The Planet D: Around the World Adventure Couple

Hampi Ruins, a Photo Story

davendeb — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:36 +0000

One of our favorite places in India was the ancient city of Hampi. We had told you about this place way back in December, but as Dave was going through his photos the other day, we decided that words just couldn't do justice to this spectacular site.What makes Hampi unique is that while it is a world heritage site and the ruins are impressive, the people of the land live, breathe and work among its walls.

Taj Mahal, Two Times a Charm

davendeb — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:00:21 +0000

We arrived for the second time to Agra on a beautiful sunny afternoon. We didn't go to the Taj Mahal until the third day of our arrival. We instead spent the days relaxing, writing and chatting with other tourists. Finally after viewing it from every surrounding rooftop and angle, we managed to wake ourselves up at 5:00 am to beat it to the front of the line. We felt like old pros by now and kept that not so interested look on our faces as we listened to the excited conversations around us. Once the doors opened however, it was a free for all and we were suddenly very interested.

Pakistan Border Ceremony, Theatre with Gusto

davendeb — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:44 +0000

The Pakistan Border. It sounds so sexy to say that you have visited. Every evening in a small town just 35 km from Amritsar a spectacular show occurs.

The Golden Temple of Amritsar, India’s Shining Star

davendeb — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:00:30 +0000

We had been back in India a mere two days when we made our way to Punjab to witness the Golden Temple. Sikhism’s Holiest site, this temple welcomes all to enjoy its beauty and spirituality. Dave and I don’t normally become excited over temples, but the Golden Temple is incredibly impressive and beautiful. It is not a large temple, but it is impressive. Built in 1577, the temples dome is guilded with 750 kg of pure gold.

Holi Mania it’s Spring in India!

davendeb — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:00:33 +0000

- India has spring fever and nowhere celebrates it with more vigor than Mathura India. We hooked up with our friends Rebecca and Julian from Toronto to experience India’s most colourful festival.Becca has wanted to see Holi since the time she was 12 and Julian being a huge history buff explained the story of Krishna, the temples [...]

Snapshot Sunday, Holi India

davendeb — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:00:33 +0000

Meeting up with our friends Becca and Julian brought back the joy of travel again. To see them excited about India and Holy rubbed off on us, and even though I was sick with a touch of Delhi Belly and a bad head cold we enjoyed our time in Mathura celebrating the Holy Festivities.

Top Secret in Hikkaduwa: A Review

davendeb — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:00:22 +0000

There is a fantastic place in Hikkaduwa that we probably shouldn't be telling you about because it is Top Secret. OK, to be fair the name of the place is Top Secret and I think that they wouldn' t mind if we let the cat out of the bag since they are located right on Galle Road with a big sign promoting the spot. Located in Hikkaduwa close enough to all the action, but far enough away that you can relax, Top Secret is probably the best budget accommodation that we have ever stayed at.

Tsunami Five Years Later: A Photo Story

davendeb — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:00:01 +0000

It has been over 5 years since the Tsunami devastated the coast of Sri Lanka. Over 50,000 people were killed and thousands more injured and displaced. he wounds are slowly disappearing as businesses are being rebuilt, roads are cleared and the landscape has recovered, but the scars still remain and there are still signs of the destruction that the mighty ocean left behind. Dave has captured the southern coast of Sri Lanka today in photos. Its i a reminder of the great suffering that the people faced after the event but also the resilience of the human spirit and how a nation has slowly recovered over time.

New India Visa Rules, Our Re-Entry

davendeb — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:00:16 +0000

Welcome to part 3 of our update on the new India Tourist Visa rules. Way back in December we heard about the new rule while reading the India Times. How did we do? We had been out of India for 31 days while visiting Sri Lanka. We knew all about the visa problems and were prepared to not be allowed back into India. It was 3:00 am. Our flight was leaving Colombo in the middle of the night and we stood in line preparing to act surprised and confused once we were told about the changes.

Saving Sea Turtles One Egg at a Time

davendeb — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:06 +0000

The sea turtle is in grave danger in this world. Fishing nets are scooping them up out of our oceans. Limbs are cut off by the nylon mesh, they suffocate and they are hit by boat propellers. Humans have had an enormous impact on the endangerment of the Sea Turtle. At the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, Chandrasiri Abrew is working to make a difference. We came across the Kosgoda Turtle Hatcher by chance. After walking along the deserted beach while the sun slowly set, we ran into a man walking and yelled to him, "Turtles?"