A Cultural Welcome to Tokyo: Exploring Asakusa and Beyond

The Sensoji Temple

The ANA flight from Delhi landed ahead of schedule on the tarmac in The Land of the Rising Sun just as the first light of day broke. With time to spare before checking into our accommodation in Shinjuku, we decided to head straight to Asakusa, Tokyo’s cultural heartbeat. Leaving our luggage at the nearby Tourist Resort Centre, we were free to explore.

The Pagoda

Unfortunately, the much-anticipated Geisha Show, held on the first Saturday of every month, had been canceled. However, we were given alternatives—a hands-on Origami class, showcasing the intricate art of paper folding, or the thrilling Samurai Show later in the day.

Kaminarimon Gate

The streets were already bustling when we began our cultural exploration at the iconic Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate, the grand entrance to the historic Sensoji Temple. The massive red lantern and imposing statues of the gods of thunder and wind stood as guardians to Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. According to legend, in 628 AD, a fisherman discovered a statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, in the nearby Sumida River. In honor of this divine find, Sensoji Temple was built to enshrine it. Over the centuries, the temple has been rebuilt multiple times, yet its spiritual essence remains untouched.

At The Naakamise Street

The temple’s charm is further amplified by Nakamise Street, a vibrant 200-meter stretch lined with souvenir shops and street food stalls. As cherry blossom season had arrived early, delicate pink petals adorned the trees and peeked over storefronts, adding a magical touch to the already picturesque setting. We couldn’t have asked for a better welcome to Tokyo!

The Matcha Delicacies

After marveling at the temple’s pagodas and main hall, we wandered through the nearby Nishi Asakusa Market, a haven for matcha lovers. From chocolates and ice creams to traditional desserts, the variety of matcha-infused delights was overwhelming. 

The Matcha Brulee

The Matcha Crepes

Tempted by the aroma wafting from a cozy eatery, we indulged in a Matcha Crêpe Brûlée—a delicate matcha crepe filled with vanilla ice cream, topped with roasted pistachios, and caramelized to perfection. A truly heavenly treat!

As we explored further, we stumbled upon a lively gathering where Samurai performers were gearing up for a show. Soon, the air filled with the sounds of traditional music and the dramatic clashing of swords. The energetic performance, complete with sabre-rattling and battle sequences, was nothing short of spectacular, earning enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

The Tokyo Skytree and Golden Poo Building

Our final stop for the day was a short walk to the Sumida River, where we were greeted with stunning views of the Tokyo Skytree Tower, cherry blossoms swaying gently by the riverside, and the quirky Asahi Beer Hall, often referred to as the Golden Poo Building due to its distinctive design.

As the day’s adventures came to a close, we retrieved our luggage and headed to Shinjuku, where the dazzling neon lights transformed the cityscape into a dreamlike spectacle. This was just the beginning of our journey through Japan and Korea—more adventures to follow in the next posts!

PS; All pictures and videos are mine

A Journey to the DMZ: A Glimpse into Korea's Divided Past

The DMZ

We arrived early at Exit 9 of Myeongdong Station in Seoul, eager to board the bus for our day trip to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), the tense border that separates North and South Korea. The excitement was palpable—standing at the 38th Parallel, a line that once seemed distant and unreachable, was about to become a reality.

Arrival in Seoul: A Warm Welcome

Our journey to Seoul had begun the previous day with a pleasant flight from Fukuoka. Upon landing at the bustling Incheon Airport, we were immediately struck by South Korea’s seamless integration of technology and efficiency. Purchasing a T-Money card from a convenience store ensured smooth travel on public transportation and even allowed purchases at various shops.

We hopped onto the AREX-Airport Express train, which was crowded but efficient, and arrived at Seoul Station. As we navigated the vast network of escalators and stairways, a kind-hearted local approached us, inquiring about our destination. To our surprise, he personally guided us through the maze, ensuring we boarded the correct train before continuing on our way. This unexpected act of kindness was our first taste of Korean hospitality—even before checking into our accommodation.

Later that evening, while exploring the vibrant streets of Myeongdong, we located Exit 9—the designated meeting point for our DMZ tour the next morning.

The DMZ Tour Begins

Our Guide Doria

At precisely 7:30 AM, our guide, a friendly Korean woman named Daria, greeted us and ushered us onto the bus. As we made our way through the metropolis, the sight of towering skyscrapers, ancient palaces, and meticulously maintained gardens provided a striking contrast to the history of division we were about to witness.

Daria kept us engaged with artefacts and historical accounts of the Korean War, describing how families were separated—some never to reunite again. As we neared the DMZ, a routine security check by South Korean soldiers required every visitor’s passport to be inspected before entry. After about ninety minutes, our first stop awaited us.

Imjingak Park: A Site of Reflection

The Freedom Bridge

Imjingak Park, a space dedicated to Korean War refugees, houses remnants of history, including a war-damaged train that had remained stranded in the DMZ for nearly fifty years. The Freedom Bridge, an iconic landmark, witnessed the exchange of hundreds of prisoners of war in 1953.

A particularly moving story tied to this place is that of Hyundai founder Chung Ju-Yung. As a young man, he had sold his father’s cow to escape to South Korea. In a symbolic gesture of gratitude and reconciliation, he returned to North Korea in 1998, crossing the DMZ with 1,001 cows as repayment for the one he had taken decades earlier.

Imjingak is also home to Dorasan Station, the northernmost railway station in South Korea. Though inactive, it stands as a symbol of hope for the possible reunification of the two Koreas. A quirky curio shop here sells North Korean stamps and currency notes, intriguing souvenirs for visitors.

The Train

Dora Observatory: A Window into North Korea

The two stations on either side of North and South Korea

Our next stop was the Dora Observatory, perched atop Mount Dora. Along the way, another military checkpoint required another round of passport verification, reminding us of the strict security measures in place.

A peek into North Korea side

The observatory offers a rare view into North Korea, overlooking Kaesong Industrial Complex, Kaesong city, and the Military Demarcation Line. Before stepping onto the observation deck, we watched a brief documentary about the Korean War and the DMZ’s history. 

A farmer on N Korea side

The N Korea flagpost

The telescopes provided a glimpse of the towering North Korean flagpole, military outposts, and the Kaesong River—offering a surreal, firsthand view of a land so close yet worlds apart.

The Third Tunnel: A Covert Passage

At the Third Infiltration Tunnel

Perhaps the most thrilling part of the tour was exploring the Third Infiltration Tunnel, discovered in 1978. One of several tunnels dug by North Korea with the intent of a surprise attack, this passage measures 1.7 km in length and a mere 2 meters in width.

Equipped with hard hats, we ventured inside the dim, narrow tunnel. The steep climb back up was exhausting, but the experience of walking through history made every step worth it. Photography was strictly prohibited, preserving the secrecy and sensitivity of this extraordinary underground passage.

Unification Village: Life Within the DMZ

A symbol of Ongoing Effort for Reunification

Our final stop was Daeseong-dong (Unification Village), a small farming community that uniquely exists within the DMZ. Here, residents live under stringent monitoring, with specific rules governing their daily lives.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the village is its loudspeakers, which broadcast messages and music into North Korea—a practice met with reciprocal broadcasts from the North. This unusual form of communication added to the surreal atmosphere of the place.

Flavouring the local Soya Bean icecream at the Unification village

A local shop sold DMZ-themed souvenirs and snacks, offering visitors a taste of life near the border. We picked up Cheorwon Odae rice, known for its rich flavour, cultivated in the nutrient-rich basalt soil near the DMZ.

Reflections on a Historic Journey

As we made our way back to Seoul, passing through yet another military inspection, the weight of history lingered in our minds. The DMZ tour was an eye-opening experience, reminiscent of our visits to the Golan Heights in Israel and the Attari Border in India. It was a stark reminder of the human cost of division and the enduring hope for reunification.

Our journey to the DMZ was more than just a tour—it was a profound lesson in history, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of a divided nation.

PS- All pics are mine

An Angel in Fukuoka

A recent trip to Japan and Korea would go down the memory as one with the most unforgettable experiences one could ever imagine. Not only the rapid pace with which both these nations have progressed post second world war but also on many other fronts like the high human values, integrity, good food, cleanliness amongst many more. What I am about to narrate is perhaps one of the most surreal experience my wife and I had in a lovely city called Fukuoka in Kyushu island of Japan. 

We had a very busy start to the day, when we visited one of the most beautiful shrines located at an hour's distance from Fukuoka called Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine. This followed with more riveting shrines called Kushida and Tochoji within the city. It was almost afternoon and we reached a bus stop looking for a bus to visit the Ohori Park located in Fukuoka. It is a well known site for a beautiful lake where there are pretty gardens too! After waiting for about five minutes, a little uncertain about from which end of the bus stop to take a bus, we were struggling to read the route printed in Ja[anease, using the Google Translator. A petite girl who was very cute asked us where we wanted to go. It was a struggle to communicate as she could converse in Japanese only with just a word or two in English. She understood where we were headed and showed us the timing of the next  bus on the time table. After a while she pointed us to a building in the vicinity from where a subway train could be taken. She accompanied us and we thouht she is taking all the trouble to lead us to the train where we could save time too. We scanned the ticket reader and stepped on the platform. To our surprise she also followed and told us that she would be going to the stop after ours. We boarded the train and she sat next to my wife exchanging some notes through the mobile translator when we reached the destination. She also stepped out with us and tried to tell me something. She was telling me that the balance on my Suica Card( extensively used in all public transport and commercial outlets) was low! I too had noticed and I walked upto the charging machine before the exit to refill the card .We stepped out of the station and the girl still accompanied us while we walked towards the beautiful park which was now visible. She opened a bag that she was carrying and held out two donuts for us. We told her that it was not necessary but she said that she had more so she wanted to share with us. I asked her if she would like to join us for a cup of coffee and she beamed and agreed. We continued our small converation as we headed to the Starbucks outlet within the park. Her name was Yoko and she was twenty four years old and worked with a huge company in Japan. We had coffee together and I was wondering what made Yoko to go to this extent and act as if she was our daughter and kept us entertained with small conversation. She too was visiting Fukuoka and hailed from Aichi Prefecture. on Honshu island. She said that she enjoyed meeting us and for us this meeting was nothing short of ablessing in disguise. We then strolled along the lake together taking some pictures together.

We realized that she must have some thing on her agenda which she gave a skip to accompany us, with little in common among us. She was extremely loving and we exchanged our Instagram handles. We have been in touch since. 

Our meeting Yoko was not a chance meeting but God's way of telling that no matter where we go we don't need familiar faces to help us or even give company. I will highlight these great virtues that we encounterd on our most recent vist apart from highlighting other experineces. I wish Yoko a very happy life and success in all her pursuits. We were so fortunate to experience the generosity and love of the young Japanese girl, Yoko 

PS- A huge thanks to Yoko ! I will follow up with more posts on my other experiences

A Soulful Road Trip to Prayagraj-Mahakumbh

 Last month, I embarked on a 650-km road trip to Prayagraj, driven by the occasion of the recently concluded Mahakumbh. For me, it wasn’t just a journey across distances, but a deep dive into nostalgia, spirituality, and the spirit of community. The city, a place where I spent five life-changing months during my college days, was now teeming with pilgrims and visitors from all corners of the world. I couldn't help but reflect on the past, when I trained at Naini for five months, commuting daily between Allahabad and Naini on the COD Express.

A Journey of Reflection

Over five decades ago, during my college days, I used to travel daily between Naini and Allahabad, a journey that took me through the heart of this vibrant city. Back then, the COD Express was my lifeline, and the landscape of Prayagraj was much simpler. The city, while always a bustling hub of history and culture, had an air of serenity to it. But today, much had changed. The roads were wider, the infrastructure modernized, yet, despite the changes, there remained a thread of continuity—the spiritual energy of the place that never faded.

One of the highlights of the trip was the boat ride from the Boat Club to the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. As our boat gently sailed through the water, I was taken aback by the sheer sight of humanity that lined the riverbanks. Pilgrims bathed in the holy waters, seeking redemption, while thousands of migratory birds from Siberia dotted the skies above us. It was an awe-inspiring sight—an entire ecosystem at work, with the land, water, and sky merging into one divine experience.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still, and I could feel the weight of centuries of tradition that this sacred place represented. The boat ride wasn't just about reaching a destination; it was about connecting to something deeper, something ancient. My heart felt lighter as I absorbed the serenity of the Sangam, even amidst the chaos around me.

A City Embracing Its Visitors 

Despite the overwhelming crowds and the never-ending streams of devotees, Prayagraj managed to retain its grace. The roads were often blocked by the constant flow of people, but it did not affect the city’s sanitation or its hospitality. In fact, it was remarkable to see how clean and well-maintained the city was, considering the number of visitors who flooded it during the Kumbh.

The authorities had ensured that the city remained organized, with efficient waste management systems in place, allowing the pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey without distractions. At night, the city transformed into a glowing wonderland, with glittering lights illuminating the streets. The city, dressed in these lights, felt like a heaven on Earth, welcoming devotees with open arms and offering them a sense of peace amidst the chaos.

Nostalgia at the Indian Coffee House

No visit to Prayagraj would be complete without a trip to the iconic Indian Coffee House at Civil Lines. As I stepped inside after five decades, the familiar aroma of coffee and the retro ambience flooded me with nostalgia. The same ceiling fans, the old wooden tables, and the unchanging vibe reminded me of the many hours spent there during my student days. It was a place where time seemed to slow down, conversations flowed freely, and the outside world faded away.

Each sip of the coffee felt like a moment frozen in time, and for a brief moment, I was transported back to my younger days, sitting with friends and discussing everything from politics to philosophy. It was a nostalgic reunion with the past that felt both comforting and bittersweet.

Unforgettable Hospitality

The highlight of my visit, however, was the warmth and kindness I experienced from our hosts in Civil Lines. In a city so filled with devotees, their hospitality stood out. They went beyond mere politeness, offering us their love, kindness, and generosity in ways that felt like a true embodiment of the human spirit. Whether it was helping us navigate the crowded streets or sharing stories of their own lives, our hosts made us feel like family. Their hospitality was a reminder that, at the heart of all pilgrimages and celebrations, it is the human connection that makes the journey worthwhile.

Conclusion

This road trip to Prayagraj, with its blend of nostalgia, spirituality, and kindness, was an experience that touched my soul. It reminded me that, while cities evolve and change, the essence of what makes them special—whether it's the people, the traditions, or the natural beauty—remains timeless. The Mahakumbh was a celebration of faith, but it was also a celebration of the enduring human spirit, a spirit that I felt deeply connected to during my journey.

Reflections of a Rewarding Year

As 2024 came to a close, I reflected on a year filled with exploration, meaningful reunions, and moments of personal growth. My experiences this year have left me with lasting memories, and I’d like to share some of the highlights that made this year so special.

Exploring Morocco's Enchanting Marrakech

Jardin Majorelle 

The year began with a trip to the captivating city of Marrakech, Morocco. Walking through the bustling souks, marvelling at the intricate architecture of the Bahia Palace, Yves Saint Laurent Museum located inside the pristine Jardin Majorelle, the soaring Menara tower and soaking in the vibrant energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa square were unforgettable experiences. 

Historic streets of Marakkesh

Morocco’s rich culture and warm hospitality made this trip truly magical, and the flavours of tagines, freshly baked delicacies and mint tea are memories I continue to savour.

Immersed in the Spirit of Japan

The divine Mt Fuji

One of the most transformative journeys this year was to Japan. Tokyo’s blend of modernity and tradition amazed me, while Osaka’s culinary delights were a treat for the senses. The bustling Shibuya Crossing, snow-capped Mt Fuji, and the bloom of Cherry Blossoms in Ueno Park are some memories that are permanently etched. Kyoto, with its serene temples and stunning landscapes, felt like stepping into a postcard.

A pretty street in Kyoto lined with Cherry Blossoms

Travelling between Osaka and Kyoto on the Shinkansen (bullet train) was an unforgettable experience, not just for its speed but for the seamless efficiency of Japanese transportation. 

A bustling street of Osaka

What stood out most, however, was the incredible hospitality of the Japanese people—their kindness and attention to detail left a lasting impression. I can write reams of stories of the experiences and interactions with locals 

Discovering the Netherlands

Pretty Het Park in Rotterdam

Summer took me to the Netherlands, where I explored Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague, and Amsterdam. Each city offered charm, from Rotterdam's modern skyline to Delft's historic canals. In The Hague, I admired the blend of royal history and contemporary life, while Amsterdam captivated me with its picturesque polders and vibrant farmer markets. 

The modern buildings 0f Rotterdam

I was especially moved by the pristine nature and the Dutch way of life, where simplicity and sustainability reign supreme. The transport system never fails to impress as each place is so well connected by public transport that accessibility is never a problem

Van Gogh's Almond Tree painting

A visit to the Van Gogh Museum was the experience of a lifetime in understanding the beauty of the Impressionist Movement in his paintings and his contemporaries

Reunions Across the Globe

A get-together of College friends in NOIDA

This year also brought the joy of reconnecting with friends after decades. Twice, friends travelled all the way from the US—once a classmate from the college in March, and again in July- meeting a blog friend. 

These reunions were filled with laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt conversations, reminding me of the enduring bonds of true friendship. Besides this, there were meetings with folks after a long time.

Rediscovering India’s Spiritual Heart

Idols of Radha Krishna in Prem Mandir, Vrindavan

After many years, I visited Mathura, immersing myself in the divine and serene atmosphere of this sacred city. Visiting Banke Bihari Temple, Dwarkadeesh, and Prem Mandir was a memorable experience. The spiritual energy there was transformative and gave me moments of deep introspection. 

A shop in Vrindavan market

A trip to Mathura and Vrindavan is incomplete without digging into 'Pedas' and Jalabei and Kachori, and 'chaat' at local sweet shops. 

A Sandesh shop in Kolkata

As always, My trips to Kolkata were exhilarating, filled with the city’s rich culture, vibrant streets, and unmatched food. Tasting simple Luchi, Aloo Dum and Cholar Dal with Sandesh in North Kolkata revitalised the taste buds.

 Mentoring Students

Amidst these travels, one of the most fulfilling aspects of 2024 was the time I spent mentoring school children. Guiding young minds and witnessing their growth brought me immense joy and a sense of purpose. Teaching them wasn’t just about imparting knowledge but learning from their boundless curiosity and enthusiasm. On the personal learning front, I got familiarised with AI and created a school magazine with contributions from school children using these cutting-edge technology tools.

The Students after winning a game

I got an opportunity to visit a High school; in Rotterdam during my visit. The school is equipped to impart training on every aspect of a child's growth. The picture of the Music Room below illustrates their dedication to multi-dimensional growth

The Music Room in a High School in Rotterdam

As I look back, 2024 was a year of enriching experiences, personal growth, and meaningful connections. Each journey, reunion, and moment of giving back added depth and joy to my life. I am grateful for this incredible year and look forward to what 2025 has in store!

What were your favourite moments of 2024? Let’s celebrate them together!

Connecting With the God

Prem Mandir in Vrindavan

After a long time, I recently visited the sacred destinations of Vrindavan and Mathura. The earliest memories of these places are embedded like a transparency. Going to the Dwarkdeesh Temple in Mathura in the wee morning at dawn was an exhilarating experience. The ringing of chimes and the ' Aarti' amidst chants of devotees was always looked forward to. In subsequent years it became an annual ritual to visit Mathura and adjoining places at the beginning of each New Year. This continued till almost a decade back when the constant construction of roads, haphazard traffic and wrong-side driving took menacing proportion. About a fortnight ago, some of our relatives travelling to Delhi wanted to visit these destinations and asked us to accompany them. The offer was tempting and hurriedly the plan was drawn out including a two-night stay in Vrindavan. 

Yamuna Expressway

We left by Yamuna Expressway which was a breeze. The beginning of the journey could not have been better and the effort to modernise Indian infrastructure was evidently visible. In just over two hours the driver stopped at a roadside eatery that appeared to be an extension of a mall in any metro city. 

Beautiful gardens and murals in Prem Mandir

After a brief halt, we entered Vrindavan to visit the Prem Mandir. Crossing the traffic barriers set up to regulate the vehicles in the temple town was a challenge. The floodlit Prem Mandir had a tsunami of visitors of all hues. 

Since, we had not seen the place, an hour plus passed away in a jiffy to witness the beautiful portrayal of murals, paintings from the life of Lord Krishna and dancing musical fountains. By the time we came out of the temple, it was dinner time. 

Traditional Kitchen of Anandram Jaipuria Bhawan in Vrindavan

Near the Bankey Bihari temple is Anandram Jaipuria Bhawan- a good place to eat. The Marwari food was cooked on ' Chulah '. A simple dinner of dal, curry, vegetables, Papad, assorted chapatis, rice and Kheer with dollops of ghee was beyond delicious.

 

Colourful shops in Vrindavan

After dinner, we checked into the hotel. The next day, we started with a visit to Bankey Bihar Temple after manoeuvring through a congested market which was very colourful. The never-ending stream of tourists and monkeys is a special feature. One has to be very cautious as the monkeys are notorious for robbing the tourists of their handbags, eatables and glasses.

The Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan

A 'Darshan' of Bankey Bihari( Lord Krishna as a child) is mesmerising. The folklore and love for the child form of Lord Krishna is difficult to describe in words. As most children wake up late, even this temple opens around 8.30 AM, unlike others. After the visit, we headed to Brijwasi a renowned chain in the region to flavour the amazing 'Lassi', 'Puri Sabzi' and 'Pedas'.  Everything is worth trying! 

ISKON Temple Vrindavan

We next went to, the ISKON temple which is worth visiting. Steaming hot ' Khichdi' was served as 'prasad'. The idols of Lord Krishna, Radha and Balram are stunningly beautiful.

Potra Kund at Krishna Janambhumi Mathura

We continued by heading to the ' Krishna Janambhumi temple'( the birthplace of Lord Krishna). It is midway from Vrindavan to Mathura. The sprawling complex has the prison where the lord was born. Next to this temple is the Shahi Idgah built by Aurangzeb. Hardly 50m away from the temple complex is a huge stepped bathing tank called ' Potra Kuind' which has significance as the spot where the infant Lord Krishna was bathed. 

The Holi Gate in Mathura

In the evening we entered Mathura and meandered through Holi Gate(or Tilak Dwar) walking past the oldest Brijwasi Sweet shop, Oma Kachori shop, and a very congested market.

The Dwarkadeesh Temple Mathura

We reached the Dwarkadeesh Temple and were fortunate to have the darshan of ' Lord Krishna'. A flood of memories sailed past my eyes of the yesteryears of earlier visits. Only a little had changed except the crowd was better managed and there were huge TV monitors installed where one could see the image of the lord even from a distance. The flavour of Prasad was just the same. 

A Chaat Shop in Mathura

My relatives had a shopping list of eats, clothes for god idols at home, pickles, 'Churan' among others. So we went exploring the Vishram Ghat and the market around 'Bengali Ghat' on the Yamuna riverfront. Later we had the famous Chat and dinner at Shankar Mithai Bhandar. The place is to be noticed for the delicious ' kachori aloo and pumpkin sabzi'.

The Radha Kund at Goverdhan

On the final day, we headed for Goverdhan, after checking out from the hotel. The place is known for the mountain that was lifted by Lord Krishna to protect the people from the incessant rains. Hundreds of devotees come here to circumambulate around Goverdhan and Radha Kund( a distance of about 21 km). 

The Shyam Kund at Goverdhan

We visited the Radha Kund and Shyam Kund the two ponds adjacent to each other and offered our prayers. Our final stop was Barsana, where Radha lived in her early years. The place is about 30 km from Goverdhan.

 

The Ladli Temple at Barsana

The Ladli Temple, dedicated to Radha is atop a hill from where a panoramic view of the entire village can be had. The beauty of this temple and the love for Radha is to be seen to believe. There could not have been a better culmination of the trip. It was a satisfying whirlwind trip to assimilate flavours of new places and exposition to the immortal love story of Lord Radha and Krishan