Travel

Cuba- Havana’s Essence told through Photography

June 5, 2025 By Asha Shivakumar Leave a Comment

Cuba, Between the Lines

A reflection on beauty, scarcity, and the quiet truths behind the lens

“We floated in a gentle buzz for weeks after returning from Cuba. It’s rare for a place to leave such an imprint. Surely, it wasn’t just the rum and cigars—it was something deeper, something that lingered in the soul.”

I’ve been unraveling the threads of our time in Cuba—an experience at once stirring and elusive, beautiful and bewildering. I’ve been sifting through our time in Cuba—revisiting photographs, replaying moments, and searching for language that could do justice to an experience both luminous and difficult to name.

Cuba was—undeniably—beautiful. Arrestingly so. A country awash in saturated color and brimming with artistic soul, where every street corner feels like a stage, every wall a canvas. The textures, the music, the light—everything pulses with a kind of unfiltered vitality. It’s a place that seizes the senses and doesn’t let go.

The island holds a rare, magnetic charm: a place where history hums through crumbling facades and music spills from open doorways like an eternal heartbeat. It is no exaggeration to say that my camera was overwhelmed—capturing breathtaking murals, aged colonial architecture draped in Caribbean light, street performances charged with soul, and spontaneous symphonies erupting from alleyways. The artistry of Cuba is omnipresent, stitched into the fabric of its daily life with unmistakable passion and grit. As you scroll through these images, I hope they offer a glimpse of the magic I witnessed: Cuba, in all its fierce color and character—so iconic, so passionate, so real.

And yet, even as I share these moments, I carry with me a certain guilt. A hesitation. Because what I’ve captured is the red-carpet version of Cuba—It’s the tourist’s lens, polished and privileged, not the unfiltered truth of the everyday Cuban. It is not the full story.

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Ultimate Guide to Guatemala – Antigua and Lake Atitlan

March 9, 2025 By Asha Shivakumar

Guatemala, where every thread tells a story—vibrant textiles and lush landscapes merge into a living tapestry of color, culture, and soul. People of Guatemala have risen, quite literally, from the ashes of their tumultuous history. They are a people of extraordinary strength—kind, humble, and endlessly talented.

Santa Santa Catalina Arch

Guatemala is more than a place; it is a living, breathing symphony of history, art, and love for the land.

Guatemala, where ancient volcanoes rise like silent guardians, and black-sand beaches kiss the Pacific, is a land alive with nature’s brilliance. Its rich biodiversity unfolds in a vibrant tapestry, while the spirit of the Mayan past echoes through awe-inspiring ruins. The heart of this land beats in its people—dressed in colorful tradition, speaking a symphony of languages, and celebrating life through music, dance, and food. The Quetzal, sacred and iridescent, soars as a symbol of freedom, grace, and the enduring spirit of Guatemala, woven into its flag, currency, and soul.

Guatemalan culture is rich.

Guatemala, a country nestled in Central America, may be slightly smaller than the state of Pennsylvania, but within its compact borders lies a world of wonders that beckon to be explored. Despite its size, there are countless reasons why this land feels so incredibly unique, each one drawing you deeper into its vibrant soul.

Rich in Mayan history, Guatemala is a place where the past is ever-present. Nearly half of its population belongs to 21 distinct Mayan communities, each one contributing to a living culture that thrives across the country. From the woven textiles that tell stories of ancient traditions to the rhythmic beats of music that echo through the mountains, the spirit of the Mayans pulses through the very heart of Guatemala.

The country is not only a cultural treasure trove but also a natural one. Guatemala ranks as the fourth-largest exporter of coffee to the United States, and it’s easy to understand why once you’ve tasted its rich, bold flavors—grown in the shadow of the country’s 27 active volcanoes, which dominate the landscape like ancient guardians. These volcanoes, standing tall and majestic, remind you that in Guatemala, both nature and history are always alive, always stirring.

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Table of Contents:

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Introduction

Video Vlog

Ultimate Japan travel Guide – The Perfect Guide to first timers in Japan

June 22, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

This Japan Travel guide is all you need to plan a trip to Japan. Japan is captivating. It perfectly mixes the traditional with the modern. A cultural hub that is also one of the leading economic and technological centres of the world. Gods, shrines and traditional customs sit side by side with cutting edge technologies and trendy pop culture, and there is always something new to experience on a visit. The kindest of people who welcome you with a smile. It’s a special place, a must visit!

“The whole of Japan is a pure invention. There is no such country, there are no such people. The Japanese people are simply a mode of style, an exquisite fancy of art.” — Oscar Wilde

Amazed. In awe. In LOVE. Japan had been on my bucket list for years, it just didn’t happen. It is my son’s dream destination (hello.. Manga fan:). So we decided to take him to his dream place and our gift for his 18th and grad. it didn’t take long to see how disciplined & polite people of Japan are, the clean streets, to no talking in trains, everything screams discipline. Japan is such an unique country, it can mix its ancient history and traditions, with its incredible modernization. Japan’s history has existed for a few thousand years now, and that until this day a lot of it remains very much alive.After travelling to many places around the world, I can tell you there is no place like Japan anywhere in the world. If you have not visited Japan, then you need to add Japan to your travel bucket list. I hope this Japan travel Guide will help you plan a dream vacation. You will be fascinated by its history, traditions, and culture.

To rise up and shine, smiling and joyful, lot has to be learnt. Cheers to patience and politeness.

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Table of Contents:

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Introduction

Video Vlog

3 days in Budapest

April 15, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

3 days in Budapest, a vibrant city like a fairytale, with a rich history known as the ‘Paris of the East’ , beautiful parks and buildings, bustling food halls, cool underground bars, and centuries-old thermal baths. A city brimming with beautiful architecture, history, and unique cuisine, Budapest (pronounced Boo-Da-Pesht, not Boo-Da-Pest) might seem intimidating to those who have never visited before.

Budapest( Buddah – PESHT), the capital of Hungary, is considered by many to be the “Paris of the East.” Not only is this beautiful city one of the most culturally important metropolises in Eastern Europe, it’s also home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

It’s got everything, old world charm but in a modern city, the architecture is amazing and exactly what you think of when you think European city, it’s very safe, people are friendly, the food is amazing and it’s soooo affordable compared to comparable cities.…

3 days in PRAGUE

April 3, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

3 days in Prague, a pretty little town will blow your mind away. You will feel like you’ve jumped into a fairytale. ‘This pretty dear little mother has sharp claws,’ that’s how Franz Kafka described this small but treasured city, which is a fairy tale for some, a golden city for others, as such, it is one of the most romantic cities in Europe and a winter darling. Here’s a 3 days plan for Prague.

You can leave Prague, but it will never leave you.

Prague is Pretty. The locals believe it is a winter darling. Prague is one of the cities where gloomy and cold weather of the winter suits it perfectly. The red roofs pop out more. The castle shines. If you can endure, winter is gorgeous but if not, early spring is just stunning. Prague has something that appeals to every kind of travel lover. If you want magnificent views, you can’t get enough of sightseeing. If you are interested in different architectures, Prague may make you dizzy, if you are an art lover, the museums in this city will quench your thirst beautifully. The city’s old charm echoes from every bridge, spire, and hilltop castle. Its heart continues to be the spectacular Old Town but you’ll also find an impressive plethora of luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, high-class boutiques, and contemporary entertainment. It is one of the most romantic cities in Europe with a historical city center that combines romanticism and history.…

3 days in taxco – The ultimate guide

February 4, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

3 days in Taxco, Guerrero was like a magical fairytale. I can honestly say it was the most mesmerizing and the most beautiful place in Mexico that I’ve visited. From taking the cable car, to riding in a sturdy VW Beetle, to the Cristo Monument, to getting lost in the cobblestone streets, eating churros and learning about Taxco’s past as a silver mining town – I fell totally in love with this city which is 3 hours south of Mexico City.

Taxco will surprise you. Taxco will take your breath away. Welcome to the the most Magical Pueblo Mágico of all of the Pueblo Mágicos- Taxco, Guerrero! Located just a couple of hours from Mexico City, Taxco is built upon a beautiful mountainside. It truly looks like something out of a dream! When you are walking the streets of Taxco you feel like you have stepped back in time! White with red tiled roof buildings, the streets are cobblestone, and the taxis look like VW Bugs from the 1950’s. There are surprises awaiting you around every corner and callejon!

In the early morning with the rising sun, the apricot-peach colored stone of the church of Santa Prisca and San Sebastián in Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico, seems to radiate with light. On a hill towering above the city around it, the church’s tall bell towers beckon people to enter its doors. The elaborate carvings on the façade and towers also seem to writhe with life. As shadows pass over the surface throughout the day, you could swear the building was moving. Imagine how striking it is to then enter the church and be completely overwhelmed with walls that vibrate with gold….

3 Days in Hampi – A forgotten Empire

July 23, 2022 By Nikhil Shivakumar

Once a colorful Vijayanagara Kingdom, Hampi is now in ruins, beautiful ruins, a forgotten Empire. An empire that has stories to tell. Hampi, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the richest city in India, will be all you need for an educational and beautiful getaway. Imagining the splendor in the once thriving kingdom as you walk through the ruins is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Read on to learn more about one of the gems of Karnataka.

Once the capital of the ancient Vijayanagara Dynasty, Hampi is a hidden gem in India. It was once, after Beijing, the second largest medieval city in the world, with its ruins currently spreading over 4,100 hectares. It was even in the Ramayana! Hampi was probably the site described where the heroes Ram and Lakshman met Hanuman the monkey god, and Sugriva. With its rich history, it feels magical to know that you are stepping on the same ground that kings and queens did, and that there were once lively marketplaces where there are now ruins. It’s truly a mind-blowing experience. And, as a cherry on top, there are dozens of Gray langur monkeys in many of the locations :). …

5 days in Barcelona – Ultimate travel guide

April 15, 2022 By Asha Shivakumar

This Barcelona guide is all you need to travel to BCN. Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s art-ful, hipster, open and addictive. It’s a nice city year-round and you will fall in love with its architecture, street art and all those tapas restaurants!

Barcelona is the world’s most beautiful city. At least to me. Because think about it. A city by the sea yet encircled by wooded mountains, with gorgeous architecture, beautiful churches, and a pedestrian thoroughfare that is one of the prettiest you will ever see (La Rambla). It is one of the world’s leading tourist, economic, trade fair, and cultural centers and its influence in commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world’s major global cities….

3 days in New York City – Ultimate Travel guide

March 8, 2022 By Asha Shivakumar

Here’s a 3 days in New York travel guide, the only guide you need. The Urban Jungle, Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, the capital of the world – No matter how you’ve heard it called, there’s no denying that New York City is one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities on the planet.

Known as the urban jungle, BIG APPLE, the city that never sleep, New York City is the most populous city in the USA. New York City can feel like an overwhelming city to visit. New York was such an exciting city to visit and if you like fast-paced urban adventures then we think you will have a great time here. There are so many attractions, historical locations, pop culture landmarks and delicious foods that it may seem hard to cram everything in just one visit, so I hope this post will help you.

New York City needs at least a week to just scratch the surface. I’ve been to NYC four times now and I still feel, there so much to do and see. In this post I have covered it all, best places to eat, to see and things to do. Whether you stay for 3 days or a week, I have you covered.…

7 days in Egypt -Ultimate travel guide

January 4, 2022 By Asha Shivakumar

Here’s a 7 days in Egypt travel guide. Welcome to Mysterious Egypt. Rich history, killer desserts, jaw-dropping monuments. THE PYRAMIDS, Egypt has it all. Egypt is one of the most fascinating countries I’ve ever visited in my life. Here’s a glimpse of our epic trip and hope it helps you when you plan yours.

This was a thrilling and out of body experience. 7 days in Egypt will blow your mind away. What can I say…this country is simply magical filled with so much history, culture and mystery. I, like most people, have seen images of the pyramids since I was a child. They’re not just a part of Egypt’s heritage, they are a part of global heritage. You think you know them just because you always have. It’s not until you’re here and you start to hear the stories of these amazing monuments that you realize there is so much more to learn. The sheer size and massiveness is magnificent. I might have shed a tear when I touched the Pyramid for the first time.

Fresh off the plane, I’m ready to dive into my full Egypt itinerary. We were in Siwa for 4 days which was the relaxing part of our trip. The salt water lakes, the small town vibes was pure perfection. But, This post is mainly focused on Cairo and Luxor. The week we spent there allowed me to connect to my past. This post will break down our journey through the main two cities, the tours, places to see day by day and give you some hot tips on the best photo locations!…