Cambodia is a place where more than their local currency, it is the US Dollars that rules.
Coming out of the Phnom Penh airport, there are several kiosks, the first one is a Currency Exchange. We wanted to change a USD 100 to Khmer Riel (KHR). To my surprise, the counter girl asked, “Are you sure?”,
I gave her a look on that stupid question and said “Of course”.
But we were utter idiots.
Why? Read on.
While planning a trip abroad, one of the first things most of us do is

Before reading this article, it is suggested that you go through these articles on how to reach there & where to stay and a photo feature for a better picture of the place.
Though I did not find it difficult, hiking to Lonar lake can be a daunting experience for some of us. The crater walls are steep and if you are living just a city life or are not very young, you might find it difficult to climb down or up, let alone doing a full round of the lake. …

These thick & heavy special wedding garlands are called Kalyana Malai ( कल्याण माला ) in Tamil and are made of mainly rose petals and chopped leaves. To keep them together in this conical shape and to prevent the petals from falling off, they are ‘wrapped’ in threads. You can watch this video how it is done.

After wrapping up with thread some decorative pieces are being inserted.
There are two such pieces of each garland. Mostly, only one piece

Celine has asked me what my backpack contains for this 48 days, 2 country solo trip.
Here is what I am taking with me. Since it’s backpacking, I am keeping things to minimum. (*wink*)
Clothes
I am always very proud that being a woman, I can adorn many kind of dresses but when it comes to carry them on your back, I wish I was a guy. Just a few T-shirts & 2-3 shorts/jeans would have done. Compared to that, see what all I am carrying.
1. Jeans =1
2. Cargo pants

Some of you are aware that I am going on a 48 days solo backpacking trip to 2 countries…. Two countries where language will be a big barrier. And I am going totally unprepared. A few months back I had booked just the to & fro air tickets and did nothing else after that.
And the time has come now.
After a few days in first country, I will be heading towards neighbouring country overland. This is interesting. Flying into any of the city there can get you a 30 day tourist …

Sometime back I had written about ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) being an issuing authority for a common entry ticket for all World Heritage sites in India. This was mainly done to reduce the waiting period in queue and other hassles faced while visiting these places.

After buying entrance tickets these people are waiting for security check
Tickets for individual sites are also made

I thought I will update you what’s going on here on this blog.
First, I am way behind my schedule to write about the places I have been to. There is so much to write. But at the same time I am in no hurry or in competition and so, at present I am content with writing smaller posts with pictures which give you some insights about the place.
Second, I have made a page of some travel blogs that I enjoy reading. The blogs are in no particular preference.
Here’s the first …