Nooks And Corners

Nooks And Corners We are bit by the travel bug. The world's nooks and corners call out to us!

We revel in the pure joy of coming face to face with a new country, landscape, culture, and experiencing new places, their architecture, cuisine, people, distinctiveness.

06/04/2026

The first stop on our recent week long cruise to the Western Caribbean is widely celebrated as the “jewel of the Caribbean.” At 800ft above sea level with 100,000 people on island, speaking 4 languages, Roatan is the largest of Honduras' Bay Islands.

Roatan's coral reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world. Renowned for vibrant corals, massive sponges, and diverse marine life, the reef is protected by the Bay Islands National Marine Park.

In spots like West Bay, the reef is very easily accessible allowing for snorkeling and scuba diving. We ventured out and saw some magnificent coral sights in different colours and shapes. It was surreal to be among one of the best coral reefs in the world. Warning: pictures and videos do not justice.

James Pothirajulu Tina George

Morocco road trip - part 2In the second half of our 2000km road trip of Morocco, we travelled from the Sahara desert thr...
10/01/2025

Morocco road trip - part 2

In the second half of our 2000km road trip of Morocco, we travelled from the Sahara desert through the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The terrain went from sandy dunes to rocky mountains, from cedar forests to enormous gorges, from snow covered slopes to huge ocean waves. All of it peppered with towns that date back to the 12th century, like Fez, to modern cities like Casablanca and the capital Ribad.

Tourism is on the rise in Morocco with people from all over the world discovering this North African gem. It is also a getaway from colder countries in the winter. We had pleasant weather ranging from 7degrees centigrade at night to 22 degrees during the day.

Moroccan culture is a blend of Arab, Berber and European influences. It was once part of several powerful empires including the French and Spanish. Now a democracy with a parliamentarian system and overseen by the King. We loved the Tagine, Morocco’s most popular dish which is one pot of meat and vegetables , eaten with bread or couscous. Mint tea is the staple beverage.

There is a rich tradition of religious tolerance, and Moroccan society values hospitality and community. Muslims who form the majority live in harmony with Jews and Christians who are a minority.

It was a week filled with the thrill of exploring a new country, people and culture. While Morocco is still early on the maturity scale for tourism and showcasing of its treasures, the country has a lot to offer for a keen and adventurous traveller.

Morocco road trip - part 1. A land of rugged and rocky mountains, dunes of sand in the desert, and a coastline that boas...
07/01/2025

Morocco road trip - part 1.
A land of rugged and rocky mountains, dunes of sand in the desert, and a coastline that boasts of the Mediterranean sea and Atlantic Ocean, Morocco is located in North Africa. Because of its unique location, it is a key player in African, Mediterranean and European affairs.

We are on a 2000km road trip around Morocco. We started in Marrakech with its Medina (old city) soukhs (streets of shops, food) and the main square with musicians, snake charmers and other entertainers. The country is famous for its Moorish architecture, particularly the intricate designs made purely from geometric patterns. Evident very richly in the lovely buildings of the Bahia Palace.

We traversed the Atlas mountains with its majestic views of rugged mountain terrain, valleys, gorges and occasional oasis of lakes. Miles and Miles of impressive views. We climbed up to 6000ft for stunning sights.

Morocco has a rich history that blends Arab, Berber, and European influences. We stopped at Berber villages and Kasbas (traditional fortified villages from the 12th century) to take in the local cuisine and communities.

We ended in Sahara Desert known as Merzouga with a beautiful camel ride on the sand dunes. The spectacular sunset from the top of the dunes was a perfect end to the first half of the road trip.

The Pyramids of Giza. One of the last standing original wonders of the world. Surviving pretty much intact after being b...
06/01/2025

The Pyramids of Giza. One of the last standing original wonders of the world. Surviving pretty much intact after being built in about 3000 BC - that’s a good 5000 years ago! Their construction is considered one of the greatest architectural feats of the ancient world, displaying unimaginably advanced knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering for the time. For example, the great pyramid used 2.3 million limestone blocks, weighing between 2.5 and 15 tons each. The alignment of the pyramids to the stars and constellations is highly precise.

Th pyramids are the tombs of kings and pharaohs, they were buried with wealth and treasures as it was believed that it will keep them wealthy in their afterlife. Their bodies were mummified with balms and herbes and over the years archaeologists have unearthed several. They discovered that many tombs were looted and treasures were stolen.

Artefacts and mummies that were successfully restored are displayed in Egypt’s three museums, which have a fascinating collection. The mummy of king Tut is still preserved in its original tomb in the Valley of the Kings, and is open to the public. Using a local guide to visit these monuments enriched our understanding of the history of the ancient land. Highly recommended. One can use a tour agency or local freelance guides.

Was glad to finally strike the Pyramids off the bucket list, and so very worth it!

My knowledge of the Nile river was limited to the time when I studied about it in the fifth grade geography class as the...
04/01/2025

My knowledge of the Nile river was limited to the time when I studied about it in the fifth grade geography class as the largest river in the world. I also read about it in the Bible as the river where Moses’ mother left the baby in a basket to rescue him from being killed.

It’s been historic to stand on the banks of the Nile river and see it in real life and learn how it is an integral part of Egyptian history, human civilization and the evolution of empires and even modernization of the whole region. The annual flooding of the Nile deposited nutrient-rich silt, allowing for fertile land to grow crops. The river was central to the identity and roles of kings and Pharoahs with many a majestic monument built along its shores.

The Nile has two major tributaries—the White Nile, which originates from East Africa, and the Blue Nile, which begins in Ethiopia. These two rivers meet in Sudan before flowing northward into Egypt and eventually emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.

Taking a ride on the Nile river in a Falucca (local sail boats) was indeed a memorable occasion.

Luxor, often referred to as the “world’s greatest open-air museum,” a city that pulsates with ancient grandeur and histo...
01/01/2025

Luxor, often referred to as the “world’s greatest open-air museum,” a city that pulsates with ancient grandeur and historical significance going back to the beginning of civilization. Situated along the Nile River in southern Egypt, it was once the capital of the ancient Egyptian empire. The city’s magnificence is highlighted by its extraordinary collection of monuments, temples, and tombs, many of which are considered masterpieces of ancient architecture and art.

The awe-inspiring Karnak and Luxor Temples are famous for their massive decorative pylons, towering columns, the avenue of the Sphinx, and the obelisks. It is one of the largest religious complexes ever constructed, Its sheer scale and the precision of its construction evokes a sense of reverence and wonder.

The Valley of the Kings and Queens are the final resting places of pharaohs, queens, and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom. The tombs are carved deep into the cliffs of the Theban Mountains, decorated with vibrant hieroglyphs and breathtaking murals that narrate the pharaohs’ journey to the afterlife.

Beautiful and magnificent, one can get lost in this town to be transported to 4000 years BC and imagine a world of pharaohs, pagan gods and architectural marvels unimaginable today.

Coming soon - a journey through Egypt! It’s been fascinating to discover the history of this country which dates back to...
18/12/2024

Coming soon - a journey through Egypt! It’s been fascinating to discover the history of this country which dates back to more than 3000 years BC! To read documented evidence of life and people, monuments and monarchs, Gods and pagans and to see history taking shape. For me personally, it’s been an eye opening and gripping discovery to correlate Biblical stories in the Old Testament to this historical account. Can’t wait to be there in person and explore more!

The Trent Severn Waterway is a scenic 386 km route of rivers, lakes, locks and canals in Ontario, interconnected by 44 l...
13/07/2024

The Trent Severn Waterway is a scenic 386 km route of rivers, lakes, locks and canals in Ontario, interconnected by 44 locks. Human ingenuity has conceptualized and built this historic lock system, including the first and second highest lift locks in the world.

The system gives a way for boaters and paddlers to enjoy moving from one to the next of these beautiful lakes. At locks, boats are raised or lowered by filling or emptying the lock chamber. Gates at each end of the lock chamber allow the boats to enter and leave.

It’s been our long standing wish to explore these lakes via the locks. We got to experience it first hand as we navigated Lock 31 Lovesick and Lock 32 Buckhorn. It was a great experience as we learnt the ropes (marine pun intended!) of entering the water chambers, then getting lifted up or lowered down with the water and then exiting to the next lake through the gates. We cruised through Lakes Buckhorn, Curve and Chemong.

Looking forward to more of these this season.

In a day trip out of Prague, uncovered the beauty of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO world heritage site in the Southern part of...
30/04/2024

In a day trip out of Prague, uncovered the beauty of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO world heritage site in the Southern part of the Czech Republic. Another city with rich history, it boasts a stunning 13th-century castle with Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque elements, a 11-hectare garden and original 17th-century baroque theater within the castle walls. Narrow cobbled streets take one to several quaint nooks in the city but one can see age catching up with the not so well maintained medieval buildings. For the best views of the old town and river, climb to the top of the belltower and take in the breathtaking panorama.

Certainly worth a visit when in Prague. Several tour companies organize guided trips to and from Prague. Try to avoid Mondays when entrance into the castle buildings are closed.

Looking for a delicious dessert to try in Prague? Look no further than Trdelnik, a mouthwatering “ chimney cake”that is ...
30/04/2024

Looking for a delicious dessert to try in Prague? Look no further than Trdelnik, a mouthwatering “ chimney cake”that is fried to perfection and filled with a variety of tasty ingredients. Whether you prefer classic cinnamon or decadent chocolate spread or a top up of icecream or whipped cream, there's a Trdelnik for everyone!

The Lonely Planet says Prague is equivalent to Paris in its beauty. I wouldn’t go that far, but Praha (Prague in Czech l...
29/04/2024

The Lonely Planet says Prague is equivalent to Paris in its beauty. I wouldn’t go that far, but Praha (Prague in Czech language) is certainly pretty. It captivates visitors with its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant culture. Walking around the city one feels transported to a medieval world. Lined by its cobbled streets, embraced by monumental towers and churches, split by the Vltava River and defined by the sprawling Prague castle, the capital city of the Czech Republic provides glimpses into its powerful past and modern attempts to preserve its historic beauty.

One can get around Prague by foot, with 15000 steps a day, of course. Seriously, all major sites are within walking distances. There is also a very efficient team system if you want to give your feet a break.

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