Home » Travel (Page 10)
Category Archives: Travel
My home, my peaceful sanctuary… invaded!
Being away from home isn’t easy… however sometimes being at home isn’t either.
Though we rent, we’ve put effort into making our apartment a home – a peaceful sanctuary…
A couple of months ago that changed.
We were invaded! Sonically invaded in the worst way! (more…)
The taxman cometh…
What does a Canadian living in India on contract for a project in Indonesia then Malaysia through an Australian company do for taxes?
Before I flew to Indonesia, there loomed the 15th March deadline for “Advance Tax” payment – a critical “To Do” task akin to getting a root canal. Ugh!
While I have no regrets about going ‘independent‘, the simplicity of a salary is something I sorely miss.
So decided to share my pain by sharing my warped understanding of the Indian taxation system: (more…)
Happy Holi + St Paddy’s Day
When away from ‘home’ it is easy to forget the rhythms of ‘home’ festivals and celebrations.
Like missing Chinese New Year celebrations in India… and catching the tale end in Malaysia.
St Patrick’s day wasn’t even on the radar until I went to Bluegrass in Kuningan, Jakarta for dinner with a fab gal pal and saw the St Paddy’s themed F&B specials appealing to the ex-pat crowd. (more…)
Confessions of a reluctant entrepreneur
While working in Malaysia, another contract for Jakarta came through – yippee!
I’ve mentioned – more than once – that I’m a highly reluctant entrepreneur! However by some brilliant stroke of luck (or two!) am somehow surviving with independent work.
Knowing there is nothing certain in life, I’ve been preoccupied with – don’t laugh – opening 3 companies! Yeah, like the paperwork and hassles for one isn’t enough, hmm?
Sounds fancy but isn’t really. Just have 3 very different types of work on the go… (more…)
“It was a pleasure not sleeping with you!” – Part 2
Last weekend was a brilliant – if sleepless – experience with my partner and a couple hundred other folks at The Company Theatre Workspace at Kamshet, Maharashtra, India.
While it was bloody cold it definitely delivered and was worth a little zzzz deprived night! (more…)
“It was a pleasure not sleeping with you!” – Part 1
Tumbling exhausted but enriched out of the car, a tight hug, we said our goodbyes and parted ways.
Hello truck! En route to Kamshet, Maharashtra
We’d spent the last 18 hours together – including an intimate all night experience…
It started innocently enough…
A month or so ago my partner said “Love – just block your calendar for 1st – 2nd March, ok?”
I blindly responded with an enthusiastic “Sure!” Clueless of what would come…
When I learnt the weekend was an outdoor festival many miles from Mumbai with an unknown creature comforts quotient went “Hmmm…”
Allow me to remind folks, my partner’s style is more 5 star than backpacking. If he must camp, glamping (glamorous camping) is the preferred approach. (more…)
How many SIMs cards do you have?
Between my partner and I we seem to be on a SIM collecting spree!
My latest trip to Malaysia added yet another SIM. But what a pleasure – For approx $10 and 10 mins, was up and running on email, BBM, WhatsAp, etc! (more…)
Sunday stroll in KL
In addition to my last day day in KL, I had one other sunny Sunday to stroll about in my two weeks in Malaysia.
Yes there was a morning meeting, yes there was some preparation work as well… But ah… it was still a glorious afternoon free to fritter about and explore a little of Kuala Lumpur!
Here are a few pics of a rather enjoyable day…
None of the sidewalk obstacles courses to be found in downtown KL! (more…)
A girl has to eat! Dinning at KL Tower
Other than Sunday off, we really did just work, work and work on the KL project. Was a terrific assignment, great client, most enjoyable activities… however there were few opportunities to slip away and explore Kuala Lumpur.
But a gal has gotta eat! And if you have limited time in a place, may as well make the most of it! (more…)
Whisky shopping in KL
It is well-known that I enjoy a good dram…
Hunting for whisky treasures!
It is also reasonably well-known that I’m part of a lovely private whisky tasting club in Mumbai…
What isn’t so well-known is how we acquire our specialty offerings!
I’m gonna let you into a secret… From trips just like my Malaysia one.
When each member travels, they hunt out a place that goes well beyond the average duty-free fare to titillate our palates with something unique.
We also have a network of friends who come visit, knowing the best thing they can be is a ‘mule’ for our increasingly discerning tastes.
In all my trips to Indonesia last year, I despaired of finding anything remotely interesting.
You see… we’ve exhausted the duty-free options from my usual stops – Bangkok, Singapore and Mumbai airports. (more…)
Everyday Asia 