Laura Cooke Media Photography, writing & editinghello@lauracooke.com
Travel
Thailand: Bangkok
A recent two-week holiday took me to Krabi Province, Thailand. Here are a few shots from Bangkok. More pictures of the remainder of the trip will be coming soon.
Photos: Juhu Beach, Mumbai India
I am in the process of finally sorting through all my images from my trip to India earlier this year. This is going to take quite some time, as there are a lot to sift through. Nonetheless, I have made a start with the very beginning of my journey in Mumbai. Staying near Juhu beach, [...]
Heading up Paarl Rock
Having lived in Paarl in the Western Cape for almost a year (now based in Cape Town), it was finally time to head up Paarl Rock. Some call it the Ayer’s Rock of South Africa, which is perhaps a bit too grandiose of a title, but it is nonetheless an otherwordly experience to hike up [...]
I am afraid of South African trains.
I admit it. I have always been frightened of taking the train in South Africa. Judge me if you like. Call me ignorant, call me a typical negative privileged South African, but up until recently, the thought of commuting to and from work by train would have been unthinkable. From as early as I can [...]
Pushkar: A Holy City Filled with Hippies
According to legend, Pushkar, which is located in the desert of Rajasthan, came into being when Lord Brahma, the Creator, dropped a lotus flower from the heavens in order to kill a demon. Magically, where the petals landed, three lakes appeared and Lord Brahma is said to have organised a gathering of 900,000 celestial beings [...]
Ajmer to Pushkar
After 20 hours on the train, we finally arrived at Ajmer station. To get to Pushkar, you have to take either a taxi or a local bus. On leaving the station, we were immediately hounded by taxi drivers trying to get us to drive direct with them and rickshaw drivers asking for exorbitant amounts of [...]
Rolling on the Sleeper Train
After spending a few days in Mumbai sorting out travel arrangements and what we wanted to do, we decided to venture to Pushkar in Rajasthan before heading to Delhi and further north to the mountains. Visiting Rajasthan during April is not usually recommended as it’s hot and dusty. For the most part, tourists will only [...]
More on Mumbai
In Mumbai, you find all sorts of contrasts. The very poor, dressed in thin gaudy saris walk next to the wealthy Mumbai elite who emulate western culture with tight jeans and dinner dates at American styled coffee shops. Opulent malls sit side by side with corner cafes and apartment blocks that look ready to fall [...]
In the Thick of Things
Before I arrived in Mumbai I had been given lecture upon lecture about the danger of scammers and dodgy dealers who will accost me as soon as I leave the airport. But, not only are there giant signs all over the airport telling you that you must not go with any taxi other than the [...]
Anything is Possible in India
After a long flight that was largely uneventful my mom and I arrive at Mumbai International airport. It is my first visit to India, and the start of 6 weeks of travelling. Not quite knowing what to expect, we walk down a maroon carpeted hallway. The air is musty and moist and we’re the only [...]