Author Archives: Varya

The City of Lucknow has a fascinating and tumultuous history.   Long occupied by Mogul rulers who fostered the arts and developed a sophisticated culture,  it came under control of… Read more »

On our last morning, after another glorious dinner and breakfast, we head off with 2 naturalists for the Tharu tribal settlements.  We were warmly welcomed and our local guide took… Read more »

We are off on our nature adventure!   It began with a chaotic and intense security screening at the Delhi Airport to board our flight to Lucknow.   My hand… Read more »

For me, each time I return to India it feels like entering into a bathtub of memories, both relaxing and energizing.  There is always something new to experience, creating translucent… Read more »

Days 8-10 I have never felt more Jewish in my life.   This immersion into the history of the Jews in the Baltic countries has made me really understand emotionally… Read more »

Days 6 & 7 The difference between the historical center of Tallinn and Riga is not only in size, with Tallinn more an old town and Riga more an old… Read more »

Day 5 On our way out of Estonia, we stop at Paernu, a seaside resort used by the Russian monarch and then by generations of local people eager for the… Read more »

Day 4 Up early for a 6:45 departure for our ferry across the water to Helsinki.  This is not like the Staten Island Ferry or the Ferry to Tiburon in… Read more »

Day 3 Our historical overview covers the new and the old: passing by the new modern skyscrapers that display independent Estonia in the 21st century and ending back in time… Read more »

Day 2 The first official day of this tour in Tallinn, Estonia, has been an emotional journey, undoubtedly magnified by very little sleep due to jet lag, as I learn… Read more »