Exploring Varanasi

Indian Flag Photo by Naveed Ahmed on Unsplash

William D. Jones, MD, is an Oklahoma City, OK, physician who practices occupational medicine. Passionate about travel, William D. Jones, MD, has traveled to many regions of the globe and recently took to India and Nepal.

Situated on the Ganges river, Varanasi is one of India’s most historic cities and offers a variety of authentic sights and cultural experiences. Taking a paddleboat on the river in the morning gives you the chance to view the ghats, or steps that lead to the river. Hindus gather here for washing, bathing, and rituals related to the river’s holy status. Near the main ghat is a burning ghat where the deceased are cremated before their ashes are spread into the river.

The city also offers an abundance of narrow lanes to explore with people sharing the ancient urban space with goats and cows, which are sacred in the Hindu religion. Countless shrines and temples are tucked within the lanes, many of which feature buildings with vivid colors and lettering. Among these is the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which was constructed in 1780 and features a pair of gold domes commissioned by Queen Ahilyabai Holker. A centerpiece inside is the Vishwanath, an elaborate devotional representation of Lord Shiva.

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Uruguay – A Small Country with World Heritage Sites

Uruguay
Image: worldheritagesite.org

Based in Oklahoma City, OK, William D. Jones, MD, provides patients with occupational health care and serves as a Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court independent medical examiner. Having studied Spanish in college, William D. Jones, MD, has traveled to several countries throughout South America, including Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay.

A small country located between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay features a number of sights of historic and cultural interest. Colonia del Sacramento sits strategically on the De La Plata River and is the second oldest city in the country. Vital for trade, the city emerged as a commercial force in the 18th century and was contested by Portugal and Spain throughout much of the colonial era. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city offers a unique blend of architectural styles to match its contested history.

Another area with pending World Heritage status is Chamangá, which is situated in the Flores province in the country’s southwest. The region has numerous granite formations that contain more than 40 rock paintings, some of which date back more than 2,000 years. These pictographs provide an essential glimpse of the indigenous cultures that inhabited the country prior to colonization.

Another destination of interest to those exploring Uruguay’s past is Ciudad Vieja, the “old city” district of Montevideo, which features a combination of the traditional and modern.

Popular Attractions in Nepal

Bhaktapur
Image: bhaktapur.com

A diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners, William D. Jones, MD, runs an occupational and preventive medicine practice in Oklahoma City, OK. Away from seeing patients at his OK office, William D. Jones, MD, enjoys visiting other countries. He most recently visited Nepal.

Nepal offers a wide variety of attractions, including those detailed below.

– A satisfying stop for travelers interested in viewing Nepal’s wildlife, Chitwan National Park is home to everything from sloth bears and leopards to freshwater dolphins and over 500 types of birds. The park offers different safaris to visitors, often on the backs of elephants, and maintains a few lodges on the grounds.

– One of Nepal’s Royal Cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur enables visitors to experience the ancient beauty of the country. The well-preserved city is home to a number of wood carvings and void of traffic. Additionally, Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is surrounded by temples and a royal palace.

– Located west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is Nepal’s second-largest city. The air in Pokhara is cleaner than the country’s capital, and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities. The lake is lined with restaurants and shops. Visitors also can bike to the nearby mountains or spend some time on the water.