotten more expensive, but really, the dollar is just not what it used to be. not even since last spring. good thing [...]
June 28, 2009
Saving a Kashmiri Village After Remaking His Life
by Adam B. Ellick
CHIKAR, Pakistan — The lone hospital in this Kashmiri mountain town was on the eve of hosting one of the year’s biggest social gatherings, a health fair for several hundred villagers, and Todd Shea was not happy.
The hospital’s founder, Mr. Shea, an American who resembles a football coach more than a health [...]
February 18, 2009
Exotic (and Unappealing) Delicacies
Insects are quite popular munchies throughout the world. I always encourage following the locals and eating what they eat. Try everything. These are snacks I just can’t stomach. Along with a couple other exotic foods from Asia and everywhere else. Bon appétit!
October 6, 2008
XDR-TB
Tuberculosis is killing one person every 20 seconds. One in three people in the world is infected with dormant TB germs. I’m one of them. TB affects the whole world. Epidemics affect the whole world. It’s an ancient disease that is preventable and curable. We can stop it and save millions.
September 8, 2008
Bangkok, Thailand
Breathtaking detail at all the palaces and wats in Thailand make it an architect and art lover’s dream. Beaches are close by and beautiful. The city is one of the busiest and biggest in Southeast Asia. Mango sticky rice is one of the world’s best desserts. Thailand is easy to travel through and every so [...]
August 28, 2008
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Vietnam is worth the visit if only for a taste of the cuisine. From phở to bún, canh chua to curry, chè to fresh fruit smoothies. It’s a party for your taste buds. Try the ill-advised street food, noodle shops (Phở 24 with Huy Fong Sriracha Hot Chile Sauce), and fancier fare (Lemongrass, Cool [...]
August 26, 2008
Pondicherry, India
A magical and quiet town in Tamil Nadu where the story of Life of Pi starts. Formerly a French colony, Pondicherry is a small coastal town with a Franco-Indian feel mostly run by the local ashram. Stay at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Guest Houses, where the Park Guest House is right on the beach. There’s [...]
August 25, 2008
On a Jet Plane
Some places you just can’t reach without a puddle jumper. Be it from Belize City to Caye Caulker in Belize, Manila to Boracay in the Philippines, or Baltra to San Cristobal in the Galapagos. It’s an exciting adventure, you get great views and you may even get to sit copilot.
July 29, 2008
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Night lights between 1900-2130, 15USD. Go late. Imagine having a temple almost all to yourself.
Delicious Khmer cuisine nearby: Khmer Surin.
July 16, 2008
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Giant insects, locally grown tea, fresh strawberries, amazing landscapes, jungle treks, and the Rafflesia arnoldii – the world’s largest flower. The Cameron Highlands (about a 5 hour journey via bus from Penang) is more developed than I would have imagined but definitely a worthwhile trip. Stay with the wonderful people at Kang Travellers Lodge (a [...]
July 15, 2008
Koyasan, Japan
Koyasan is an alpine basin located almost 1,000 meters above sea level surrounded by mountain peaks on all sides. There are 117 sub-temples beside two monasteries. Take a walk at night through the Okunoin Temple (one of the most sacred spaces of Japan) to find the hall of lanterns and the million tombs draped with [...]
July 15, 2008
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Art is found in Zen gardens, in monasteries and temples, the people, the tradition, outdoor baths, ornate food, and colors of Japan. Although many do not speak English, you can find help and a beautiful retreat at Suisen-Kyo Guesthouses. Public transportation is absolutely manageable, [...]
July 15, 2008
Central Asia Institute
Education is the greatest hope for our future. Three Cups of Tea shows what one mad did and continues to do. What if we all got involved? Give a dollar, I’ll match a dollar. We’ve given away over 50 books and hope to pass on knowledge, hope, and mindfulness. Join us.
July 2, 2008
Rural Institute for Development Education
RIDE is an amazing organization in Kanchipuram, India that is involved in fighting child labor, helping the people of rural villages become self sustainable through microfinancing, and providing education in social issues such as safe water and sanitation, HIV/AIDS awareness and voter rights. We recently visited and met with the founder. He is [...]
