Archive for "Nov 2011"

Street Indian Wedding in Agra India

Street Indian Wedding in Agra India | Agra, India | If there is one thing that always amaze me are Indian Weddings. Big celebrations, tradition, colorful customer, lively music and great great energy. Four days of celebrations, food, drinks and all the incredible Indian culture. Indeed ranking high on my bucket list, but today upon my arrival to Agra, I was lucky enough to have a sneak peak at the street procession, where the Groom, in full traditional costume, was being taken to the main event venue surrounded by family and friends, to meet his bride, over a white horse.

GPS Carlos Melia at the Ganges River

GPS Carlos Melia at the Ganges River | Varanasi, India | Good morning everyone. Sorry but due to the tight schedule of this trip, at this moment I am only able to post brief GPS notes, but trust me, I am getting lots of material for next pots. This morning I woke up at 5.30AM and came to the stream of the Ganges River in Varanasi to see the locals take their morning bath on the waters of this river, which is consider to be the holiest waters. The reason why, for Hinduism…. because the Ganges was created coming out to itself Shiva’s head. I must admit that I was determined to take my dip into the waters of the Ganges, but the advice of some locals, friends and some research I did, made me change my mind. So maybe is holy and maybe is one of the most polluted rivers in the entire world, but this images speak for themselves on how special and sacred this river and Varanasi are. Off to the airport in a few minutes to head to my next destination Agra. More later. CM

GPS Carlos Melia on my way to Varanasi the Holy City

GPS Carlos Melia on my way to Varanasi the Holy City | New Delhi, India | Good Morning everyone from fantastic New Delhi. Getting ready to head off to the airport to take my flight to Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest in India. Varanasi is the city were Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon. Now the question is should I get in and dip deep into the holy waters of the Ganges or not ? to follow the traditions. CM

1st. Asian Gay and Lesbian Travel Symposium India

1st. Asian Gay and Lesbian Travel Symposium India | New Delhi, India | Good Morning everyone from New Delhi in India. Very excited to be here and be part of the breaking event to take place in India for the first time ever, by the expert hand of friends and colleagues at Community Marketing Inc. Attached is a PDF copy of the Keynote presentation I will be presenting today as the guest speakers for TAT – Tourism Authority of Thailand, based on my own experience as an Out Gay Traveler exploring the Northern and Souther region of Thailand. Hope you like it and Mai Pen Rai all the way from India, to Thailand and rest of Asia. Click Here to view the PDF. This is the reduce size version (2MB). CM

GPS Carlos Melia on my way to New Delhi

GPS Carlos Melia on my way to New Delhi | Bangkok, Thailand | Right this minute I am as Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, waiting to boar my AsiaAirways.com flight to New Delhi in India, my new destination for the whole next week. Have not been in India for over eight years so looking forward to this visit. Destinations to visit other than New Delhi are Varanasi, Agra, Bharatpur and Jaipur. Also tomorrow I will be attending the 1st. Asian Gay and Lesbian Travel Symposium, where I have been invited by Tourism Authority of Thailand, to be their guest speaker to share to the audience and Asia/International press my own experiences traveling around their stunning country. So lots to do only for only 7 nights. Namaste India. !!!! CM

Bangkok Gay Night Scene chapter number one

Bangkok Gay Night Scene chapter number one | Bangkok, Thailand | Last night was my first night out in the gay scene of Bangkok. So myself and my two Australian friends we head out to the Soi area of Patpong following the expert advice of a few locals. The areas of Soi 2 to Soi 4 are the most popular, or at least that is what I have found so far. We decided to head to the Bars and later to the Discos, staying away from all the sleazy side of Bangkok.

Now I am a true local by Street Food Poisoning

Now I am a true local by Street Food Poisoning | Bangkok, Thailand | Sorry everyone I have been lying low since last night. I am paying the price of my love for street food. Last night I ate at a street stand on my way of Patpong, and after a whole month of being here in Thailand, I finally got it…. FOOD POISONING. Been flying in fever and not able to move away from bathroom all day (glamorous right, at least the hotel has a fantastic one which is fully transparent and I can see the daylight). Do not get me wrong, I crave and still love street food, is the best… and in the past, I have got poisoned even from eating at the most top rated and high-end restaurants in the world. Just looking forward to feel better to later be able to experience the night of Bangkok in full. Short explanation for those that asked me what was going on that I was not posting on www.carlosmeliablog.com . Just be careful and be aware that trying that local great food, among locals, might have a price. I still think it is worth it, and can’t wait to have it again. Cheers CM

Hotel Check IN Siam Kempinski Bangkok

Hotel Check IN Siam Kempinski Bangkok | Bangkok, Thailand | Since yesterday I have been here at the fantastic and glamorous Siam Kempinski Bangkok, which I must admit is ranking now on the TOP 05 of my favorite hotel in Bangkok. The hotel is located in the area of Pathumwan over Rama I Road. Very convenient location next to the SkyTrain and the Siam Paragon Shopping Center. Great oasis in the middle of the city of Bangkok, with a beautiful central pool. Rooms are very comfortable, and the feature I love the most are the open bathroom and the views to the pool and gardens.

Luang Prabang in images as seen by Carlos Melia

Luang Prabang in images as seen by Carlos Melia | Luang Prabang, Lao | Hope you all enjoy my photo album of Luang Prabang. Images of my two days at this, and I keep referring to it the same way, magical destination. Street Markets, people, food stands, temples, Mekong river, Mae Kong river, Amantaka Hotel and more, much more…. Enjoy CM

Pack Luck Wine Bar in Luang Prabang

Pack Luck Wine Bar in Luang Prabang | Luang Prabang, Lao | If there was a spot I wanted to come over and over while in Luang Prabang, that was my spot at the Pack Luck Wine Bar in Ban Vat Nong. Such a quite, cozy and wonderful spot. Not the best views, not fancy… just plain and basic in perfect synchro with the magic and charm of this fantastic town. Rome, the manager and all the staff are amazing, they will greet you with a friendly smile eager to share their own inside tips on how to better experience and live Luang Prabang while you sip your wine. Great selection of wines, fantastic atmosphere to unwind and live this destination in full. Once done, cross over the street to L’Elephant Restaurant or walk to the street markets. CM