Looking back at my time in Sri Lanka, I am still amazed at the variety of experiences you can have on just one small island.

In just two weeks time I was able to….

• hike mountain trails
• sip fresh coconuts on tropical beaches
• encounter elephants in the wild
• shop the swarm at chaotic city markets
• make temple offerings alongside local worshippers
• go watching for blue whales
• embark on one of the world’s most scenic train journeys
• wander in gardens, sip tea in tea estates
• eat curry on the street.

And that’s just in the southern half of the island!

While an itinerary is still to come, I wanted to share a photographic journey of my time in Sri Lanka. From the capital Colombo we traversed to Kandy, its cultural heart, and on to tea country by train — one of the most beautiful journeys in the world, with stops in Nuwara Eliya and ultimately, the mountains of Ella. Next, we safaried in Uda Walawe before continuing on to the scenic beaches of the Southern Coast. An oasis of calm awaited on Tangalle Beach, followed by days in the sun of Mirissa and Unawatuna, wrapped in a beautiful trip finale in the colonial town of Galle.

I liked Sri Lanka very much, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back. Though I do admit: I think my impression of the country suffered a little from the number of times travelers told me I would “love” it. I believe expectations are the enemy of enjoying a place or even a moment…Still, it’s an incredibly beautiful place full of warm-hearted people, so as I process my trip, I’ll let photographs do the talking. <3

Colombo

1-2 days

Kandy

1-2 days

Train to Ella

1/2 Day

Ella + Tea Country

3 Days

Uda Walawe National Park

1/2 day

Southern Beaches: Tangalle and Mirissa

2-3 days

Galle

2 days

Which part of Sri Lanka would you choose to explore first?

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The post Where to Go in Sri Lanka appeared first on Part-Time Traveler.

As time went on and the family vacations slowly ceased, I took a break from visiting Hawaii. Eager to see the world and experience growth from unfamiliar cultures and bits of life lived outside of my comfort zone, I stopped wanting to go.

Eventually, and especially since moving to San Francisco, I began to hear a small whisper intuitively calling me back to Hawaii. I had yet to visit one major island, and as my interest in hiking and spending time in raw nature had grown since childhood…I knew it was finally time to get to Kauai.

Kauai via Napali Coast Boat Tour

A Na Pali coast hike quickly foiled by fog…Kauai weather changes more than SF’s!

There’s a lot to love about Kauai. There’s much that’s unique and different from the other islands collectively. Chickens roam wild (yet local eggs still cost $9 a dozen, someone explain that one,) scenery appears older, more weathered, increasingly dramatic. Small Hawaiian towns get even more relaxed, and there is more emphasis on having the right hiking shoes than the right bikini.  (In short, why did it take me so long to get there?)

But perhaps the most defining characteristic of Kauai, the significant reason to visit above the other islands, is the truly green, rugged, jagged cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.

I’ve seen a lot of beautiful things in my life…I’m not exaggerating when I say the Napali Coast blew most of them away. I can hardly remember feeling so small, being surrounded by so many natural power and beauty, and reveling in just how glorious our planet can be.

Seeing this coastline makes you feel both humbled and proud at the same time. I felt connected to something larger than myself while in its presence.

It is an experience that can hardly be put into words nor a photo frame.

View from boat

Want to go?

There are a couple of ways to access the coast: you can drive to a point (though the road dead ends) and see some views from scenic lookouts on the western coast. (Check out the beautiful Pihea Trail for some great hiking from the Pu’u o Kila Lookout.) You can hike the first four miles of the Kalalau Trail (highly recommended.) You can take a boat trip. You can even take a helicopter!

While I have yet to take an open door helicopter over the natural wonder (weather related,) I can say that to me, seeing the Napali Coast from the water was a completely different and worthwhile experience.

Choosing a Napali Coast Boat Tour

All I can recommend is what I know. I booked my trip with Holo Holo Charters, one of a few Napali Coast boat tours.  They’re the only company who goes out to Ni’ihau (a restricted island off the coast) but unfortunately my group was unable to go (again, weather related!)  And I recommend being prepared for seasickness – though I fortunately wasn’t affected, it is more common than not to be very sick due to the swells of the journey. They’re upfront that the boat ride is far from smooth most days, but believe me when I say it is completely worth it.

TIP: Their 7 hour boat tour combines both Ni’ihau and the best of the Napali Coast, and includes breakfast, lunch, and snorkel gear.

You will want to ask about weather conditions the day before your tour, as this may affect where you’re able to go on the water and you can reschedule as needed.

Tours run year-round, though I recommend Jan-Mar when your boat tour may very well include whale watching (mine did!) You depart from Port Allen Harbor at 6am.

They also have a sunset boat tour, snorkel tour, sailing tours, and an adventure tour. Be sure to book in advance!

Na Pali Coast Hike Option

Hiking is a great way to see Na Pali, but unless you’re prepared to take the overnight journey on the Kalalau Trail (11 miles, permit required, named one of the most dangerous hikes in the world – though recently reopened) a morning trip to the Napali Coast via boat will give you the best access to views that will make your eyes widen in awe of a place so beautiful it seems unreal…

View from the Kalalau Trail

You can also always drive up to the Kalalau and Pu’u O Kila lookouts on the northeast side of the island, but you will only see a fraction of what you can see from the water and will often face crowds. It’s for this reason that I most recommend taking one of the Napali coast boat tours.

Please go and see it for yourself.

(And maybe check the weather first.)

—

Also, need a Kauai Itinerary?

Or perhaps you’re looking for where to eat in Kauai?

The post The Best Napali Coast Boat Tour appeared first on Part-Time Traveler.

First, Earth:

Earth…”represents the hard, solid objects of the earth Associated with stubbornness, collectiveness , physicality and gravity.”

Visiting Bagan, Burma feels like a step back in time and a step closer to the earth. With temples rising out of the ground, and with each move of the horse, I became more aware of the sight, smell, color, and feel of the earth around me.

Next, water.

Water….”represents the fluid, flowing, formless things in the world Associated with emotion, defensiveness, adaptability, flexibility, suppleness, and magnetism.”

On this low canoe through Chitwan National Park in Nepal, I became wholly aware of the water around me — calm enough to reflect, flexible enough to accommodate our heavy wooden boat as it moved slowly through the river. I can see both in this photo.

Then, fire.

Fire…”represents the energetic, forceful, moving things in the world Associated with security, motivation, desire, intention, and an outgoing spirit.”

We had been told we were crazy to visit the Rajasthan region of India in the summer. “No one goes there at this time, not even Indians,” I was told on my train ride there. And nowhere can you feel the heat of fire more than in the desert. The sun setting over the sand dunes in the Thar Desert this night felt like a ball of fire overtaking the sky, one that we could almost jump up and touch.

Finally, air…

Air…”represents things that grow, expand, and enjoy freedom of movement. Associated with will, elusiveness, evasiveness, benevolence, compassion, and wisdom.”

I stumbled off the busy cobblestone street into curious looking ruins. This cathedral in Antigua, Guatemala had survived the years, still standing, but open to the sky. Cathedrals already have a sense of the infinite with their tall ceilings and air of spirituality, but the feeling of lifting my head to look up — of seeing the sky where I would usually be closed in by a ceiling…it felt infinite.

Do you have photos that strike up emotion related to the four elements?  Which speaks to you most?
I’ve been asked to nominate five fellow bloggers, each whose images I hold in high esteem. I pass the torch to:

• Lindsay of Frugal Frolicker
• Brad of MyWanderlist
• Paul of Beyond the Headlines
• Trupti of Exploring the Blue Marble
• Miriam of Adventurous Miriam

And thank you to Sherry of Ottsworld, one of my favorite travel photographers, for nominating me. Check out the official page here for details on how to participate yourself!
Cheers! Happy photographing, and as always, happy travels.

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•  Where: The Presidio, San Francisco
• When: Around 4 pm on a sunny Saturday
• What: Escape the city and walk amongst the trees (without leaving the city.) The Golden Gate Bridge is within short walking distance as well.

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Istanbul Black and White Photographs (c) Anne Lowrey

Istanbul was the city I fell in love with when I least expected to.  Have you been?

What classic world city do you want to see featured in the Black and White photography series next?

<< Paris in Black and White >>

<< Rome in Black and White >>

<< Barcelona in Black and White >>

<< Venice in Black and White >>

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Venice in Black and White Photos

Who’s ready to hop the next plane to Italy?

See >> Paris in Black and White
>> Rome in Black and White
>> Barcelona in Black and White

Which city do you think looks best in black and white?  

Comment below and your choice could be featured next!

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I only spent a few days passing through Pushkar while in Rajasthan last summer.  For some reason, this town has really stuck with me.  I find myself thinking about it without cause.

There is a commonly cited travel quote which says: “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”  This only begins to encompass why India is my favorite country to travel in…

As traveling has made me more connected to my intuition – and more likely to listen to my own inner voice – I intend to someday return to Pushkar to explore this feeling further. For now, go there with me on a photographic journey….

 












Because you can’t have a full photo essay about India without some cows and a little bit of humor…
Pushkar is one of the oldest existing cities in India (which is saying something.)  It is located some 90 miles from Jaipur, which is also the closest airport.  Perhaps the easiest way to get there is via a driver you can trust (this is what I chose to do.)

The post Take Me To…Pushkar, India appeared first on Part-Time Traveler.

See >> Paris in Black and White
>> Rome in Black and White

The post Barcelona in Black and White appeared first on Part-Time Traveler.

See: Rome in Black and White

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