Larnaca was originally founded by the Mycenaeans in the 13th century BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Cyprus.
Over the centuries it was an important commercial and cultural center influenced by Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Venetian and Ottoman civilizations.
One day we were sitting down getting ready to have lunch and there were a group of beautifully dressed teenage girls outside.
I went over and asked them if I could take their pictures.
"YES!!!"
They were so excited, asking me questions and curious about where I was from. But most importantly, ready to pose for photos.
Teenagers.....
Is believed to have started during World War II when food shortages and overcrowding along the shores forced fishermen to find new ways to fish.
Instead of using boats they built stilts (poles) in shallow waters, allowing them to fish without disturbing the water.
The trains connect major cities, towns and remote countryside areas.
Sri Lanka is said to be home to some of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
We took the famous route from Kandy to Ella, considered "one of the world’s most breathtaking train journeys, passing through Nuwara Eliya, misty mountains, waterfalls and tea fields."
Apparently, something we didn’t know, was that this route is notoriously late and unreliable.
Tea production is an integral part of the country’s economy and culture.
Sri Lanka is one of the largest tea exporters globally.
In a country of about 24 million people, the tea industry provides employment to over a million people. That includes tea pluckers, factory workers and estate managers.
The number employed is even higher when you factor in "tea tourism".
Sri Lanka’s wildlife safaris are in some of the best national parks for spotting elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and exotic birds.
We were fortunate to go on 2 safaris in Sri Lanka.
Our first safari was in the northern part of the country near Minneriya National Park, which is generally the best place to find elephants in their natural habitat.
We had a peak into village life around Dambulla.
Farming is the primary occupation, with locals growing rice, vegetables, bananas, and spices.
Chena cultivation (slash-and-burn farming) is common, where farmers clear small plots in the forest for seasonal crops.
We started our exploration with an ox pulled bullock cart.
(Notice who has been entrusted with the reins.)
Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.
The Cave Temple is on top of a 160meter (530 feet) high rock.
There are five caves filled with over 150 Buddha statues as well as intricate ceiling paintings depicting scenes related to the life of Buddha.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
They are endemic to Sri Lanka, meaning they are found only on the island, primarily in dry-zone national parks like Minneriya, Udawalawe, and Yala.
Elephants are an important part of Sri Lanka’s culture, history and ecosystem.
Elephants are deeply respected in Buddhism and Hinduism, often associated with wisdom, strength, and prosperity.
Historically, they were used by kings for war, transportation, and religious processions.
There are an estimated 7,000 wild elephants in Sri Lanka today.
The king chose this massive rock, which rises nearly 200 meters (660 feet) above the surrounding jungle, to serve as both a strategic stronghold and a luxurious palace.
It is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I was worried about overcrowding and poverty.
But the friendliness and warmth of the people can not be described and my fears were quickly put to rest.
We met these schoolgirls coming out of the National Museum in Delhi on our first day.
They wanted us to take their pictures, shake our hands, say hello, know where we came from.
Teenagers! Wanting to talk to adults!
Welcome to India!
The tranquil waterways span over 900 kilometers and provide a unique ecosystem that supports both human and wildlife habitation.
The surrounding landscape is dotted with lush coconut groves, paddy fields and traditional villages.
Life moves at a much slower pace.
India has one of the largest and busiest railway networks in the world, connecting cities, towns, and remote villages across the country.
Indian Railways carry over 8 billion passengers annually making it the backbone of India's transportation.
I have seen photos and videos of Indian trains packed to the brim with people overflowing out the windows and clinging to the roofs while the train is moving within feet of shacks which are people’s homes.
I was prepared for the worst.
They are often seen roaming freely in cities and villages.
India has the largest cattle population in the world.
Cows play a vital role in dairy production, making India the biggest producer of milk globally.
It was where Vasco da Gama first landed in 1498, opening the sea route to India.
It was at one time the spice trade capital of India.Kozhikode is also renowned for its lush coconut groves and vast plantations.
They are fortunate that the climate supports year-round production.
Coconuts hold deep cultural and religious importance.
There are stalls with typical products such as fruits and vegetables.
And then there are stalls with spices, natural dyes, perfumes, sweets and handcrafts.
For me, the most amazing section was the flower vendors.
It had been the seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, which ruled the Kingdom of Mysore, for centuries.
The original palace dates back to the 14th century, but, it was rebuilt between 1897 and 1912 after the original wooden structure was destroyed in a fire.
It has an area of 25 acres and the main building covers one-and-a-half acres. There are 340 rooms, halls, and corridors.
With that many rooms, it could be a great place to collect decorating ideas.
