Varanasi (वाराणसी) also known as Benares or Banaras is the holiest city in India situated on the banks of the River Ganges. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world is filled with spiritual charms and colors, temples and shrines and is considered holy by the Hindu, Buddhists and Jains. Visiting Varanasi requires travelers to be open minded and cultural adventurous.

The holy city of Varanasi is where funerals take place 24/7 in the open air burning sights at the Ganges river surrounded by goats, cows, children playing cricket and grieving families without emotions. Tens of tourists boats passing by while ashes are flowing in the air, silk color wraps from the bodies lined up at riverside next to piles of wood being brought in by boats. In the background you can hear the Hindi music, the bells ringing from the temples and elders singing to the gods. Very few places in India are as colorful, charismatic and spiritual as Varanasi.

The city of Varanasi can be reached by train or bus from any major destination and city within India, as well cheap hostels and hotels can be found fairly easy. When arriving in the city, auto rickshaw driver(s) will offer to be your guide which is unnecessary in a city as small as Varanasi. Especially when transportation is cheap. You will need approximately one morning and one evening in Varanasi in order to see the not to miss ceremonies and temples on the holy Ganges river. It’s recommended to arrive around mid-day – book a hotel for one night – go see the evening ceremony – go back to your room as most establishments close at 9 o clock sharp – go see the sunrise around 6 o clock – check out your hotel by 12 o clock and proceed to the next destination.

Hualien City (花蓮市) is the capital of the Hualien Country, Taiwan. It’s situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range. Hualien City is considered a popular and pleasant travel destination in Taiwan. As of latest measurement Hualien City has a population of 110 thousand people.

Hualien is an easy reach by train and plane from Taipei, especially with it’s own Hualien Airport. Here domestic airlines connect Hualien with all major Taiwanese cities. The city center is small and easy to explore on foot, although some travelers may prefer to rent scooters for about NT$400 ($12 us) a day. Further more does Hualien not have an extensive public transport system, so for trips outside city center it’s recommended making use of the taxi service. Some local Hualien sightseeing include the Chishingtarn Coast Scenic Area, North Shore Park (Bei Bin Park), Hualien Fish Market, Museum of Sculpture, Mei Lun Mountain Park and of course the Tzu Chiang Night Market.

Thousands of travelers each year visit this popular Taiwanese travel destination in order to enjoy the views, scenery and fresh air as well the opportunity to visit the famous Taroko Gorge which is located just a few miles north of the city. For more information please visit the Visitor Information Center for the Hualien area which is located in front of Hualien Station on the right hand side after entrance.

Regulations for visas to Taiwan, Hualien change frequently so it is best to consult Taiwanese embassies for the latest updates. For Americans, no visa is required for stays of up to thirty days. You must present proof that you are planning return or further travel. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.

Upon entrance of the Shoppers Stop mall there’s several ice-cream vendors, a car park (10 rupees) and little garden area for relaxation. Lighters and matches aren’t allowed within the mall, camera’s and handy-cams are fine yet you’re not allowed to use them. It feels like the mall two wings, a west wing (left) and a east wing (right), the escalators connecting the floors are placed in the middle. As earlier mentioned the mall has a total of 3 floors, here’s a complete breakdown of each floor,

Groundfloor: Cosmetics & Parfumes, Jewelery, Watches & Sunglasses, Gadgets & Accessories, Men’s & Women’s Footwear, Cafe Coffee Today.
First floor: Men’s Apparels, Men’s Accessories, Women’s Apparels, Happy Feet, Lingerie & Nightwear, First Citizen Desk, Mama’s Room &
Second floor: Women’s Fashion, Men’s Fashion, Kids (Cool Kidz), Mother Case, Mama’s Room.
Third floor: Home, Sportswear, Luggage (as well electronic devices & furniture).
Fourth floor: Is presence but closed as of April 2010.

The restroom’s are present on every floor, unfortunately the mall has no free WIFI option, neither availability of an ATM machine but they do have a cool blue-tooth feature, activate bluFi@ShoppersStop with acceptance code 1234 in order to receive the latest shopping promotions while in the mall. Although you will receive the exact same promotions as being called over the radio, mixed in-between trendy Indian & International music. Throughout the mall security is present, on every floor and escalator you will find at least one or two security guards.

The main crowd in the mall is upper class Indians along with several foreigners.

Opening Hours Mon – Sun 11 am – 9:30 pm

Shoppers Stop
Vishal Cinema Road, Tagore Garden Extension
New Delhi, Delhi, India
(+91) 11 2544 4101
www.shoppersstop.com

Bangkok or Krung Thep (City of Angels) as the Thai’s call it themselves is the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand. The city is located at the Asian river the Chao Phraya-river and nearby the Golf of Thailand. With a population of over 13 million people its a ever lasting 24 hours cycle of traveling people by car, bus, subway, sky train, taxi, motorbike (taxi) and tuk tuk’s.

Travelers to Bangkok might feel lost inside a big Asian jungle at first. The huge office buildings, impressive condominium and hotel skyscrapers, the many commercial shopping malls, the heavy traffic you immediately notice after leaving Suvarnabhumi airport (Bangkok’s international airport) shakes you awake from the airplane journey and makes you realize made it to Thailand, Bangkok.

Bangkok is a good travel destination all year round. Raining season or not, its always hot in this pure Asian city. Travelers can find the joy of visiting the huge luxury shopping malls such as IT Mall Pantip Plaza, MBK Center, Union Mall Ladprao, Central Ladprao and India Emporium, with the most famous and luxury of them all; Siam Paragon, day & night markets such as Chatuchak Weekend Market, Sukhumvit night market and Patpong, beer bars, traditional Thai massage parlors, go-go bars, gay bars, packed night clubs, street food stalls and other modern public buildings. For those in search of history of Bangkok’s colorful past the city offers temples, old homes, the floating market and museums can visit the Bangkok, Chinatown area.

Travelers to Bangkok must have a valid passport and visa. American Citizens will receive a visa valid for 30 days upon arrival. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days in Thailand you need to obtain an Thai Visa. Bangkok is a safe travel destination, although its advised to look after your belongings and stay away from occasional scam artists who might approach you offering; tours, sex massages and shows, cheap Viagra or cigarettes.