Hola! I’m Patricia and I’m from Cuenca, Ecuador. Traveling is a huge passion of mine! I 
have lived abroad in: The USA (where I did my senior high school exchange year), France (where I studied Commerce and French Literature), Italy, Argentina and my most recent experience was in Australia (where I did my Postgraduate degree in Business and Marketing). I’ve had the opportunity to visit several countries around the world, getting to know their culture, heritage, and languages. I’ve visited most countries in Latin America and I’ve explored a big part of my beautiful country, Ecuador. I’ve been very lucky!
ASIA, India: (Mumbai, Goa, Delhi, Agra & Jaipur)
While living in Australia, I met two good friends from India who decided to get married back in their hometown, in Mumbai, India. I got invited to their wedding, so in November 2013 I packed my bags and went to my friends’ wedding in Mumbai. I also visited Goa, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. I had the time of my life!
My flight was with Emirates (great airline); it was a straight flight from Brisbane to Mumbai. The weeding was a 3-day event. It started with the hens’ night (called Mehndi Ceremony) at the bride’s house. I expected to see only women but there were a few men at the celebration too, like the groom, the bride’s father and some of her uncles. During the ceremony, the bride and all of her close family members got the palms of their hands and feet decorated by a professional henna artist. The henna is believed to enhance the bride’s beauty.
The second day we had a cocktail party that lasted all day. There was plenty of delicious Indian food, followed by different dance performances by the bride and some of her guests.
And then, the third and final day, the official big wedding. It went from 4.00 PM to about 5.00 AM! We started with an old Indian tradition with chants for the bride and groom to wish them marital, financial, and life-long success, followed by a big buffet and finally the official wedding ceremony that lasted until dawn.
The following days we did some sightseeing in Mumbai. My 4 favorite spots to visit were: Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace, Victoria Terminus and Elephanta Caves (situated on Elephanta Island about 7 kms from Mumbai’s mainland shore).
Next stop was Goa, where I booked a hotel in Panjim (the capital) for that night and the next day, off to the beach. I found many European tourists there, it felt like I was at a European beach. What I loved the most about Goa was its white sand beaches and that there were many beautiful places to worship. The best way to travel through Goa is in a Tuk-Tuk (mini taxi) or in a mini motorcycle. My favorite spot there was Fort Aguada!
Then I went up north, to do the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ which included: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. In Delhi I would recommend to visit the India Gate, the Red Fort and the Qutab Minar (oldest shopping city in the world probably 2000 years old). In Agra: the majestic Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and Palace. And in Jaipur I would recommend to visit the Pink City of Rajasthan, the Amber Fort and going on an elephant and camel ride over there is a must.
The weather from September to December, in India, is rainy and a bit cold (winter time). The currency is the Rupee. Clothes to wear, as a woman, you need to always cover your neck, arms and legs. My recommendation: Try to always go to touristic places where it’s very crowded, don’t go to isolated places on your own and don’t go out alone at night passed 6pm. For the rest, you will be fine and you will for sure have a blast!
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Top 3 Activities |
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In Agra: the majestic Taj Mahal |
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In Jaipur, the Amber Fort |
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In Mumbai, the Elephanta Caves |
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Top 3 Restaurants |
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In Delhi: Lalit Hotel Restaurant |
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In Agra: Mughali Restaurant |
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In Jaipur: Choki Dhani Restaurant |
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Nightlife |
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In Goa: Club M at Marbela Beach Resort |
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Travalas Friendly |
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Favorite travel quote
‘You learn so much from traveling, it’s like an open book, the memories will stay with you forever and the best part is that nobody can take that away from you.’