ED HAS TRAVELED TO, SO FAR

Introduction We finally made it to the Maldives from Sri Lanka. From the Velana International Airport, we flew over many of the country’s islands. We landed on one island and switched to a boat. Once we were docked on our island, we took a golf cart through town, passing children playing soccer. We checked into.....

Introduction We were impressed by several interesting memorials and temples we saw in Colombo, including this lion statue in front of a stupa… …the Red Mosque… …the Hindu temples in Captain’s Garden… …and the statue of the first prime minister next to Independence Memorial Hall. The biggest surprise was learning about the work of Geoffrey.....

Introduction We entered Jaffna not knowing what to expect. We found the central food market was lively despite decades of civil war… …the people on the streets were back to living normal lives… …and families were making pilgrimages to Hindu temples. However, what never ceases to amaze me is the psychedelic decorations at Hindu temples,.....

Introduction We explored the Cultural Triangle, the center of Sri Lanka history, where we saw Buddhist statues and wall paintings in Dambulla Cave… …the millennial-old ruins of Polonnaruwa… …the inner chamber of the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy… …and the Elephant Wall in Anuradhapura. But it was not just cultural immersion. In between, we.....

Introduction I knew a little about different ethnic groups living in Sri Lanka, including the Sinhalese, who are mostly Buddhist… …and the Tamils who are mostly Hindu… …and Muslims, many of whom are descendants from Arab traders. However, I did not know about the original inhabitants, the Veddas, until visiting the country and meeting them......

Introduction I finally made it to the Kumbh Mela where I… …observed thousands of Hindu pilgrims bathing in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati Rivers… …and talked with Sadhus, the Hindu ascetics who have has renounced the worldly life. I even had chai (tea) with Rasta-looking Naga Sadhus, who were smoking some.....

Introduction Even though I have visited India several times, this was my first trip to Mumbai. I knew it was the target of a deadly terrorist attack on the Taj Hotel. I knew it was the financial and business capital of India with a sprawling skyline. While Mumbai was modern in many ways, I was aware.....