Bhutan | Picture Perfect Punakha

The three-hour drive from Paro to Punakha crosses over Dochula Pass at 3100 meters – site of the Druk Wangyal Chortens. The 108 chortens (stupas) commemorate Bhutanese soldiers who died in the 2003 war against insurgents from India. The vast majority of photos I had seen prior to visiting Bhutan were of monasteries and mountains. The incredibly fertile valleys and lush landscapes were a total surprise. Punakha is located at 1200 meters which makes it an ideal first stop for flat landers (those who reside near or at sea level). There are two major rivers: the Mo (mother) and Pho (father) that provide ample water for irrigation. Continue reading “Bhutan | Picture Perfect Punakha”

travel magnoliaJune 18, 2018June 19, 201819 Comments

Asia, Travel

Bhutan | Preview of Coming Attractions

The Kingdom of Bhutan has been on my must see list for 25 years. When I first heard about this jewel of a country nestled in the Himalayas between India and China, it had only recently opened to tourism. While it took me much longer than expected to finally make the trip, it was well worth the wait! Continue reading “Bhutan | Preview of Coming Attractions”

travel magnoliaJune 16, 2018June 18, 20186 Comments

South America, Travel

Rapa Nui Wrap Up

Another fascinating part of Rapa Nui culture is the Tangata Manu ritual. An annual competition was based at the village of Orongo, adjacent to Rano Kau. Hieroglyphics at the site illustrate the patron god Make Make and other mythological creatures.

Continue reading “Rapa Nui Wrap Up”

travel magnoliaApril 4, 2018April 5, 20184 Comments

South America, Travel

Rapa Nui | More Moai and Some Wild Horses

Ahu Tongariki_15 Moai facing the Quarry — The Moai at Ahu Tongariki face their “birthplace”

After visiting the quarry at Rano Raraku ( Rapa Nui | Seeing is Believing Pt I ), it’s time to explore the island to see how far and wide these monolithic statues traveled. No one knows for sure how the Moai were transported. NOVA’s Secrets of Easter Island provides an excellent overview of prominent theories. Continue reading “Rapa Nui | More Moai and Some Wild Horses”

travel magnoliaMarch 28, 2018March 29, 20186 Comments

South America, Travel

Rapa Nui | Seeing is Believing Pt I

Approaching the Quarry — Approaching Rano Raraku

Miles from nowhere – the nearest inhabited land is 1289 miles away – Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) is one of the most enchanting and remarkable places I have visited. In the tradition of great things coming in small packages, this 63 square mile triangular-shaped island has enough wonderful sites and activities to warrant spending at least a week. We barely scratched the surface with six full days of hiking, biking and exploring and hope to return one day. Continue reading “Rapa Nui | Seeing is Believing Pt I”

travel magnoliaFebruary 28, 20189 Comments

South America, Travel

Magnificent Machu Pichu – a Closer Look

I had to restrain myself from subtitling this post “A Llama’s Eye View”! They are so engaging (from afar) and I couldn’t get enough of them. However, the real attraction at Machu Picchu is the amazing architecture. The citadel at Machu Picchu (which means Old Peak in Quechuan) dates to the mid-15th century when it was built under the aegis of Inca Sapa Pachacuti. (NB: The term Inca applies only to the rulers and the civilization; the indigenous people are Quechua.) Continue reading “Magnificent Machu Pichu – a Closer Look”

travel magnoliaFebruary 8, 20184 Comments

South America, Travel

Machu Picchu – Getting There is Half the Fun

There are two main ways to get to Machu Picchu with variations on each. You can hike for four-five days along the Inca Trail or you can take the train to Aguas Calientes followed by a bus ride or a moderately challenging 90-minute trek to the sanctuary.

View from the train to Machu Pichu — Excuse the reflections and Admire the Exquite View from the Train!

After three days in the Sacred Valley, we opted for a hybrid route. We took the train from Ollantaytambo to the prosaically named Km 104 station (so-named because of its distance from Cusco). If you blink, or nod off, you could definitely miss it! Continue reading “Machu Picchu – Getting There is Half the Fun”

travel magnoliaJanuary 17, 201810 Comments

South America, Travel

Peru |Highlights of the Sacred Valley

Peru’s Sacred Valley took my breath away – literally and figuratively. The valley floor is at 3000 meters above sea level outside of Pisac and descends over its 100 kilometers to just above 2000 meters near Machu Picchu. Also known as the Urubamba valley, its namesake river meanders the entire length and irrigates the otherwise arid region. Continue reading “Peru |Highlights of the Sacred Valley”

travel magnoliaJanuary 7, 201812 Comments

Travel

2017 – a Wonder-Full Year

Many believe that January was named for Janus, the Roman god of gates and beginnings, usually portrayed with two faces: one looking back and other forward. It seems only fitting to begin this year with an overview of 2017 and some plans for 2018. With trips spanning four continents and including one of the most remote places on earth, 2017 was a banner year. Scroll down for highlights from the past twelve months and click on links for more info. Continue reading “2017 – a Wonder-Full Year”