@rgumental @dvisor

For many Indians, Bangkok/Thailand would be one of their first few travels abroad, but we had consciously skipped the same as it is quite accessible from all parts of India. In a quickly planned 4 day itinerary at Bangkok, we skipped many of the usual beaches and safari spots and picked one destination themed by one of the landmark movies in Hollywood history - "The Bridge on the River Kwai". Nestled in the Thailand - Burma border in the province of Kanchanaburi, along the deep ravines and inaccessible gorges, River Kwai itself is a treat to watch. An estimated 1L plus prisoners of war, natives etc perished making the Thailand Burma railway line during the Japanese occupation of South East Asia in World War II.  Bridge on the River Kwai is a movie set in that story backdrop (though, it was shot in Srilanka! ).  This movie won seven Academy Awards in 1958 including the Best Picture, Director, Actor (Alec Guinness) , Screenplay & Cinematography .  While it is fictionali...

As we stepped off the high-speed Afrosiyob train from Tashkent , our guide greeted us in Samarkand an—a city as ancient as Rome, once a vital crossroads on the Silk Road, and a true melting pot of civilizations. This is Samarkand: enigmatic, storied, and endlessly fascinating. We checked in to our hotel, Hotel Samaria Resorts & Spa, near Registan Square Silk Road Trade Routes converging @Sogdiana / Samarkand The Silk Road’s Heart: Sogdiana and Samarkand The Silk Road conjures images of caravans winding through mountains and deserts, and Samarkand—once known as Sogdiana—was where many of these routes converged. I expected a city as bustling as Alexandria , but Samarkand surprised me with its neatness, spaciousness, and welcoming atmosphere. The influence of Soviet rule is still visible in the city’s broad avenues and enduring infrastructure. Many medical and technical institutes from Soviet times continue to thrive, and during our stay, we dined at a restaurant run by Indian studen...

"Till she was about 10 years old, she grew up like just another girl. She was strong & was a  member of athletic team in her school. In 1954, she developed swellings in her neck , ears and upon being admitted to hospital, was diagnosed with Leukemia and was given maximum of one year to live..  It was in hospital that she learned about the legend of folding a thousand origami cranes to have a wish fulfilled.. She completed 1000, but her wish to live further was not fulfilled. She died in 1955, when she was 12"   --  Remarked our guide Nobu (a native of Hiroshima) in an emotional, yet composed tone,  as she detailed the poignant story of Sadako Sasaki, a survivor of Atom bomb who went on to die later due to the effects of radiation she suffered when she was barely two years old Sadako's Origami Cranes Hiroshima Atom bomb dome seen through the peace memorial & flame Immortalized by a monument dedicated to her next to the Hir...

Roma ? Roma ? - Quipped a long faced gentleman who walked into our waiting area for EK095 at Dubai T3 -  to make sure that he's getting into the same flight.. He reminded me of Paolo Maldini, former Italian captain and one of the finest footballers I've ever seen. This was a much anticipated trip for me. The cradle of modern civilization, legal systems, urban planning - all could be traced to this city.  Like most other European cities, the city & civilization developed around a river (Tiber) and the seven hills surrounding it. Raphael's "School of Athens" Huge crowds throng the Vatican city - the center of Christianity , but more importantly, the place that houses the artworks of Raphael and Michaelangelo.  Incredible Frescos dominate the Vatican Palace. Every picture has a story behind it. Not just the Biblical stories, but images that capture various phases of Roman & Greek times. I remember this particular painting by Raphael where he combine...

Hanseatic city of Hamburg, as they address themselves is quite interesting. The word Hanseatic comes from the German word Hanse / Hansa signifying the league of cities or merchant association formed to align the policies to maritime trade. If the Southern German cities like Stuttgart & Munich are known for their automobile expertise, Hamburg is about shipping & transportation. A huge container port with a beautiful harbour, Hamburg embodies the shipping culture into itself.  The maritime museum dedicated to various aspects of shipping from history to engineering ,  the infamous Reeperbahn ( Hamburg's red-light district ) ,  Hafencity - A modern city formed out of old harbor area & reclaimed land,   a la-Venetian style canal system ,  the city is quite engaging in itself.   The star-attraction in this city was undoubtedly a place called 'Miniature Wunderland' . See the pics & Video .. This is a place where you should take your kid...