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Jan 7, 2015

One morning, in the midst of the trees bursting with amber colored leaves, we took off on a road journey towards New Hampshire, New England's famous fall state.


Autumn had arrived without any warning.

From Connecticut via the border of the green state of Vermont, the beauty was severe. The fluctuating cool winds and the filtered light of the sun made it especially ideal for travel. It seemed like this was the season of new beginnings.


As we entered the granite state and neared the alpines of the illustrious White Mountains, peak fall begun to show itself - the air was almost wild with foliage.

First, the Lost River Gorge in Kinsman Notch, a cascading stream of water that disappears into a deep abysses, ultimately leading to the River Pemigewasset. The path from here directly joins the Kancamagus Highway, a dramatic bypass road leading us through the White Mountain National Forest.


Pigments in shades of cinnamon, saffron and auburn, the smell of pines, the dense forest cover, the maples, birches and spruces soaring towards the sky, the wilderness, the sound of leaves cracking in the breeze – all made for a breathtaking experience.


Further along, we reached Fraconia Notch State Park, comfortably situated among the Fraconia Mountain ranges. We rode through Lincoln, a profound silence languishing over the land, until we reached Flume Gorge, a 2-mile boardwalk surrounded by a pulsating, shadowy warmth of flowers and ferns. From here, we could see the peaks of Cannon Mountain silhouetted against the sky.


We drove towards the contouring peaks, polychrome fall leaf trees rising up on either side. As we passed through, in the gathering twilight, we chanced upon the historic little town of Gorham that took us directly to the entrance of Mount Washington.


We ended our drive to- and from New Hampshire realizing, we live for experiences such as these. Now, our favorite color is October!

If you’re planning a trip to Texas and do land up in its largest city, Houston, here are some ways to be absolutely touristy.

1. As you’re riding through this populous state, it’s most likely that you will realize how massive it is. 6-lane roads, futuristic skyscrapers on one hand, and the long, undulating, flat countryside, on the other. But, enjoy the drive. The uncongested roads (as opposed to the East coast) are an exhilarating experience.

2. The Williams Tower is the tallest in Houston. With streaks of sunlight reflecting off of it, with a view of the Waterwall, with the summer sky and the delightfully green, Gerald. D. Hines Park, this can be quite a sight.


3. In the vicinity, the Waterwall, recirculates several hundred tons of recycled water every day and is almost 65 feet in height, we were told. You might have to jostle your way to get a decent picture here but it’s amazingly cooling in 100*F.


4. Food trucks. Because there's nothing like Tex-Mex in Texas, right? You are sure to find them in every nook and corner.

5. Whether you're Hindu, or not, there's a finely carved marble temple, Swami Narayan, in the heart of the city, which you cannot miss. The serenity you may feel here is astounding. No, I'm serious; a less touristy thing to do - but, hey, who would've thought!


6. When in Houston, visit NASA. The Mars free-fall , space shuttle tours, your weight on Jupiter, touching a 'piece of the moon' and trying on astronaut jumpsuits will bring out your inner child.


7. The Kemah boardwalk. Like a million, bright supernovas, this place is glorious post-sunset. Waterfront dining, spectacular views and amusing ziplines. It's possible you might never want to leave!

8. If you took all the rainforests in the world and put them together, it would be here, at the Rainforest Pyramid in Moody Gardens. Climate-controlled, tropically-recreated spaces where you may chance upon posing Saki monkeys, poison dart frogs, macaws, blue duikers and so many many more exotic species.


9. Ride surrey bike limos on Galveston Island's Galveston Beach, with a bowl of frozen yogurt. The gentle wash of the waves, strips of clouds gliding overhead, sea breeze, the gleeful whistling wind, the weathering sun, and the curvy coastline is sure to please you, infinitely.

All you have to do is stop and stare.