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A Shopper’s Adrenaline Rush

Filed under: Asian Holidays, India, Travel, travels — Leave a comment

March 3, 2026

This is my 2nd trip to India, my 1st to Kerala. Admittedly, the first few days did not overwhelm as there was so much time wasted on bus rides. As we drove 4-5 hours each journey from Cochin to Munnar to Thekkady to Allepey, the joy of travel was only enhanced by good company and shopping. I’m NOT a shopper but I don’t mind tagging along or waiting while others shop and dump their bags of purchases by my feet while I sip my coffee or wine in some bar. Problem was I never enjoyed the coffee here. And alcohol isn’t as available as one wanted in this corner of the world. The whole trip we only enjoyed our wine in the hotels and found the coffee in Spice Village in Thekkady, Kumily as acceptable. I honestly wished this was our hotel as it has a sprawling garden, a good buffet spread, good coffee and a stone’s throw from the bazaars!

Shopping was good anywhere in India. I still remember the sarees and kurta I bought from my first trip. This time, the big tote bags and clutch bags filled my suitcase along with the black tea with masala from the tea gardens of Munnar. No shopping in Allepey though as we were happily on “houseboat arrest”. These were the tranquil moments before reaching Cochin where the adrenaline rush started pumping again because of the shopping options. From bags to shawls to purses and tote bags to bangles to paper products to table linen. And for the serious shoppers, the handicrafts and jewelries.

There were lovely pants and skirts to choose from. Very Indian. In vibrant hues and exotic patterns. Matched with lovely and colorful duppati which can be worn loosely like a shawl. Almost always, our pee stops included some shopping outbursts. Well, you’d never know what you’d find in the most unusual places. But I did find shopping in Shristi Charitable Trust in Munnar the most meaningful. The products are made by underprivileged children under the Trust’s care. Beautiful products like paper from different non-wood materials. The Trust is dedicated to the upliftment of these children through education, skills development and health care. God bless them 🙏

Tags: Asia, India, Musings and Ramblings, Shopping, Srishti Charitable Trust, Travel, Travels

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Around The World at Terminal 21 (Bangkok)

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Filed under: Asian Holidays, Travel, travels — 3 Comments

February 2, 2012

Bangkok. Think Grand Palace. Wat Po. Vimanmek Palace. Chao Phraya River. Floating Market. MBK. Jim Thomson. Oriental Hotel. Wat Arun. Pat Pong. Khao San. Chatuchak.

Wat Po. Just one temple this time. We skipped the rest!

After as many as 7 trips or so here, I have yet to venture out of the capital. Well, I have visited Ayutthaya if that counts. But that was just a day trip from the city. I’m thinking Chiang Mai. Or even Phuket. Ko Phi Phi. Hua Hin. Kanchanaburi. Chiang Rai. Not this time. Another time, is what I keep repeating to myself.

Golden Gate Bridge Crossing Terminal 21's Atrium : Impressive!

Inside Terminal 21

So what else is new in Bangkok? Stuck in the city, we checked out the newest shopping mall in the capital. (Thanks to Bing who brought us here) Terminal 21. No, it is not within the airport complex. But it does look like one. Located at Sukhumvit 21 (hence, Terminal 21) this shopping mall is connected with the BTS Asoke and MRT Sukhumvit Stations.

Carribean-themed floor is all about the beach and lighthouse!

Working on the theme of travel, Terminal 21 allows you to “travel” from San Francisco, USA to Istanbul, which is just an escalator away. As we entered the complex, we were greeted by this red and white lighthouse right smack in the middle of the atrium. This ground floor is where the supermarket is, replete with its Carribean beach decor. The signature shops are largely on the Paris and Rome-themed floors. Higher up, one finds the London-themed floor. You can’t mistake it, what with the lifesize red bus parked at some corner there. The Tokyo section is also quite popular. Many ladies had fun posing beside the sumo wrestler statues you find on that floor. 😉

A London Bus Parked in Terminal 21?

And then there’s Istanbul. And the fancy restrooms! No visit is complete without stopping by the modern restrooms. Think bidet, heated seat cover, air blower, etc. Cool! What’s more, there’s wifi all around the complex. So bring your laptop and check out the many food outlets here. Grab some lunch. Just take time to decide what to have. With all these different themes, it can be a chore choosing what to have for lunch. Happy time, happy thoughts to all!