December 2007 - Trip to India & Bangkok

In mid December 2007, I had to go to India again. The destination was - once again - Mumbai, but this time I managed to squeeze in a quick trip to Goa before my 5 days in Mumbai and a short week-end in Bangkok on my way home. Here are some impressions from Goa:

I stayed close to the beach at a nice vacation resort. The beaches were not super inviting for swimming.On my second day I chartered a local taxi-driver and had him drive me around and show me some af the amazing architecture in Old Goa. This is a monastery where I stopped and talked to one of the munks - he was about my age and was from the UK and had lived at the monastery for 16 years.Above is a picture of the Se Cathedral in Old Goa.

And this is what Goa looks like right outside of the churches.

Back in Mumbai, I spent a day sightseeing - I took a boat trip out to Elephanta Island right off the coast of Mumbai. Here are the two famous landmarks that suddenly became the centre of the world's attention due to the terrorist attacks not too long ago: the "Taj Mahal Hotel" and the "Gateway to India".

Elephanta Island is famous for its magnificent caves that are filled with religious displays that are up to 4-5 meters tall. All carved out of rock in the walls of the caves.

On my way home a made a quick stopover in Bangkok - and took a tour of the city. The Royal Palace was one of the highlights.

The Royal Palace is home to the "Emerald Buddha" which has a very important political and religous meaning in Thailand. Three times a year, the king changes the clothing of the buddha in a ceremony.