“More than 8,000 people come to visit for the fiesta on 3rd December,” said our guide, referring to their patron saint day. As our van pulled into town,  we were greeted by a clear view of the impressive San Javier Mission, perfectly preserved and untouched by modern modifications. He told us that everyone in town helps to maintain its pristine condition, and that the padre from a mission in Loreto makes the trek up to San Javier give a service every week.

New to the Ears & Eyes

Intrigued by such an impromptu history lesson, I listened more, and followed our guide to the mission’s doors, where he pointed out a white, circular symbol above the open doors that indicated it used to be a Jesuit mission.  It took fourteen years to build. We stepped through the door, and walking past the pews, we saw before us a large, golden altarpiece occupying the front of the mission.

San Javier is located about hour and a half southwest from Loreto, and this town itself only has a population of about 250 people. They received electricity about one year ago, but it is clear that this city is unique in more ways than one. Shocked by the population count and their length of time with electricity, it was definitely unlike anything I was used to hearing.

Ancient Roots

After standing in the awe of part of Baja California’s history, we ventured outside, where there was a small cemetery attached to the side of the mission. Walking past it after examining the names and dates on the tombs, we found ourselves at a tree with twists and knots for a trunk—an olive tree. The olive tree here is the oldest in the area, and still carries olives and creates oil despite being 300 years old.

Beside the olive tree is what looked like a stonewall, but our guide told us that, “It is actually an aqueduct.” He led us to the edge of what we believed to be the stonewall, but saw a groove in the middle of two stone columns, and water trickling in between strands of grass, glistening in the sun.

San Javier’s Charm

This agricultural town itself is charming, and where there aren’t many people on the streets, you’ll see a few people lingering around and occasionally a car will pass through. You’d more than likely see a handful of small dogs kicking up dirt from their trotting across town, too.

After walking through the town next to fields of growing food, and trees with small oranges and olives,  we stopped to have a snack at the a small and simple eatery. We were served homemade quesadillas with goat cheese, taquitos, and guava paste to eat with cheese, which were absolutely delicious and hit the spot after our late afternoon excursion. Before leaving San Javier, we stumbled across an edifice with some of the men of the town artfully, and diligently carving stone with hammers and chisels–it was something new to see, and something you don’t see every day!

Without having noticed how much I actually learned in one day, within a few hours, I realized the best kind of history lesson is one you can see right before your eyes; even if you’re on vacation.

*Disclaimer: This trip was made possible by Wild Loreto and Villa Del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, but all opinions are out own.

The post A History Lesson in San Javier, Mexico appeared first on Wild Junket.

From the mystical peaks of the Andes to the verdant Amazon rainforest, Peru defies all expectations with a mix of ancient ruins, colonial cities and endless opportunities for adventure. 

By Esme Fox | Originally published in WildJunket Magazine Aug/Sep2012

Diverse and all-encompassing, Peru is geographically complex and physically vast, packing in lofty Andean highlands, sweaty jungle lowlands, and cacti-clad desert. It is this multi-faceted trait that draws many curious travelers to its shores. Yet, apart from the well-trodden trail to Cuzco and Macchu Picchu, many parts of Peru still remain off the tourist radar.

Peru once lay at the center of the Inca Empire, which stretched from modern day Colombia to northern Chile and Argentina. Today, although the Inca Empire has long been dissolved, the past still plays an important role in the country. Time-warped Inca cities are still inhabited; and the remains of early civilizations are constantly being discovered.

But beyond history, there is so much more to Peru: from adventurous sports for daredevils to cultural walks in its colonial cities and beach-bumming on its shimmering coastline. Whatever you crave – be it traditional culture, elegant colonial cities or myriad adventures – Peru is sure to satisfy.

The most famous site in the country is clearly the lost city of Machu Picchu, the main reason most people visit the country. But as always, the journey is more important than the destination. Spend days walking the Inca Trail, threading Peru’s backcountry and visiting local tribes, before arriving to see the sun rise over Wayna Picchu peak. Then head down to fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines and decide for yourself how they came to be.

To veer off the beaten path, head north to the adobe city of the Chimu culture, Chan Chan, the largest Pre-Colombian city in South America; then turn east into the Cloud Forest to visit the unknown fortress of Kuélap.

Those with a penchant for colonial grandeur will find themselves seduced by the charm of Arequipa, the ‘White City’; sucked into the past by South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city, Cuzco; and the pre-Colombian secrets of its capital, Lima.

If it’s adventures you’re after, Peru has them in abundance. Learn to surf the colossal sand dunes of Huacachina, before traveling to time-warped Huaraz for a spot of rock climbing. End your journey jungle trekking and kayaking in Iquitos, the largest city in the world not accessible by road.

Regardless of what your expectations are, prepare to be surprised as Peru will exceed everything you’ve ever heard.

Colonial Capitals

Admire Spanish colonial styles and savor traditional flavors in Arequipa, Cuzco and Lima.

Duration: 2 weeks

To get a taste of what the Spaniards left behind, make a whirlwind trip through Peru’s historical triangle. Start south in the ‘White City’, Arequipa, with many of its buildings made from sillar volcanic stone. This is one of Peru’s most picturesque cities, littered with elegant architecture and cobblestoned streets, and backdropped by hazy volcanoes. The pulsating heart of Arequipa is Plaza de Armas, which sits at the center of the city, dominated by an impressive sillar cathedral.

If you can drag yourself away, take a side-trip to the vast Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest at 10, 470 feet (3,191 meters). Chivay is the hub of the valley; just a four-hour bus ride away. In the valley, sign up for a multi-day trek to remote villages, and watch the rare Andean Condon soaring in the sky and llamas roaming amidst the shrubs.

From Arequipa, hop on an overnight bus or train to Cuzco. This is the gateway to Peru’s most famous sight, Machu Picchu (see opposite page). Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco has a historical flair and oozes bohemian vibes. The city has an eclectic culinary scene, and it’s the best place to try some Peruvian delicacies like the cuy or barbecued guinea pig, and ocal cocktail, Pisco Sour.

Finish your journey with a visit to the capital city, Lima. At first glance Lima’s strange mix of plush urban neighborhoods and chaotic rundown districts may not seem to offer much to the foreign visitor, but if you’re eager to learn more about Peru’s history, then you’ll be glad to know that Lima is home to some of the country’s best museums, housing an array of Inca and Pre-Colombian art and artifacts.

Threading the Inca Trail

Travel thousands of years back in time to the lost kingdom.

Duration: 2 weeks

For over 2,000 years, Peru was the vestige of famous civilizations that once inhabited this sacred land. Begin in the south at one of the world’s greatest mysteries, the Nazca Lines. The giant geoglyphs and animal designs marked into the desert can only be seen in their entirety from the air – take to the skies onboard a light aircraft for approximately US$45-$60.

From Nazca, head northwest into the Andes to the famed city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. If you’re short on time, catch a bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, stay the night and start your hike up the mountain at around 4am to see the ancient city at its full glory around sunrise. The ancient city is big enough to warrant an entire day’s exploration. You can wander around by yourself, but to truly understand Machu Picchu, it’s best to book onto a tour.

For those with time to spare, venture up the coast to Trujillo. Many travelers usually skip this chaotic city, but they’re missing a host of fascinating sites, including Chan Chan, the largest Pre-Colombian city in South America; Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, the temples of the sun and the moon; and the Chimú Rainbow Temple, home to Peru’s bizarre native hairless dogs.

Finish your journey in the country’s verdant interior in Chachapoyas, capital of the Amazonas district. Uncover one of Peru’s best-kept secrets, the remains of the Kuélap fortress of the Chachapoyas culture, also known as the Cloud Forest People. Set in a stunning mountainous location, Kuélap even rivals Machu Picchu in size and grandeur – and yet, it attracts less than a quarter of its visitors.

On the Wild Side

Adventure buffs alert! A world of trekking, climbing and sand boarding opportunities await.

Duration: 1-2 weeks

The post Surprising Peru appeared first on Wild Junket.

Eating utensils

People in different parts of the world use different kinds of utensils to eat their food and some use nothing more than their bare hands while satisfying their hunger.

Asians are usually very understanding to foreigners who are not familiar with using the chopsticks and they’ll be happy to provide you with a fork when needed. However, if you want to integrate and immerse in their culture, I’d recommend learning to use them. In that case you might consider buying a chopstick trainer, or if you are a DIY master you can even build your own in a matter of seconds with just a rubber band and a piece of paper. It’s really not that difficult and anyone can do it with just a few days of practice.

In some parts of the world it is customary to eat with your hands. I doubt anyone would be offended if you ask for some utensils but locals always appreciate the effort when you try. So just wash your hands clean and have fun with it, you will feel like a kid playing with your food and it will make your meal a memorable experience.

Flickr photo by hiyori13

Learn when to stop

This one is the trickiest of them all, because it can vary even within the same country and it’s the one thing that could really upset some people depending on where you are. While in some parts of Asia like Singapore or Malaysia, it’s considered very rude to leave anything on your plate (and when I say anything I mean just two or three rice grains), in places like Italy and Spain, completely clearing up your plate will leave your hosts thinking that they didn’t prepare enough food for you and you are still hungry. If you find yourself getting your plate refilled again and again, consider leaving a tad bit of food in it and show your best “I’m so full” face, maybe accompanied by a hand on your belly.

Flickr photo by fred_v

The sounds you make while eating

In western countries, it’s usually considered rude to eat with your mouth open or make noises while eating. But in some Asian countries, it can be an acceptable behavior and even sometimes encouraged. In Japan for example, the amount of noise you make while slurping a bowl of noodle soup is directly proportional to your amount of enjoyment from the food. Therefore, a perfectly polite western visitor could be unadvertedly offending his host while silently savoring the udon.

As always, if you are unsure about how to behave yourself in a foreign dinner table, look around and imitate.

I found this topic to be a quite difficult one to find information about, so if any of you intrepid travelers know of any special eating customs or have an interesting story to share, please do so on the comment section below.

Happy travels and bon appetite!

The post Dinner Etiquette: How to Eat Abroad appeared first on Wild Junket.

This is a guest post by Andy Jarosz.

We had walked for three hours to reach a cluster of large yurts. They had been erected only a few feet apart on an otherwise empty mountainside; for warmth I presumed, despite the very pleasant midday sunshine. We would be spending our first night in the Kyrgyz mountains and had finally arrived at our overnight accommodation.

The concept of a neighbour is very different in rural Kyrgyzstan to how it is perceived to us European city folk. While our neighbours are typically within a gentle stone’s throw of us, here the distance between fellow dwellers on these slopes can be measured in kilometres. It was a chance encounter therefore when our host’s friend from the next valley happened to ride past our little group of weary hikers. After a brief exchange of greetings he disappeared over the distant hill, gesturing that he would soon return.

Around half an hour later we heard the sound of a galloping horse and sure enough he was back, this time dangling a goat hide from the back of his horse. Our Russian guide had already told us that an inverted goat skin was the traditional storage vessel for the favourite local brew, kumis. This is fermented mare’s milk and is one of those things that most Western folk will not enjoy drinking but that will always be offered to visiting guests.

“There’s poo in the milk!”

I can’t say that the idea of drinking fermented mare’s milk appealed to me but, never shy to try something new, I reluctantly braced myself for a taste and waited my turn as a small amount of milk was poured from the goatskin into a cup and passed around.

It was at this point that our guide, who was standing next to me and had seen it all before, nudged me and whispered, “Don’t drink it; there’s horse poo floating inside!” Sure enough, as the man was pouring the milk out of the skin we could clearly see brown lumps within the white liquid.

Maybe those who had the first taste couldn’t see this, but as we were unable to warn them without offending our host the drink made its way unannounced around the circle, each taking a small sip before passing the cup to their left. When it came to me I made up a lame excuse about having a stomach ache and passed the cup on. Better to lie I supposed, than to be ill. What would you have done in my position?

The irony of the story is this: that night as everyone in our group slept soundly, I suffered a full-blown bout of food poisoning. I will spare you the details, but it is sufficient to say that I didn’t see much of the inside of our yurt despite the sub-zero temperatures. Perhaps I should have drunk the dirty milk after all?

Andy Jarosz is a lifelong traveller and freelance writer. He writes on his own 501 Places website and also for adventure travel company Tourdust, who specialise in trekking in Morocco. You can follow Andy on Twitter.

The post Travel Misadventures in Kyrgyzstan appeared first on Wild Junket.

During my recent trip to Asturias, I gave a shot at playing the bagpipes (you know me, I had to give everything a go). I don’t want to blow my own horn, but for a first-timer, I didn’t do too badly though my travel mates who were there might beg to differ! While I did make a fool out of myself, I really enjoyed the experience and found great pleasure amusing everyone including myself.

Prior to this experience, I had never seen a bagpipe in my life. The Asturian bagpipe traces its roots back to the Celtic culture. In certain parts of Northern Spain – namely Asturias, Galicia and Cantabria, some of the ancient Celtic influence has survived despite the long evolution of the local musical traditions.

At the Casa Juan Sidreria (cider house) in Cangas de Onis, we got the chance to watch a young trio play the traditional Asturian musical instruments: the gaita (bagpipe), banderetta (drum) and tambor (tamborine).

At 18 years old, this young gaitero (bagpipe-player) plays the instrument for his pure love of traditional music. With his band, they play in cider bars and at weddings.

Here is a video of the trio performing local Asturian music:

If you really have to see it, here’s a video of me trying to play the bagpipes. It looked harder than I’d imagined – playing the bagpipes involve a combination of stamina (for blowing) and strength (for squeezing the bag as you blow) – although I did manage to spurt out a note or two at the end of it.  Try not to laugh, will ya?

The bagpipe is played commonly throughout the region, not only in cider bars but also on the streets. Along the streets of Gijon, I found a performer who was more than happy to strut his stuff for my camera. Here’s a video of him on his gaita:

To see more of my photos from Asturias, click on any of the images above or go to my online gallery.

This experience was made possible by Asturias Tourism Board and Turismo.as, but all opinions are my own. Read more about my travels in Asturias here.

The post The Ultimate Piping Challenge: Blowing the Asturian Bagpipe appeared first on Wild Junket.

Knees bent, chest raised, the flag-waver uses all his strength to thrust his flag high into the sky. Tension heightens amidst the crowd as the Italian national flag soars towards the San Martino bell tower. Whop! The young sbandieratore catches his flags with much precision, and the crowd roars in unison. The intense silence now explodes into a cacophony of cheers and music.

I am in the medieval city of Lucca to witness Italy’s traditional flag-waving ceremony. It’s a special day for them: Italy turns 150 today and everyone is out on the streets to celebrate. Along with a group of travel bloggers, I’m here to join in the city’s celebrations and explore this region. I’ll let my photos take you through the impressive flag-waving ceremony.

 Sbandieratores, as the flag-wavers are called in Italian,  keep the tradition alive these days with occasional performances during festivals and major events. The rationale behind flag-waving is to re-enact the ceremonies that took place during the 1500s. This explains why they are usually dressed in medieval clothing.

There is a lead flag-waver who plays the protagonist of the performance. It is said that back in those days, the sbandieratore who could throw the flag highest would win the girl. Judging from the performance we caught, I’m sure the lead flag-waver earned his fair share of fans. Here’s a video of him strutting his stuff at Piazza di San Martino:

Lucca is best known for its flag-waving performances having given the world some of the top sbandieratores.

Girls take turns to throw the flags as well.

The flag-wavers are accompanied by a drumming band.

We were lucky enough to witness the performance of Nikola Cosentino, famous actor and two-times winner of the National Flag-waving Championships.

The two have a duet of sorts, tossing flags into the air and swopping them from one hand to the other.

At the end of the performance, the lead flag-waver takes a bow.

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This experience was made possible by Avventurosa and Casa Gentili, but all opinions are my own. Read more about my travels in Tuscany, Italy here or follow me on Twitter with the #TuscanyTrip hashtag.

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The post Photoblog: Flag-waving Ceremony in Lucca, Italy appeared first on Wild Junket.

Splashed in the national colors of green, white and red, the streets of Lucca are buzzing in a festive mood. Powered up for Italy’s birthday celebrations, locals take to the streets with the Italian flag in hand and pride in their hearts.  Despite the drizzle, the energy is impalpable and the atmosphere contagious.

It’s not everyday that I find myself participating in Italy’s 150th birthday celebration but here I am, standing amidst the crowd and cheering ‘Viva Italia!’. Accompanied by several fellow travel bloggers, I am in Tuscany, Italy with a mission: to experience local life and explore the offbeat area sandwiched between Pisa and Lucca. Organized by Avventurosa and Casa Gentili, the Tuscany Blog Trip promises to unveil secrets tucked within the region and show us Tuscany beyond Florence.

Lucca’s Streets

Earlier that morning, we had entered the medieval city of Lucca through the old city walls that surround the entire historical quarters. Meandering our way through the cobblestoned streets and narrow alleyways, we discovered a city oozing with character and bleeding with history.

Lucca swoons like an elegant maiden – its medieval streets resemble those in fairytales while its piazzas bring to mind Renaissance settings. At every street corner, we stumble upon a charming church, an impressive monument or historical building. There is plenty to discover here, yet Lucca remains off the tourist radar.

Our experienced guide, Antonella Marucci, tells us, “Lucca is said to have a total of 100 churches within the historical centre, but according to investigations,” she pauses for effect, “we have just 87.”

Along the way, we find Italian flags draped all over the yellow-washed buildings and people with their faces painted in green, red and white. It’s a special day in Lucca today and within 10 steps into the historical quarters, we get a sense of the excitement.

Street Parades and Music

Along the main drag of the city, Via San Paolino, a parade is making its way into the city centre. Dressed in military wear and armed with musical instruments, the soldiers take the city by storm.

Antonella tells us that some of these parade participants have lost their children in the war, and the parade is a commemoration of their sacrifice for the country. I snap a shot of a white-haired elder beaming with pride – seemingly for both his country and his son.

We drift further along through the streets of Lucca before arriving at the San Michele church, a stunning Romanesque-style architectural masterpiece standing in the heart of Lucca. Spotting a white facade (symbolizing peace) emblazoned with numerous animal figures, the church was built in the Middle Age and has since been restored to its original glory.

At the Piazza di San Michele, bundles of balloons and confetti have been set up to welcome the parade delegates. Here, the parades culminate and everyone gathers to sing, party and celebrate.

Flag-Waving Ceremony

We continue our tour of the city, arriving at the Piazza di San Martino just in time to catch an impressive display of the local flag-waving group. Sbandieratores, as the flag-wavers are called in Italian,  re-enact the ceremony that used to take place since the 1500s.

Lucca is best known for its flag-waving performances having given the world some of the top sbandieratores. We are lucky enough to witness the performance of Nikola Cosentino, famous actor and two-times winner of the National Flag-waving Championships.

Dressed in medieval clothing, the flag-wavers throwing white-and-red flags (colors of Lucca) high in the air, wowing the crowds with their precision and skills. More photos to come in my next article on the flag-waving ceremony, stay tuned!

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This experience was made possible by Avventurosa and Casa Gentili, but all opinions are my own. Read more about my travels in Tuscany, Italy here or follow me on Twitter with the #TuscanyTrip hashtag.

To get in touch with our guide, Antonella Marcucci, find her on facebook or contact her at +39 339 6328832.

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The post Celebrating Italy’s 150th Birthday in Lucca appeared first on Wild Junket.

It’s a hot and wet afternoon in the tropics of Sarawak, Borneo. The jungle surrounding us is an artful assemblage of bamboo and palm trees, draped over the river banks. We are gliding through the murky waters of Sungei Tatau, flanked on both sides by lush foliage. Our destination: the last remaining Tatau longhouse in the region.

I am in Bintulu, Borneo – a destination better known for oil and gas than cultural attractions. Few tourists make it out here except for local visitors but I’ve heard it is all about to change. With newly introduced tourism infrastructure development, giant chains have all set up shop here including the innovative Tune Hotels group. The hotel chain that has made it to the forefront of the budget hotel industry in Malaysia has just opened a new branch in downtown Bintulu and I’m here to check it out and explore the area. On our first day here, we’re going deep into the tribal territories in search of the last remaining Tatau tribe of Sarawak.

Hopping off the traditional longtail boat, we received a warm welcome from the Tatau tribal folks. Like most other tribes in Sarawak, they greeted us with a shot of tuah, hand-made rice wine.  The men in the tribe then guide us into their house with a traditional dance.

Sarawak, Borneo is a stronghold of tradition. Many tribes still live in various corners of Sarawak and conserve their traditional practices. Although the family we visited is a mixture of Tatau and Iban tribes, they are the last remaining Tatau tribe left in Sarawak and thus hold extreme importance to the Bornean culture.

Residing in traditional longhouses (as the name implies, they are elongated houses where 15 to 20 families live under one roof), the Tatau tribes were warm and friendly, asking us to join in the dances and ceremonies. I was joined by a group of over 20 Malaysian journalists, among which many agreed with me that this tribal experience was as authentic as it could get.

By the end of the dance, we were invited to enjoy lunch in the longhouse. Typical Sarawak food was laid out on the floor as we dug in for a taste of tradition. A Tatau senior in her sixties, explained to me in Teochew dialect, “Everything we eat is from nature or grown by ourselves, such as the coconut core, bamboo and chicken.” The entire tribe is self-sustained by their own crops.

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My trip was made possible by Tune Hotels, but all opinions are my own. Read more about my travels through Sarawak, Borneo in the next few weeks.

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The post Photoblog: The Last Remaining Tatau Tribe of Sarawak, Borneo appeared first on Wild Junket.

Today’s sponsored post brings us alittle closer to home, the vibrant, dynamic city of Hong Kong. Riding on a tram to the top of The Peak, catching the Star Ferry across the harbour, gawping at the incredible skyline and shopping at one of the many markets are all must-dos when visiting Hong Kong. But if you want to come back knowing you saw a side to Hong Kong not every tourist did, you need to get off the beaten track.

Hike Up Smuggler’s Ridge

In the heart of the New Territories, an area dense with protected country park, Smuggler’s Ridge is a stretch of low peaks with vertical drops on each side, offering panoramic views over the bustling metropolises of Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin, along with the long stretch of Ting Kao Bridge and the distant peaks of Lantau Island on one side, and the sparkling Shing Mun reservoir and verdant hillsides of various mountains on the other.

Photo from Hongkong Tourism Board

What really marks this hike as special though, is its history, which can only be truly appreciated if you ignore the signs warning ‘Danger. Desolate trench. Do not enter’. Do this and you will discover the remains of Shing Mun Redoubt. Constructed during WWII, the redoubt is formed by a series of underground bunkers and pillboxes connected by cement passageways that formed the key part of the Gin Drinker’s Line, an 18km-long string of defense positions along the hill separating Kowloon from the New Territories. The tunnels are named after famous London locations by homesick soldiers, and the inscriptions remain – ‘Shaftesbury Avenue’, ‘Regent Street’, Piccadilly’, and ‘Charing Cross’, and the main command post of the redoubt, ‘Strand Palace Hotel’.

Discover the Hidden Beauty of Tai Long Wan

This involves another hike, however it is one on which you are constantly rewarded by stunning views, empty trails, and, at the end of it, the beautiful Tai Long Wan beach. White sand, turquoise sea, rugged headland, and usually not a soul in sight. This is truly one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets and an ideal place to escape the crowds and noise of the city.

Photo from iloho

Do Tai Chi In the Park

If you’re an early riser, or if jet lag has forced you to become one, visit one of Hong Kong’s many urban parks to see elderly ladies and wizened old men doing their morning exercises, often to traditional Chinese music. Various types of Tai Chi may be performed, some with huge red fans, others with ornamental swords, but all of it absolutely captivating. It’s a tranquil way to start the day in an otherwise manic, bustling city. Try Kowloon park if you are staying in a Tsim Sha Tsui hotel, or Victoria Park if you are in a hotel on the Island.

Flickr photo by rayparnova

Wander Around Hong Kong’s Local Markets

Hong Kong is justifiably famous for its markets selling clothes, bags, shoes, antiques, and furniture but its wet markets are just as fascinating and show a side of Hong Kong life that you might otherwise miss. The Chinese often visit the food markets daily to stock up on fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat, and the produce is so fresh that it is often still alive up until the point that you buy it, when it is killed, gutted and chopped right in front of your eyes – a trip to the wet markets certainly isn’t for the squeamish!

Flickr photo by msmccomb

Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon have good wet markets, whilst Central has one of the largest and Causeway Bay’s is worth a trip purely for the fact that it is located just one block from the glitzy Times Square shopping centre, full of designer stores and swanky restaurants. Here is a great example of Hong Kong’s extraordinary mix of old and new, traditional and modern.

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The post Off the Beaten Path: Hong Kong appeared first on Wild Junket.

From the desert city of Jaisalmer, we continued our journey eastwards towards one of the most popular destinations in India. Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur forms the third corner of India’s tourist circuit, the Golden Triangle. At the heart of Jaipur lies the Pink City, an old walled quarter packed with extravagant royal palaces, Hindu temples and Asia’s most colorful bazaars. These lavish edifices – scattered all over the chaotic city – are remnants of India’s strongest empire.

Jaipur can be overwhelming with its pushy vendors, dense crowd and polluted streets (it was far from being our favorite city in India), but if enjoyed at a slow pace, the world-class architecture is astounding. Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds (pictured above), is an excellent example of Jaipur’s beauty. It’s best appreciated from the outside, especially in the evening.

Hotel Raj Palace

Arriving at Raj Palace at dawn, we saw the palace shimmering in the sun’s rays. Winner of numerous tourism and hotel awards, the Raj Palace is definitely one of the best places to stay in Jaipur for both its history and setting.

The 300-year-old palace was once home to Jaipur’s Maharaja (royal king) and is still a property of his descendants. Converted into a luxury heritage hotel, the Raj Palace has been restored to its original glory.

Each suite in the hotel is decorated with 200-year-old antiques: brass figures, golden-plated pillars and bronze furnishing. Our suite even had a mini-museum with artifacts on display and old photos of the Maharani (Princess) who used to live in the palace.

The Maharaja Suite ($15,000 a night) below is the hotel’s biggest suite for now. With three rooms (the gold, silver and ivory rooms), a golden-walled lobby and an internal elevator, the suite definitely gives one the feeling of entering the Maharajas’ home.

Within the suite, you’ll also find a glassed area where the king’s throne sits. The suite is also floored by one of the world’s biggest and oldest carpets. One of India’s biggest chandeliers also sit in the hotel.

The hotel is still in the process of restoring more rooms. One suite in particular is the Shahi-Maha suite, which will be the world’s most expensive suite, priced at $42,000 a night (min. 2 nights). 

Jaipur City Palace

Jaipur’s main attraction is its City Palace. Framed around colorful pink walls, the palace is unlike other sandstone palaces we’d seen in Udaipur and Jaisalmer, in both structure and color.

Jaipur City Palace is evidently restored immaculately, with shimmering chandeliers, perfectly arched gates and intricately-carved patios.

Its display of photos is particularly interesting, showing the Viceroy of Great Britain on his visit and the Maharaja of Jaipur holding his court sessions in the majestic court house.

Amber Fort

Poised imposingly on the hilltop of Amber, the sheer size of the Amber Fort itself is dramatic and awe-inspiring. As the main battle ground of the powerful Rajputs, the Amber Fort is massive and laid out with numerous courtyards, rooms and patios. Although the interior has not been restored, and is nowhere near the City Palace in terms of grandeur, the setting of the fort atop the craggy, narrow ridge makes it worth a visit.

Colorful Bazaars

Jaipur is best known for its bustling bazaars stocked full of handicraft, textiles, jewellery and pottery. At Tripolia Bazaar, right next to Hawa Mahal, I found rows upon dizzying rows of bangle stalls and sari shops. Bapu Bazaar is also great for tie-dye cloths and embellished textiles. As you can seen from the picture below, shopping in the bazaar is simply a way of life for the Jaipur locals.

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