Jan 20
So, what do you do to escape the heat when roaming around on bikes under hot mid-day sun during the hottest season (which is basically the entire year) in Pondicherry in India?
How about this:
My friends and their ingenious ‘sunscreen’
This house is said to be the smallest house in Stockholm!
The smallest and the cutest house in Stockholm!
I came across it while strolling around in Sodermalm area of the city. This is an area of the city you are less likely to visit if you stick to the touristy things. However, it is also one of the prettiest areas and you’ll get the chilled out laid-back and happy-with-things feel of the city.
Have you visited Stockholm before? Which hidden treasure did you find? 
What could be so special or interesting about a restaurant?
La Parolaccia Restaurant, Rome
I’ll give you a hint. In Italian, La Parolaccia means ‘The Swearword’.
So, the basic idea is: You go into the restaurant, and you get cursed at and verbally abused by the waiters. And this is done in no small measure. You get a verbal thrashing. And language’s no bar: Even if you know no Italian at all, I’ve heard the waiters will make sure you get the point. And probably some juicy new words added to your vocabulary.
I haven’t been to the restaurant, but just crossed it, while strolling around the charming locality of Trastevere in Rome. Food-wise, I’ve not heard great reviews. It is mostly popular with tourist who go there for the novelty of being hurled abuses at. Well, to each his own!
I’d recommend exploring more of this quaint neighbourhood of Trastevere. It’s really pretty and feels ‘very Italian’!
Just another pretty street in Trastevere, Rome
I love old Europe!
I’ll be honest with you: I’ve seen a few different names for this lake: Gadisar, Gadsisar, Gadisagar and so on..
But what’s in the name! This oasis (only symbolically, it’s actually a water conversation tank, contrary to what you might expect) of greenish blue waters is a welcome break from the craziness of the crowds of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India.
It’s a refreshing change of colours in midst of the vast expanse of desert all around!
Temples around the lake
You’ll often see migratory birds enjoying the lake too!
Due to proximity to Bharatpur bird sanctuary, migratory birds also often flock to this lake. So, taking binoculars with you may not be a bad idea!
Location: Near ‘Tillon ki Gate’ in Jaisalmer
How to reach: Take an auto rickshaw.
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder – am I talking about Gaudi or the photographer?
I think of ‘The Monument‘ as one of the best forgotten tourist spots of London. It was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London, 1666. Not only it’s a beautiful column, but it also provides one of the more offbeat (and inexpensive) vantage points for looking at the city’s beautiful skyline. Have a look for yourself!
The Monument
The Monument
The Monument
London business district skyline from The Monument
The Shard from The Monument
Tower Bridge from The Monument
p.s. They even give away certificates which certify that you have just climbed this majestic 61m tall stone Roman Doric column. So, a great outing for the kids too!
Directions: The Monument is located at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill, 61 metres from where the Great Fire of London started in 1666. To reach The Monument by tube, use Monument tube station on the District and Circle lines or London Bridge station on the Northern and Jubilee lines.
Theme: Linen by The Theme Foundry
