Kashmir

I have a feeling that Kashmir may feature on the 'to visit' lists of many. I also have a feeling that it will be one of the harder destinations to cross off those lists.

It's on my list. Why do I want to go? Houseboats and shikara rides on Dal Lake, hidden valleys and ancient ruins. Why would you not want to go?

Paddle (by Sebastian Ku via TREKEARTH)

 

Serenity on Dal Lake (by Patrick Hubert via TREKEARTH)

Kids of Kashmir (by Narender Kumar Guatam via TREKEARTH)

MELBOURNE

Melbourne - courtesy of Instagram:

(View from Yarra Pedestrian Bridge, Cafe No.5 - Centre Place, Chinatown, Scots' Church, Graffiti in Hosier Lane)

Brother Baba Budan

Best coffee in Melbourne? Brother Baba Budan. If you're in town, check it out at 359 Little Bourke Street (there's no signage!). Friendly service, coffee that's smooth and sweet - what more could you want? Seating is limited, but you will still find a (very) mixed and eclectic crowd.

'Who is Baba Budan' - you ask? A 17th century sufi, who, according to legend, introduced coffee to India.

  (image: Breakfast Out)

This Ain't Stockholm

Like many, I love sitting in a cafe and watching the world go by. With so many street style blogs out there, it's easy to see the world - Paris, New York, Stockholm etc. Wherever the well dressed are, you can be sure that someone is there, camera in hand, to document the moment. Stockholm seems to be the city of the moment, but for me, style can be found everywhere. Including, in one of my favourite cities, Johannesburg.

The following pics were taken by Chris Saunders, a photographer based in South Africa. Take a look at some more of his work: www.whatwasparadise.com.

LANEWAYS

I'm headed to Melbourne on Monday - and I cannot wait. I'm particulary looking forward to exploring the many laneways in the CBD and hunting down the perfect cup of coffee. Degraves Street, Centre Place, here I come!

(images: The Age)

Headed to Melbourne? I found this little article that highlights the hot spots.

Taxi!

An interesting look at music promotion in Johannesburg

You're Sending Me Where?

Until recently, I never really wanted to travel much. Being away from home and my comfort zone was just not for me. But, that changed. In 2010, the company I worked for gave me the wonderful opportunity to travel to Africa. Although I travelled regularly during my school days (family trips to visit relatives), I forgot how wonderful it was to see the world.

As a child, I had dreamed of Africa. Of safaris, explorers and the mysteries that lay hidden in the deserts and mountain ranges. Africa was at the top of my travel wish list. So, when I was told I would be going to South Africa, the list resurfaced, and, needless to say, it was an amazing journey.

After that, I decided that I wanted to go everywhere and see everything.

I don't travel as much as I would like to, but, I'm not going to let that stop me from starting this collection of the places I want to see. A collection of journeys (the few I've taken and the many yet to come), people, photography and a few other things thrown in.

Ortelius's map of the world, dated circa 1601

(image: SMH)