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Kochi's folklore museum : )

Kochi's very own folklore museum deserves a spotlight in its own right as a sacred spot of preserved history. It is dense, maximalist, and filled to the brim with artworks that span decades into the past. This is primarily a family-owned business with over 30 years of historical artifacts in storage, so you find yourself walking alongside religious motifs and palatial décor that was likely used rigorously by Kerala's royal courts and nobility. There are over 6,000 pieces of individual works to admire, and as I traversed the three floors, staring into the symmetrical designs and woodwork, it stunned me how brilliant those artisans were to achieve this level of fine quality and workmanship, especially considering that their work has outlived them and now immortalizes an actual era of Indian history. Meanwhile, the museum itself boasts intricate woodwork on the staircases, doorways, and ceilings, so no matter where your eyes settle, there is a whole world of paint, design, and ma...

Sitting on a swan in Copenhagen!

In Copenhagen, there is one small transportation experience you must take: a whole swan paddle boat. I found this one in Peblinge Lake, which is part of the three artificial reservoirs created along the city center. Although I first noticed this region for its affinity for walkers and joggers, the shallow waters themselves are home to a few ducks, swans, and grebes. This humble boat can mimic the inhabitants just as well, allowing you to confidently paddle around them. I found it quite pleasant to leisurely sway along with the water while appreciating the landscape in the Nørrebro neighborhood. The tall and wide buildings, set apart from one another by design and color, invite your eyes to sit and appreciate each one for itself. I even took some time to read a book while drifting along with the wind, until I found myself too close to a swan nest, and then I retreated to safer waters, wisely. And in just about an hour, I was ready for my next adventure, so if you've got time to kill...

House boating in Alleppey, Keralam : )

When we were first making our way towards the houseboat in Alleppey, we had only a vague idea of how the backwaters look in Kerala, the aquatic plant life and village communities that live around them. So when we were introduced to our captain, Jaydas, for a trip of 2 nights, we were simply not ready for the adventure ahead of us. Our houseboat is essentially composed of a wide deck and an upper floor that coughs up a panoramic view of the life outside. The hallway acts as the main artery connecting all living spaces, so we made sure not to clutter that region. Our boat had the capacity to switch on an air conditioner in the evening time so we could relax without fear of humidity or mosquitoes after a big day of sightseeing. We, of course, had ample opportunity to take a walk outside when the boat was at port along the journey. Our first big surprise, apart from the glittery waters and eager flocks of birds, was the lunch menu itself. When we saw the lavish spread, we honest...

Spice garden tour in Spring valley, Keralam!

There are multiple spice gardens along the Spring Valley region in Kerala, and they more or less follow the same blueprint: a family-owned estate with an optional tour of the medicinal herbs, followed by a detailed exhibition of the products extracted from the garden. These can range from raw products such as cardamom pods to more refined oils for skincare or back pain relief, which their in-house pharmacy would be happy to prescribe. During this garden tour, we enjoyed discovering just how many varieties of the same plant exist in the wild. In the case of peppers and bananas especially, we realized how differently these plants fruit compared to the versions we are used to seeing on commercial farms. It is admittedly quite an interactive and engaging experience, so as long as you can avoid purchasing medicines you do not really need, this informative tour is definitely a must-do for nature enthusiasts!

Belgium's grandest railway station in Antwerp!

If I don't go and explain it, you might take one look at this majestic architecture and mistake it for a church — and who could blame you? Even the local Dutch nickname, “Spoorwegkathedraal,” recognizes the church-like features of Antwerpen-Centraal railway station. When I first arrived here, I had to take three escalators just to reach mean sea level. Above, a bright naturally lit roof guides your eyes toward the higher levels of the building, and justifiably so, because there is so much detail to unravel. From a purely architectural standpoint, these design elements cannot be defined by a single word, but rather by a blend of Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque styles. These are characterized by striking angular facades, ornate symmetry, and rounded arches. Even within these visuals alone, you can grasp the lavishness and grandeur that this building boasts. It is as admirable as it is unfortunate that much of its financing was tied to the colonial exploitation of the 19th-century Co...

Flora & Fauna Eco Park of Munnar, Keralam!

Truthfully, we began this day with a long car ride around Kerala, but soon enough I fell carsick and needed a reason to take a breather between these scenic mountain roads. Perhaps a word of caution as well: if you plan to catch a glimpse of a few waterfalls along the way, definitely do not come during the early months of the year like we did, because we only got to see dry stones and sticks instead — albeit with a bit of greenery. But during the monsoon season after June, you could witness something amazing like this. We were lucky enough to catch a view of Valara Waterfalls, which, even though distant from our viewpoint, showed just how majestic and eventful these hills can be. And so we arrived at this eco park with no idea what to expect, simply eager to take a walk. We were first greeted by these emu birds, which honestly deserve their own emu-ji considering how expressive they are! Right after feeding one, we were captivated by the birds around us, so I even tried whistling ...