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Varanasi, luxury on life experiences
Varanasi, luxury on life experiences | 429 MAGAZINE | by Carlos Melia Varanasi, is a city located on the banks of River Ganges, known to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the oldest in India. A destination were tradition, legend, mysticism, and deep religious believes by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Muslims all coexist right before your eyes. Varanasi is also known as Benares or Kashi.
Varanasi Luxury on life experiences by Carlos Melia
Varanasi Luxury on life experiences by Carlos Melia | 429 MAGAZINE | Hi there everyone, like every week, my column on Luxury Gay Travel for 429 MAGAZINE is OUT and ONLINE. This week I take a different meaning of luxury, the life experiences, and where better than India. Read my chronicle on my last visit [...]
My 07 days in India portrayed by 30 Postcards Project
My 07 days in India by portrayed by 30 Postcards Project | India | Great video by friend and colleague Kevin Richberg on his project 30 Postcards around the world. This time of our trip together to the north of India. You can see me in a few scenes, specially the one being harassed by the street vendors ” Hawkers “, just look at my face priceless. After a week of travel, I was kind of OVER them. Great work Kevin. Cheers CM @ Carlos Melia Recommends
Ganga Aarti Ceremony at Varanasi
Ganga Aarti Ceremony at Varanasi | Varanasi, India | India always has that way to challenge, move and shock you with its harsh reality and traditions. During my visit to Varanasi, almost a month ago, I was lucky enough to experience a true Aarti ceremony, a Hindu religious ritual of worship, which took place over the stream of the holly river Ganges thus Ganga Aarti. One of the most interesting things I have seen and experienced during 2011. Varanasi is a very special, spiritual destination. I have never felt so much peace, mysticism in one place, but at the same time I connected with a very dark and evil side of the Hinduism believes which far from scaring me, created a very particular bond with their believes.
Street Indian magician pulls two Rupees from my pants
Street Indian magician pulls two Rupees from my pants | Jaipur, India | Tell me he is not talented and extremely cute. He came into our bus, while touring around Jaipur in the northern region of India, and performed to amaze us all with this tricks and charm. For the rest of the trip we were all playing his voice and the constant YA!!!!. What amazed me by this kids in India, is the power to survive they have, which indeed I call, quoting Herbert Spencer’s , “The Survival of the Fittest concept.
Air Asia left me behind in Delhi
Air Asia left me behind in Delhi | India | Hey Bangkok, it seems that I won’t be arriving tomorrow as planned, same as many other passengers of flight FD from New Delhi to Bangkok. Air Asia arbitrarily decided to move their flight schedule without letting us know. Yes you read right they literally left us behind, but trust me…. not stranded. I mean what would be the point discussing this… I am not stupid and I think none of the other passengers are either, why would I show up to a flight, which was supposed to depart at 11.40PM, if I knew that the flight was being moved to a new earlier departure time at 08.20PM. These are the moments in life when I truly appreciate being a travel agent, having a strong voice into the international travel media, and most important knowing my rights as a full paid passenger, regardless the airline being a low cost or premium. Of course Air Asia immediately tried to blame it on me, but I told them differently straight out. Left behind maybe, but stranded NO WAY Air Asia. Big disruption into my itinerary, and I was really looking forward waking up tomorrow at my beloved Bangkok, but instead I have to stay one extra night in New Delhi. Lucky enough and due to my demands, my flight was modified and I was given a complimentary stay at a five-stars hotel, late check out, transfers in/out, free WiFi access and breakfast. My dear followers, please learn your rights as a traveller and check all the conditions on your tickets upon purchase and before departure. Much better, use a trustworthy Travel Agent, that is what we travel experts are here for. Good Night everyone, once again and unexpectedly from New Delhi. Hopefully Air Asia tomorrow will decide to stick to their regular schedule. CM
GPS Carlos Melia Leaving India in full Royal status
GPS Carlos Melia Leaving India in full Royal status | India | Farewell India. Leaving in a few hours. Once again FANTASTIC journey back in time, traditions, cults and human heritage. I arrived seven nights ago, as a regular tourist, met and mingled with members of the Royal family, became the Major on foursquare of the Amber Palace, been called GURU many times on the streets by the local people (hmmmm while they were touching my ass or my chest) and I got my own coronation. I think I can leave in peace and in full glory now. Tomorrow back to Bangkok and Thailand for the King’s Birthday. CM
LIVE Carlos Melia Night Markets of Jaipur India
LIVE Carlos Melia Night Markets of Jaipur India | Jaipur, India | One of the many amazing things you can do while being in India, and especially in Varanasi or Jaipur, is to visit the busy, crazy, bursting Night Markets of Bazaars. This way you will get to interact with the locals, better understand their customs, play the bargain games and eat lots of street food. Well at least that is what I did, after being ran over multiple times by local motorbikes and walking among some elephants. Mind blowing. CM
LIVE Carlos Melia from Amber Palace in Jaipur India
LIVE Carlos Melia from Amber Palace in Jaipur India | Jaipur, India | I will be posting more on Amber Palace and Amber Fort in Jaipur, India. But I just want to share with you all, my new mingling time with the elephants this time in India. Elephants are the regular way of transportation for visitors to go from the base to the top of Amber Fort to visit the Amber Palace. CM
Tailor made Suit in 24 hours in Jaipur India
Tailor made Suit in 24 hours in Jaipur India | Jaipur, India | I got a new suit Tailor Made in Jaipur, India and today I did the final fittings…. it is looking AMAZING… exactly like my other Hugo Boss original one BUT 5 times cheaper. So I came to Jalmahal Textile & Carpets, in the urban area of Jaipur and the minute I saw the samples and fabrics I was fully tempted. More so when I heard the final price for a full Tailor Made and Bespoke suit. Final price USD 350, for a suit and fabric that would not go lower than USD 1400. Brilliant customer service, the suit was made and delivered in less than 24 hours right to my hotel, which is located approximately 30 minutes away from their store. Final fitting made, alterations in less than 2 hours and I have the final and brand new suit right here with me. So you will see me soon enough lounging around wearing it. Love India. !!!! Brand New suit in 24 hours. Corporate world here I go again. The most dangerous part is that they keep all your measures and profile, and they deliver anywhere in the world. Jalmahal Textiles and Carpets (Plot No. 8, Dashera Kothi, Amer Road, Jaipur – Tel. +91.141.2630995). CM
