View Full Version : Travel bucket lists, memories and more.
Me too, I love water. No landscape is complete without a little bit of ponds or rivers.
The Peruvian meal looks fantastic, Dani.
Peruvian food is the jewel of the Americas' mouthgasm scene, El.
Stirchy, I went to the Bronx Zoo when I was in NYC but alas, didnt know there were botanical gardens there.
Stirchley
05-17-17, 05:23 PM
Me too, I love water.
I'm terrified of deep water, but I love running water. (Go figure.). This so-called vest pocket park in midtown Manhattan probably doesn't look like much, but I have spent hours sitting there on lunch breaks.
30563
I'm terrified of deep water, but I love running water. (Go figure.). This so-called vest pocket park in midtown Manhattan probably doesn't look like much, but I have spent hours sitting there on lunch breaks.
30563
Is that near The Soup Nazi? I think I had lunch there.
Stirchley
05-17-17, 05:30 PM
Is that near The Soup Nazi? I think I had lunch there.
If you were on the east side in midtown Manhattan, you may very well have gone there. There are a few of these vest pocket parks.
Stirchley
05-17-17, 05:33 PM
Love the Italian Gardens in Hyde Park. Mad about fountains of any kind.30564
If you were on the east side in midtown Manhattan, you may very well have gone there. There are a few of these vest pocket parks.
Cross over to mouthgasm thread - The Soup Nazi makes the best soups. OMG!
Stirchley
05-17-17, 05:50 PM
Cross over to mouthgasm thread - The Soup Nazi makes the best soups. OMG!
Are you sure it's not called The Soupman now? Can't find anything in Manhattan called The Soup Nazi though I have heard of it.
Are you sure it's not called The Soupman now? Can't find anything in Manhattan called The Soup Nazi though I have heard of it.
It's the Seinfeld soup kitchen. We got coupons from the HOHO bus. Husband had clam chowder or lobster bisque and I had Newmn's
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gx-40XMRuCM/hqdefault.jpg
Stirchley
05-17-17, 06:23 PM
It's the Seinfeld soup kitchen. We got coupons from the HOHO bus. Husband had clam chowder or lobster bisque and I had Newmn's
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gx-40XMRuCM/hqdefault.jpg
Yeah, think it's called The Soupman now.
Yeah, think it's called The Soupman now.
Fabulous soup but the staff werent rude enough LOL.
Stirchley
05-17-17, 06:26 PM
Fabulous soup but the staff werent rude enough LOL.
Believe it or not, Seinfeld left me cold. Ditto Friends.
https://www.facebook.com/SeeAustralia/videos/10155361225460909/
Elessar
05-18-17, 03:51 AM
Epic!
Never seen a whale in my life, it's on my bucket list.
The closest I came to it is playing with dolphin.
Once I traveled to a sea town, where there was an ocean institute. The guys in the institute knew my parents, so they let me feed and play with the dolphins. I caress their beaks and heads, they were quite playful fish-shaped guys :)
Epic!
Never seen a whale in my life, it's on my bucket list.
The closest I came to it is playing with dolphin.
Once I traveled to a sea town, where there was an ocean institute. The guys in the institute knew my parents, so they let me feed and play with the dolphins. I caress their beaks and heads, they were quite playful fish-shaped guys :)
I was taken out by a police patrol and 2 whales were breaching. I screamed HOLD ME BACK I'M GOING IN. They handcuffed me for the rest of the trip. It was amazing. Beautiful creatures.
Listen Watch Go
05-18-17, 06:35 PM
Wanted to share a few of my fav pics of my trip to Burma a couple of years ago. Probably the most photogenic country in the world.
http://i.imgur.com/bbUFdEy.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/8DitCCa.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/gVawVPY.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/fbUlx9O.jpg
Gorgeous, LWG. I havent been yet but it's on my list.
Reading list time. For anyone wanting to read up on the situation in Israel-Palestine, or visit, this could be interesting holiday or armchair reading
https://www.bookwitty.com/reading_list/a-glimpse-of-the-middle-east-through-fiction-part/5919e7e250cef7051f3d4744?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=israel-palestine
Tips for travelling during Ramadan which is just around the corner. Pretty easy to manage but planning ahead is a good idea. As for not being able to buy booze during this festival, not always correct. I recall drinking beer in Muslim majority areas during Ramadan - just not during the day.
http://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2017/05/25/art-travel-and-food-during-ramadan
Vivid sydney festival. So stunning.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-26/vivid-sydney-lights-music-creativity-kicks-off-2017/8560014
Stirchley
05-26-17, 07:29 PM
Vivid sydney festival. So stunning.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-26/vivid-sydney-lights-music-creativity-kicks-off-2017/8560014
Looks amazing. Enjoy!
Looks amazing. Enjoy!
It's actually too crowded for me so I just look at photos and videos. Super popular tourist attraction and you can only take public transport in. Going to be a lot more people this year because of upped security.
Woooo these guys are amazing. And really lovely people
https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/kami-rita-sherpa-scales-mt-everest-21-times/
Elessar
05-31-17, 12:57 PM
Himalaya... one of the dreams that I know I can never achieve. Because, first, I'm a frigophobia, secondly, I'm an acrophobia :D
I said I'd spam you guys with my Istanbul photos.
https://moveablefeastofamess.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/dsc_1033_small.jpg
https://moveablefeastofamess.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/dsc_1005_small.jpg
You don't have to get cold in the Himalaya, El. And you dont have to stand on a rooftop. Lovely photos of Istanbul, though.
https://www.charitychallenge.com/images/library/Cycle-Kathmandu-Valley_1.jpg
https://lonelyplanetimages.imgix.net/mastheads/53693064.jpg?sharp=10&vib=20&w=1200
http://1hu9t72zwflj44abyp2h0pfe-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/One-horn-rhino.jpg
http://royalmt.com.np/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2013/07/white-river-rafting-nepal.jpg
I_Wear_Pants
05-31-17, 05:13 PM
The place I want most to visit is England. I'd live there, but Wifey would rather stay States-side as opposed to moving overseas.
Stirchley
05-31-17, 05:16 PM
The place I want most to visit is England. I'd live there, but Wifey would rather stay States-side as opposed to moving overseas.
These days, unfortunately, it's not so easy to emigrate to England. And it's definitely not easy to emigrate to America.
I_Wear_Pants
05-31-17, 05:21 PM
These days, unfortunately, it's not so easy to emigrate to England. And it's definitely not easy to emigrate to America.
Dang. I will visit it some day, but I can't really live there, anyway. It looks like a better place than America, too.
Dang. I will visit it some day, but I can't really live there, anyway. It looks like a better place than America, too.
Too wet for me. If we had to expatriate ourselves I would live in Ecuador. But only if Julian Assange doesn't end up there.
I_Wear_Pants
05-31-17, 05:28 PM
Too wet for me. If we had to expatriate ourselves I would live in Ecuador. But only if Julian Assange doesn't end up there.
Rain never bothers me, so I'd be good.
Stirchley
05-31-17, 05:29 PM
It looks like a better place than America, too.
LOL. I thought the opposite when I left England 40 years ago. :cool:
Rain never bothers me, so I'd be good.
Doesnt bother me either but I do like some sun. Funny thing with Ecuador is you'll be out in the sun, then suddenly people look up and start running. We had no idea why the first time and suddenly got dumped on by rain that lasted 5 minutes, then the sun came back out. After that we always took the cue to bolt for shelter.
Mardin, Turkey. Amazing photo
https://scontent.fmel1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18951363_1597775343567225_6988025935330451796_n.jpg?oh=fd83d5cd2932a2d35b172e77bc122579&oe=59E2018B
Elessar
06-14-17, 05:39 AM
Don't you love head scarf?
https://moveablefeastofamess.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/dsc_0956_small.jpg
(Still mine from Istanbul)
I was taking pictures of the Blue Mosque, then I saw this group of girl merrily selfie-ing. A gentle wind passed by and shuffled their colorful headscarfs, they laughed and clutch their scarfs. It was a beautiful scene.
Looks pretty cool, El. What was the temp?
Elessar
06-14-17, 02:24 PM
The temp was as good as it get: around 24°C with honey sunlight :)
The temp was as good as it get: around 24°C with honey sunlight :)
We had perfect weather in Istanbul, then went off exploring. Got pretty chilly in Cappadocia then by the time we got back to Istanbul it was ready to snow. So disappointed we missed it.
https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1478367/snow-istanbul.jpg
Elessar
06-14-17, 02:32 PM
That's a magnificent view of the Blue Mosque.
That's a magnificent view of the Blue Mosque.
And a Kangal.
Beanie time
http://one.classetouriste.be/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/blue-mosque-istanbul.jpg
Travel in India. I agree with all of that (especially the bit about constipation) except for the icecream on the side of the road. Probably why I rarely got delhi belly, yet my travel companion would have the squirts every time he ate one. I did try warning him.
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-fears/?utm_campaign=sub-
continent&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=vivid-asia_blog_india_fears&utm_plasource=sub-continent (http://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-fears/?utm_campaign=sub-continent&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=vivid-asia_blog_india_fears&utm_plasource=sub-continent)
And I disagree about the vindaloo. Indians dont make it blow your head off hot for tourists. The brits did that for drunk university students. The only time I had a blow your head off vindaloo was when I kept saying to the waiter - give me a vindaloo that will blow my head off. Big mistake. I couldnt taste anything for a week.
Wake up, dreamers. I shall martyr myself for those of you currently sweltering in summer heat.
http://www.momondo.com.au/inspiration/hotels-with-swimming-pools/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PPB%7CID00535%7Cbest-hotel-pools%7C&utm_source=facebook
Has anyone been? Mr D hs but I didnt go when I was in UK. Still on my bucket list to enrich my inner pagan.
https://scontent.fmel1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19420834_1370562009691977_279330909919589976_n.png?oh=45832988d0670a1b21cb6447ffe32855&oe=59DF9F5D
If I wasn't a poor person I'd love to travel but that takes time and a lot of money lol. It's why I always reply "You going to foot the bills?" to other people who tell me I should travel while I can. Sounds easy enough but you need money to do it. Lots of places around the world I'd love to see of course but traveling is costly. I've already accepted the fact my travel time will likely be limited but places I plan to visit at least once in my lifetime are NYC and LA.
I loved NYC which came as a very pleasant surprise. Amazing city and so friendly.
gbgoodies
06-26-17, 11:21 PM
I loved NYC which came as a very pleasant surprise. Amazing city and so friendly.
Friendly??? In NYC??? Are you sure you were in NYC??? :skeptical:
Friendly??? In NYC??? Are you sure you were in NYC??? :skeptical:
LOL Pretty sure. The people were incredible. Why do you ask?
gbgoodies
06-27-17, 12:11 AM
LOL Pretty sure. The people were incredible. Why do you ask?
I live on Long Island, (just outside of NYC), and I hate going into NYC because most people there are so rude.
You must have caught them on a good day. :lol:
I live on Long Island, (just outside of NYC), and I hate going into NYC because most people there are so rude.
You must have caught them on a good day. :lol:
LOL I must. Or a good month. We found them very hospitable.
Wow. No words.
http://mymodernmet.com/alexander-khimunshin-indigenous-people-siberia/
OMG Stunning. Bollywood actress Sneha Ullal wishing Eid Mubarak for the end of Ramadan. Putting here because I have an interesting story
http://teluguinfo.com/images/film/Sneha-Ullal.jpg
Yesterday I was speaking to one of my Iranian friends about ramadan. She said it's hardly practised in Iran anymore; if at all only for 3 days. 1. it's too expensive for the whole month. 2. The government is phasing it out along with other islamic practises according to her family who still live there. Biggest festival in Iran now is New Year's. When things quieten down, She and her aussie husband are moving there to look after her aging parents. I so want to go there.
Been to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Seoul, and Jeju Island. But. I'd love to find a nice depressingly grey stony pebble beach somewhere. That would make me happy.
I had to google jeju isl. Looks lovely.
It really is. I went out of season so everything was quiet. Well, except for my ex complaining about everything. The place was peppered with gimmicky tourist pits though, like some weird chocolate museum next door to a three-floor teddy bear/history museum. I should clarify that. It was not an historical accounting of the teddy bear, rather it was general world history ...with teddy bears, instead of people.
Seonim Bridge was intense. And dizzying.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/The_Sunim_bridge_-_Jeju_Island_in_Korea_-_UNESCO_World_Natural_Heritage.jpg
Not sure how to link pics via mobile.
I went to korea a few times but only Seoul and Pusan for visa routes when I was in japan. Really liked it nd the people.
I forgot about this part, but while we were in Jeju Hotel Latte, there was a restaurant just past the parking lot where I had my first experience with Soju.
They sat us at a floor table sitting or kneeling rather than a standard western style booth with benches. We ordered Korean bbq: Pork belly and beef slices, default sides of sprouts, kimchi, and various other tasty things I didn't recognize, all spread out on our table circling the center burner.
I couldn't read the menu but wanted a beer. Looking back, I suppose my desire was lost in translation between my non-english speaking waitress and I, a non-Korean speaking tourist because though I pointed to what I assumed was beer, she returned with something very different.
My first notice was how much larger this bottle was compared to the average beer bottles I was accustomed to, but I dismissed it immediately. The second thing that caught my attention was the waitress providing us with what appeared to be two shot-glasses. I thought how awkward and troubling an effort to pour beer from a perfectly functional bottle into a small glass, but I again dismissed it as custom in a place I knew little about. I respectfully nodded as she poured my first glass.
My girlfriend at the time drank maybe three shots during our meal before ending her efforts to then order a coke. I was left with the remainder of the bottle. The meal was delicious and overwhelming, as I hoped it would be based on the price of each item! I drank another "shot" for as often as I could to pace the bottle with the meal.
I remember my girlfriend suggesting I not drink any more, but I was embarrassed to leave anything in the bottle: one because as a simple matter of practicality I had purchased an entire bottle apparently, so I refused to lose money on my investment; and two, because in my OCD mind, all I could think of were the surrounding tables of Korean diners watching me, judging me, ridiculing me as a "tourist" who can't even finish a single beer shared with his girl. No. Some bastardized sense of American pride (or classic American ignorance) began to swell in me. I needed to be manly. I needed to be American. I needed to represent and prove to everyone watching that I could at least down a single bottle of beer. And I did.
Let me explain my drinking habits of the time. I had no drinking habits at the time. I occasionally had a beer with friends at the pool hall or with a meal, but up to this point in my life that was it.
Eventually the bottle was empty, the food gone, and the bill paid. Then I realized that I could not move. My legs were asleep. I assumed it was just because they had been folded under me this entire time. We sat for a few minutes allowing my circulation back into my legs, then I attempted to stand up. I could not. At least not without the help of my ex. I remember getting to my feet, looking around, and a sudden rush of dizzying panic realizing that I may not be able to walk myself out the door. I took a moment to catch my breath, and decided to just focus one step at a time. With each step forward I offered a rotation of smiles, nods, waves, and acknowledgments of kamsamnida trying my best to look sober at the gawking staff and other dining guests. Looking back, I now imagine myself then as a happy Frankenstein's monster, slowly dragging my feet one after another with a dumbass grin across my face trying to be inconspicuous.
I remember making it to the door and saying thank you one last time before fading out.
It wasn't until weeks later retelling my story and expressing my confusion to an older Korean friend about how strong Korean beer is, that I learned my mistake. He laughed at me and just said, "Soju no beer."
No kidding.
Holy hell has anyone been to Malta?
http://mostachurch.com/mosta/headerimages/2.jpg
nyone up for a brisk stay in the blue mountains?
http://room5.trivago.com.au/winter-hotels-in-the-blue-mountains/
Elessar
08-27-17, 04:02 AM
Been to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Seoul, and Jeju Island. But. I'd love to find a nice depressingly grey stony pebble beach somewhere. That would make me happy.
Come to Europe then. We have plenty of depressingly grey stony pebble beaches here. People here like to bathe nude too. What's better than a nude bathe in a depressing beach ;)
Come to Europe then. We have plenty of depressingly grey stony pebble beaches here. People here like to bathe nude too. What's better than a nude bathe in a depressing beach ;)
Is that why they're so confronted by burkinis?
Interesting facts on turkey
http://turkeywelcomesyou.net/do-you-know-turkey/
Mr Minio
08-27-17, 01:36 PM
Hit me I don't hit women. :)
@Thread: I don't like travelling.
Holy hell has anyone been to Malta?
I wish:bawling: Maybe next summer. My vacation has ended for current year :(
I don't hit women. :)
@Thread: I don't like travelling.
If you dont like travelling not much point being in a...urm...travel thread just to say you dont like travel.:shrug: Not much I can do to help you there.
Stirchley
08-28-17, 06:30 PM
Holy hell has anyone been to Malta
I've always wanted to go there. They were amazing in WWII. However, my Brit SIL said the heat there was brutal.
Good stuff, Norway. I knew I liked you! :up:
https://www.facebook.com/attn/videos/1470915936277194/
Elessar
Sending thoughts to your family and friends in Vietnam during this flood, my friend.
Elessar
10-14-17, 02:54 AM
Thank you my friend. We have several destructive floods in Vietnam this year :(
Thank you my friend. We have several destructive floods in Vietnam this year :(
Seems you got out just in time
Time to slap my bug and shake him awake.
Why would you visit Turkey? Because you're a lil bit cray cray to miss it.
http://turkeywelcomesyou.net/why-visit-turkey/
I spent 17 days between Aug and Sept this year in England, Scotland and Ireland. I had such a wonderful time, I'm already planning my trip back. We spent about 5-ish days in each place so next time I would love to stay longer in just a few places. The highlights for me were Dorset, between Weymouth and Lyme Regis, Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye and County Kenmare in Ireland. The B&B at which we stayed on Skye is for sale so that would be a dream! :D
I spent 17 days between Aug and Sept this year in England, Scotland and Ireland. I had such a wonderful time, I'm already planning my trip back. We spent about 5-ish days in each place so next time I would love to stay longer in just a few places. The highlights for me were Dorset, between Weymouth and Lyme Regis, Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye and County Kenmare in Ireland. The B&B at which we stayed on Skye is for sale so that would be a dream! :D
I would love to see some of your photo log, Sylvie.
Goa
sunset at calangute beach
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23621512_10214980133279839_4701099580187519778_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=923178bd66d847918fb6432960e43e56&oe=5B6C6E05
entrance to a tropical spice plantation
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23517996_10214980139079984_4902154769766090623_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=0f505b7a5c73e3959909c4e8c1801c64&oe=5B5EC1A8
statues of dona and paula---lovers who committed suicide from this spot
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23473170_10214980127919705_7970776521157112827_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=00e0c27cb63f15c4e12a95142da7361f&oe=5B585EC0
former house of portuguese nobleman
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23518844_10214980135559896_4667369693186868532_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=8a2b18c5ef2ec2eb604e6a41640a0b06&oe=5B58F21B
elephant at spice plantation
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23435198_10214980136959931_4009161589194256979_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=7ada59a90c5339ec9df4c737734405ad&oe=5B5DA921
lighthouse of fort aguada---built by portuguese
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23472970_10214980138639973_4400473118178414888_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=b4a9a7222448f1b798ca6d33ea3b87c9&oe=5B60ED9C
view of sea from ramparts of fort aguada
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23472733_10214980129959756_7384348544328077979_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=26eddde16f81482d1ccca4c7fcd9c0ab&oe=5B681430
sula vineyards---western india
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27657138_10215754329594263_1704745329012798140_n.jpg?oh=a3018ed77c1cc426e8bbc7823797f3aa&oe=5B0AD7B8
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27545412_10215754329314256_8718140614494759896_n.jpg?oh=c185fbc427fffa2775025d06c2082c29&oe=5B19F4D7
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27654635_10215754329074250_8637185973014762742_n.jpg?oh=07e343a589c681b75f9762d96ce8240d&oe=5ADD4E24
photo of bridge i was travelling on taken in 2009 in rains . effect of rains in photo .
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1934373_1188140586714_4359154_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=19d8f081a69cfde52f48be9aef3e0153&oe=5B686000
Thats a great photo, ashdoc! Thanks for posting those. When did you take them and where is that bridge?
I havent been for a holiday for a while and dont think I'll be going on one any time soon so it's nice to see my travel bug thread still going. What's your favourite holiday destination in India? Hard to say for me because it's all so diverse/. The differences in regions is astounding. I love that entrance to the vineyard photo. Where is that?
Thats a great photo, ashdoc! Thanks for posting those. When did you take them and where is that bridge?
I havent been for a holiday for a while and dont think I'll be going on one any time soon so it's nice to see my travel bug thread still going. What's your favourite holiday destination in India? Hard to say for me because it's all so diverse/. The differences in regions is astounding. I love that entrance to the vineyard photo. Where is that?
The bridge connects Mumbai/Bombay with it's suburbs , but because there are already roads connecting the city with it's suburbs and no more space to build more roads on land it has been built over the sea . It is known as the sealink.
Because India is a hot country most of my favourite travel destinations are In the mountains where the air is cooler . They are known as hill stations and were built by the British for their families because they could not tolerate the hot climate of India. The women used to stay here while their husbands ruled in the plains . The women were called grass widows . These women used to have affairs with local men or other Britishers posted at hill stations, because their husbands were too busy ruling India. There are 'points' with scenic views of the valleys below at various hill stations where these couples used to make romantic outings. Some of the famous hill stations are shimla, mussouri, Darjeeling, kullu, manali , mahabaleshwar , munnar , ooty , kodaikanal and coorg.
Sula vineyards is outside the city of Nashik in western India. It is famous for sula festival in February where artistes come to perform in sula's amphitheatre.
Thanks. I think Darjeeling from last century is my favourite Hill Station I've been to. I dont know what it's like now. Probably wrecked by the scourge of the 1900s. I cant think which greenie said that. I think maybe Sir Atten Bro.
Stirchley
04-18-18, 05:21 PM
These women used to have affairs with local men or other Britishers posted at hill stations, because their husbands were too busy ruling India.
The British women had affairs with local men? Seems extremely unlikely to me. As to their having affairs with fellow Brits, what evidence do you have for this?
The British women had affairs with local men? Seems extremely unlikely to me. As to their having affairs with fellow Brits, what evidence do you have for this?
there is the anglo indian community in india , a product of british men and women having local affairs .
a grass widow living alone for months while the husband is away at the plains ruling the country gets lonely and loneliness can cause need for love and companionship , especially when news comes of the husband having an indian woman as mistress in the plains :D
the affairs are mentioned in travel booklets giving information about the hill stations . also local guides tell about them .
you seem to be irked . the purpose was not to cast aspersions on the characters of the women .
'So they decided to make Mussoorie free of administrators. As a result, you had a lot of young chaps coming up to meet grass widows whose husbands were down on the plains - with obvious results. A Separation Bell used to be rung at dawn so the chaps could leave the ladies' bedrooms, and the prestige of the Raj was maintained.'
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2002/aug/18/india.observerescapesection
ash doc is quite correct.
Kipling, who visited Shimla frequently in the 1880s, wrote of the intense flirtation, trysts and debauchery for which it was infamous. Scores of young British girls, in search of husbands, turned up in Shimla ready to impress, only to find they had stiff competition from the “grass widows”, more experienced ladies in their 40s visiting without spouses, and often more popular with the bachelors.
Kipling wrote:
The young men come, the young men go, Each pink and white and neat
She’s older than their mothers, but They grovel at Her feet.
They walk beside Her rickshaw-wheels
None ever walk by mine;
And that’s because I’m seventeen And she is forty-nine.
Even the ugliest government officer in Shimla had his hill mistress. Many a cuckold was outed, attacked and divorced due to shenanigans uncovered here. But if the British were overly amorous with their own, they did their best to shun everyone else, as Indian Summers also accurately portrays.
Advertisement
“Simla provided an escape not only from the heat, but also from the native culture,” writes Pamela Kanwar in Imperial Simla. “If social interaction between races was scorned in the plains, it was despised at Simla.”
Shimla’s neighbourhoods reflected these stark divisions. At the top, on the Ridge with views to both sides, lived the Viceroy, senior British officers and other wealthy, distinguished residents. “Domiciled” Britons – those who permanently resided in India – and mixed-race Anglo-Indians lived a tier below, around the Mall and its arteries.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/28/shimla-indian-summers-raj-colonial-legacy-lives-on
"The Grass Widows were wives of Raj officials who were spending the summer in Shimla while their husbands remained on the plains." Raaja continues the conversation we'd started in the cab. "'Grass' was probably a reference to the fresher mountain air. These women were famous for their sexual escapades. They earned themselves nicknames: the 'Charpoy Cobra', charpoy being a traditional woven bed; the 'Subaltern's Guide', named for her taste for subalterns or junior officers; the 'Bed-and-Breakfast', who explains herself; and my own personal favourite, the 'Passionate Haystack'."
"Not everyone was happy about these predatory older women during the Raj," continues Raaja. "I have something here that will give you an idea." With this, he pulls us away from the crowds, into an alcove next to a hole-in-the-wall bangle store. He extracts a small wad of papers from his belted suit trousers. It's a 1913 cutting about the Grass Widows from a local publication, lampooning the "seasoned spinsters and speculating mammas", and the latters' complaint that the Grass Widows are "collecting and enticing away all the eligible bachelors from the unmarried generation".
https://www.telegraphindia.com/1131215/jsp/7days/17698001.jsp
Thanks for posting those, ash. And my apologies - I didnt see the text in your photos the first time. That sunset in Goa is one of many memories I have of Goa. Absolutely stunning. I cant remember the name of the beach I stayed at when I was cylcing. Not the backpacker hangout.
Stirchley
04-18-18, 06:21 PM
the purpose was not to cast aspersions on the characters of the women .
Then why did you?
Then why did you?
i just stated facts that are true . where did i say that the women were of loose character ? i didn't .
i just stated facts that are true . where did i say that the women were of loose character ? i didn't .
I love the charpoy cobra. Lol ash!
Do you have more on this? Could really be in your India thread because it'sgreat culturaal exchange.
Stirchley
04-18-18, 07:06 PM
i just stated facts that are true . where did i say that the women were of loose character ? i didn't .
You quote way too much from stuff you read. Neither one of us was there so I am going to leave it at that.
Just staying with the grass widows a bit longer, there is a really beautiful scene in the Movie White Mischief (About the shenanigans by the sunset valley in crowd in kenya during The Raj) where an older woman reaches behind to touch her Man's aka houseboy's/lover's hand resting on her shoulder. She had to do it in secret back then. Brings me to tears every time. And the scene in Out of Africa where Karen is standing at her thrift sale I think she called it, and her and Farah shared the moment that Denis died. I bawl every time. (I'm not saying she had sexual relations with him because I dont know, but the very deep connection they had)
Ash, I really regret wasting a year arguing with you. I was blind, matey.
You quote way too much from stuff you read. Neither one of us was there so I am going to leave it at that.
So we should disregard all recorded history because we weren't there? Or only the parts you don't like?
If anything it's an empowering anecdote anyway since it was women not just accepting bad treatment from their unfaithful spouses in a time when that was the social norm, and instead potentially finding love or at least companionship with likely mistreated locals.
Out of Africa .
Here's my review of the movie
This off beat film is based on the real life memoirs of a Danish woman called Karen Blixen ( played by Meryl Streep ) who lived in Kenya during the colonial times of British rule over the colony and spent an idyllic existence there .
And why not an idyllic existence ?? The Europeans lived a life of luxury there that only conquerors can live , owned thousands of acres of land , and the time of Africans calling for independence was not yet near .
Karen came there after proposing to her husband that he should marry her and help her start a dairy farm , but after coming there he invests her money to start a coffee plantation instead . And even in this venture he takes little interest , preferring to go for hunting the animals that abound in this part of Africa . And he is a philanderer , his philandering resulting in him transmitting Syphilis to his wife due to which she cannot ever have children even after a long and difficult recovery from the disease .
Is it the lowly position of women during those days that even a rich and powerful woman like Karen has to put up with all this and cannot do anything ?? Or is it her understanding nature that she forgives her husband for everything and tries to fall in love with him ?? Or is she just a hopeless romantic searching for love as opposed to loneliness ??
But things take a turn due to the appearance of a dashing handsome hunter---played by who else but Robert Redford....and Karen falls head over heels in love with him....they go for long hunts in the african grasslands where they participate in beautifully photographed hunting of lions and lionesses , they dance the night away beside romantic campfires at midnight , go flying in biplanes over the african savannah , and make wanton love on satin sheets .
But are all men the same ?/ While women dream of love and loyalty and everlasting romance , men think of only their next conquest....Denys Finch Hatton ( played by Redford ) too wants his freedom and his vagabond life and his big game hunting safaris deep in the African wilderness rather than marriage and domesticity and settling down . Ultimately Karen has to let go even of him . And is it because of their similar natures that Hatton and Karen's ex husband are not jealous of each other inspite of having the same woman at different times in their lives ??
The tides of history touch upon this remote corner of the world too , and the first world war is shown intruding the the peace in the first half of the movie . And not even Karen's desperate following of him where he has gone to fight the Germans convinces her husband of her love . When her coffee plantation ( over which she has spent so much hard work after both men in her life reject her ) is on the brink of a fabulous profit , fire breaks out destroying everything . And her pleas for help fall on deaf ears , even though she goes to the extent of falling on her knees begging for help in front of visiting royalty .
It seems success is not destined to favour Karen . It is time to say goodbye to Africa...
But has Karen's life in Africa been a failure ?? In fact as she prepares to leave , her worth is realised by the men and the people who she is going to say goodbye to . Her lover has to confess that she has destroyed his ability to be alone without her . Her husband too is sad . The same gentleman's club where she was driven out because they didn't entertain ladies ( Indian actor Kabir Bedi plays head waiter there ) now invites her so that all men there can raise a toast to her . But above all, the african people are sad to lose her---for she has formed lasting relationships with them , and been a just master of her estates . Her servants and other africans whose life she has touched do not want her leave ; some even want to go with her....But it is too late....As the train to Mombasa arrives , from where a ship will take her back to Europe , Karen has left her imprint on the land....today there is a museum in her name where she once lived....
The movie moves at an idyllic pace amidst the greenery of Africa , never rushing it's flow . And inspite of the ups and downs of Karen's life , seeing the movie I found peace and tranquillity of mind . That peace and tranquillity was increased by the stunning musical score by John Barry . Hearing the tunes of Barry's music while seeing Karen and her lover holding hands in a plane flying over the vastness and the natural beauty of Africa---I had at last found nirvana....
Acting is good by everyone and photography is good too---watch the scene where a lion and a lioness try to attack the leading lady and actor only to find themselves in the leap of death , for they are shot dead by them...
Verdict---Most satisfying .
Three and a half stars .
Brilliant review, ash! I've been to that museum. It's in her house in a village now called Karen, "at the foot of the Ngong Hills".
OT it's my thread so I encourage OTs; I think my mum got the wrong kid! one of my sister's is named Karen - long A. Her middle name is Joan after Joan of Arc
BTS: The locals were very angry about the making of that film - locals werent used for the shoot. They were all brought in from outside, like your Kabir Bedi. No I wasnt there for the shoot before anyone asks. That story was told to me by the long retired District Commissioner from the days of the raj. I'm sure I would have written about that lovely gentleman in this thread at some stage, "but I'm getting ahead of myself"
My lord that movie makes me cry like a baby.
Neither one of us was there so I am going to leave it at that.
Ashdoc might have been there for all you know. :shrug: He's posting some pretty interesting stuff, Stirchley. worth a read IMO.
The most famous grass widow was Edwina mountbatten , the wife of India's last viceroy. She had an affair with India's future prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It probably blossomed in the hill station of shimla which was the summer capital of India. Nehru was at that time a freedom fighter. The affair continued after he became prime minister of India but insisted that lord mountbatten continue as viceroy!!....maybe for personal reasons:D
Wow I did not know that. Good on her. Nothing wrong with a woman finding comfort, companionship and/or a jolly good romp with a man when her lounge lizard husband is off doing the same.
Thanks again for posting, my friend.
nat666195
04-19-18, 05:27 AM
I am saving up money to do these hopefully in the next couple of years.
St Lucia in the caribbean
https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0a/54/ed/36/piton-mountains-via-stluciaexc.jpg
Australia[/
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Australia_Day.jpg/1200px-Australia_Day.jpg
Disneyland
http://cdn1.dlp-media.com/resize/mwImage/1/900/360/75/wdpromedia.disney.go.com/media/wdpro-dlp-assets/prod/en-gb/system/images/n013047_2019may13_sleeping-beauty-castle_900x360.jpg
Oh yeah. Tell me more, natt.
I really want to do the Caribbean - tick
I live in Australia - tick
Disneyland - I'm stereo deaf and and as much as I love love love rollercoasters, the noise drives me insane. I'm more of a sit back and chillout kinda traveller, but amusemnt parks are cool. If I wasnt so ruffled by the beautiful chaos of the parks I would definitely do Disney's playhouses.
The most famous grass widow was Edwina mountbatten , the wife of India's last viceroy. She had an affair with India's future prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It probably blossomed in the hill station of shimla which was the summer capital of India. Nehru was at that time a freedom fighter. The affair continued after he became prime minister of India but insisted that lord mountbatten continue as viceroy!!....maybe for personal reasons:D
I was just thinking of our grass widow conversation and the movie Out of Africa which is based on Karen's collection of short stories. I think I said it in the thread but I dont expect mofos to hang off my every word, so incase you missed the Out of Africa memoirs of mine, Karen talks about how once bitten by the Africa bug it really gets under your skin. Yep. I read a lot of books written by expats when I was there and they all said the same thing. Why Africa (although the sub continent and latin america really got under my skin as well but not in the same way) Why does Africa seem to have that impact on so many people? The place where you really feel home. It's different for all of us, and that's perfectly fine, but my guess is, and this comes without a coffee because the lovely Mr D had the last of it, I genuinely believe it's a place you've been before, in a far away time.
Karen also talks about 'Armchair travellers' where you travel in your imagination. I thoroughly recommend this for people interested in travel but not interested in the 'getting there' aspect. There is absolutely nothing wrong or less than here - travel in your imagination is a wonderful thing and needs to be encouraged. Isabel Allende did this when she was a little girl listening to the stories of her elders. She is a fantastic story teller.
My girlfriend was a mind/armchair traveller earlier. At that time her father was ailing and she had to stay with him to take care of him . So she used to imagine travelling to distant places , without being actually able to do so .
Now her father is no more and she has no responsibilities. She is now ready to become a real traveller. First she is already travelling all over India and then she plans to travel the world.
I'm very happy you've found a lady friend, ashdoc. You certainly seem more content. Congrats! And she sounds so right for you -
Stirchley
04-20-18, 04:04 PM
This off beat film
Why do you describe it as “offbeat”?
played by who else but Robert Redford
Redford was an odd choice for the rôle considering that Finch Hattan was British.
Palace of the maharaja of kolhapur ( medieval kingdom in southwestern india ) ---side view
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31670845_10216440116058496_7113414450127831040_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=e0a82017ab0c81e60905fdafdc4bf4a0&oe=5B96C8BF
front view of the palace
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31706607_10216440116298502_2549839968155467776_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=ce7c08786f9f232cc0dc2280c1285f33&oe=5B8A8F7D
temple of hindu god shiva---the god of fertility .
the idol is not of shiva himself but that of his penis in union with the vagina of parvati---his goddess wife . behind is the bull giving the god of fertility bull like strength in bed .
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31564162_10216440117458531_1804964734902992896_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=305684ca134af7e4725451e29f7dfe0f&oe=5B50900C
outside view of temple of laxmi , the hindu goddess of wealth . i was not allowed to take photos inside the temple for security reasons .
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31732431_10216440117818540_6064760599550623744_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=13ea2f3f2f0df5a5ebd832b819b32c9a&oe=5B598535
medieval wrestling arena , kolhapur
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31530917_10216440120618610_3117015920287940608_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=4e31bd4c44abb731195e215cf73442af&oe=5B51C9B3
munnar hill station in south india .
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TrWJouusttg/WL2FRRRevjI/AAAAAAAAATI/b8MnM3rdkP07lXpdta82upQxAgCRR2-lQCJoC/w530-h298-p-rw/2017%2B-%2B1
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H_DHEj4449Y/WL2FakZLqUI/AAAAAAAAATg/avUGl8he7ogZVdc14yKnHmT53Ild6Xv9QCJoC/w530-h298-p-rw/2017%2B-%2B1
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_58-BdEw9kw/WL2E1P6zfdI/AAAAAAAAASk/A2iaxAByDgUEkERhyrOShU_S3069y5ONwCJoC/w530-h298-p-rw/2017%2B-%2B1
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4KF-vzxzsQY/WL2EodfgWhI/AAAAAAAAARs/B5_J-8F33U0Nj8d_Ra-Hm7EpJGFjMfUugCJoC/w530-h298-p-rw/2017%2B-%2B1
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qGIEZ7-V5Mc/WL2ERgIFZzI/AAAAAAAAARU/Yv23EOFmJQ80qiNzxAGxu6y0p8-OV333QCJoC/w530-h298-p-rw/2017%2B-%2B1
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ma_nb8WH8fI/WL2Dwv3OkqI/AAAAAAAAAPg/VL-117aO37cO9q7hmE0moIZPDlXEqbxAQCJoC/w530-h298-p-rw/2017%2B-%2B1
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QFf4hdooqKk/WL2EvLtUPZI/AAAAAAAAASM/arVFDGtxOiINq9QK8JWReYCMKxOY32c4gCJoC/w530-h298-p-rw/2017%2B-%2B1
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FVui486Dc8g/WL2D9ujZOMI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/XcUfpaG55AE25svCeddVlPUo1VPpgOPXQCJoC/w530-h298-p-rw/2017%2B-%2B1
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4q_kueqT0-s/WL2JaPqHhDI/AAAAAAAAAU8/LS7dgYmkEWEPs3FojaH7iJrSGY3vXBKXwCJoC/w530-h298-p-rw/2017%2B-%2B1
Beautiful, ash. I've seen that elephant one before and it makes me sad, but te others are lovely. Thankyou for bumping my poor, lil thread.I have neglected her,but only temporarily. I had my lawyer here last night and she has offerd us her chalet in Thredbo Australia, so hopefulyI have photos soon, or maybe with my condition I really should go somewhere warm. Would you think I was crazy if I said Iran and Israel? My skiing days are over and I love the snowy mountains in spring. Trouble is organising Mr D.
My other optionn at the moment is Tasmania.One of my brothers lives thereand is an alpine tour guide. He's pushing me hard for right now but once again,I'm afraid of the icy cold coming in fromAntarctica. I get bonecold,and rightnow that would not be too good for me.
Beautiful, ash. I've seen that elephant one before and it makes me sad, but te others are lovely. Thankyou for bumping my poor, lil thread.I have neglected her,but only temporarily. I had my lawyer here last night and she has offerd us her chalet in Thredbo Australia, so hopefulyI have photos soon, or maybe with my condition I really should go somewhere warm. Would you think I was crazy if I said Iran and Israel? My skiing days are over and I love the snowy mountains in spring. Trouble is organising Mr D.
My other optionn at the moment is Tasmania.One of my brothers lives thereand is an alpine tour guide. He's pushing me hard for right now but once again,I'm afraid of the icy cold coming in fromAntarctica. I get bonecold,and rightnow that would not be too good for me.
The elephant in the goa photos was different. This elephant was in munnar .
The northern parts of Iran are cold especially because it is a mountainous country.
Yea I know. My sister and I were actually talking about doing a tour there yesterday and I was surprised she didnt know that. But it's the same for Australia. People in other countries are always surprised when I say there is debate about us having more snow than Switzerland if I talk about East Africa to Australians they cannot believe it gets snow.
I'm going to park this here because it's about my travels, and I simply dont like starting threads.
Do you practise Ayurveda? I knew about it and practised it a bit before I left Austrslia but when I was cycling I stayed at something like YWCA in Delhi on one stopover there. I became very good friends with a couple - he was America and she was aussie. They lived in Americaand would make regular visits to a particular place that had an ayurvedic ashram as she had cancer. I'm only just remembering this.Gee I really loved that pair but unfortnately it was back in the day of carrier pigeon and we lost contact.
Anyway, I tried the full body wake up routine, including yogic stances and breathing the other morning and i dont think someone in full time work could do this, or maybe i am very slow.
Oh Oh I just saw something about the royals and the Kentucky Derby. Gee I hope she rufless feathers in the Palace. Megan looks more and more beautiful each day. And my god each time I see footage of castls over there I feel cold. Didnt they hve electriity backthen?
Ayurveda is just like herbal medicine---good to treat some chronic ailments . It's medicines don't have much side effects. That's some advantage of it . I don't practice it much. I mean I do prescribe some ayurvedic medicines but I cannot be called a regular practitioner.
Ayurveda is just like herbal medicine---good to treat some chronic ailments . It's medicines don't have much side effects. That's some advantage of it . I don't practice it much. I mean I do prescribe some ayurvedic medicines but I cannot be called a regular practitioner.
Thanks but I dont mean the 'medicines' as such (by the way, how do yoou prescribe them - are you an apothecary?) I'm talking about the wholistic approach of body typing, oils, meridians, yogic practices food types eg heating or cooling etc etc.
Went back into the mountains for vacation to escape the sweltering heat of summer . To the hill station of Saputara .
The below two photos are of the lake of Saputara captured in photo from a point above it and the town of Saputara called lakeview point . The lake is surrounded by the town which is mostly consisting of hotels and resorts .
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33871319_10216651167614653_2820857184831668224_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=a776eb3208c158dffb5f295deaa1c0e2&oe=5B86128B
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33782073_10216651167894660_5811735537748279296_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=10858ecc7d7320e18eea13f9944be776&oe=5BC38B56
the view of the surrounding mountains
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33769014_10216651168614678_8904662704459874304_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=2a30dd552df42b1a98f1199a3b8ff879&oe=5BC36F08
two photos of view of the plains below . greenery which is abundant in rains and in winter has shrunken due to the heat of may month .
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/34016858_10216651168334671_7926245579355586560_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=dbe33d3759b8c6948c1b35900b22c2c0&oe=5B8C5842
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33766454_10216651168894685_6780120138940153856_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=ca95c851ea7d5564c0ca07d838c22353&oe=5B869A78
suicide point , mount abu
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46240409_10217986463716221_1160813558552854528_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent-bom1-1.xx&oh=2f09fdb42e6ab4ff60a34f9321247507&oe=5C717386
nakki lake
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46397990_10217986464196233_4339360971324653568_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-bom1-1.xx&oh=cdbdbd6666f9f6328480063ee12eb5fd&oe=5C7237DB
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46287509_10217986239070605_9114605838374273024_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-bom1-1.xx&oh=6fbba37a0e07391d201456719316a59d&oe=5C732A56
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46364818_10217986239350612_6103875377816403968_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_ht=scontent-bom1-1.xx&oh=6633dbf4bbbeda135f9fc34a8ed10968&oe=5C76B0F0
sunset point
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46364476_10217986236350537_5666292998619529216_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_ht=scontent-bom1-1.xx&oh=0419aebd793fc9f8be66b820fe386091&oe=5C761F5F
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46235767_10217986241230659_6349712700179742720_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent-bom1-1.xx&oh=b491111c94ee6088be755f7441fdc227&oe=5CB1E2F9
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46288133_10217986242070680_5368055597776240640_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent-bom1-1.xx&oh=ba70db002c85c0c016b24600b837dda3&oe=5CB224D7
Stirchley
12-17-18, 02:19 PM
Yoda, looks like you got a travel agent here.
Thanks for the heads-up. :up:
Goa , the tropical paradise---view from my hotel terrace
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/56435183_10219087994813810_5323255412386955264_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent-bom1-1.xx&oh=94a0792a2bb9e5f3f03898b27b8455b9&oe=5D02AA9C
https://scontent-bom1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/56158346_10219087995253821_4721448657910497280_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-bom1-1.xx&oh=1d0d2862fa48644c7aebd99535d2b366&oe=5D4185F7
vBulletin® v3.8.0, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.