Out of Norm Travels

Ayutthaya, Thailand  (อยุธยา), full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (พระนครศรีอยุธยา), is an ancient capital in the Central Thailand, some 85 km north of Bangkok. One of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historic second capital of Siam after Sukhothai for some 400+ years, it was founded around 1350. Ayutthaya is an island at the confluence of three rivers: the Chao Phraya River, the Lopburi River and the Pa Sak River.In its heyday, The Royal Court of Ayutthaya exchanged ambassadors far and wide, including with the French Court at Versailles and the Mughal Court in Delhi, as well as with imperial courts of Japan and China. Based on UNESCO information, The Historic City of Ayutthaya was chosen as it bore excellent witness to the period of development of a true national Thai art. Here are some of the picturesque temples you can see when you are here:  till the next time, onto the world and beyond!

What can an urban city like Kuala Lumpur offer for jaded travellers?  How about some enlightening (Batu caves) and architecture (Moorish no less) before ending on a high note (KLCC Twin Towers) ? Group enlightening @  Bat u caves Moorish architecture  @ KTM Headquarters KLCC Twin Towers @ Sunset  Till the next time, onto the world & beyond!!

The famous "old" town of Malacca (or Melaka as others prefer) is an interesting place for a photo shoot. A truly Unique PeR aN aK aN (mix of Chinese and Malay heritage) architecture, food & people awaits the traveler who spends some 3-4 hours on a bus-ride from modern Singapore to the "sleepy" town. Of course, if you are brave enough to venture on the roads yourself, it's definitely faster to travel by car. Here's a collage of some of the photos taken in my recent March 2011 visit: FOOD GALORE! Here you have the " dim sum", wanton noodle and roasted chicken on display A look at the architecture....you will not be able to find similar houses in such a pristine order...at least not in Singapore even though some of the houses in Katong or Joo Chiat still bear some resemblance of these 'old' places but unfortunately, although many still try, quite a few of the houses in Singapore no longer bear the truly orna...