Tag Archives: india
What’s on my Bucket List?
At the end of 2007, I ended a toxic and stagnant relationship. I was young and unsure I if I could cope on my own. I had never spent long enough learning to be me; to be strong, independent and to find my own way in the world. I found strength in the support of […]
How My Solo Travels Are Different
I’ve travelled a few times without Andrew now. My first post from this India trip shows you how far I’ve come in being able to manage the perils and joys of travels as a solo female, and in the meantime, I’ve made a few observations about my own habits while I am sans fiancee. Some […]
The Many Treasures of India
The National Gallery of Modern Art hangs just off the corner edge of the Colaba Causeway, at the entry point of the Kala Ghoda art district. The traffic outside was chaotic, horns blaring and cars pushing forward while I tried to escape into the bubble of calm that I knew I would find there. Pan […]
Melamine, Linoleum and Steel-edged Chairs
Masala onion dosa. Masala onion dosa. Repeat after me: masala onion dosa. It was 11.00am, and like a good Mumbaiker, I slept in until ten to wait for the rest of the world to wake up. Even then, I was bleary-eyed after spending all night writing and watching My Name is Khan. Anyone who knows […]
Do It Again, Just One More Time
My time here in Mumbai is rapidly coming to a close. I made my way to most of the places I wanted to see today, leaving off the art galleries for tomorrow, so I get home smelling at least a little tolerable, thanks to the wonder of air conditioning. There was only one more place […]
Not Another Paneer Makhni
Let’s get this straight from the outset; Indian cuisine is not my food of choice. I’d much rather take up some South-east Asian delights or Arab food any day. On my last school trip to Mumbai, there was absolutely no choice in what I could eat, and we were regularly plied with buffet-style Indian dishes […]
And Not an Elephant in Sight
Warning: This post is not a positive one; it portrays a popular Mumbai tourist attraction in a fairly negative light. If you do not wish to go to Elephanta Island with preconceived notions of what you will find there, stop reading. If you want to hear about monkeys and stupid tourists, read on. It’s also […]
While the City Sleeps
Flying into Mumbai at 4am is actually quite charming. The flight itself is a nightmare, with its token noisy, intoxicated Westerners, screaming children, and mothers who are louder and more annoying than their children in their attempts to silence them. The decision of whether or not to sleep from the 11.30pm departure is a tricky […]
Check In For One
I have a love/hate relationship with the long Summer break. I love the prospect of it: I love the relaxation, rejuvenation and recharging that my body gets as school’s pressure is relieved. I love the new adventures ahead, and I love being able to sleep in, eat whenever I want and generally dispose of the […]
Steamy hot rooms and a semi final
March 30, 2011. Tapola River Camp. I could feel the sweat building up at the nape of my neck and my singlet was beginning to stick to my back. That itchy feeling from sitting on a hard surface for too long was irritating me and I kept shifting in my place, while keenly aware of […]
The journey of a thousand steps
Today, I walked 35 kilometres. I did it carrying a 12 kilo pack. I was supposed to have walked only 20 kilometres, pack free. HAR-HAR. The disorganisation of the night before continued as I embarked upon the morning’s journey with a team of six freshly risen students, one local guide, the old tour leader and […]
When I need sleep, I whine a lot
Kundalika River Camp, 9am ~ less than 3 hours sleep and sharing breakfast with colleagues… At 1am this morning, mid-flight to Mumbai, my greatest fear was that I had left my iPod on the seat at the boarding gate. I spent a solid thirty minutes digging, reshuffling and searching through bags, travel wallets, money belts […]
