Climbing Mount Everest the hard way!
Mount Everest. Touring Kathmandu and Patan yesterday was surprisingly interesting and exotic. However, the main purpose of our trip to Nepal was to go up Mount Everest. Since Kathmandu is already at an elevation of 4,600 feet, we only had another 25,000 feet or so to climb to reach the summit. I had been warned…
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, … the smart way to travel!
Global Entry. A few years ago, I was coming back from overseas into the US and was waiting in line for my turn to go thru passport control at the airport. While hundreds of us were standing around waiting, we could see a few travelers head to a row of ATM-looking machines on the side…
Top five bistros and brasseries of Paris!
Top five bistros and brasseries of Paris! Having lived and worked in Paris for a number of years in the 1970s and having been regular visitors to the French capital since then, we have had the opportunity to enjoy the Parisian bistro and brasserie experience over a span of more than 40 years. Quite a…
A Traditional Southern Indian Breakfast
Indian Breakfast. “What can I do, Madam, to make you happy?” asked the young and very charming female chef our first night at the Oberoi Amarvilas (“Eternal Villas”) in Agra. I had told our waiter a moment ago that I had not enjoyed the chicken curry he had recommended. Before I could say much of…