At times the path less traveled is the path – Idaho Drives
In the middle of no where, somewhere between Nevada to Idaho
Mighty Mt. Zion, Utah
Hiking through these magnificent natural wonders, traversing streams that change the course of the range every few centuries, observing so many old and new species thriving, it only made me realize the magnitude, untrimmed beauty, strength and resilience of these majestic peaks. Even though this was a photographer’s paradise, pictures don’t do even 10% justice to what they look when you’re standing there! It was the perfect wake up and solace honoring this season of happiness and hope🙏🙏
Tokyo Tales
It’s humanly impossible to describe Tokyo in words. The two parallel worlds which coexist in harmony, that place is Tokyo. It’s the land of Shintō shrines, Manga n Anime, tranquil gardens, marvelous trains which carry over 17 million passengers daily with almost never a delay, the narrowest streets carrying by far the freshest food and sake, where tea ceremonies make you feel at one with the divine, where rituals blend with history and the present. The blaringly loud and brightly lit streets, suddenly turn into tranquil with its numerous gardens and shrines. I know I’ve learned so much more about myself, walking and traveling these streets, which are as old as the 1400s 🙏🙏❤️😍
At Sensoji ShrineA traditional Japanese wedding!The Japanese Ramen I highly recommend – Ichiran RamenCan’t really go wrong with Sushi at most places in Tokyo – Highly recommend this Standing Sushi Restaurant in Shibuya, Tokyo
The traditional Japanese Tea Tasting ceremony for me was connecting myself to the moment, apart from the fabulous taste of pure Matcha
The famous and always crowded Shibuya Crossing is a must-do in Tokyo! I recommend visiting it after sunset and the Starbucks at the crossing is the best strategic spot to soak in the blanket of pedestrians heading in different directions 🙂
The Tsukiji Market is an absolute must and delight to the taste, smell and visual buds!
The iconic Ginza district is the fast paced, crazy, colorful area of Tokyo.
World’s smallest karaoke bar!! They had songs from John Denver to Katy Perry. The heart and soul of Japan is in these super compact, almost claustrophobic bars in some of the quaintest alleys
The super tranquil Meiji Shrine is that perfect solace and tranquil from the bustle of the city
Kyoto Unrevealed
Kyoto is that breadth of fresh air, which occasionally exists just in one’s imagination. Traveling the streets, shrines, temples, Zen gardens, Geisha streets, alleys and izakayas, all I can say is, Kyoto has blended it’s roots of belief and history into modern day lifestyle with a mysteriously cozy vibe, which takes you off the beaten path. With each shrine having its unique architectural and spiritual significance, gardens which make you question the true definition of art, Geisha – the most misunderstood term by most of the world, alleys which are food havens, izakayas – where conversations with locals and tourists make you realize how similar we all are despite our cultural differences, Kyoto is all of these, wrapped with an unassuming ribbon of beauty.. It should be a must on every bucket list 🏯⛩🌅
Famous Japanese Takoyaki
The famous Nishiki Market in Kyoto is this culinary maze of local, authentic, freshest food, ideal to start a day off with brunch, by strolling through the large varieties of sumptuous delicacies
This iconic Golden Pavilion of the Kinkakuji Shrine. It is symbolic to Kyoto and is an absolute must when visiting Kyoto
The Kiyomizu Dera (Temple) boasts of being the oldest temple of Kyoto, built in 778! It stands tall, overlooking the other modern structures of the city, reinforcing Kyoto’s beauty of the old integrating with the new. I recommend taking a short walk/hike, which is clearly marked within the temple premises
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is unique to Kyoto. It is said to be the most visited shrine in the country. Its famous for its toris’ (gates), which are paths/alleys made of 1000 tori gates. They’re also pictured in the movie “The Memoirs of a Geisha”
GEISHA – Gion is officially known as the Geisha district of Kyoto. These women entertainers, keeping the traditional forms of art, singing, dancing alive are most often the most misunderstood concept to the rest of the world. Their gorgeous kimonos and accessories are hard to miss. The senior Geisha are called “Gaeko” in Kyoto and the younger artists are called “Maiko”
Street food outside every shrine and temple is fabulous and not to be missed. There are tons of options for every taste bud 🙂
The quintessential Japanese delicacies not to miss – Chilled Sake, Wagu Steak and the most under rated dessert – the Matcha ice cream
Kyoto alleys are the most iconic part of the city, along with it’s incomparable shrines. I recommend taking a walk along these alleys and by-lanes, which have the most amazing restaurants, coffee and matcha tea!
London Vibes
This was our first Mother-Son trip! Although we started off sleep deprived for 30 hours, we immediately felt a connection with a city so different but unexplainably relatable. My son became an instant pro at figuring out the underground train lines and it’s not surprising that it took him just hours to fall in love with this city! The fabulously awe inspiring architecture, the history, the culmination of different cultures which is blatantly obvious in it’s food, along with the fabulously connected transportation, makes London a perfect vacation destination for kids. ❤️😊🙏🎡
Breath taking views from the iconic London Eye!
I recommend starting off the day with brunch at the amazing Camden Market. It also has some amazing deals on clothes and accessories, which are sold by local artists and wholesalers!
Watching the Tower Bridge by night and cruising on the River Thames is an absolute must. The Thames divides the city into North and South London. One can actually walk on the numerous pedestrian bridges, from the North to the South of the city.
There are a zillion bars in London, each better than the other, however, I was in love with the crazy history of this loud, cramped but charming bar – The Red Lion in Westminster, which we visited after touring the Westminster Abbey
View from St. Paul’s Cathedral!!
Our mandatory picture with the iconic London phone booth after our walk on the Tower Bridge and Downing Street 😉
