2020, New Decade, New Travel, Want Ideas?

India ©Solange Hando

Adventure

This is Ladakh, India with a difference, a high altitude desert with challenging treks ( Zanskar-Indus confluence above) but you'll find adventure all the way. Explore 'moonland' or drive to Khardung La, the world's highest road pass.

You can fly to the capital  but most dramatic is the legendary road from Manali to Leh.

* Suggested alternative: trek to Everest Base Camp...

Namibia ©Solange Hando

Wildlife

Amazing throughout this vast country, the first in the world to include conservation in its constitution.

Most exciting is the Etosha National Park up in the north. Best time to visit is near the end of the dry season when animals gather around the water holes for survival and scarce vegetation allows superb sightings.

* Or for wildlife of another kind, head for environment-friendly Costa Rica.

Brazil ©Solange Hando

City with a View

You can't beat Rio de Janeiro for scenery, go up Corcovado on the cog railway or take the cable cars up the Sugar Loaf jutting out on a peninsula (above). Then, enjoy the beach, the botanical gardens, the nightlife and bustling streets but if you are there for the carnival, that's definitely something you will never forget.

* My other favourite: Bangkok for waterways, markets and temples.

Canada ©Solange Hando

Slow Travel

Take the train from Toronto to Vancouver and don't worry about time. Goods trains always have priority so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Dining car with gourmet meals, glass-domed observation car and if you fancy a break on your four night journey, you can book a hotel for a couple of nights in Winnipeg and Jasper.

*Alternative: Qinghai to Lhasa on the world's highest railway. 

South America ©Solange Hando

Iguazu Falls

Out in the jungle these are my top waterfalls stretching on the Argentina-Brazil border. Argentina has more falls and you have to walk across marshland to see the Devil's Throat but the most extensive panorama is from the Brazil side with its famous Santa Maria' fall  and a long 'jetty' for a close up look, if you don't mind getting wet.

* Or see the Victoria Falls, in  Zambia or Zimbabwe (the quieter side).

Bhutan ©Solange Hando

Nature and Culture

Up in the Himalaya, this is my own Shangri La, a remote kingdom where 'gross national happiness' is enshrined in the constitution. The Buddhist culture ensures respect for all living things, from people to the pristine natural world. The image shows you Punakah 'dzong', one of the traditional monasteries, framed by mountains at the confluence of two rivers.
* Or why not go to Japan? Superb mountainous interior and ancient traditions.

Images of Peru, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Titicaca

Cusco, Main Square ©Solange Hando

At 3400 metres, the former Inca capital is a lovely place with a mix of ancient remains and Spanish colonial buildings. Mountains, flower beds, colonial balconies and arcades, it's all there, around the spacious square or along the steep narrow lanes of the old town.

Santa Domingo in Cusco ©Solange Hando

The church/and convent were built on the site of an Inca temple -to ensure it could never be used again- but remains of the original walls survived earthquakes and are still visible.

The Incas always kept their way and in the cathedral, the Last Supper image is not bread and wine,but Andean cheese and guinea pig (their favourite meat). 

Weaving ©Solange Hando

This lady got it right, beautiful work, so much colour and the best tourist spot around, with great views of Cusco and nearby mountains... Who could resist?

Arriving in Aguas Calientes ©Solange Hando

Cusco is the start of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, just 40 km or so but 4 challenging days across the Andes.

The alternative is train or road with stunning panoramas and a chance to visit several Inca sites along the way.

Machu Picchu ©Solange Hando

Unless you trek, access to Machu Picchu is from the lively little resort of Aguas Calientes where a shuttle bus takes you to the site, totally hidden in the mountains.

It simply takes your breath away but be sure to book your ticket well ahead of time for visitors' numbers are restricted.

Pachacutec ©Solange Hando

The 9th Inca Emperor holds pride of place on the square in Aguas Calientes.

One of the most important leaders, he started building Machu Picchu, the work of 50,000 labourers and crafstmen which lasted 50-70 years. 

Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands ©Solange Hando

Shared between Peru and Bolivia, Titicaca (the'puma rock') is the highest navigable lake in the world  and said to be the birth place of the Incas.

It is 190 km long, 80 across at its widest, fed by 25 rivers and dotted with islands.

Traditional Boat on Floating Island ©Solange Hando

Close to the shore but most amazing of all are the floating islands, built with reeds and reshaped  as need be by the indigenous Uros Indians. 

The water is usually calm and perfectly blue and sailing on one of these magnificent reed boats, home- made like islands and huts, is out of this world.

My Friends, the Uros Indians ©Solange Hando

Bangkok, City of Angels

Wat Po ©Solange Hando

This 'Temple of the Reclining Buddha' is my own favourite in Bangkok, the city's first university now specialising in traditional Thai massage, wonderfully relaxing and energising.

The temple claims 91 stupas (see a few on this picture), over 1000 Buddha images and most revered of all,  the Reclining Buddha, 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf.

Chao Phraya River in Bangkok ©Solange Hando

They call it the River of Kings and its is as busy today as it has always been, river buses and ferries, cargo and tourist boats, including the long tail speed boats ready to cool you down on a hot day.

There are 34 piers altogether, so make sure you know where to get off, but if you end up on one of the canals, you will discover plenty of traditional life along the banks.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha ©Solange Hando

In the grounds of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew is home to the most auspicious statue, finally brought back to Thailand in the 18th century.

 It measures only 66 cm, possibly made of jasper or jade rather than emerald, and clad in golden clothes which are changed according to season. It is so precious no photographs are allowed so the image above is one of the guardians.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market ©Solange Hando

There are at least 10 floating markets in the capital but most popular is this one, 80 km away but usually including another attraction or two on a morning trip.

Colour and fragrance is what it's all about it, plus local crafts, souvenirs galore and plenty to eat and drink as you gaze at the incredible traffic jam, only boats of course, punting their way across the water.

Spirit House in Bangokok ©Solange Hando

As pretty as doll houses, these traditional shrines are found all over the city, providing a home for local spirits who may be disturbed by new buildings or people. You find them outside homes, offices, schools and so on.

Incense is burned and offerings are laid out every day, orchids, lotus, water and more. They ensure good luck, prosperity and peace for everyone.

Wat Arun, Bangkok's Landmark ©Solange Hando

Named after a Hindu goddess said to radiate sunrise, the iconic Temple of Dawn is a must see, beautifully lit up after dark though equally stunning during the day when coloured glass and Chinese porcelain glint on the slender spires.

You can climb up part of the central spire -very steep steps, both up and down,- but worth it for the views across the river, from the Grand Palace to nearby temples.

Now can you read Thai?

Don't worry, help is always at hand...

©Solange Hando

Kathmandu Funny Signs

Best cold drinks around, perfect on a hot day

Enjoy...

Well 

You know what to expect

Bit small but they loved it...

Today they have a brand new one, so much bigger and just for them

Are you ready to try? Wishing you luck...

I didn't so can't advise

Or perhaps this one's more to your taste...

Mine, definitely

No pictures of angels but they were there

We had a giggle and a lovely chat...

No Pepsi for them

Just blowing bubbles (with water) to strengthen their lungs

So when they're big, they can play the temple horns

©Solange Hando

Images Kathmandu and beyond 

Phone numbers likely to have changed over time

Devon Langstone Cliff Hotel Review, Dawlish Warren

Langstone Cliff Hotel ©Solange Hando

As the name indicates, this lovely family-run hotel is situated on a cliff top with spacious grounds, trees and lawns, overlooking the Exe estuary. 

There's plenty of private parking, bus stops just outside the entrance and a shaded footpath leading to the rail station and the beach with eating places and entertainment. The hotel is family and dog friendly. 

Pleasant Room at the Langstone ©Solange Hando

The Langstone has 64 rooms on two floors with all the amenities you would expect, free WiFi, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, biscuits included, comfortable beds and a choice of bath or walk-in shower.

Luxury rooms boast private balconies or patios, with lawn or sea views.

Orchids a Treat ©Solange Hando

The hotel is justly proud of its flowers, from orchids to hanging baskets, hydrangeas and more.

If you love flowers and colour, this is the place for you, all beautifully tended and in perfect condition.

Lincoln Restaurant ©Solange Hando

With its adjoining bar, the Lincoln serves delicious food, in smaller areas with waiter service or in the main restaurant which offers a buffet with a wide choice of starters, main courses and desserts with clotted cream if you wish. 

Food and snacks are also available in a range of connecting rooms overlooking the lawn and pool. Look out for afternoon tea on the lawn.

Guests Lounge at the Langstone ©Solange Hando

Plenty of comfort and space to chat and meet friends, share a drink or read the free paper.

Though if you want to be active, there are two swimming pools (in and outdoors), tennis court, a fitness room and a beauty-therapy room to pamper yourself.

The Verandah ©Solange Hando

The veranda is a lovely place to relax, in the shade or in the sun, close to the bar and looking across garden and pool and the estuary beyond.

Relax with a View ©Solange Hando

Langstone Cliff Hotel

Spice Village Hill Resort in Kerala

Cottage in Spice Village ©Solange Hando

Close to spice plantations and the Periyar National Park, Spice Village is a CGH Earth resort, 'clean, green, healthy' Located on the edge of Kumily village, it's in the Thekkady district of the Kerala's Western Ghats.

Accommodation is in traditional bungalows scattered in the greenery, built with local materials and thatched with elephant grass. It's an oasis of peace, beautifully quiet at night.

Guest Room, Spice Village ©Solange Hando

Rooms are spacious and clean and at over 700 metres, pleasantly cool so no need for air conditioning. Furniture is made of recycled pine wood and floors are tiled, with coir mats as needed.

It may look a little spartan but with hot water, soft lighting and all the usual amenities, everything you might need is at hand.

Lawns and Trees in Spice Village ©Solange Hando

There's a lovely garden to relax in the shade, enjoy your lunch or perhaps a cool drink or herbal tea. Friendly staff make you feel most welcome and although you may well be tempted by the colourful stalls along the lanes, take time to unwind at least for a while in your little haven.

Other facilities include a Green Leaf Ayurveda Centre, yoga and meditation, badminton, tennis and activities such as trekking, bamboo rafting or visiting a spice plantation.

Tamarind Restaurant at Spice Village ©Solange Hando

Overlooking the swimming pool is Tamarind, the main restaurant serving regional and international fare. Or you could try the '50 mile Diet Restaurant' which guarantees that all ingredients are produced within a 50 mile radius. There's is also a pleasant Woodhouse Bar where you can meet and chat with your friends. 

Spice Village Organic Garden ©Solange Hando

Then wander up the slope and right at the top, beyond the last cottages, you will discover the resort organic garden where fruit, vegetables, lettuce, spices and more are grown for healthy and tasty dishes. 

Besides sheer eating pleasure, it's good to know that so many local people have found employment in this caring Spice Village  hotel, grounds and garden.

The Periyar National Park ©Solange Hando 

Bukhara on the Silk Road in Uzbekistan

Bukhara Poi Kalyon Complex ©Solange Hando

Madrassas, mosques, mausoleums, there's so much to see in Bukhara you'd need a full week to do it justice but if time is limited, Poi Kalyon is the place you should not miss, right at the heart of the Old Town.

Meaning 'at the foot of the Great',  it includes a mosque which can hold 10000 worshippers, a madrassa still providing a four year programme of religious studies and a minaret rising 45 metres above the town.

The Trading Domes ©Solange Hando

A popular access to the complex is through the restored medieval domes, originally housing the money changers, hat makers and jewellers.  Today you can shop for all sorts of local crafts, from puppets to pottery or textile, including Suzani embroidery, enhanced with decorative threads, and Ikat silk shimmering in rainbow colours.

Weaving Carpets in Bukhara ©Solange Hando

But especially prized are the lovely silk carpets, among them the 'magic' carpets, so called for they are double-sided so you get two for the price of one. Not cheap but quality guaranteed.

Designs range from Uzbek geometric patterns to Persian flowers and the more you walk on your silk carpet, the tighter the knots and the longer it will last.

Lyabi Hauz Complex ©Solange Hando

Shaded by mulberry trees, the square is set around an ancient reservoir, 42 metres long by 36 across, glistening with the reflections of  traditional buildings draped in blue tiles and wood.

It was once a focal point for merchants and entertainers but today this is a beautifully quiet place where you can relax by the water or sip a drink in the shade.

The Ark, Bukhara's Landmark ©Solange Hando

With its mud brick walls glowing in the sun, the fortress of the Ark is one of the city's top icons, first recorded in the 7th century and reconstructed many times.

What you see today mostly dates from the 16th century, partly restored after a major fire, Beyond the steep stone ramp and gate, you will find a couple of museums, calligraphy exhibits and spine-chilling stories from the past. 

Remembering the Silk Road in Bukhara ©Solange Hando

Uzbekistan Samarkand on the Silk Road

Samarkand on the Silk Road ©Solange Hando

Samarkand dazzles you every step of the way with magnificent buildings restored with great dedication and fond memories of medieval merchants.

Once laden with exotic goods, they travelled from far and wide across Central Asia, marvelling, just as we do today, at the legendary wonders of this amazing city.

The Bibi Khanym Mosque ©Solange Hando

Among the top attractions is this 15th century mosque, commissioned by Bibi Khanym as a gift for Timur, her husband and victorious warrior, now a national hero. The mosque was rebuilt after an earthquake but still feels haunted by one of the saddest stories in the land.

Having fallen in love with Bibi, the architect kissed the lady on the cheek but when Timur returned from his campaign in India, he noticed the mark and executed his rival. Some say the lady suffered the same fate but no one is really sure. 

Shah-i Zinda Necropolis ©Solange Hando

Up on a hill on the edge of town, this necropolis includes a mausoleum honouring the 'Living King', cousin of the Prophet Mohammed and patron saint of Samarkand.

It is 35 steps to the top, a challenge on a hot day, but well worth the effort as you join worshippers making their way through the long alleyway of shrines, covered in blue and turquoise tiles.

Ulug Beg ©Solange Hando

Born in 1394, Timur's grandson was passionate about culture and science, especially astronomy for which he built the world's largest observatory at that time, on a hill but underground to protect it from earthquakes. He studied the sun and the moon and accurately positioned over 1000 stars.

Unfortunately, though widely remembered as an astronomer, Ulug Beg was not a strong ruler and he was eventually overthrown and executed by his son.

The Registan ©Solange Hando

Designed between the 15th and 17th century, Samarkand's central square claims three fabulous madrassas, fronted by a raised viewing platform for snap-happy tourists and wedding photos. The oldest building is the Ulug Beg Madrassa, on the left..

Enjoy the glowing towers and archways, ribbed minarets, restored mosaics, small souvenir shops and workshops and in the Tiger Madrassa on the right, free demonstrations of traditional music. Don't miss the stunning sound and light shows in season.

Registan

The golden ceiling in the central Tilla Kari Madrassa ©Solange Hando