Sketching Nepal: At home in the jungle

December 15, 2016Sketches - Asia

A love for simplicity is one of the greatest gifts my time in Asia gave me—or as Rilke wisely once said, a love for “the small things…great and immeasurable.” This short story from Nepal is in praise of such simplicity.

Sailing to Sri Lanka: or, to plan or not to plan?

November 17, 2011Stories - about travel

“Blow, blow, ye spicy breezes — O’er Ceylon blow your breath, Where every prospect pleases, Save only that of death.” — Ambrose Bierce It was the kind of place that has two names—Sonali, India, or Belahiya, Nepal—depending on which side of the border you happened to be standing. At the end of September, I found … Read More

Spectrum of India: The country and its colors.

November 15, 2011Journeys - through India

“I am as curious about color as one would be visiting a new country, because I have never concentrated so closely on color expression. Up to now I have waited at the gates of the temple.” — Henri Matisse All I needed was a quote about color. Doesn’t sound too ambitious, does it? It’s a … Read More

Water for elephants…Nepali-style.

October 3, 2011Stories - about travel

Yes, that is me astride a [what-I-hope-to-be] lovable, 30-year old female elephant named Sonakali. And yes, I am absolutely, bone-drenchedly soaked. So, you ask, what happened? I pulled into Chitwan, Nepal, yesterday, after an eight-hour bus journey from Kathmandu, having teamed up with Cox and Kings UK to do an elephant ride this morning through … Read More

Woven and spun: An NGO at work in Nepal.

September 30, 2011Stories - about travel

Santosh is driving a hard bargain when I return to his shop Thursday morning. “Prices are fixed…fixed prices,” he says sternly to a group of Asian tourists, pointing at a laminated sheet of paper. Laminated. There’s no bending the rules with this guy. But why should he? He runs the shop of a recently founded … Read More

Finished? or, the end is just the beginning…

September 26, 2011Journeys - through India

“Do not plan for ventures before finishing what’s at hand.” — Euripides It’s over. I can’t believe I can finally say those two words, but it’s true…we survived the Rickshaw Run! Citlalli and I rolled across the finish line last Thursday night at precisely 6.35pm–24th out of 72 teams! Not bad, considering we were one … Read More