Walking Without a Destination.

The Ganges at Varanasi.

I didn’t come to Varanasi with a plan.
That wasn’t a strategy—it was self-preservation. Varanasi has a way of overwhelming you if you try to do it properly.

So I walked. No agenda. No ghats list. No sunrise alarms. Just walking until the river showed up.

It always does.

You don’t suddenly arrive at the Ganges. You feel your way there. The lanes tighten. The sounds dull slightly. The air changes. And without realizing it, you slow down. Not because you should—but because the place insists.

That morning, the river was unusually quiet. Pale water. Soft light. A boat drifted past carrying visitors who looked unsure whether to talk or stay silent. Birds skimmed the surface, entirely uninterested in symbolism.

That’s when it hit me: the Ganges doesn’t perform.

For millions, this river is sacred.

A mother. A cleanser. A final destination. People step into its waters carrying prayers, grief, hope, regret—sometimes all at once. Some chant. Some laugh. Some just stand there, eyes closed, saying nothing at all. No one corrects them. The river doesn’t either.

Sacred and ordinary live side by side here without tension. A prayer floats past a plastic bottle. Someone brushes their teeth next to someone offering flowers. Faith doesn’t cancel reality—it flows right through it.

As the day builds, the ghats fill with life.Children laughing. Sadhus perfectly still. Priests preparing lamps for the evening aarti. And yes—death is present too, out in the open. In Varanasi, endings aren’t hidden away. They’re acknowledged and returned to the water without drama.

What surprised me most was how light it all felt.

As a photographer, this is where restraint matters. Not everything needs to be photographed. Some moments are better absorbed quietly. I lowered my camera more than I raised it and stood watching reflections break, merge, disappear.

People come to Varanasi looking for answers. Some leave with clarity. Others with more questions. Almost everyone leaves changed, even if they can’t quite explain how.

That’s the Ganges for you.
It doesn’t demand belief.
It just keeps flowing—and quietly asks you to slow down.

Sip slowly. Scroll gently. Let the moment arrive.

Majestic Milford Sound - Piopiotahi: A Natural Wonder

Milford Sound: A Date With Nature

As we head out as it begins to rain

Milford Sound. The name itself conjures images of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and serene waters. As a travel enthusiast, my wife and I always dreamt of experiencing this natural wonder firsthand. Finally, in 2025, we embarked on a journey to New Zealand's South Island, with Milford Sound at the top of my list.

As our boat glided through the inky-blue waters, we were immediately captivated by the sheer scale of the fiord. Towering cliffs, draped in lush rainforest, rose dramatically from the water's edge. Waterfalls tumbled down the mountainside, their misty spray adding an ethereal touch to the scene.

The experience leaves you feeling spectacularly small!

Our small boat allowed us to get up close to the natural wonders of Milford Sound. We cruised past towering Mitre Peak, its summit shrouded in mist. We ventured into hidden coves, where waterfalls plunged into the sea. And we encountered playful seals basking on rocky outcrops.

From The Deck

A Feast for the Senses

The beauty of Milford Sound is not just visual. It's a symphony of senses. The roar of the waterfalls, the salty tang of the sea air, the lush scent of the rainforest – all these elements combine to create an immersive experience.

A Truly Lasting Impression

It was a journey into the heart of nature. As we left Milford Sound, we carried with us not just photos and memories, but a deep appreciation for this natural wonder.

Planning Ahead Helps:

• Book in advance: Milford Sound is a popular destination, so it's essential to book your cruise in advance, especially during peak season.

• Pack for all weather: Milford Sound is known for its unpredictable weather, so be prepared for rain, wind, and sunshine.

• Relax and enjoy: Once you're on board, sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of Milford Sound.

A very valuable tip - hire travel provider. Discover New Zealand is the travel provider we hired. The service was outstanding.

A lovely day with nature comes to an end…. cheers to PioPiotahi.

Street Food.Mumbai.

Dosa service.

The taste to die for. This particular vendor in Mumbai has an extensive range of Dosas—25 variations, at least. Dosa is a universal food that brings all people together. It stimulates kinship, fosters togetherness and is just so tasty. How to make dosas on YouTube is a popular guide for most starting to make dosas.

They were so, coming back to this particular vendor. The business is booming. Minimum overheads, endless demand stream, and weather have limited impact on the industry. Even perhaps open 24 hours a day!

Do you see any cash box in this picture? There is none! Actual currency notes are quickly disappearing in India. It’s all mobile-to-mobile transactions. Businesses are supercharged with this ease of payment. Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Paytm are now part of every daily conversation and transaction. It's a true transformation happening in real-time.

I hadn’t been to India in a while, so as part of the preparation, I was looking to exchange and get some Indian currency. A friend was bemused at my effort and said, you did not need to carry any Indian currency. Just the required apps on your mobile, and you are good to go!

“To see birds, becoming a part of the silence is necessary.”

Every Spring I look forward to going to High Park in Toronto (where I live).

The Baltimore Oriole makes its majestic appearance for just a few weeks, Always coinciding with the cherry blossom season. I call it majestic as these birds are mostly seen on treetops, unlike the cardinals, chickadees, and finches that are visible at eye level. Their gentle, flute-sounding tune is easy to recognize. Just as easy to recognize the vibrant orange breast. The clear blue skies contrast with the vibrant orange with cherry blossoms in the foreground, making it a beautiful wall decor.