Top ten....or not quite

I get requests for my top 5 places to visit....or top 10 things to see....or my favorite place I've been.  For me, it is impossible!  Of course there are places I've visited that I really enjoyed and would go back to in a heartbeat, but after visiting 65 or so countries, there is no way to rank them.  That being said, my plan is to start blogging more and I will start by posting some places I thought were amazing.  So, in no particular order...one such amazing place hopefully every week :)  

I've been to India twice....once to work at mobile medical camps in a tiger reserve in Southern India (my first career was in public health) where I stayed for a couple of months and second time in Rajasthan 5 years later for vacation.  I traveled by myself and found that while India can be chaotic it can also be very peaceful.  My senses were in overdrive almost every moment but I think travel should transform you....and for me India did that.  As a traveler, India offers opportunities to see historic monuments (like the Amber Fort above), beautiful scenery, and wildlife and try new foods, drinks and experiences (like a visit to an ashram).  India is also a shoppers paradise and a destination for detox and Ayurvedic spa treatments (I still dream of my head massages...). India has something for everyone....

This is a temple at Mysore Palace in Southern India.  Look at how ornate the figures are....so beautiful. There are lots of different itineraries I can plan for India---independent options to explore with drivers on select days (my driver still e-mails me on all Indian holidays to say hello) or options where you are escorted by a guide and driver for your entire visit.  There are now even river cruises on the Ganges with luxury companies like Uniworld where all of the details are taken care of and all you have to do is enjoy (and volunteer if you like at certain ports).  I am dreaming of my next visit....Kerala is high on my list.