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Friday, June 11, 2021

Punta Arenas Chile Travel

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Thursday, June 3, 2021

Antarctica Cruise Costs and Tips

In January 2020 I went on a Expedition Cruise to King George Island in Antarctica. In my 20 plus years of travelling off and on, had already been to other 6 continents and this was a trip of a life time.

Planning - Started planning for my Antarctica trip in 2018, looked at several different companies, there are few good one, I went with Adventure Life, its based out the USA, there are several tour operators offering tours to Antarctica in Europe and Australia, I just didn't want to deal with a company overseas in case of any issues. There are other Tour operators in the USA, the price Adventure Life had to offer was within my budget and I had enough time to save and pay for it.

Dealing with an overseas tour operator I have not had issues with day tours or train tickets, though twice buying Air Plane tickets turned out to be a bad experience. 

Costs - I flew from Texas to Buenos Aires, Argentina depending on where you are flying from you Airfare is your first cost, My flight was delayed 24 hours due to bad weather, I had given myself 2 days in Buenos Aires before taking a flight to Ushuaia and had I rushed it, that would not been good for me, so add to the flight costs 2 night hotel, food and Taxi costs in Buenos Aires and 1 night in Ushuaia. 

Ushuaia Argentina is where most ships to Antarctica will leave from, you will also need to get Health Insurance coverage, the company I used for my Health Insurance was World Nomads.

The Expedition Cruise cost was around Five thousand USD, that included a flight back from King George Island to Punta Arenas Chile and a night hotel stay in Punta Arenas Chile.

From Punta Arenas Chile I had to pay for my way home to Texas, of course since I was already in South America I spent another 10 days in Chile and Bolivia before returning home.

When all said and done, my cost was eight thousand plus U$D.

One can also find tourist agencies selling last minute tours to Antarctica in Ushuaia's San Martin Avenue which is the main street, now Ushuaia is not a cheap destination so basically my suggestion is to plan ahead.

Tips - Most Ships will provide you with rubber boots for zodiac excursions, some tour companies will even provide a Water Proof Parks, check with your tour operator

You will need water proof Pants or coverings as you will get wet when going on the zodiac boats, the ones I took with me were Frogg Toggs that I bought on Amazon

Antarctica has no dock ports you will need to take boats to go ashore, be the first one to get on the boats and spend more time on land

Motion Sickness Pills, take some with you.

Informative Website

https://iaato.org/


Happy Travels!

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Sunday, November 8, 2020

Santiago Chile Travel

Visited Santiago in January 2020 

I left after 2 days

Airport to city takes about 30 minutes, have your hotel arrange for transportation to avoid any taxi scams.

Civil protests were taking place Chile in response to a raise in the Santiago Metro's subway fare, increased cost of living, and inequality in the country.

In Santiago the city streets one could see graffiti every where also burnt buildings and shops.

Protest were still going on, there were protestors trying to break into shops for looting and armored police trucks were spray tear gas to disperse the crowds. 




The evening I spent in Pio Nono which is alive with bars and restaurants and a great place to enjoy the city night life.



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Monday, November 4, 2019

Fish Market Lake Victoria Kampala Uganda

Lake Victoria is the biggest lake in Africa.  Hired a motorcycle driver to take me Ggabba Market in Kampala. The Cost was 15 USD and included a fish dinner.

Ggaba Fish Market is the largest fish market in Kampala. It is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, in the Ggaba neighborhood. The market is open from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. It is a lively and colorful market, with a wide variety of fresh fish on offer. You can find Nile perch, tilapia, catfish, and many other species. 

Was the only tourist at the market. Below are few photos, did ask for permission before taking photos.

Lake Victoria
Fish being auctioned of at the Market


You can Pick the fish you want
They'll fry it in front of you
Fishing boats
Dinner is served

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Saturday, November 2, 2019

Sikh Gurdwara Kampala Uganda

Visited Kampala October 2019

The Sikh community in Uganda is a small but vibrant one. There are an estimated 2,400 Sikhs living in Uganda, mostly of Punjabi descent. The first Sikhs arrived in Uganda in the late 19th century, when they were recruited to work as soldiers in the colonial army. Others came as traders and businessmen.

The Sikh community in Uganda has faced its share of challenges. In 1972, the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin expelled all Asians from the country, including many Sikhs. However, many Sikhs returned to Uganda after Amin was overthrown in 1979.

During my visit, visited the Sikh place of worship, its in city center right by the Hindu Temple.
I spoke with the Gurdwara care taker, visitors are allowed to stay at the gurdwara for 2 or 3 nights for free, they have arrangements in place for visitors. Below are some Pictures







Nishan Sahib Sikh Flag
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Saturday, September 7, 2019

Singapore Places to Eat

Singapore is renowned for its vibrant food scene, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences that reflect its multicultural heritage. From hawker stalls serving up local favorites to upscale dining establishments, there's something for everyone.

After having been to Singapore 5 times, my favorite place to eat is Arab St. Its is a must to go places for great food. It's a short walk from Bugis MRT station, Explore the area for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, and don't miss the iconic shawarma and hummus. 

Sultan Mosque Singapore
 


For Indian food, my place to go is Komala Vilas: A well-known spot for authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine. Also Khansama Tandoori Restaurant: Offers a range of North Indian dishes, including delicious tandoori options.

For Japanese Cuisine:

Sushi Tei: A chain that serves a variety of sushi and Japanese dishes.
Shinji by Kanesaka: A high-end sushi restaurant for an exquisite dining experience.

ION Orchard: A shopping mall with a wide range of dining options.

VivoCity: Another mall with diverse food choices, overlooking the waterfront.

Questions and comments?
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Thursday, September 5, 2019

Sikh Gurdwara Yangon Myanmar

Gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship, it means door to the guru.

 On my way back from Dala village in Yangon, I took a cab at the ferry terminal to take me to the national museum, stumbled upon the Gurdwara building, had the cab drop me off, it was a weekday and only the Priest was there, I spent about an hour there, here are a few photos I took.







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Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Lunch in Murthal India

Off the beaten path, Murthal is an hour and half away from New Delhi, with some light traffic. Its in the intersection of major highways going to West towards Punjab or North towards Kashmir. With this busy highway several Dhabbas have sprung open, Dhabba is a roadside eatery in India. Some of them are very fancy restaurants. And they are packed, with literally thousands of people if you go on a holiday like I did.

The first place I went to was Amrik Sukhdev, the restaurant was packed and wait was hours.





Then I went to Haveli, Vegetarian Punjabi food





Was able to dine-in, I ordered a Amritsari thali, delicious and oily. They use ghee.

After lunch I headed back to Delhi, Murthal is more of a local Indian eating destination.

The drive back is scenic with mustard Green growing on farms along the highway.




Brick making factory along the freeway, picture above
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Friday, January 13, 2017

Things to do in Austin Texas

Things to Do, See and Places to Eat in Austin Texas


Austin with beautiful parks and lakes, hiking, biking trails, and awesome swimming holes is the Capital of Texas, also known "live music capital of the world" with music festivals like Austin city limits, which has 75,000 people attend. It is also home to the University of Texas, one of the largest schools in the USA. South by Southwest, an annual set of film, interactive media, and music festivals. For race car fans, it is home to Formula 1 races at Circuit of the Americas.

Things to do if you don't have a car 


(Best if you rent a bike, there are several rental b-cycle station around downtown Austin)

1. Stroll South Congress Ave, This Street Keeps Austin Weird with its cool, classic and funky elements. Several Bars/Eating place some with live Music bands. 

South Congress Ave austin
South Congress Storefront Austin

2. Hike, kayak or and paddle board Town Lake also known as lady bird Lake. Beautiful views of the city and nature. Location Downtown Austin, Parking locations Along Cesar Chavez Street, Austin

Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk
If you are by the town Lake in the evening, see the Bats fly off the Congress Bridge when it starts to get dark, Location Congress Bridge  Lady Bird Lake

3. State Capitol of Texas - Daily tours, Closed on public holidays. Location Downtown Austin

State Capitol of Texas
State Capitol of Texas

4. HOPE Gallery on Castle Hill (Graffiti Park) Awesome street art
1100 Baylor Street, Austin, TX 78703

5. Explore East 4th, 5th ,6th and Cesar Chavez Streets. Fun street art everywhere.

6.  Barton Springs (Swimming)
2201 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78746
Lifeguards are narcs about any food or alcohol, so don’t bring any unless you’re super discreet. $3.00 entry fee for locals. Explore the Bars, restaurants, Coffee Shops and Food Trucks on and near Barton Springs Rd.

7. Walk or Bike Ride in the evening or night on East and west 6th Street in Downtown Austin for ts world famous nightlife.

If you have a car


1. Cathedral of Junk
Call first to ask if they are open: (512) 299-7413. It is run by a hippie named Vince and it is in his backyard. It is hard to find from the street.

2. 360 Overlook (Pennybacker Bridge) 5300 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin. Great view from top once you hike up there. an easy hike.

Austin 360 Bridge 

3. Mount Bonnell
Very nice views of Lake Austin at sunset. Wear hiking shoes or sneakers Highest point in Austin. Less than 10 minutes drive from 360 Overlook
3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX


FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD 

(Need to have a Car to get to some of these Locations)


Franklin BBQ
900 E 11th St Austin, TX 78702
Voted best BBQ in the world. Get the brisket. Get there early. There’s a 2+ hour wait.

Paco’s Tacos
1304 E 51st St Austin, TX 78723
Great carnitas. Try the taco or the rice bowl with carnitas.

Baby Acapulco
5 Austin area locations, Best tortilla soup in Austin. Good queso compuesto and margaritas

El Chilito
2219 Manor Rd Austin, TX 78722
Delicious barbacoa soup and barbacoa taco. If you’re sick, the soup will help!

Chuy’s
5 Austin area locations, cool décor, good margaritas and excellent chicken flautas. Also, ASK YOUR WAITER FOR A SIDE OF THE JALAPENO RANCH.

Torchy’s (My Favorite) President Obama made a stop here during his Austin Visit.
9 Austin area locations

Tyson’s Tacos
4905 Airport Blvd Austin, TX 78751
Try the chicken fajita nachos with the works. SO GOOD.

Chago’s
7301 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78752
Caribbean food. SOOO GOOD! The Mofongo and the Puerto Rican Paella are SUPERB!

Rosita’s Al Pastor
1911 E Riverside Dr Austin, TX 78741
Some of the best tacos in town. Get the al pastor, of course with onion and cilantro.

Austin has a lot of food trucks and all kinds of Food, From Tex-Mex to BBQ, or if international Cuisine is something you are in the mood for, there are close to 1000 food trucks in Austin.


Asian/Asian Fusion

East Side King
4 Austin area locations
OMG. THIS FOOD TRUCK RUINED ME. I’m obsessed. The beet homefries are INSANE. Also, the fried brussel sprouts are the shiznit. Most items on the menu are gluten free. Check out the location by “The Hole in The Wall” on Lamar Street. Everything is good.

888
2400 E Oltorf St Austin, TX 78741
THE BEST ASIAN FOOD IN AUSTIN. Get the yellow chicken curry and TOM KA GAI soup.

Din Ho Chinese BBQ
8557 Research Blvd #116 Austin, TX 78758
Best Chinese BBQ in Austin. Try the BBQ pork and be sure to get a side of the ginger onion sauce to put on your rice. IT IS THE BOMB. The orange beef is also delicious, as is the asparagus crab soup, and eggplant with shredded pork in garlic sauce.

Misung 888
911 W Anderson Ln #114 Austin, TX 78757
Really delicious authentic Korean food & humble ambiance. Get the Spicy squid with noodles. The beef bulgogi is great too if you’re not into squid. It is difficult to find because the sign has some Korean writing and the number “888”. The address is 911 West Anderson.

Michi Ramen
6519 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78752
Best traditional ramen in Austin. Try the pickled mustard greens in your ramen. Also, get a side order of the burnt ends. They are delicious and plentiful. You can share them with a group, or make a meal out of them yourself.

DK Sushi
6400 S 1st St Austin, TX 78745
The sushi is great, especially the torched escolar.


American/Burgers/Pizza

Nau’s Enfield Drug
1115 W Lynn St Austin, TX 78703
Super kitschy old fashioned & historic soda fountain.

Whataburger
Several Austin area locations… just look around!
The Green Chili Double is available seasonally and it is AWESOME if your stomach can handle fast food.

Republic of Sandwich
2320 Hancock Dr Austin, TX 78756
The REUBEN. MmMmMMMMm

Casino el Camino
517 E 6th St Austin, TX 78701
Best burgers in Austin

Lebowski's Grill
8909 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78757
Best burgers (served at a bowling alley themed after The Big Lebowski)

East Side Pies
3 Austin area locations, Delicious pizza. A bit expensive, but the gluten free pizza is the best gluten free pizza I’ve found in Austin.

Desserts/Sweets

Ken’s Donuts
2820 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
MMmmmmMmMMMM Donutssssssss.

Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery
4909 Airport Blvd Austin, TX 78751
The blueberry cake donuts are awesome.

Lick
2032 S Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78704
Great ice cream.  Vegan and dairy free options.


BARS


The Broken Spoke
3201 S Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78704
Best honky tonk in the country! I recommend taking the Texas two step lesson & then dancing the night away. Good for people watching. (Highly Recommended)

Ski Shores Café
2905 Pearce Rd, Austin, TX 78730
Awesome little beach bar on Lake Austin. Expensive drinks and bar food, but great atmosphere. 

Deep Eddy Cabaret
2315 Lake Austin Blvd Austin, TX 78703
Awesome little dive bar. Good juke box. 

Haymaker
2310 Manor Rd Austin, TX 78722 Great draft beer selection.

Rio Rita
1308 E 6th St Austin, TX 78702
Awesome dive bar. Great drinks. Love the jalapeno tequila. The bloody mary with jalapeno tequila is INSANE.

Liberty Bar
1618 1/2 E 6th St Austin, TX 78702
Awesome dive bar with cool back yard. Home of the best East Side King food truck. 

The Grackle
1700 E 6th St Austin, TX 78702
Cool dive bar in East Austin. There’s an East Side King food truck. It is good but it isn’t the best one.

The Skylark
2039 Airport Blvd Austin, TX 78722
Cool divey old school bar. 

The Carousel Lounge
1110 E 52nd St Austin, TX 78723
Old school circus themed dive bar. 

The Draught House
4112 Medical Pkwy Austin, TX 78756
Wide of selection of beers and cool seating both inside and outside. 

Spider House
2906 Fruth St Austin, TX 78705 
Twinkly lights and a vintage feel. Love the vibe there. Very cool patio. (Recommended)

Jackalope
404 East 6th Austin, TX 78701
You MUST ride the jackalope while in Austin. 

Flamingo Cantina
515 E 6th St Austin, TX 78701
Reggae bar on 6th. Always people openly smoking pot on upstairs outside balcony. 

The Parlor
4301 Guadalupe St Austin, TX 78751
Great happy hour prices and delicious pizza.

Tigress
100 W North Loop Blvd Austin, TX 78751
Amazing signature cocktails at this neighborhood bar on north loop. 

Lala’s
2207 Justin Ln Austin, TX 78757
A dive bar where it is always Christmas. Best jukebox in Austin. 

Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon
5434 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78756
A MUST SEE. Drink a Lone Star Texas beer. Chicken shit bingo every Sunday 3:30 PM -8 PM. (Highly Recommended)

FESTIVALS


ACL (Austin City Limits)
Two weekends, every October in Zilker Park.

Blues on the Green
July and August
FREE. BYOB (no glass). Free music in Zilker Park during the summer.

East & West Austin Studio Tours
Website http://bigmedium.org/
East is in November, West is in Spring
Art studios all over Austin open to the public. Many with free drinks, food, and opportunities to participate in artistic installations.

Eeyore’s Birthday Party
April last Saturday
It doesn't get much more Austin weird than Eeyore's Birthday Party. The annual Pease Park festival known for outrageous costumes, nudity, and booming drum circles.

SXSW (South by Southwest)
March, You don’t need a ticket to enjoy all of the free parties, free music, free drinks, free food, & swag. Every venue in Austin hosts bands during SXSW & many of the events are free to the public.

Trail of Lights
2 weeks in December
Every Holiday season, Zilker Park is transformed into a fantasy world of lights. Make sure to spin under the moon tower Christmas tree!

Zilker Kite Festival
March, Bring your kite and tailgate chair!

Want More ...


Paramount Theater
713 Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701
historic Austin theater downtown

Alamo Drafthouse
6 Austin area locations, one right on the famous 6th Street aks dirty 6th
Movie theater with bar/restaurant

Whole Foods on Lamar
525 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78703
This is Whole Foods Headquarters


Central Market
4001 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78756
Local Texas Grocery Chain HEB’s version of Whole Foods. Good music venue outside. You can buy food, beer or wine & drink it there while watching live music outside. Check online for schedule of shows. https://www.heb.com/


Hamilton Pool (summer time)
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620
30.7 miles west, 42 mins driving


Bats Congress Bridge austin
Congress Bridge Austin

If you think one of the destinations didn’t make up to the list, then comment below on your favorite destination, food, sport or idea of fun or travel that you experienced while at Austin Texas.

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Thursday, January 5, 2017

Street Food Yangon


Sri Kali Temple  Yangon Myanmar
Why Street food? Its the experience in a foreign country, its delicious and its cheap.


Street food is everywhere in Yangon, you can take a train or bus somewhere and there will be food vendors. I usually only eat cooked food, fresh off the grill or skillet in front of me. 

So after watching the sunset over Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon,  headed to the famous street food Market in China town Yangon. Picture to the right is a Hindu Kali Temple, its located right near where China Town Yangon Starts.

Best Place for some grilled fish in China town Yangon, 19th street Area. ts not a typical China Town, the area is filled with street food vendors. They start selling food later in the evening towards dinner time. China Town Yangon can be very crowded in the evenings.



Street Food Yangon

china town yangon

Now This is street food so don't expect a table with white table cloth. There are several BBQ places, food cooked over charcoal fire, in that heat no bacteria is going to survive. So I gave seafood a try, I quit eating meat a while back, fish I eat sometimes.

bbq fish yangon

4 dollars US for the fish and around 2 dollars for a 750 ml of beer bottle. Delicious. I took my time eating, watching the hustle and bustle and enjoying my evening.


street food yangon
yangon myanmar



I bought a pack of the citrus fruit from that lady on 2 different days, November was hot and fruits will hydrate you. It was only about 3 USD for a peeled pack.



Above This was another fruit I bought from a street fruit vendor near Scott market, the person selling me said it was very healthy fruit to eat, I took their word for it. Don/t know what its called, if someone knows do leave me a comment below.


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