Jubilation on Copacabana Beach Rio Brazil World Cup 2018

Football Fever: Watching the World Cup in Latin America

Travelling through South America during the World Cup, I succumb to football fever and find myself trying to explain to locals Bangladesh’s blind obsession with Brazilian and Argentinian football.

Trolley bus, , Valparaiso, Chile

Vibrant Valparaíso

As the setting sun cast an orange glow over the hilltops, the multi-coloured houses lit up, as if by technicolour magic. 19th century funiculars, still in operation, rattled up and down the hills, ferrying passengers up ridiculously steep terrain. Below, the plains stretched out to the harbour, the shimmering water dotted with an array of ocean going vessels, all painted ginger by the setting sun. An Instagrammer’s dream, the scene made me itch to paint, but alas I had none.

As part of my fortnightly travel column “South of the Equator,” I write about falling in love with the dog-poop infested city of Valparaíso.

Taking the Waters: Soaking in Hot Springs around the World

A dip in the mineral-rich waters of hot springs has long been regarded as the ultimate source of relaxation. Here are five of my favourite hot spring soaks from around the globe.

Staring into the Sacred: Temples of Angkor

As I stumbled my way up the cobbled stones, jostling through the crush of touts and tourists, I felt awed by their hypnotic gaze. I was spellbound by this confluence of architecture, engineering and artistic triumph. Climbing up onto what was perhaps once a stone window ledge, I reached for my sketchbook. As I tried to capture this wonder in ink, the din from the crowds below melted away, the scorching midday sun was forgotten, and – once again – I was in my own little world. It was a spiritual awakening.

What Bourdain Taught Me

I pen this while seated under the shadow of a deserted lighthouse in a quaint Uruguayan coastal town, a meaty chivito clutched in one hand, its juices dripping down my arm. You would’ve approved. As I ruminate on your teachings I promise myself, and you this: I will continue to savour my meals, in whatever circumstances and locations they may be in, and write about them, with no reservations.

A Foodie’s Guide to Japan

My trip to Japan was as much a culinary awakening as a cultural rousing. Here are some budget-friendly suggestions for eating your way around the country.

Cerro Santa Lucia, Chile, Santiago

Sleepless in Santiago

In the first installment for my fortnightly travel column for The Daily Star,”South of the Equator,” I come to grips with the reality of backpacking with a toddler. Jetlagged, we discover the nocturnal side of Santiago.

12 Travel Tips for Flying with a Baby

Some ideas to make life in the air easier for you and your baby.

Auschwitz: Reflections & Realisations

I look back on my visit to the concentration camps in Auschwitz, trying to untangle the confusing and conflicting emotions it evoked.

Gourmet Gifts from Bangladesh

I explore a range of locally produced gastronomic delights, perfect as gifts, and bound to put Bangladesh on the foodie traveller’s map.