Why You Go There?
Real-time "point and shoot" photographs and anecdotal information from the travels and experiences of rEy Shaun Madolora - Photographer, Traveler, Bicycle Enthusiast, Yogi, Musician, Foodie, Patron of the Arts, and Entrepreneur...
The Apple Samosa at The Office is an experience that ought not to be missed on a visit to Rishikesh… Also have their amazing Masala Chai on the balcony over looking the Ganges River!! - India
The cost of entry to the Taj Mahal for an Indian is 20INR… The cost to a foreigner is 750INR… 37.5x the cost??? That is just ridiculous!! I could understand charging 2x as much or maybe even 10x but this much of an increase seems absurd! Foreigners to get access to the toilette for free but there are no other perks included in the cost… (at Taj Mahal)
Mysore Pak
A common desert in South India that is extremely rich!!! It is amazing with masala chai!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysore_pak
In Gokulam, the bakery at Hotel Vishnu Bhavan is the place to go for great sweets that cost 10INR ($0.18USD)!!!
Santosha Cafe - Gokulam/Mysore - Definitely one of the most popular Yogi hangouts in Gokulam just down the street from Pattabhi Jois’ ashram… - Karnataka, India (at Santosha)
“Akbar”
On my first trip to India I met Akbar when I visited the Devaraja Market in Mysore in Karnataka, South India. He grabbed me by the arm and invited me to his familie’s perfume stall (I.R.S. Perfumes) to show me how they make incense… I met his uncles, had tea, watched Akbar make incense and ended up buying a few years worth of essential oils. It was a great travel experience. Akbar was 12.
Last week I stopped by the market and asked about Akbar. His uncle called him on his mobile phone and he came by the market to say hello. He is now 16.
He is pictured here holding my phone displaying the photograph I took of him almost 4yrs ago.
swellgood asked: Hey, I saw your post of yougetting a tattoo in Chiang Mai and i was wondering if you could tell me where it was? and how much was it? im travelling to thailand this march and want to get my first tattoo done while im away! :) I'd really appreciate if you could reply privately with some advice, thanks! x
Sorry for the delayed response!!! We are traveling in India and Internet can be quite elusive here.
I would highly recommend “Naga Tattoo” in Chiang Mai. They are professional, hygienic, friendly, and affordable. The artists that work there are truly gifted! They are also extremely knowledgeable about Thai traditional tattoos and also Khmer (ancient Buddhist language)… We had a great experience here and researched and visited a number of studios in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
I hope this helps!!
Hampi is a great place to purchase gemstones or get custom made jewelry. We went to Shiva Gems to buy our birthday presents… Vania got a Lapis Lazuli necklace for her Vishuddha Chakra and I got a Tigers Eye Mala made for meditation and chanting… Great prices and knowledge of gemstones and their meanings, energy, and power!!!
January 1st, 2013 - Rey Shaun Madolora featured on AFAR.com
“Dwelling in Austin, Texas” is a compilation of photographs and travel tips on the capital city where live music prevails, bicycles abound, fashion is easy, and the food is all good by Austin’s “Local Expert”!!
The year is getting off to a good start!!
Trekking Sapa, Vietnam
Sapa is well worth the trip if you find yourself in Northern Vietnam. My time here has rapidly become one of my favorite experiences in all our travels in Vietnam. The hiking here is fairly treacherous due to the mud and wed terrain but the vistas of the terraced mountains make it all worth it and even on a cloudy, foggy day the experience is spectacular.
An effort should be made to find a local guide from the Black H’mong Minority Group and if possible hire the guide directly without using your hotel or travel company. Most of the companies are Vietnamese owned and very little money makes it to the hands of the H’mong guide doing all the work. The Black H’mong people are beautiful and their persistent efforts to sell you their goods or to offer you a tour are all done in good heart. They might be the only group of people in Southeast Asia that aren’t trying to rip you off!
Rey Shaun Madolora - AFAR Highlight Spotlight - MEXICO
