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July 14, 2007

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www.bethmichiel.com

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India: Tiruvannamalai's full moon pilgrimage and fire temple

What? A Tamil temple town full of fire worshippers and a monthly full moon pilgrimage. Why visit? Spiritual tourism in India has had a strong following ever since the Beatles rocked up in Rishikesh and started meditating. However, Tiruvannamalai offers a different, less commercial or Westernised experience: one that attracts millions of pilgrims each year in an intoxicating combination of blazing fire, a full moon, and Hindu chanting. Where? In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, driving distance from both Madras (Chennai) and Pondycherry. Map . THINGS CAN SEEM a little crazy in Tiruvannamalai. Every month at full moon the town is flooded with tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims who spend the whole night walking barefoot around a mountain while listening to taped chants of ' Om Namah Shivaya ' on infinite loops. This is one of the more bizarre (and memorable) spectacles you will witness in India (or in your life for that matter). But the atmosphere is j...

Saudi Arabia: the mud houses of old Riyadh

What? A neighbourhood of crumbling mud-brick houses right in the center of Riyadh Why visit? These houses are literally crumbling. Most Saudis prefer to live in air-conditioned comfort in American style suburbs- these old traditional houses are slowly disappearing. Where? Right in the center of Riyadh, in the Al-Deera area, next to the Masmak fortress and Deera Square. Riyadh is not particularly rich in attractions. A century ago, this was a small desert settlement of mud brick houses and a fortress. Now it's the gleaming capital of glass, steel and motorways. In the historical center of Riyadh there are a few places that attract the few people who come sightseeing here. The Masmak fortress is still there, and is worth visiting. Built of mud, it gives a good insight in traditional Arabian architecture. Next to it is Deera Square, also known as 'Chop Chop Square'. It looks pretty, but don't visit on Friday mornings, which is when public executions take...

India: Khotachiwadi 'urban village' in Bombay

What? A traditional neighbourhood of wooden houses smack in the middle of South Bombay. Why visit? Khotachiwadi shows what Bombay was like before concrete and skyscrapers too over. Where? Right in the heart of South Bombay, just behind Girgaon Chowpatty ('Chowpatty Beach'). See map : Khotachiwadi is a 'heritage village' in the middle of South Bombay's urban jungle. Most of the houses are traditional. low-rise bungalows made of wood, with large open verandahs. Khotachiwadi is clearly signposted, off of JSS Rd in Girgaon. Once upon a time, there were many such houses and neighbourhoods in Bombay. Rising house prices and overcrowding have led to these places disappearing as skyscrapers take their place. The 'village' is a small maze of Portuguese-style bungalows, originally home to a Christian community. The large mural of Maria is testament to the neighbourhood's Christian heritage. Maria is given an Indian make-over with lots of colour and two ...

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