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Wongwian Yai Station
The idea was to try and get to Maeklong railway market, about 80 odd km southwest of Bangkok. While I’m sure everyone knows what it’s famous for, what nobody tells you is that there’s just one train from Wongwian Yai station that takes you directly to this station – the Maeklong Railway Line at an unearthly hour of 6:45 am. Of course, we never made it on time. This is Bangkok, after all. The local train to Mah Chai station. Instead, like good travelers who expected things to fall into place, we reached the station late that morning, and on enquiring, figured some trains take us to Maha Chai station.…
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Tantallon Castle
If your idea of an ideal castle is one with sheer cliffs and unparalleled views of the sea, then you are in luck. The castle offers sheer cliffs and unparalleled views of the sea. Tantallon Castle is about an hour’s drive from Edinburgh. Strategically located high on a cliff outside the town of North Berwick, it overlooks Scotland’s east coastline. Like many across Scotland, this castle would be attacked many times. It was originally built somewhere in the 1930s by William, 1st Earl of Douglas, and would, for much of its use, remain in the hands of his descendants. Despite being in a state of ruin, the castle has remained…
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Wat Khunaram
For those inclined, the island of Koh Samui has a lot more to offer than just its beautiful beaches. Wat Khunaram is also known as Phra Wihan Luang Por Daeng. While it may not necessarily be among the most impressive Buddhist temples in Thailand, Wat Khunaram, or Phra Wihan Luang Por Daeng, more than makes up for it with its special guest – the mummified body of Luang Pho Daeng, commonly known by his Buddhist name Phra Khru Samathakittikhu. The temple is host to a special guest. Koh Samui’s most famous monk was ordained as one in his early twenties. Then, after spending two years studying in the monastery, he…
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Orchard Farm
“All fruits are equal, but some fruits are more equal than others.” With that one sweeping statement, Choqita, leader of the bananas and plantains, seized power and took control of the lemons and other fruits to proclaim the first Banana Republic. However, some things just are not meant to be. Once Choqita had cemented control over the farm, it would not be long before the lemons and other fruits rebelled. They were led by Volks and Wagen, two partisans who had seen and survived a war that had engulfed the whole fruit world many decades ago. With the blessings of their guardian angel and the original lemon simply known as…
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Perspective
At 60 km per hour, the loudest noise that comes from this car is an FM station playing some soothing melodies. Or the driver making polite conversation. Seriously. At first glance, there is nothing spectacular about it. However, it is a car that has been and continues to be driven for years by everyone – from beginners to experts. It can carry up to six persons in absolute comfort. With some boasting of an automatic driver-activated rear door and fender mirrors. It was first released in 1995, primarily for the Japanese market. However, it proved so popular that it was soon seen on the streets of Singapore and Hong Kong.…
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Robert the Bruce
Nope. Your eyes aren’t playing tricks with you, nor is your imagination running wild. It is what it is. Robert the Bruce, King of independent Scotland from 1306 until he died in 1329. If you still insist otherwise, then blame it on the Caledonian pints you thirstily gulped down and the Haggis dish you greedily devoured. There, now, since that is out of the way, this is an introduction to one of Scotland’s favorite sons. A view of the town down below from Stirling Castle. When you settle down on the green grass at Stirling Castle and contemplate world domination, again, don’t miss out on the statue of Robert I…
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One of those days
Tired of walking around? Had an overdose of culture? Need a break on a break? When traveling, there are some days when you’d rather not do anything. That’s when you should head to the nearest bar or restaurant, preferably with fantastic views. Enjoy views with a laos beer. Once you’ve found your spot, sit back, settle down, raise your legs, and soak in the atmosphere. As minutes turn to hours, you’ll see families untying their boats anchored to another, starting the motor, and gently heading into the sunset. Or a haze of smoke slowly descent down and envelopes the river and hills in the background. Envelop yourself with the sights…
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Reflections
Perhaps people watching is a glorified lack of activity. Boredom too. And an absolute invasion of privacy. But… I’d like to think that each time I travel, I’m looking at things and people while going from place to place. Nothing wrong with those who look. But the simple joys of sitting in a cafe, sipping on your favorite chilled beverage in the afternoon, and watching the world go by. It’s a different state of being and am not sure if that chilled beverage has anything to do with it. Reflections on a sunny, relaxed afternoon, somewhere in Riga. One sunny afternoon in Riga Latvia, having had enough of walking on…
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People watching
“I know what boys like I know what guys want I know what boys like I’ve got what boys like” The Waitresses On a wet evening, a few summers ago, a brief shower had me scampering for shelter on one of the streets in Downtown Manhattan. Once safely protected from the elements, it gave me ample time to soak in the atmosphere and do what I like to do – people watch. As people scurried to wherever they had to get to, there was this one guy who liked what he saw. As he went by her, he turned around one more time. Just confirming. I guess. Like this…
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Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder
When you’re traveling to a new place, there’s as much sightseeing you want to do in a day. At some point, you’d give those tired legs of yours a break and park yourself somewhere. It has its perks, believe me. Yup, discovering and savoring the local brew is one of those perks and joys of traveling. Chilled or at room temperature. In a mug or straight from the bottle. At a roadside joint, a local pub, or an outdoor café… it doesn’t matter. It’s a chance to mingle with the crowd and do as they do. Sit back, stretch those weary legs, watch as life goes by, and appreciate what…
