Category Archives: India 2013

Old Delhi, New Delhi: Part 1

Shahjahanabad is not the oldest part of Delhi, but is called that: “Old Delhi”. In this very congested, lively part of the city, we stay at the Tara Palace Hotel, its door opening (by a doorman) towards a laneway of … Continue reading

Posted in India 2011, India 2013 | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Pulau Langkawi

After all, we did not have to go through hell to get to heaven. The ferry from Georgetown was fine, for the four hours or so of the sea journey, as the monsoon was finished here, by this time in … Continue reading

Posted in India 2011, India 2013 | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Georgetown, Penang: Part 2

We are making the journey to the top of Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) by funicular rail. It is the scenario of many of my worst dreams: travelling in a car up or down a very steep hill – without brakes! … Continue reading

Posted in India 2011, India 2013 | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments

Georgetown, Penang: Trade Winds and Empire

Below our window at Hutton Lodge grows a hibiscus bush as tall as a tree, its red flowers orbited by little nectar seeking birds. Beyond, the other guests are eating breakfast under the porch roof. Shade would became a compulsion … Continue reading

Posted in India 2011, India 2013 | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

By train along peninsular Malaysia, or…

… let’s get this jungle ship-shape! We are leaving for Penang. The bare arcades of the train station in Singapore have the feel of a Soviet institution, not that I have ever seen one, except in Polish films and my … Continue reading

Posted in India 2011, India 2013 | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Turtles in Singapore

I’m far away now, but I’m remembering Australian summer evenings swimming in the creek, when swallows dip and swoop after insects, and the platypus drift like sticks, then curl their slick and furry backs into the depths. Water dragons leap … Continue reading

Posted in India 2011, India 2013 | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments