Chances are that if you’ve seen photos of Spiti, the remote, high altitude region in northern India, Ki Monastery would have caught your attention. It’s the largest monastery in Spiti, housing over 300 monks. The stacked white buildings stand out amidst the sharp serrated edges of the surrounding hills, while a seemingly endless row of giant … Read more
There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance, a line which I’m in danger of crossing. Is this really the ultimate, best most awesome list of things to do in Hoi An? Well, I did kind of live there for a few months earlier this year and I have visited this historic port city several … Read more
There are many facets which make up the perfect trip to Indonesia. You’ll want to visit some beaches, climb a volcano and get to know some of the many cultures which make up this fascinating country (or, like many Australians do, you could stick to the trashy beaches of Bali and sink dozens of Bintangs). … Read more
So, you’re looking for a Thai Island paradise…? You’ll want perfect white-sand beaches, crystal clear water, colourful sunsets and swaying palm trees. The beaches should be almost deserted and the interior of the island should be full of waterfalls and emerald green hills. Koh Mak isn’t that island. It’s nice enough, and some may even … Read more
My first stop in Spiti (after a week in the equally awesome Kinnaur region) was Tabo, a midget of a town surrounded by rocky cliffs and distant snow-capped mountains. I arrived on a bus from Nako, an ancient village in the bordering Kinnaur province, and it was a rugged ride. The bus was completely packed … Read more
One of the toughest decisions you’ll have during a trip to Kuala Lumpur is how to refer to Malaysia’s biggest city. Is calling it KL pretentious? Does it sound too much like the O.C., the horrible show about Orange County starring that guy who looks a bit like a young Russell Crowe? Will your friends … Read more
What is it about water falling over rocks that we find so appealing? If I were a psychologist I’d probably say that it has something to do with our fathers, or that the crashing water signifies the tears that we repress in our adult lives. I’d be talking nonsense though — waterfalls look pretty and … Read more
If you’re travelling from Reckong Peo to Spiti you’ll pass by Nako. Some people breeze right by without sampling what this little town has to offer, but that would be a big mistake. Nako is surrounded by amazing scenery (most villages in this region of Himachal Pradesh are), but it’s the traditional stone houses of the old … Read more