Naples, Italy; A Christmas Capital of Italy?
Naples is not only famous for its gastronomic treats but also for its undying art of making nativity scenes or as they call it here a Neapolitan presepi. Legend has it that St Francis of Assisi had requested to have a presepe made in this old neighborhood called San Gregorio Armeno. That was as … Read more
Dublin, Ireland; 10 Rules of Merry Ploughboy Irish Pub (Must Read)
When in Dublin, one must pay a visit to any pubs out there. It is but a mortal sin if you come here just to sleep at night as the city comes alive as soon as the sun sets. The place offers a one-of-a-kind nightlife that so often becomes an envy of other European … Read more
Bali, Indonesia: Introduction to Kehen Temple
Prelude to Next Post — All About Bali, Indonesia Some say Bali is one of the best places to welcome the New Year. Perhaps I could cite some reasons why…..Let me have my siesta first and will soon tell you why
Sirince, Turkey: Safe Haven according to Mayan Believers
Tourists have been flocking to a small village in Turkey called Sirince as the rest of world welcomes the “21st of December” – the day as foretold by the ancient Mayan Hieroglyps would be the end of the world. Sirince is a small agricultural village famous for its wines, olive oil, soaps and other … Read more
My Christmas Tree; 5 days Before Christmas (Unless the Mayans were correct!)
‘Random Thoughts while Looking at our Christmas Tree’ Seriously, this Mayan prophecy is somewhat destroying the holiday cheer. But I am thankful that I am surrounded by my nephews and nieces reminding me of this great occasion. I have spent so many Christmases alone and away from the family because of work. This time its … Read more
Cinque Terre, Italy: “The Love You Take is Equal to the Love You Make”
The Beatles have said it correctly. Indeed, “the love you take is in the end equal to the love you make“. This is what I felt while walking along the whole stretch of Via dell’ Amore in Cinque Terre. This is the famous path that links Riomaggiore to Manarola, two of the beautiful 5 villages … Read more
Geiranger Fjord: Kayaking in the World’s Most Beautiful Fjord
After a hundred ten times of saying “NO” to my friend, I finally said yes on the 111th. They assured me how safe it was and all my fears should definitely be inside the bucket as they were not to going to be happening- at all. The kayaks were safe and will never capsize. In … Read more
Bethlehem: Of Infancy Narratives and What Christmas Means To Me
My guide once told me when we were in Tzippori (Zepphori) that Jesus couldn’t have been born in Bethlehem. He believed that Mary and Joseph were from Nazareth and to travel to Bethlehem just to give birth was not only illogical but impossible. He further postulated that Jesus’ birthplace could be just anywhere in Nazareth. … Read more
Grasse, France: The World of Scents, Eau de Toilette and the Man Behind them ALL!
I must admit that my recent visit to Grasse was filled with anticipation and excitement. The last time I was there, maybe around 3 years ago, I had the chance to meet an actual ‘Nose’ and no matter how brief that encounter was, it remained in my subconscious and made a promise to myself to … Read more
A Must Read: The Angkor Complex, Killing Fields through the Eyes of my Guide Sopal
Diary Entry: February 2012 How I wish I have recorded all my conversations with Sopal on a tape. This way I can just write and post everything verbatim. The problem also is whether I would like to publish his name. Not that it’s a dangerous thing to do but just to protect his identity. There … Read more
Marian Pilgrimage: The House of Virgin Mary (Meryemana), Ephesus
On top of the Bulbul mountains, almost 8kms away from the center of one of the most highly preserved civilizations of Turkey (Ephesus), lies a nondescript century-old house built of red stones with a spring of water running beside it. While on your way to the sacred site, you can’t help but notice the serene … Read more
Kamikaze Warriors: Letters before Dying
Let me start this post with a letter from the mother of Cpt. Saburou Ishikura. A short letter and probably written in tears. “Don’t forget to say “Namuamidabutsu” When you are going to attack with the bomb This is the last letter from your mother I wont say anything else Don’t forget to say it. … Read more
Divine Secret of Lucca, Italy; Finding the Volto Santo
When Jesus died on the cross, Joseph from Arimathea was being assisted by Nicodemus in depositing Christ’s body into the tomb. That fateful day inspired Nicodemus in carving Jesus’ dying body on the cross on a big chunk of wood. Unable to carve the face, he then fall asleep and decided to do … Read more
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