There’s much more to Bangkok than high-rises, traffic and crowded tourist sights. And if you set aside time for a day trip or overnight excursion to one of the wonderful nearby attractions you will certainly leave with a much more rewarding impression.

We were Sitting inside the hotel when it started poring heavily we Woke up late but started the day right with breakfast.As soon as it stopped We took the water taxi and decided do a little shopping about when it started to downpour again. We went into a cafe and ordered some drinks and food, surprisingly it was one of the best meals I had here. Out side the street flooded, and when it finally stopped everyone was smiling and laughing. We finished our food and so we asked for the bill and right when we handed the waiter our money, you will never guess what happened. Yup you guessed it started pouring again.

However, next day was fortunately a lovely day and my friend agreed to accompany me to the crocodile park. Its far so we decided to take a taxi to the park.

The park has variety of crocs.They have special trainers handling crocodile and they play, lift the croc, infact at the end, the trainer puts his hand and head in the jaw of crocs.

Over all it was fun and I also tried Crocodile soup and flesh out there, really good.

The visit to the Snake Park was also very interesting. The farm has a good collection of poisonous snakes. The farm is basically creating anti-snake serums and the posinous snakes are used for their venoms.

The floating market is a favourite morning trip among tourists. Its interesting to see how longtail boats guide tourist shoppers among all the wares.

Apart from that, i also made some friends, like Jane and Treesa. They helped me a lot to understand the food and culture of Bangkok very well.

Not so happily greeted by the usual jostling of the local touts each trying to get me into their accommodation, I reached Alleppey in Kerala, India on a crowded bus on an assignment for my job in mid-April this year. After all, India always imaged herself in my gray matter as a land of snakes, saints, poverty and meditation until I was forced to take up this project and was urged by Sara to make it. Trust me, I returned just last week and am still basking in its natural glory.

Cleverly opting for the guesthouse owned by the guy who also had a boat that could ride me on a discounted rate, I was already expecting some thrill on the tour. I was told a tour of the backwaters would be the most attractive activity to cherish for the rest of my life. So be it.

Cruising through the 900km stretch of emerald waterways, sandwiched amid swaying palms and golden paddy fields, I got to know the land little by little. A backwater voyage of kayal yatra generally covers QST and R Block stretches of kayals or backwaters. These blocks have an international flavor and peculiarly seemed to resemble the dikes of Netherlands.

The innocent faces of the locals as I glided past the villages, the Chinese fishing nets, the abundant greenery, and coconut trees were all so gripping. Relaxing in the cushioned seat of the houseboat I relished every moment of my being alone, far from so-called urbanity.

The waxing moonlight, the gorgeous sunset and the dancing palms were quite an aura in itself, with the waves splashing against the shores pouring music into my ears. I sometimes wonder why do I always have to lose it to Sara – or is it a win to have her in my life!

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You have got to believe that even today certain things in life bring us happy and ecstatic surprises, away from the otherwise mundane and busy world. This post certifies this statement and I will tell you why.


Last year my girlfriend and I were almost at loggerheads about our new vacation destination. Sara was hell bent on moving to Tasmania, Australia, while I was rooting for a mountain trip to South Mexico – the land of canyons, ravines and sierras. At long last I gave in to save my upcoming marriage :-) and we headed for Tasmania. Trust me, I was bowled over by the beauty by the time we returned.


Instead of replicating my idea of Tasmania as a shy island soaked in soggy forests and creepy village people feeding on dried salmon it turned out quite mesmerizing. Supported by tall mountains, spread-out peninsulas, steep cliffs, empyreal beaches and mystical caves, Tasmania breathes the cleanest and purest air on earth. Those long walks along turquoise seas, by the lofty peaks, through the rainforests, extensive farmlands and Highland moors; the exhilarating trekking and rafting sprees - everything hypnotized me!


To top it all, we got to encounter some of the rarest wild animals that are exclusively found in Australia. The meets with the possum, kookaburra, quoll and platypus were fabulous. Sara winked at me mischievously when I got over-excited with these creatures and was almost planning to extend our vacation. However, I still regret not being able to spot the Tasmanian Tiger though! Thanks to the travel agent, we got to put up at a wonderful little resort by the mountains.


Well, I must mention this last bit - I still cherish the handcrafted wine and the bottle of fresh honey that I got from a local producer. Thanks Sara!