Issue #7

This issue features a Wonder of the World, where for the first 4 hours I paid to stare at fog.

Also the lake of animal statues, my favourite piece of adventure gear I own, and the overnight accommodation you have to scale a rock face for 2 hours to get to. Enjoy!

This weeks review is focused on one of the 7 Wonders of the World, The Taj Mahal.

Built in the 1600s by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum to his wife Mumtaz Mahal (he must have really done something wrong). It’s famous for its white marble structure and perfect symmetry surrounded by gardens, water channels and matching buildings that make the whole place feel like a giant work of art.

When I visited I arrived early, ready for opening time. There were not as many crowds as I thought there would be at this time and as the anticipation built I headed to the main entrance walkway arch that is the famous first sighting for people seeing the wonder. I was ready for the ultimate cinematic reveal, so I walked through and…. nothing.

I couldn’t see a thing! The fog all morning had been dreadful, but it was so bad I couldn’t even see the outline of the building, I had to get right up next to it just to make sure it was still there.

Turns out this is a known seasonal thing that my dumbass forgot to research before setting my alarm for 5:00am. (I will go deeper into my f*ck up in a future misadventures issue so you don’t make the same mistake I did).

After 3 to 4 hours of waiting around, the fog finally lifted, and now the crowds arrived (which made more sense), and when it did finally reveal itself, it definitely earned the hype. The reflection in the long central pool, the scale of it, monkeys running along the walls, huge birds circling over head, parakeets in the trees and the Yamuna river flowing peacefully behind it was stunning.

I also headed inside briefly, where you get ushered around the central cenotaph (a symbolic empty tomb) kind of like a “get in, hurry up and get out” situation. The real tomb is actually below this room and closed off to the public. It’s cool to see but the real beauty is on the outside.

I’m not at all a site seeing building kind of person. I’m definitely not the stand and stare and admire architecture kind of guy. Natures landscapes are more of my sort of thing.

But regardless this one definitely gives you that involuntary moment of “Oh. Wow”

Quick Details:

If you want to see this stunning wonder and see my actual f*ck up caught on camera of the whole fog situation check out the video below👇

Laundry Sheets > Detergent

If you’re staying in apartments or Airbnbs, pack laundry sheets.

They’re thin, lightweight, don't take up much space and won’t leak all over your clothes. It saves carrying around liquid detergent like some sort of mad travelling scientist or buying a new bottle every place you go.

The sheets are perfect for not just washing machines but also if you need to wash your clothes in a sink (if you know the struggle). They give you a quick refresh mid trip or help in off grid sort of stays.

I definitely still recommend getting a proper wash in laundry places when you can, don’t be the stinky traveller.

But for the in-between moments, these are a game changer.

My favourite piece of adventure clothing I currently own…

A piece of gear every adventure traveller needs is definitely a good pair of hiking trousers, and the ones I purchased just before my recent trip to South America are not only my favourites, but also some of the best adventure gear I now own.

Lightweight and breathable. Stretchy enough for big strides and awkward climbs. No ripping and no failures. They’ve taken a beating on my travels and still look solid.

I’ve worn these in:

These are the exact ones I swear by if you wanted to check them out.

The Lake of Statues.

Lake Natron in Tanzania is so alkaline it can calcify animals.

Birds and bats that fall into it can end up preserved almost like stone statues. The waters are extremely hot and hostile, so its not exactly a spa experience.

Skylodge Adventure Stay

In the Sacred Valley of Peru, just outside of the main town of Cusco, there is a place where you can stay in hanging glass capsules, bolted into a cliff face and only accessible by climbing a couple of hours by a via ferrata.

It adds adventure to your nights stay and makes you put in a bit of work for your bed. The views I can only imagine are stunning from above, looking out across the sacred valley in a fully see through accommodation, as well a beautiful view of the night sky I’m sure.

Unfortunately on my most recent trip to Peru I didn’t get the time to visit, and it’s not exactly cheap being well over £300 ($400) for one nights stay. But it is, absolutely, on my list for a return trip.

This really takes the phrase “climbing into bed” to a whole new level.

I’d love to hear from you.

👉 What’s the weirdest, funniest or most ridiculous thing that’s ever happened to you whilst travelling? Or maybe you have your own trick, tip or favourite piece of gear to share?

Hit reply and share, I might even feature your story or advice in a future issue.

Until next time,

Chase the Adventure.

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