Travel on Harshvardhan

A Week in Tirana, Albania

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Last month, I spent a week in Tirana, Albania. Nestled across the Adriatic from Italy and bordered by Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece, Albania has long been one of Europe’s hidden secrets. Until 1991, this small country lived in almost total isolation under a communist dictatorship. After communism collapsed, Albania became a democratic republic. In 2009, it joined NATO and today stands as an EU candidate state—to becoming a full member soon.

Power of Your Passport

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A passport is “an official travel document issued by a government that certifies a person’s identity and nationality for international travel.” The word comes from the medieval French passer (“to pass”) and port (“harbor”): originally a document allowing you to pass through a port town’s gate. The document requests all border protection agencies and governments to give safe passage to the bearer. It validates the identity of the concerned citizen. My Indian passport specifically says:

Egypt: An Odyssey Through Time

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Exploring Egypt from Cairo’s Zamalek to Luxor’s temples, juxtaposing its rich history with contemporary life and political-economic challenges.

Seattle: Echoes of Home in the Emerald City

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, a journey far from home can unexpectedly transport you back to cherished memories. Such was my experience during my two-day sojourn in Seattle, the Emerald City.

My 10-Day Escape into Nature's Embrace: A Camping Journey to Moab

Sun, 21 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

From dry deserts to panoramic mountain vistas, I experienced the unique blend of adventure, history, and tranquility in this 10-day trip through vibrant canvas of the United States.

From Mythology to Modernity: The Dual Faces of Pushkar

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This winter I visited Pushkar, home to the iconic Pushkar Lake and one of the few Brahma temples in the world. It is a town where tranquility and vibrancy coexist, where ancient mythology mingles with a modern lifestyle. Explore the flavors of Pushkar, the colorful markets, and learn the stories behind the rarity of Brahma temples.