TRAVELS WITH MARYANNE
Welcome to Bali, a haven of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. If you’re seeking an unforgettable travel experience, Bali should be at the top of your bucket list. In this article, we will take you on a virtual journey through the best places to visit in Bali, showcasing its mesmerizing temples, stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultural hubs.
Penang is a unique and vibrant state located in the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, Penang is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a mix of cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, delicious local cuisine and modern amenities. In this article, I’ll show you what makes Penang a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to Malaysia. I caught the train from KL to Penang – what an easy trip! I do suggest wearing something warm on the train as the air con can be turned right up. A day later, I ended up getting quite a nasty cold from it. The comfort of the train, however, was great as was the food service that came around intermittantly. Penang was a easy destination and if you love food you have come to the right place!
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a vibrant and dynamic city that is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. With its mix of modern and traditional architecture, delicious food, and diverse culture, there are plenty of things to see and do in Kuala Lumpur for visitors of all ages and interests.
Agra
Arriving in Agra I didn’t know what to expect from this city but I knew the one place I wanted to visit was the Taj Mahal. Agra represents a golden era of the Mughal Empire and the rich traditions over centuries and other historical sites include the Agra Fort, the Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Akbar’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra Fort. On the day I visited the Taj Mahal it was quite foggy and it was difficult to get a decent photo. It was a wonderful experience walking around the gardens and in the buildings of the Taj Mahal. When you hear the story of why the Taj was built it is even more amazing.
One delightful place we visited on our trip to India was Kochi, also known as Cochin. It is a seaside city and very busy port on the western side of India. It was lovely to walk down by the sea and watch the fisherman looking after their Chinese nets (an old tradition brought there many years ago by the Chinese).
The other day I was cleaning out a cupboard when I came across a rather gaudy looking photo album I had made after a trip to India. As I flicked through the pages fond memories of the days I spent in this wonderful country came back to me. India has aways had a mystical and exotic appeal for me and so, some years back, when I had the chance to travel to India I jumped at the opportunity.
I was lucky enough to apply for and attain a fellowship with the Asia Education Foundation (Australia) and as it was funded by the foundation I only had to pay $500 for the whole trip. This was not a solo journey, however, but a journey with a group of educators which took in tours of schools and the chance to meet some very interesting people.