China

Thu, 02 Jun 2016 10:35:33 -0700

There are few countries in the world with a culture as distinct and diverse as China. It is a country of contrasts, with thriving big cities such as Beijing, and Shanghai, and rural and smaller areas including Chengdu, Xian and Guilin that are also magical to explore. This is a country stuck between the developed and developing world and now is the time to dip your toes into this amazing culture and explore the diverse flavors and colors across the provinces of China.

Beijing!

Beijing was a study in contrasts with modern high rises situated directly next to the old traditional Hutongs ( traditional homes). We were welcomed with open hearts and often a request for selfies from the young and old. Tianamen Square was fascinating at the sheer size of the area. Even better our kids had been studying China and could compare their studies to what was being taught in China.. PRICELESS!

Selfies all the time with my son!

The Forbidden City

At the center of Beijing is the Forbidden City, the vast palace complex of former emperors. Mao’s Private areas being unlocked for us to explore..

Tiananmen Square

You have to stand in the center of Tiananmen Square to begin to visualize the true magnitude of the city (in which nearly one million citizens came together for the protests of 1989), where the expansive surroundings are STILL watched by government-controlled cameras. Having watched the news in 1989, it was even more grounding to have our children reveal their learning from their World History Books.

The Summer Palace

Mystical Nepal

I was unprepared for the beauty and mysticism within the Kingdom of Nepal. Once thought of as a back-packers paradise and the destination to begin the summit of Everest; Nepal is truly a destination for foodies, yoga, nature, mysticism and many types of explorations.. I was lucky enough to be invited to explore Nepal by one of our global travel partners, and I am anxious to return again to spend time among the Nepali people.

My first Morning in Kathmandu... Good Morning from Dwarika's Resort.... happiness!

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu's Durbar Square held the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square surrounds quadrangles, revealing courtyards and temples. It is known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the palace.

Annapurna Mountain Range

As a “soft” adventure girl, I thoroughly loved my time hiking in the Annapurna range, with incredible views of the mountains all around. The night sky features stars for miles and the beauty of sunrise is simply not to be missed. The hikes throughout the region always wound by small villages, where children are seen hiking to their schools, people are working their fields and sweeping their front steps.

Cold, Crisp Morning in the Annapurna Range! I woke up and watched the sun rise over the mountains... Spiritual...

Hiking with our Lodge manager who had scaled Everest SIX times!

The Villagers...Read More