Beauty and Whales
Antarctica Days 5-6 We just returned from our morning zodiac outing into Paradise Bay, the location of the Brown Argentinian research station. Cold with a moving fog bank that obscured our… Read more »
Author Archives: Varya
Cierva Cove, Rocks & Penguins
Antarctica Days 3-4 In order to prevent contamination of the pristine environment of Antarctica, this ship has developed strict protocols for cleaning of shoes when leaving and re-entering the ship. … Read more »
Welcome to Antarctica
Days 1-2 I am looking out our cabin verandah doors toward a calm sea where large turquoise-centered blocks of ice float by. Suddenly, there is a flash of a curved back… Read more »
Allahabad to Delhi Movement
India is a never ending adventure, every moment. I am in a private lounge at the Allahabad Train Station which is a small restaurant temporarily converted with comfortable chairs… Read more »
Kumbh Mela Immersion
This Maha Kumbh Mela is the supreme example of both the power and the absurdity of some religious practices. The amazing power of belief that will bring people together from… Read more »
Kumbh Mela Time
Every 12 years there is a gathering of the spiritual heads and devotees of various Hindu and related sects in India in Prayagraj, formerly called Allahabad. And after 12… Read more »
Varanasi Today
I remember Varanasi clearly from 1965 and there is little resemblance today — except for the eternal Ganges river which is its heart and soul. Urban sprawl has gulped… Read more »
Buddhist Kushinagar
We have taken a number of long road trips on this journey and they are always interesting and enjoyable. Riding in a comfortable car with an experienced driver and… Read more »
Historical Lucknow
As written in my last post, Lucknow is known for its role in the Mutiny of 1857 and the consequent rise of the British Raj. The heart of that piece… Read more »
Old Lucknow
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 »