Uzbekistan (November, 2019) – Samarkand is a geometric haven for those who enjoy masterful repetition upon repetition. It caused moments of heart thumping; conceptualizing that each tile has been hand cut and inlayed into the monumental facades. As with most of the historical sites we visited, the Registan was a glorious architectural feat.

India (December, 2016) – We arrived at the bedraggled palace, after a sunny drive through the dusty desert. The caretaker let into the decaying Rajput era compound to explore the some areas of the derelict beauty. He guided around; with animated pantomime pointing out some of the more majestic details. We enjoyed a calm cup of tea, before a boisterous group of mini-trespassers reanimated scenes of a nostalgic past.

USA (November, 2000) – We arrived at Monument Valley via the Valley of the gods; as the glowing light of a majestic sunset had begun to settle against the horizon, showcasing the monumental buttes in full glory. We spent the night in the lodge, before meeting with our Navajo guide first thing the following morning. She navigated us towards numerous mythical sites including; the Mittens, the Ear of the Wind, the Eye of the Sun and the Three Sisters. All much more magical under a dusting of snow, which unfortunately evaporated with the midday sun. 

Thailand (January, 2003) – About twenty years ago; (give or take a day or two) I spent a single day in the old Siamese capital, taking in as many of the historical sights as possible before mounting the night bus back to Bangkok. I still remember it as a magical day, essentially monastery hopping from one end of the city to the other. Throughout the day, the ancient statues and architectural wonders grew larger and larger. At Wat Mahathat, amongst the hullabaloo of days' wondrous discoveries was a single Buddha head enveloped by the tangled roots of an old banyan tree. I imagine with time, that the historical relic will be reclaimed entirely by mother nature. I still feel blessed having had the chance encounter, as the lore of the encased Buddha head was what brought me to Ayutthaya in the first place.