We take the train for 2 hours from Colombo to Hikkaduwa on the southern coast. This time, we actually get seats! (yeah!). Travel by train remains the favorite mode of transport, so it is consistently full. This is to be…
Of gardens, coconuts and modernist tropical architecture ~ Bentota, Sri Lanka
It would be a great shame to equate Sri Lanka with its capital, Colombo and vice versa. While the city has great appeal due to its location on the sea and has architectural accents that reflect its many historical influences,…
First Impressions of Colombo, Sri Lanka
There is no greater pleasure for us than landing in a country we know little about. The learning curve is steep, the intellectual stimulation high. All our senses kick into higher drive ready to absorb what a new culture has…
Stuck in Bangkok, Thailand ~ Oh the hardship!
We arrive in Bangkok after 3 days of travel from the U.S. via Taipei. We take the Bangkok super modern Sky Train from the airport to get downtown, and go straight to the Indian Embassy with our bags, to apply…
Good bye (for now) beautiful Luang Prabang, Laos
We spent just over a month living in Luang Prabang. Our initial intention was to explore Northern Laos slowly, using Luang Prabang as a base. As it happened, with our lives being ever-changing, in fairly constant flux, Ben spent most…
Art in Luang Prabang, Laos
The “art scene” is always of interest as we consider a potential home base. By this we don’t mean the magnificent remnants of an artistically vibrant past. Rather, the question is – what art forms are practiced regularly? What materials…
Ethnic minorities of Northern Laos ~ an introduction to ethnic fashion
We have long been intrigued by ethnic minorities – so much so that we created a business several years ago — “Ethnicities” — based on the import of ethnic craft, fashion and artisanal furniture from Argentina’s Mapuche Indians. . The…
Let’s talk food in Luang Prabang, Laos.
We are very curious and eager to try Laotian food. Lemongrass plant with stuffing of chicken and vegetables, fried and served with a sauce. Very original and yummy! Specialty of Tamarind restaurant. A creative twist on Laotian food. We have…