Category Archives: India

Around the World in 18 Barbers’ Chairs

From Bulgaria to Vietnam, Shawn visits barber shops around the world.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

Today is International Women’s Day, a commemorative day that’s celebrated in different ways throughout the world. In some countries, the focus is on women’s accomplishments, whereas in others, it is a day to merely show gratitude towards women.

Photo du Jour: An Elephant and His Mahout – Amber Fort, Jaipur, India

Responding to a command from his mahout, while ascending the walkway leading to Fort Amer, an elephant pauses. When I visited the Amber fortress, which was built in the 1590s, I opted to make my approach on foot. Nevertheless, I found the sight of a caravan of elephants to be a timeless one.

Strolling New Delhi’s Lodi Gardens: Sun Salutations, Water Lilies, & Tombs

I hopped out of the rumbling auto rickshaw and stepped onto the quiet New Delhi street. Much of the city was still in a deep slumber in the leafy district, not far from the Lodi Gardens. It was my first full morning in India. I felt a strange blend of timidness and Indiana Jones-like curiosity brewing asContinue reading “Strolling New Delhi’s Lodi Gardens: Sun Salutations, Water Lilies, & Tombs”

Photo du Jour: A Ride Through the Pink City – Jaipur, India

Even though my maiden voyage to India was nearly four years ago, I vividly remember that first afternoon exploring Jaipur, the so-called Pink City. With my new camera in hand, I delighted in capturing images of vibrantly-painted elephants, bus passengers, and motorcyclists as the auto rickshaw I was riding in passed them. Naively, I initiallyContinue reading “Photo du Jour: A Ride Through the Pink City – Jaipur, India”

The Taj Mahal: A Monument to Love… Or Corn?

You’ve undoubtedly seen images of the Taj Mahal many, many times. Still, nothing can quite compare you for your first glimpse of this marvelous mausoleum. On the morning I planned to visit, I woke up with the roosters. It was my first time in India and I was determined to arrive before thousands of additionalContinue reading “The Taj Mahal: A Monument to Love… Or Corn?”

Photo du Jour: Under Watchful Eyes – Munnar, India

Under the observant gaze of a bindi-clad woman in a storefront advertisement, men discuss the day’s happenings and observe passersby on a main road in Munnar, India. Munnar is well known for its tea-growing estates, which are some of the highest in the world.

The Beguiling Backwaters of Kerala, India

Kerala’s backwaters are beguiling. Life moves at a slower pace on these famous waterways and there’s a distinct sense that dreams can effortlessly be born and nurtured there.   The quiet lagoons and lakes are about 45 minutes from the pleasant tourist town of Fort Kochi, making them the perfect spot to escape the hustle andContinue reading “The Beguiling Backwaters of Kerala, India”