Here is a list of countries Chandni and I visited beginning 2013.
Why? Our intention in traveling the world is simple: Understand the world without the prejudice applied by life – authors we read, movies we watch, partly biased views of friends and family. Howe we choose our countries? Our choice of countries is primarily driven by lower development index because people with recent struggle have more character and beauty with rough edges is more enchanting. Anything perfect polished doesn’t exactly enamor me. Some day, I will visit western Europe and enjoy its castles but that trip will be more to observe and experience the functioning of their democratic institutions than their post card perfect beauty. Where to stay? Although we luxuriate in upscale resorts from time to time, most of our boarding is at unique hostels with singular style or boutique family owned hotels. People: We spend large amount of time chatting with locals – from bellboy and receptionist at hotels to vendors and street bumpkins (who is more likely a migrant from rural space where a new dam or factory was being constructed causing mass migration). We prefer our own mode of transport even in supposedly dangerous driving conditions because it grants us access to hinterland and we don’t believe it can get more dangerous than driving in our motherland (so far this has been true).
India: A Microcosm of the planet
Nepal: Mountain Spirit
USA: Numerous man-made and natural wonders in equal proportions
Malaysia: Paragon of Islamic state allowing freedom of religion to non-muslims
Mexico: Underground rivers and cenotes
Costa Rica: Islands of landmass within sea of verdant forests
Peru: Perched on a pinnacle
UAE-Dubai: Shortest journey from desert tents to skycrapers
Turkey: Amalgamated Eurasia
Jordan: Sculpted Desert
Thailand: Industrialized Tropical Paradise
Cambodia: India’s ancient oversees territory
Tanzania: Where the wild feel at home
Guatemala: Simple grace afflicted by imperial meddling