Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

If you been to Dubai then Abu Dhabi is the spin-off city to Dubai.  Dubai seems more happening and things to do, but definitely you must see Abu Dhabi when in Dubai.  I went separate times and I love both these cities.  Abu Dhabi to me seems more like home and a lot quainter then Dubai.  Like Dubai; Abu Dhabi is exceptionally clean and safe.  I was so impressed with the hospitality in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi is incredibly easy to get around.  I stayed at the Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport Hotel.  It was connected to the airport by a short walk, and if you are here on a very short trip like I was, then this hotel is the perfect stay.  Exceptional, immaculate hotel, with lots of amenities. The food was outstanding and so was the staff.  You can get all the transportation you need at this hotel because of it’s easy access to the airport, which makes it a convenient hotel also.

If you prefer not to take a taxi, you can take the A-1 Bus and that will take you to all the main locations within Abu Dhabi.  The A-1 Bus has many stops along the way, so I am sure one of your destinations will be on the list. Right outside the airport at Terminal 1, the buses come every 30 minutes.

When in Abu Dhabi head on over to Corniche.  The Corniche is one of the famous tourist spots in Abu Dhabi, not just because of its location, but because of the beautiful greenery with cafes and restaurants dotting the shoreline.  There is a public beach area and also a family area for those who like to bring their kids for some playtime on the beach.

Corniche is eight kilometers long which makes it a great if love to run, stroll or cycle. The beachfront is beautifully well-kept and there are numerous shops in the vicinity.  If you love to watch the sunset then this is the place.  After I seen Corniche, I walked down to see The Emirates Palace which is located at the southern end of the Corniche   I arrived here in the evening, and it was all lit up and even the water fountains were raining with beautiful colors.  Must see Emirates Palace when here and don't forget the Marina Mall. 

Sydney, Australia

Stunning Sydney !  I particular love relaxing at the harbor.  The Circular Quay area, in my opinion, is very much the definition of Sydney for most part with the Harbor Bridge, Opera House, Museums, Botanical Gardens, all in close proximity of each other.  Just like the Rocks ( an absolutely must and most visited place in Sydney) expect to spend a full day around this area to see as much as you can.

I was in Sydney for just a couple of days, and I totally love animals and definitely wanted to see the koalas bears and kangaroos since I was a child, so I decided to head on over to the Wildlife Sydney Zoo.  It was a very nice but small zoo, and if you want you can have your picture taken next to the koala bears.  One suggestion is to buy your tickets on the website and then can enter regardless of the timing on your ticket, you just need to go on the date you book to enter on only.  Just show the reply on your mobile and in you go.

If you love architecture and high-end shopping then stroll on over to the Queen Victoria Building.  The QVB one of the better shopping complexes.  The building is amazingly beautiful and I strongly recommend taking a stroll just to capture the beauty of the architecture.  These were my favorite and a must see in Sydney if you are only there for a few days.  All sites are within walking distance so you can hop on foot to all the sites and get a little exercise.  Happy Hopping :-)

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne has a really quaint, old-time feel to it.  I started with the Royal Botanical Gardens for a stroll in the morning.  It's a great place to unwind and relax.  Thousands of plant species from all around the world are in this garden and this is a must see if you love nature.  From the gardens I would then walk along the Yarra River to Federation Square. It is a lovely walk, and if you love to walk then I recommend walking, get some exercise, explore nature, and skip the transportation.

Federation Square is the hub of Melbourne where you will find all the cultural attractions, events, and other tourist experiences.  Here you will find restaurants, bars and specialty stores galore ! So stroll up to Federation Square for all the main attractions in the central Melbourne area.  I stopped by to see what all the craze was about Saint Paul's Cathedral.  This Cathedral is stunning and I can see why all tourist were coming and going inside this cathedral.

Across the street is the famous Flinders Street Station, and right outside from the station is the City Circle Tram and it is free.  There are many other stops to jump on the free tram also.  It is a nice way to see the the central city of Melbourne.  You must experience a ride on this heritage tram, so jump on-board for that nostalgic feel.  There is an audio playing during the entire time that provides details of city's major attractions such as; the City Museum, Parliament House, Federation Square, and the Melbourne Aquarium, just to name a few.

My highlight of my Melbourne vacation was going to the Old Melbourne Gaol, meaning prison.  I love this stuff, and with a degree in Criminal Justice, this is right up my ally.  Walking through this historic prison you can go in the cell rooms of the many cellmates from through-out Australia and other countries around the world where they were found guilty of some crime in Australia.  They have documentation in each cell of whom was housed their and what was their crime.  After your walk through they have a police officer that takes a group through a reenactment of life as an inmate during that time and a tour of the history of the prison.  That's all for now and a good day mates :-)

Auckland, New Zealand

You can’t beat Auckland when it comes to stunning beaches, beautiful parks and tons of walking trails, the whole area is a nature lover’s paradise.  Get outdoors and discover magnificent scenery and all the wildlife galore.

If you really enjoy scenic views and walking, then you will really enjoy your visit to Auckland.  It passes over many of the city’s best panoramic views and some of it’s best parks.   I walked most of the time to all my destinations when I arrived, except for heading to the Auckland Zoo which was quite a distance.

Mission Bay is a must, and a popular resort.  From the main city point, Voyager Maritime Museum, walk Quay Street which leads into (changes) to Tamaki Drive to Mission Bay, and it is only about a one hour hike.  The scenery is gorgeous and it hugs the coast along the harbor with breathe-taking views along the way.

Just for relaxation head to Aotea Square in downtown Auckland.  It’s a large open triangular plaza surrounded by the historic town hall.  Aotea Square is considered Auckland’s civic heart, with theaters and concert halls.  There’s also an intriguing arch-type sculpture in the middle of the square (pictured below).

There are so many outside things to do in Auckland, the list goes on and on.  I just seen a few major sites and one of them was the Auckland Zoo, that is a must.  I have posted pictures of the main sites in Auckland I have seen.  Pack some good sneakers or hiking shoes on your visit, your feet will thank you for it.  Happy Hiking :-) 

Delhi & Sonipat, India

I love the cows so much, they put a big smile on my face.  Awesome day petting, feeding and loving the cows.  Gaushala in India, February 2014.

Sonipat, Haryana, India

Sonipat also known as Sonepat, district of Haryana, and about 50 Km from Delhi, is surrounded by the River Yamuna on its eastern side.  It is a nice place to visit if staying in nearby Delhi.

Being close to New Delhi, the place enjoyed special attention from Mughal rulers and the evidence of the same can be seen in the architectural structures present in the city.  Sonipat visit is incomplete without a mention of its rich cultural and spiritual legacy. Temples, Mosque of Abdullah Nasir-ud-din and Khwaja Khizr Tomb are the famous tourist attractions worth visiting in the city.

The tomb of Khwaja Khizr houses the remains of the saint and son of Darya Khan who lived during the rule of Ibrahim Lodhi. The structure was built between 1522 and 1525 AD.  The tomb stands on an elevated platform which can be accessed by a flight of steps.

Choki Dhani is the place to see and a must when coming to Sonipat.  This place is awesome and I had the best time here.  Chokhi Dhani Sonipat is set in an ethnic Rajasthani village theme.  Chokhi Dhani has dining, live entertainment and camel rides.  For a great evening Rajasthani style then you must come here.  Live dance and music performances all through the evening is one of the major attractions at Chokhi Dhani Village.  The magic show, puppet show, and the acrobats was all very entertaining.

For dinner, you entered a big hall where you are asked to sit on mattresses on the floor. There were several people who served the food.  As soon as you sit down they start serving the food, and it did not stop. You are served somewhere around 15 to 20 dishes, there were so many different food dishes that I really can’t recollect extactly, but all traditional Rajasthani dishes.  It felt homely, and I can’t remember the last time I had so much food before!   My stomach was packed and I had a smile on my face from all the delicious, wonderful food.  All pictures are from Choki Dhani, what an unforgettable, magical evening :-)))

Bangkok & Phuket Island, Thailand

Bangkok is a cultural and spiritual place, with so much history and so many things to see and do; you hardly know where to start.  From the night life, ritzy shopping malls, water sports, stunning temples, colorful festivals, mouth-watering delicacies, world class facilities, enchanting islands and beaches.  Bangkok is one the top destinations to visit in the world, with different people coming from all different places around the globe, this place in one global mesh.

Just a few of the top, must-see spots in Bangkok:

Wat Arun meaning the Temple of Dawn.  This temple is impressive and stunning, and one of the most recognized in Southeast Asia. Constructed during the first half of the 19th century, the ornate floral pattern decked out in glazed porcelain is stunning up close.  It is decorated by bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China.  It was thrilling, but a little scary walking up the very steep stairs to the top, which gives a nice view of the Chao Phraya river.  Another wonderful temple to see in Bangkok is Wat Pho.  It is one of the most impressive, being the largest and oldest in Thailand.

The Grand Palace.  The Grand Palace is where the kings of Thailand reside.  It is full of luxury and majesty.  Built in 1782 and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government, the Grand Palace continue to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail.  Grand Palace is an absolute MUST, as it is an outstanding architectural achievement, which also houses the infamous Emerald Buddha.  It is recommended that you do not wear shorts, but if you dress inappropriately, they have clothing you can rent during your tour.

Chinatown in Yaroawat.  This Chinatown is packed with culture, full of market stalls and gold shops.  During major festivities like the Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival, Chinatown is a must visit.  Also, don’t forget the Floating Market.  The infamous market were the Thais sell their fresh produce on boats. The market is about 80 Kilometers outside of Bangkok.  Everyday hundreds of boats crowd the market area.  You will be able to travel around in a boat and see a little of Thai village life, although do remember that this is now a very famous excursion, so it will not be your normal Thai village.

National Museum.  This museum which is within walking distance from the Grand Palace is one of the largest in Southeast Asia.  The museum was once used as a palace and consists of several old yet beautiful buildings. The museum houses many artifacts found from all parts of the country, ranging from Neolithic, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya times, to modern Bangkok. The admission fee is 40 baht per person, and the museum is open everyday except Mondays, Tuesdays and National holidays, from 9 am to 4 pm.

Definitely visit one of the many beautiful islands of Thailand.  I went to Phuket Island for two nights, it was a nice break from the bustling and banging Bangkok.  My favorite part of Phuket Island was my Thai massage right on the beach J