My German trip took me to several amazing places, including Munich and Nuremburg. And during this trip, I stumbled upon a number of gorgeous plants and flowers, which probably I have never seen before. Many of them were clicked in Nuremburg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a well-preserved medieval old town in the region of Bavaria. If you know these flowers, please do let me know in the comment section.
It was hot and humid. One of the key reasons why I did not find many tourists in the Buddha Park (also known as Xieng Khuan), an unusual yet enchanting place, located about 25km outside of the capital Vientiane on the mighty river Mekong. Before my arrival in Laos, I had already included the park in my itinerary and I was glad I made it. Xieng Khuan means Spirit City. The park is home to more than 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues. The park has also numerous flora and fauna. This park was built in 1958 by an alleged priest-shaman called Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat. This park has now become a major tourist attraction in Laos. Many consider it a holy place, which contains statues of bizarre demons, humans, and mythological creatures. Give at least one hour to this park, which you can visit by bus, tuktuk, or taxi. However, I used a bus from the Talat Sao bus station. The bus will drop you in front of the park and it will cost you only USD3. And you can return to the city by using the same bus. Inside the park, one can find small restaurants. It is advisable to bring a water bottle along with you. If you have any questions related to this park, please feel free to ask me.
Salzburg is compact, yet big enough to make you fall in love with this charming city. This compact city has everything you need to have a great time: a stunning Old City on its left bank, and a bustling New City on its right. One can easily navigate the city via different modes of transportation – be it tram or bicycle. However, the best way to explore the city is on foot. Be it taking a coffee break in a small coffee shop or capturing the beauty of the city through my Canon DSLR, I thoroughly enjoyed my sojourn. Salzburg is divided by the Salzach River, which is lined with medieval buildings on its left bank and 19th-century Neustadt on its right. From countless cafes to bars, there’s something for everyone! So if you want to visit Austria next time, make sure to include this little gem in your itinerary!
If you’re visiting Salzburg, don’t miss out on the chance to visit Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains. The massive palace was built by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus von Hohenems in 1613-19. Situated in the South of Salzburg, this spectacular palace was only meant for use as a day residence in summer, as the Archbishop usually returned to Salzburg in the evening. The permanent interactive exhibition “GrandDelight – The unexpected world of Markus Sittikus” depicts numerous aspects of the castle and its history, which one can enjoy through an audio guide. One of the major attractions of this Palace is Trick Fountains, which consist of several water automats, grottos, and fountains. The main objective of Sittikus was to entertain his guests through these Fountains. One can enjoy the Fountains thoroughly with the help of an audio guide. I used a ‘Hop-On, Hop-Off’ bus from the city’s downtown to reach this place.
My Laos sojourn was one of the most exciting experiences I’ve ever had. I was able to explore two cities, Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and get a taste of what life in Laos is like. I was able to take some amazing photographs of the stunning landscapes, and I even had the opportunity to meet some locals and learn more about their culture and traditions. I got to experience the unique sights, sounds, and smells of the country, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity I had to travel there. One of the focal points of the trip was a memorable train journey. – Vientiane- Luang Prabang-Vientiane. Exploring the temples, museums, and natural wonders of Laos was a photography enthusiast’s delight! The climate was too hot and I left my DSLR at the hostels. So I used a basic Motorola phone to capture the beauty of this country and share it with the world. I took so many shots of the captivating architecture, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes. I even got the chance to take photos of Kuang Si Falls, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Laos. The lush greenery, the towering cascading waterfalls, and the bright blue pools – it was all too beautiful not to capture with my mobile. My photography adventure in Laos was a dream come true. It was a chance to explore the country and make beautiful memories that I can now look back on with nostalgia. I’m so glad I went and I can’t wait to travel to Laos again!