Gimme hope, Jo’anna: My walk through the Johannesburg CBD
Gimme hope, Jo’anna ’Fore the morning come
South African Wines Beckon
The vineyards at Nederburg, South Africa’s leading winery This was to be our second trip to South Africa. And this time we were certain that we would not miss out on the famous Route 62 which winds through South Africa’s winelands. The main purpose of our visit was my cousin’s wedding at Robertson, about 100…
Joy Rides for Adults
Zip-lining is to bungee jumping as snorkelling is to scuba-diving— not quite the real thing but with enough of an adrenaline charge and a solid sweaty workout. Ever since I chickened out of a tandem jump with my daughter off the highest bungee jump in the world at the Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa, I’ve…
Trip to Hua Hin, Thailand’s Best Wedding and Golfing Destination
Prashant and Sana Tie the Knot I am a big fan of destination weddings in India. For the host, this is a clever way of weeding out all the hangers-on who you don’t want at your event, because only those who really care will shell out the airfare to attend an out-of- town shindig. And…
48 hours in Almeria | Mirror of the Sea
“With its deserted beaches and coves, Almeria whose Arabic nametranslates as Mirror of the Sea, is definitely worth a visit.” ~ Ranjan Pal Tucked away in a corner of Andalusia, the port city of Almeria is often overshadowed by its more famous rivals Cordoba, Granada and Sevilla which form the Golden Triangle, the classic tour…
A Tale of Two Cities: Warsaw and Krakow
This article has originally appeared in the February 2016 edition of Exotica magazine. Check the PDF version here. While Warsaw is stiff and formal, business and politics, Krakow is laidback and friendly, colleges and culture. Warsaw is vertical with tall buildings and grand avenues full of traffic; Krakow is horizontal. RANJAN PAL savours a unique ‘poles apart’…
How to Plan the Perfect African Safari
The African safari finds itself on most bucket-lists, and not without reason. But it is also likely to be one of your more expensive holidays, so it’s best to prepare well for it.
48 hours in Isfahan – Empire of the Mind
Once a seat of power, the Iranian city is an epitome of architectural and artistic elegance. Once the seat of the great Persian Empire and long considered to be Iran’s most beautiful city with its stunning collection of historic architecture, tree-lined boulevards, flower gardens and parks, Isfahan is a fascinating place to visit. Shah…
Travels with my Mother – Scotland Forever !
Guest Blog by Mallika Pal Stereotyped for its tartan and haggis, Scotland holds the crown jewels of British wilderness, whiskey and if you’re lucky, weather To visit Scotland is to delight in a series of oxymorons – from the rugged elegance of the Highland silhouette, to the humble patriotism of Princes street and the illuminated…
Travels with my Daughter – Following the Silverado Trail
AT THE ICONIC ROBERT MONDAVI VINEYARDS Several years ago I took a course at the West Coast campus of the CIA in America. No it wasn’t what you are thinking, no cloak-and-dagger stuff – the CIA was the Culinary Institute of America and the course was an Introduction to Californian Wines J J Now I…