Travel Darbar By Inder Raj Ahluwalia

It’s a mountain that rises in splendid isolation from the Judean Desert. And it unfolds a saga that though true, belongs as much to folklore as to history books. For tourists today it is just another site, but it is also a symbol of sacrifice for an entire nation. Having a tour guide like Avihai Tsabari had several advantages, not the least of which was his desire to share information in advance with everyone around. Yet he’d chosen to stay quiet on this one, which had got me thinking. It was bright and sunny the day we dropped by. Located on the western shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest and among the most desolate regions on earth, Masada not only features stark natural beauty, but is also the site of one of history’s most dramatic moments. Nineteen centuries ago on this gaunt plateau, a group of freedom fighters pitted against the might of ancient Rome decided to kill themselves rather than surrender. It was a dramatic last stand. The summit had been fortified by King He

It was a quiet, no-fuss entry into a quiet, no-fuss city! I’d arrived from Taipei, courtesy the Taiwan High Speed Rail, and the 96 – minute ride – with a stop at Taichung – was ‘smooth as flowers’. The High Speed Rail network is a marvel of Taiwan’s engineering prowess, and the super-fast trains literally glide across the country. My brief visit made one thing amply clear. Kaohsiung is a city of substance. My hotel,  The Splendor Kaohsiung,  provided a perfect setting. Taiwan’s highest building until overtaken by Taipei 101, the hotel is still the highest in the country, and the view from its Tuntex 85 Skytower is truly stunning. While three corners focus on the sprawling city, one presents a pristine view of the calm, pale blue sea and Kao Port. The Skytower’s got it all – telescopes, seating, signages, and a refreshment counter. All I had to do was get into a special elevator to be whisked up for the visual treats. My city exploration was a continuation of the treat. Things b

                                                                                                              It's easy street in more ways than one. Lazy weekends starting with the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee and croissants over the Sunday papers at a downtown café, followed by a stroll under clear blue skies along one of Australia’s finest Victorian era boulevards. Then seeing pristine, grand local architecture; foraying into Australia’s best regional art gallery; browsing through antique stores; and finally squaring up before a lip-smacking meal. If it all sounds too good to be true, just blame it on Margaret Kennedy, a young lady who back in 1851 discovered gold here for the first time, sparking a gold rush to Central Victoria that never ceased. Yes, blame it on Margaret. Greed, and more greed. That’s what it was. If gold’s magnetic pull attracted people here in the first place, gold also kept them here, dreaming their dreams and living ou