Larissa Dmello

Girish Bisht

I had travelled to Nepal in September 2024 . I had visited 2 cities of Kathmandu and Pokhra. Before my visit ,being an Indian , I had felt that Nepal as a neighboring country will have almost same culture. But to my surprise it has been a different story altogether. The attire, food, worship rituals has cleared much of my doubts. On our first day we had been to Chandragiri mountains in cable trolley in the midst of clouds and found it mesmerizing. Later we had visited Kathmandu Darbar square which is a mix of old and new architecture because many of the monument has been destroyed in 2015 Earthquake. We also went to the museum and also had a glimpse of Living Goddess Royal Kumari which is a prepubescent girl worshipped as the incarnation of goddess Taleju Bhawani. We also visited Swoyambhu Mahachaitya, an ancient religious Buddhist Stupa complex. In the evening while watching the famous Pashupatinath Hindu Temple I was wondering the various cultures the city of Kathmandu is mixed with. In the later part of our travel we visited the most beautiful and well organized city of Pokhra. Our resort was on the banks of famous Fewa Lake. While having an evening walk at the walkway on Fewa lake we wonder how peaceful is the nature of people of Nepal as they were enjoying with their friends an family with all smiling and greeting to the foreigners without any greed. Next day we went to the Pumdikot Mahadev temple of Lord Shiva which is on a hilltop. Situated on 1500 mtr above sea level this place has an amazing viewpoint of Pokhra city and Fewa lake. Pumdikot has the second tallest statue of Shiva in Nepal. The statue itself is 51 feet tall. It sits on a white stupa that adds 57 feet in height, making the entire structure 108 feet high. . The statue premises also has 108 Shiva lingas that encircle the statue On our way back we went to World Peace Pagoda and had spent peaceful time there.Itis a Buddhist monument on Anadu Hill. Later we saw Devis Waterfall whose water forms a tunnel after reaching the bottom.The water forms a tunnel after reaching the bottom. This tunnel is approximately 500 feet (150 m) long and runs 100 feet (30 m) below ground level. On 31 July 1961, a Swiss male-female couple went swimming but the woman drowned in a pit because of the overflow. Her body was recovered three days later in river Phusre with great effort. Her father wished to name it "David's Fall" after her daughter's name but changed to Devi's Fall. Its Nepali name is Patale Chango, which literal meaning is Paatal Ko Chango means "Underworld's Waterfall". Near to it we visited Gupetshwer Mahadev Cave which is an undergound Shiva temple. We had a peaceful and memorable trip to Nepal and I made a promise to visit next time with my family and show them the beauty and culture of this beautiful country.

SHEHZAD THOBHANI

Love has a way of finding you in the most unexpected places, and for us, it began in the digital world—on Facebook. What started as casual conversations soon turned into late-night chats that stretched till dawn. Over the next six months, those messages became the foundation of a bond that felt unbreakable. As the connection grew stronger, our virtual moments transitioned into video calls. For one magical month, we saw each other not just in words but in smiles and laughter shared across screens. It was during these moments that we knew we had something extraordinary. Finally, the time came to meet in person. Over the next six months, we made it a point to meet every month, cherishing every second we could spend together. With each meeting, our love deepened, and it became clear that we were meant to be. Six months after our engagement, we tied the knot, stepping into a lifetime of adventures together. Now, six years later, we are blessed with a beautiful two-year-old baby girl who adds immeasurable joy to our lives. Our shared love for exploration has taken us to almost every corner of the globe—from the serene landscapes of Canada to the vibrant cities of the USA, the exotic charm of Bali, and the cultural riches of Europe. Together, we’ve made memories in Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, and beyond. Now, as seasoned travelers and dreamers, we have our hearts set on Vietnam—a country brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and unique experiences. It would be the perfect backdrop for our next chapter of love and adventure. Winning this trip to Vietnam would not just be another destination for us—it would be an opportunity to celebrate the journey of two people who met online, fell in love, and built a life filled with dreams, travels, and a bond that grows stronger with every mile. We can’t wait to explore Vietnam and add another beautiful story to our collection of memories!

akshai anand manuvelrajan guruanand

Vietnam – Rediscovering a Land of Inspiration Vietnam holds a special place in my heart, not just for its breathtaking landscapes but for its deep cultural and architectural richness. It was for these reasons that I chose Vietnam as my first international destination two years ago. That journey left an indelible mark on me, as I explored the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, marveled at the ancient structures of Hanoi, and embraced the serenity of Ha Long Bay. However, despite the incredible experiences during my short trip, I felt that there was so much more to discover. Vietnam is a country with layers of history, diverse architectural styles, and a culture so vibrant that a single visit could hardly do it justice. That’s why I’m eager to return — not just as a traveler but as a sustainable architect passionate about designing with purpose and mindfulness. In my work, I strive to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible. Vietnam, with its unique blend of ancient traditions and modernity, offers unparalleled inspiration. From the traditional yellow facades of Hội An to the imposing Imperial City of Huế, each structure tells a story. By visiting these iconic places again, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how historical architecture coexists with modern developments. This return trip will be crucial for my growth as a sustainable architect. Witnessing the elegance of structures like the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in Saigon or the humble One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi will inspire new ideas for blending sustainability with timeless beauty. The diversity of Vietnamese architecture, with its colonial influences and traditional craftsmanship, will help me approach my future projects with a fresh perspective, ensuring that my designs honor the past while contributing to a more sustainable future. Conclusion: Vietnam has already given me unforgettable memories, but it has so much more to offer. By winning this contest, I would not only rekindle my love for the country but also enhance my journey as an architect dedicated to sustainability and cultural respect. Vietnam’s vibrant culture, heritage, and architecture will serve as the perfect guide for my future endeavors.