While Oman is spectacularly beautiful on the outside, even more beautiful – inside – is the beating heart of Oman – the people and the culture of this most amazing of Middle Eastern countries. Never will you experience more generous, friendly, helpful and kind people than Omanis. They treat everyone with respect – their families, their neighbors, their guests. I have lived or … Continue reading The Heartbeat of Oman
Last night we sat on the balcony in Al Bustan village and listened to the drums and bagpipes, clapping and chanting of the wedding near the beach. It was enchanting, and it is one of the thousand reasons I chose to make a home here in Oman. It started with a small apartment in the village – half of the second story of a … Continue reading Bait Al Bustan – Creating Home in Oman
From the first moment I saw this map, I was determined to make this trip. Not so much because I wanted to see Lhasa – that was a bonus – but because it seemed to me I could see most of China in one go! 4373 kilometers of China in the comfort of a modern train! For 48 hours, I would press my nose to … Continue reading 4373 Reasons to Ride The Shanghai – Lhasa Express
I know that Lhasa is a spiritual center. I have only been a tourist – albeit an official one. You cannot visit Lhasa without a permit. When I asked why, they said: “well, you know….” I think it was because Lhasa is a spiritual center. But for me, it was a short collection of images and textures that somehow portray Tibet spirituality to me. Above … Continue reading The Texture of Tibet – Lhasa 2017
Sometimes, Shanghai shouts! It is a city with a huge voice, larger than life, grand vistas, impressive towers, sweeping views. A loud, demanding, engaging global voice! Day and night. Shanghai shouts. But also… Shanghai is resplendent with Chinese art and architecture that has a more accented voice- the voice of culture and tradition. More refined. I seek it out naturally. The European … Continue reading Shanghai Speaks to Me
East Anglia. So near to London and yet a whole different world. Farmland stretching for miles. Fields and roads lined with ageless trees, deep green juxtaposed against the golden crops ready for harvest. East Anglia. Endless charming villages with charming names tripping back in time. East Anglia…. miles of secret winding single-track roads leading from one vista to another. East Anglia…. so lovely, … Continue reading The Calgary Barkers from East Anglia – through the rear view mirror
Share with me my morning walk in Sri Lanka Sometimes I post of Facebook, sometimes I forget to post, sometimes, I just make links. Continue reading Morning Walk in Pittipana
The view from the bus is sweeping but it’s always the beautiful details we remember. Continue reading Sunny London – the view from the bus
“You are brave. I haven’t even used the train in Sri Lanka” said my Sri Lankan friend. Hmmm?! With a railway system that covers most of the country, most Sri Lankans rely on trains for public transport. Yes, it can be noisy, hot and gritty – a scramble for seats and for breathing space. But for a tourist, it is a cheap and fascinating … Continue reading Daytripping Train to Galle
#kcbarker - photoblogger 