Tag: Quirky

5 Quirky things to do in Bogota, Colombia

Every time I spend a decent amount of time in a big city, I make it a mission to hunt down the quirky, funny, offbeat things that lie beyond the standard tourist trail. Since this was my second time in Bogotá, I’d already ticked off the usual “must-sees”—the Monserrate views, the Gold Museum, La Candelaria […]

A peek into Friesland’s past, The Netherlands

It was a sunny September Friday when we set off for the north of the Netherlands. Having never ventured that far up in our neighbouring country, we instinctively packed our warmest jumpers and scarves.“With a name that roughly translates to ‘Freeze land,’ it must be exceptionally cold up there,” we nodded jokingly. I’d been wanting […]

2014 Travel Summary

I spent the last two days of 2014 in a haze, trying to beat jetlag and fatigue from the long transatlantic flight to South America. While the rest of the world was exchanging hugs and watching fireworks to ring in the new year, I was soundly asleep, cocooned in my warm bed. Despite the endless […]

5 Quirky Things to do in Bali

There’s a widespread misconception that Bali is just another tourist mecca full of beautiful clichés. Granted, there is a fair amount of mass tourism, but the island has so much more to offer. Finding authenticity is a walk in the park, and going off the beaten track is just as easy. Quirks are plentiful, and […]

Torajan Death Rituals

“Would you like to go to a funeral, m’am?” Not exactly the question you’d expect when stepping out of a long distance bus… And yet, what this man was proposing, is quite normal in Tana Toraja. In fact, funerals are the “main attraction” in the region. Visitors mostly come to learn about the Torajan culture […]

Spiritual Tourism: Thaipusam 2014

Experiencing the Festival of Thaipusam: A Dream Fulfilled Yes!! Another travel wish come true. Years ago, while doing some research on Malaysia, I stumbled upon a celebration that immediately caught my eye: Thaipusam. I was fascinated. But when I realized I had just missed it by a few weeks, I was gutted. Fast-forward six years, […]

Myanmar: land of infinite Buddhas

Myanmar: A Thousand? Try Hundreds of Thousands of Pagodas Myanmar is often called the “land of a thousand pagodas.” A thousand feels wildly inaccurate.“Hundreds of thousands” might be more fitting. The Burmese seem to dedicate their lives to honouring Buddha — and building pagodas, stupas, and temples. Each structure holds relics or statues of Buddha, […]

5 Quirky Things To Do in Manila

5 Wonderfully Weird Things to Do in Manila Manila is a vibrant city where everything seems possible. People are loud, full of life, and seem to know no embarrassment — at least, that’s what it looks like to an outsider. I only spent a couple of days in the metropolis, but I immediately LOVED it. […]