tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80734889662025241312024-02-20T23:05:06.788+05:30TerraHopperPack Your Bags and Explore This PlanetAjay Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030966959831917345noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-76290471459210792622014-12-26T20:04:00.000+05:302014-12-26T20:04:01.673+05:30My Veligandu Sojourn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnP9psvMFpkVMF0qBz72LeBHOYzzJPKkMFSxLZ7VMj4bEZQwidoFY6Dnr8xyvx8X87CSwV8EyZ8nta01f7sgI7D_VoLuOcxRDXbZmScMry_0FOJ7jPIxPRoAsrj8rgPerOH4d1uxdDtsYw/s1600/Veligandu_Aerial+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnP9psvMFpkVMF0qBz72LeBHOYzzJPKkMFSxLZ7VMj4bEZQwidoFY6Dnr8xyvx8X87CSwV8EyZ8nta01f7sgI7D_VoLuOcxRDXbZmScMry_0FOJ7jPIxPRoAsrj8rgPerOH4d1uxdDtsYw/s1600/Veligandu_Aerial+View.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is my second day at Veligandu Island in Maldives, and I have already fallen in love with this tiny piece of land. A narrow and not-so-long strip of pristine white sand, dotted with beach villas and water villas on its circumference: the whole island has got an air of tranquility about it. Rightly so, as the clear, greenish-blue waters around this land mass are so peaceful that their occasional roaring comes to your ears as a lullaby being sung by Mother Nature. No wonder I find so many European travellers having a great time here. Europeans, I have always found, love to stay at places where they can not only have peace and privacy, but also get some sun and a rush of adrenaline whenever they wish to do so. Well, I am also like Europeans as far as their preferences are concerned.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My first reaction about Veligandu</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV0AFTFTNcbOu3hj-g_3JlIbNqEcf1f0633yVCQsBDfI79drJW-aEJYIOyK25CtEgNxgz2-pNjEzJcGbt4glk1RlPMpjQScSOdwwyuJ09EsChn9KuKkf63dw_BNAS-qFV2piLCv1ZZMHl/s1600/IMG_20141204_181938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV0AFTFTNcbOu3hj-g_3JlIbNqEcf1f0633yVCQsBDfI79drJW-aEJYIOyK25CtEgNxgz2-pNjEzJcGbt4glk1RlPMpjQScSOdwwyuJ09EsChn9KuKkf63dw_BNAS-qFV2piLCv1ZZMHl/s1600/IMG_20141204_181938.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZ7Q8w3D38RpS8LFhnEG9r99YMpS4FvWATinfUeAY235h-tj5XubExtwpB6Eg1MumMpqH77wVDrvLB1l5y-eBzyCR4IPJNuzqNnVEFvnx7b_qd87q9XMStobGGUaqs_V2xmvx6E95bEcm/s1600/IMG_20141205_180832a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZ7Q8w3D38RpS8LFhnEG9r99YMpS4FvWATinfUeAY235h-tj5XubExtwpB6Eg1MumMpqH77wVDrvLB1l5y-eBzyCR4IPJNuzqNnVEFvnx7b_qd87q9XMStobGGUaqs_V2xmvx6E95bEcm/s1600/IMG_20141205_180832a.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The moment I had stepped on this island yesterday, what immediately had attracted me was a sense of serenity about it. It did not come to me as a tourist destination at all. A long strip of white sand at the southern end of it and a broad beach extending northward! A not-so-overly-crowded place as I must have imagined. Despite it being a narrow island, it has enough space to roam about idly. It had felt as if I was going to stay for the next few days at a place that had been eagerly awaiting me. A home, Yes! Yet far removed from the daily chores at home! For its rustic charm and an undisturbed atmosphere, Veligandu presents itself as a tropical Maldivian island in its truest sense where there are enough sun and sand to soak in, and where one can unburden oneself and feel rejuvenated by the time it is time to go back.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbYrz5vPTybMBMLCWbwqj8HbUbjFHTsqjjbzYG6crL1YGBtwGH0F4LciTbOwi_un5XoDal998fjfn-veOfQfC4UIRhZ8-LJs_opTLfpzMPXO9Lkhwi4KQbDtyfV53-p_Mz2saGc83-cjz/s1600/IMG_20141205_163635a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbYrz5vPTybMBMLCWbwqj8HbUbjFHTsqjjbzYG6crL1YGBtwGH0F4LciTbOwi_un5XoDal998fjfn-veOfQfC4UIRhZ8-LJs_opTLfpzMPXO9Lkhwi4KQbDtyfV53-p_Mz2saGc83-cjz/s1600/IMG_20141205_163635a.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had arrived at Veligandu Island Resort before noon after a 20-minute seaplane ride from Hulhule and then a scintillating 5-minute motorboat ride from somewhere in the middle of the sea. But wait! Did I say 'before noon'? Or was it 'after noon'? It was before noon by my watch, but it was after noon at Veligandu. Okay, let me clear the mystery. The resort at Veligandu keeps itself one hour ahead of Malé time. Why? Just to save on daylight time. Good!! It means an early start to your day and longer day hours to spend lying idle on the long stretches of sand.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They are environment-friendly </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X70DuVf3rjYMqWSNH7P-5xiyguYlpRaKvC348mSPMcwfwg1Sbc7xxh6F5ALb3ZJm_IuMOwS4MU4IAh6SLKqhNRYhX5dtWKtKHlQVCs0BqKTJRW5XVjL17lGiDDgWk8aMdy9DN3oMHfQx/s1600/IMG_20141203_134239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X70DuVf3rjYMqWSNH7P-5xiyguYlpRaKvC348mSPMcwfwg1Sbc7xxh6F5ALb3ZJm_IuMOwS4MU4IAh6SLKqhNRYhX5dtWKtKHlQVCs0BqKTJRW5XVjL17lGiDDgWk8aMdy9DN3oMHfQx/s1600/IMG_20141203_134239.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSryMpfyxF-CQdEzjkvB9_FmdCPXj6zCF2i-4uFctlWhyphenhyphen03N-PoxLkQ0tbE4JiHrt-fjs1yLZoumk-VJjXEoocHek_gsk8ljRKaGvQDBPuGbhUGiYYB4tKbdxTcuRBnT4Dvz8UbPbkRKMa/s1600/IMG_20141205_181023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSryMpfyxF-CQdEzjkvB9_FmdCPXj6zCF2i-4uFctlWhyphenhyphen03N-PoxLkQ0tbE4JiHrt-fjs1yLZoumk-VJjXEoocHek_gsk8ljRKaGvQDBPuGbhUGiYYB4tKbdxTcuRBnT4Dvz8UbPbkRKMa/s1600/IMG_20141205_181023.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, not just the daylight, the resort people seem committed to save everything around them - the corals, the waters, the environment! For, they have got a water treatment plant, a sewage treatment facility and a greenhouse on the island itself. So, don't be surprised when you find two long glass bottles lying on the top of the kitchenette bureau when your butler ushers you into the cozy atmosphere of your mildly but beautifully decorated abode. Water in these bottles is a product of the local plant and is called the Veligandu Water. But before you step into that cozy villa of yours for the next few days, have you made sure that you have set your watches right to keep pace with the environment-loving people at the resort?</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was my third day there</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, my love affair with Veligandu continues for my third day here. Some light rain showers in the afternoon have indeed enhanced the romance quotient of the island, and it has looked more beautiful throughout the day with an overcast sky and a light breeze caressing the flora found in abundance on the island. And the night has been splendid like the two previous nights.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8KhWRc9sB_bP51ZvQd0Qd9qXCmmAYg1xZj3nLzmJlyIDBlIM_Gxa0GjFMcNYgg5moZbILGyMD0LInrdVDnTey9gft6sAAvHCq6BpF5lPpHuaOsfccq0Kryf61c7Gi7rNGiEflWnYeXTR/s1600/IMG_20141205_165534a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8KhWRc9sB_bP51ZvQd0Qd9qXCmmAYg1xZj3nLzmJlyIDBlIM_Gxa0GjFMcNYgg5moZbILGyMD0LInrdVDnTey9gft6sAAvHCq6BpF5lPpHuaOsfccq0Kryf61c7Gi7rNGiEflWnYeXTR/s1600/IMG_20141205_165534a.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am back in my room now after a most romantic candle light dinner and just going back through the events of the day, </span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">thanking
my tour operators Crown Tours Maldives, for suggesting me Veligandu Island in
the first place and subsequently arranging my stay here.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HI;"></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Little I had known in the morning that my third day at the island was going to turn out to be a romantic one in its own sense. But that is how the day has kept unfolding before me and, by now, has cemented its place in one secure corner of my mind as one of the never-forgettable days of my life.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And the spa treatment</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFCh_vXxgFXBDxjJznzvhWRVxDXfP_V8_pHWJUHIDs9cvrEDh-d7vBGM9ijEllSngyQvny_E-WBdvwO_8eyGxVJQ5argFEugQxjSzBYaoG3XUiOyXkfypdsp0FZ6Kin0p0PXUD-HDR1lO/s1600/VeliganduDuniyeSpaWaitingRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFCh_vXxgFXBDxjJznzvhWRVxDXfP_V8_pHWJUHIDs9cvrEDh-d7vBGM9ijEllSngyQvny_E-WBdvwO_8eyGxVJQ5argFEugQxjSzBYaoG3XUiOyXkfypdsp0FZ6Kin0p0PXUD-HDR1lO/s1600/VeliganduDuniyeSpaWaitingRoom.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAx-zJJINQUXDa6gLRuVErIESTFVGmQe2l6__fuZwUxhGgkwES8-d2POP6SNCdPeSm_kEpYn3TxL-IXrMmUULtIaVhYEizx9GBVcrHBi62Gb0nHSHgXTKWYT9GWk5qD4F2jrbNzTp2LLY/s1600/Maldives+Duniye+Spa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAx-zJJINQUXDa6gLRuVErIESTFVGmQe2l6__fuZwUxhGgkwES8-d2POP6SNCdPeSm_kEpYn3TxL-IXrMmUULtIaVhYEizx9GBVcrHBi62Gb0nHSHgXTKWYT9GWk5qD4F2jrbNzTp2LLY/s1600/Maldives+Duniye+Spa.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It had all started with a short time spent at the Duniye Spa located on east coast of the island itself. My package had a 15-minute free spa voucher that could be redeemed any time within the first three days of my arrival. The spa treatment was a rejuvenating one and it amply set my mood for the rest of the day. The ambience inside spa rooms built over water is simple yet soothing, and the whole atmosphere there seems to breathe a new life into you; enhanced by the ever-smiling Balinese masseurs, whose deft hands gradually pamper you into a world of calmness.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> As soon as I stepped into my room after getting a refreshing spa treatment, I got a call from Mr. Fathuhulla, the general manager of the Island. He suggested a beach dinner to me, which I readily accepted. I had already registered myself for the Sunset Punch Dolphin-spotting Cruise, and while agreeing for beach dinner, I knew in my heart that it was actually going to be a different evening for me.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A date with blue dolphins</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDA8tWBAMMAzM6NiNiaqT3bPE16YoPlsXCaPagbb586Ee_lPmNNmdi3JX9jMkwXiiX8juFD2KuJEdOXDxllglpCXpAjhsSPjT-ATixpPxegQAMplkVo6wrIofoVc9x32NXzSMulmWUmLb/s1600/IMG_20141205_141206a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDA8tWBAMMAzM6NiNiaqT3bPE16YoPlsXCaPagbb586Ee_lPmNNmdi3JX9jMkwXiiX8juFD2KuJEdOXDxllglpCXpAjhsSPjT-ATixpPxegQAMplkVo6wrIofoVc9x32NXzSMulmWUmLb/s1600/IMG_20141205_141206a.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My evening started with romancing with dolphins in deep blue waters. The 1.5-hour cruise started exactly at 17.45 hours. We all were perched on upper deck of a motorized boat, and soon were on our way to spot dolphins in their natural habitat and to have an unobstructed view of the Sun setting in the horizon. Rifaath, the dolphin-expert of the resort, had told me that they spotted dolphins more often than not. And we indeed spotted dolphins! And not just spotted them, we kind of played with them. My god, they were there in abundance – leaping in unison, answering to our clapping and racing along the boat. And, those reddish yellow hues of the evening sky creating a magnificent backdrop to this all!! Nothing could be more exhilarating, nothing could be more romantic than this.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And then the Beach Dinner</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3yFxcGOaZ_nfEKggv_mIC5o7zsqXIZ6g33yR3edfUQr21SMv7Uen_MBlbXBIMHTBU1oVDMGcDhG3gsDtan0uH5E3TQ20f7Vv-70URW1-sOYDQvHoCWPmguySw8JmdbrQUWBN39wRC6to/s1600/VeliganduBeachDinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3yFxcGOaZ_nfEKggv_mIC5o7zsqXIZ6g33yR3edfUQr21SMv7Uen_MBlbXBIMHTBU1oVDMGcDhG3gsDtan0uH5E3TQ20f7Vv-70URW1-sOYDQvHoCWPmguySw8JmdbrQUWBN39wRC6to/s1600/VeliganduBeachDinner.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The candle light dinner on beach has been a perfect finish to a day filled with heart-warming activities. A table set in middle of the beach, a bunch of florescent bulbs tucked on the coastline, water level increasing gradually as the evening darkened, a view of the dimly-lit water villas in the distance, a specially cooked seafood platter with smooth American white wine, a personalized attention, and a perfect solitude to heighten your senses - what more could one ask for! It has been truly a different experience, never to be missed while one is at Veligandu.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">QUICK FACTS</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Veligandu is an island in the North Ari atoll of Maldives</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. It is approachable by a 20-minute seaplane flight from Malé.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. The island is situated in an area where dolphins are found in abundance. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><i>Text and Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ajay" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Ajay Garg</span></a></span></span></b></div>
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TerraHopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06182540217736563926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-17314333998556236982012-11-03T16:59:00.000+05:302012-11-16T00:30:11.409+05:30A Visual Treat From Maui Island of Hawaii<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Hawaii... the land of sun, sand and volcanoes....Here are some more photographs </span></span></strong><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">exclusively </span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">from the Island of Maui in Hawaii. Maui Island is also known as the Valley Isle, and it boasts of some lovely landscapes, fine sandy beaches, amazing lifestyle, fresh sea-food restaurants and charming people. The climate is pleasantly warm, and the overall feeling is really cool.</span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></strong>
<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">As far as Hawaii is concerned, it is an archipelago comprising of volcanic islands in northern Pacific Ocean. The islands of Hawaii present some really amazing sights to their visitors. The eight islands at south-eastern end of the archipelago are the most frequently visited ones; and amongst them Maui (the Valley Isle), Kauai (the Garden Isle), Oahu (the Gathering Place) and Hawaii (the Big Island) are the most scenic. While Niihau (the Forbidden Isle) is also very scenic but it is privately owned.</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></strong>
<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Come n' roam about in one of the most lovely places on earth through this series of pictures by</span> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/David" style="color: #990000;" target="_blank">David Hellard</a> </span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">of <a href="http://recalibration.weebly.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Recalibration Photography</span></a></span></em></span></span></b></span></em></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7C1Z6ZqxM4vKNHcmFe3gcStXPwr1A6vrOOxjB1pnsZLq11O-Sk8n4TaaHhdVnqf92ZKEJ4VgZgtwMrsDL52Nakr3S_QvJ11IXB1lQU70kwrzCAr-PzVosXcK6s9OIKevto5PZEQD5mGun/s1600/204398_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7C1Z6ZqxM4vKNHcmFe3gcStXPwr1A6vrOOxjB1pnsZLq11O-Sk8n4TaaHhdVnqf92ZKEJ4VgZgtwMrsDL52Nakr3S_QvJ11IXB1lQU70kwrzCAr-PzVosXcK6s9OIKevto5PZEQD5mGun/s400/204398_orig.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Maui is the second largest island of Hawaii, and certainly one of the most beautiful islands</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvl6fRvfynMD5EFx56RvybGk2JGGXicj-tDbmeWK9dit77ymyt6K7qhz5KsjDlORsytyv7Ikhnwdugtw9PApwpONF3fmMBki6LKxplzITpn-Vr-cAyhQAntvUM5U45RRA6-50PfBk6zD1/s1600/2279085_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvl6fRvfynMD5EFx56RvybGk2JGGXicj-tDbmeWK9dit77ymyt6K7qhz5KsjDlORsytyv7Ikhnwdugtw9PApwpONF3fmMBki6LKxplzITpn-Vr-cAyhQAntvUM5U45RRA6-50PfBk6zD1/s640/2279085_orig.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Maui island has a very interesting topography, ranging from high mountains to deep valleys </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bZJCD3vAvKS9CMqSkqW9AOpH0XcM6rDuKGF4xCOr6xNMCohRgZpsteFZA3ouqm4KLh1lMKDElGj2Ritbpja7aaUqmQbkktSWdQUV7ODBp8d8yEHj4_-_rZkhROHrlWqCAOFO_jvR7Jrm/s1600/5376448_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bZJCD3vAvKS9CMqSkqW9AOpH0XcM6rDuKGF4xCOr6xNMCohRgZpsteFZA3ouqm4KLh1lMKDElGj2Ritbpja7aaUqmQbkktSWdQUV7ODBp8d8yEHj4_-_rZkhROHrlWqCAOFO_jvR7Jrm/s400/5376448_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Maui has many valleys carved into volcanic mountains, thus earning the name- the Valley Isle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vRq2XKBZiK1emRabuxnPTjPaYvKpPK5miXBk5nh9sAMaIsqWXlMHZUc8Xt7uCvzvK1uQugLwTcj43s7vD5qiglKEXlOAJUqrN5UpggpvnsQZ1s-25RrZTXfPbJQ9p9co_GI5upkOB0Pw/s1600/5520761_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vRq2XKBZiK1emRabuxnPTjPaYvKpPK5miXBk5nh9sAMaIsqWXlMHZUc8Xt7uCvzvK1uQugLwTcj43s7vD5qiglKEXlOAJUqrN5UpggpvnsQZ1s-25RrZTXfPbJQ9p9co_GI5upkOB0Pw/s400/5520761_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The Maui Desert. It used to be a forest before it was reduced to grassland due to erosion</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeBr7dGOhoqvhcBSjI-shx4pWU_yekNFtnRJ3x-lKwR79pATMBLHyvsED5cMP4ZHeKpGvNX18RQTszMItP0DVjcwRfLndPy7oDeHdR8xC7S3DNG6rPzgPBT3XJ2zxSKWMQaL2pBj9pn01/s1600/6345463_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeBr7dGOhoqvhcBSjI-shx4pWU_yekNFtnRJ3x-lKwR79pATMBLHyvsED5cMP4ZHeKpGvNX18RQTszMItP0DVjcwRfLndPy7oDeHdR8xC7S3DNG6rPzgPBT3XJ2zxSKWMQaL2pBj9pn01/s400/6345463_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Sailing around Maui can be fun. Turquoise water offers opportunities for diving-enthusiasts </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFRg_Q9krn3JSX2j1DlIrKF-0o9dhd9kd1gFbPrpYEGxhMYcx-qR6x7jAus29-8NIsPhZeW9nLy345DjKiB3zlWiODPCarTxHL_QOsZN2qipv3f9Psq8wfHAOOyRISrtKirO4h4zSX4aO/s1600/9496380_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFRg_Q9krn3JSX2j1DlIrKF-0o9dhd9kd1gFbPrpYEGxhMYcx-qR6x7jAus29-8NIsPhZeW9nLy345DjKiB3zlWiODPCarTxHL_QOsZN2qipv3f9Psq8wfHAOOyRISrtKirO4h4zSX4aO/s400/9496380_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Charter boats are also available in Maui for sailing along the coast or between the islands</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp-U0CEaZiv7SWIFeF30Ub-yovXjyazGg_PgtRCoocCVwXJMWZ2Eo3BODYfIZ_lRHbD32Ltde9lB6xPULiXMiGeq6hu1gA1vUfBF_n7IUjp5jHQHIyk06W-JSKhJbteQ1PqXwKPLQX8wj/s1600/9814982_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp-U0CEaZiv7SWIFeF30Ub-yovXjyazGg_PgtRCoocCVwXJMWZ2Eo3BODYfIZ_lRHbD32Ltde9lB6xPULiXMiGeq6hu1gA1vUfBF_n7IUjp5jHQHIyk06W-JSKhJbteQ1PqXwKPLQX8wj/s400/9814982_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Maui </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">shoreline </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">is rugged at places, thus forming many natural harbours there for small ships </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAS_w28dhpOjCr1m3r8X2yAuwdxhZjJT-tfcIh2RDEuQnyoIG9jIDXcSK4038Hsj8-hh2cHBNVx_ECkQNOS-AdXea7-Z03KVNPwtQDzQj8sdN-oLTfVtyata2icDIYfpGaowwuTpG7TXy/s1600/9990811_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAS_w28dhpOjCr1m3r8X2yAuwdxhZjJT-tfcIh2RDEuQnyoIG9jIDXcSK4038Hsj8-hh2cHBNVx_ECkQNOS-AdXea7-Z03KVNPwtQDzQj8sdN-oLTfVtyata2icDIYfpGaowwuTpG7TXy/s400/9990811_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The sky at night can be a lovely sight </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">in Hawaii</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">. A sky painted with varying shades of clouds!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LenQT5FRZXZtZPiZe1AW9eoOmtfzq0aP5ShZCNxVms6H6YBPY2OjHgJaScgyth_usQm_RS1k9bJM_5q6gemo17nWaYhRt-Me7GMWfXTNLBsQug4wwAHje-AdW8P68NAXqON2n8VtaRZB/s1600/fauna+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LenQT5FRZXZtZPiZe1AW9eoOmtfzq0aP5ShZCNxVms6H6YBPY2OjHgJaScgyth_usQm_RS1k9bJM_5q6gemo17nWaYhRt-Me7GMWfXTNLBsQug4wwAHje-AdW8P68NAXqON2n8VtaRZB/s400/fauna+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Hawaii is also home to a diverse fauna. Introduced from India, Myna is on all main islands</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekA_bgdd-LugBJk83jdbGjXUMTCS5mY_p-EsDMdYxbQcJCnrOLtbQ0aprBwb1v856QbjRnfVDGFjTgo3o0BYcXBl0LajiMuhzA1upXSYuyBTARS1o1UpBUbEbEzmRI2Ovua4ZrXdUfaPp/s1600/fauna+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekA_bgdd-LugBJk83jdbGjXUMTCS5mY_p-EsDMdYxbQcJCnrOLtbQ0aprBwb1v856QbjRnfVDGFjTgo3o0BYcXBl0LajiMuhzA1upXSYuyBTARS1o1UpBUbEbEzmRI2Ovua4ZrXdUfaPp/s400/fauna+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">There are many species of land snails in Hawaii, and the garden snails are one of those</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKvXN2fI_cph0PSu9o0C83cmY4X0UkhbjiyFigbM9kkjOX8hspllLL3tJfB5edZIxD7TlF3UHxc68BtB_OZ1i5EZBWUleLym2o5esVbQKGn_D8hJ9EzMtGF9-bWqjoHcRWsdMmfueftDz/s1600/fauna+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKvXN2fI_cph0PSu9o0C83cmY4X0UkhbjiyFigbM9kkjOX8hspllLL3tJfB5edZIxD7TlF3UHxc68BtB_OZ1i5EZBWUleLym2o5esVbQKGn_D8hJ9EzMtGF9-bWqjoHcRWsdMmfueftDz/s400/fauna+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Introduced in Hawaii around 1930, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Red-crested Cardinal is</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">easily </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">seen in parks and lawns</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6IMq53kEv-CEYB-NQmDm-432MjRLDPZ7wHMQ6C9RFfwi0q6TY0O-dl8L5OgAq0LKRVrX5S6hTR1krPFT7HZmqfHpRsgejPavBdM7Ugk9FgqvYFtkIUFyBQw-WbL2K4I5VYtSwADEp1eN/s1600/fauna+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6IMq53kEv-CEYB-NQmDm-432MjRLDPZ7wHMQ6C9RFfwi0q6TY0O-dl8L5OgAq0LKRVrX5S6hTR1krPFT7HZmqfHpRsgejPavBdM7Ugk9FgqvYFtkIUFyBQw-WbL2K4I5VYtSwADEp1eN/s400/fauna+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">House</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Finch, known as </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Papayabird in Hawaii, is found in both coastal and mountainous areas</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCuJ7CPxKvrdhI05rpD2KU6uL97AheyWm6D52xdh7vTdGopfQkW9nN7AXnm8dAy6vKZM_LBAsmpqwW6N1dlJl6klubvDmGGQtqcN5DsOKt1dA9k22avSAN6_GB6YYrnizH0UEJOrrELhr/s1600/food+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCuJ7CPxKvrdhI05rpD2KU6uL97AheyWm6D52xdh7vTdGopfQkW9nN7AXnm8dAy6vKZM_LBAsmpqwW6N1dlJl6klubvDmGGQtqcN5DsOKt1dA9k22avSAN6_GB6YYrnizH0UEJOrrELhr/s400/food+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Mama's Fish House is voted one the best fresh fish restaurants. They have an enviable menu</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbmJo5711cdpI2-FKCtW5teISzrW88BbiZ23SC4oRom-jBo7_f-5xz1GmHPaFGOUjoiEbDfP554DLwN9vTxYMjkshUHCsjg_kafYW675L_9TgiCU_0l6dY64v81gBL1DYVOSEnBKmcgrb/s1600/food+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbmJo5711cdpI2-FKCtW5teISzrW88BbiZ23SC4oRom-jBo7_f-5xz1GmHPaFGOUjoiEbDfP554DLwN9vTxYMjkshUHCsjg_kafYW675L_9TgiCU_0l6dY64v81gBL1DYVOSEnBKmcgrb/s400/food+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Be it food or drinks, you are really swayed away by the taste and hospitality at Mama's House</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHH50gR2mC_-4JDgjx6HFeFnTT7bJFak_u19RARTCxlYtYS652D5qR1_zMPfH-uuMMhkDydc9ceVCN3QdZfqU9hzc64oSNDmvRJS1ybvbwYktYqL6Zamh3qXM9W9SsXNo6f1SVGUIvolm4/s1600/food+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHH50gR2mC_-4JDgjx6HFeFnTT7bJFak_u19RARTCxlYtYS652D5qR1_zMPfH-uuMMhkDydc9ceVCN3QdZfqU9hzc64oSNDmvRJS1ybvbwYktYqL6Zamh3qXM9W9SsXNo6f1SVGUIvolm4/s400/food+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The restaurant was established in 1973 and has won praise from travellers all over the world</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PicWPnIbc9sdDbY5mKC2wEXgPUnZNub-h-9VpVAmvqOfsD9-Dqsm015ds2cxZ53MzPQzjnpBdxwZFj1THYiuxc1fKbbSpN90B7JvMgrqG_R4zJwYRHcUSKOn6V6L5fV_9QeXzVbjy5Yr/s1600/mama+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PicWPnIbc9sdDbY5mKC2wEXgPUnZNub-h-9VpVAmvqOfsD9-Dqsm015ds2cxZ53MzPQzjnpBdxwZFj1THYiuxc1fKbbSpN90B7JvMgrqG_R4zJwYRHcUSKOn6V6L5fV_9QeXzVbjy5Yr/s640/mama+1.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Mama's is situated on north shore of Maui Island, and has a very tranquil sea and fine sand</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P56OrBX2U3ZX_YonCiZjvnpuJd6gehgxZ9a1i3c6_yMUqo6m_pAin8k4YgRidlFxY5fKvB-cpvA8AYWkFVCbkgWxf0Eeyf9Yw5NOSnS-9OJRBXln7WodDWhwkw4IyNSFfEV4cY1ij50Y/s1600/mama+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P56OrBX2U3ZX_YonCiZjvnpuJd6gehgxZ9a1i3c6_yMUqo6m_pAin8k4YgRidlFxY5fKvB-cpvA8AYWkFVCbkgWxf0Eeyf9Yw5NOSnS-9OJRBXln7WodDWhwkw4IyNSFfEV4cY1ij50Y/s400/mama+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Mama's was started by Christenson family which happened to sail across Pacific in 1950's</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEKJYD7Qgiq2vmpwR7Iutjr5K1ppyuZ0Z81IdND1-hSWgXpcc7Dpo3nUe2dHal1Q8G0CPYqkjcBIcL6VyvdqRZkjluXHYQi2zCA4gMS3y-mAHPLd5E4PpQyOp2AkbuK-JxIFWbIvIv6V_/s1600/mama+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEKJYD7Qgiq2vmpwR7Iutjr5K1ppyuZ0Z81IdND1-hSWgXpcc7Dpo3nUe2dHal1Q8G0CPYqkjcBIcL6VyvdqRZkjluXHYQi2zCA4gMS3y-mAHPLd5E4PpQyOp2AkbuK-JxIFWbIvIv6V_/s640/mama+3.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The family embraced the old Polynesian lifestyle and discovered the ways of preparing fish</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLmqidpFUEFf8glZLE6y9sVq7h_DZuK_dz9gBfkctd4SM-GfKEtdoAdNBjNq9LCl3Jn78wV6fwngHubAgHoK7UqTXKpnoJp9P-7DB_NGSfYqnqypEpLkbBFVOlEF0uW346B28nsmZgjqE/s1600/mama+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLmqidpFUEFf8glZLE6y9sVq7h_DZuK_dz9gBfkctd4SM-GfKEtdoAdNBjNq9LCl3Jn78wV6fwngHubAgHoK7UqTXKpnoJp9P-7DB_NGSfYqnqypEpLkbBFVOlEF0uW346B28nsmZgjqE/s400/mama+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Apart from a restaurant, Mama's Fish House also houses an enviable inn with lovely rooms</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTpn5wMT2WuTAQ0gAnoP9plPSb3QHLauJLwEmXmVLSFYJjQ3fuJ7q82knM-ACKO4Pi08yb3g7VOIPAp5SE1vfoSrZwgL2ugmSb28HgEsQGpbAn1WCrcfkQQIHdRQCsI6PD0lJiFytx6PN/s1600/Observatory+Summit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTpn5wMT2WuTAQ0gAnoP9plPSb3QHLauJLwEmXmVLSFYJjQ3fuJ7q82knM-ACKO4Pi08yb3g7VOIPAp5SE1vfoSrZwgL2ugmSb28HgEsQGpbAn1WCrcfkQQIHdRQCsI6PD0lJiFytx6PN/s400/Observatory+Summit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The Haleakala Observatory is a sight to behold when it is covered with thick white clouds</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUH84E5nA93BufCkU1k8zr4-FwMoomn1PQpYaZGlOe69oB_odzeMPFWkoTPSnhmyu5a658LTPQMhcSGfGA3MwBpZzCOljJ9gbVZasPPXFz8rY-4SrKCOOTNbkSQ9BVANfqYYBDghqD0UH/s1600/observtory+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUH84E5nA93BufCkU1k8zr4-FwMoomn1PQpYaZGlOe69oB_odzeMPFWkoTPSnhmyu5a658LTPQMhcSGfGA3MwBpZzCOljJ9gbVZasPPXFz8rY-4SrKCOOTNbkSQ9BVANfqYYBDghqD0UH/s400/observtory+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">A clean winding road takes you up to the first astronomical observatory located in Hawaii</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRsOsiCP3eB1FkDtQvHWMBSqTbxZ873PuFZa2wqRUDPdio2G4FL81l4DbudCFXnFCRRMA-yBSF6_jG5Nx_AgyI-eXL5qaK7yKrs4lCrZm2irxOTSzmcFRsrmQiM627t5wydBtHIY1ATGd/s1600/observtory+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRsOsiCP3eB1FkDtQvHWMBSqTbxZ873PuFZa2wqRUDPdio2G4FL81l4DbudCFXnFCRRMA-yBSF6_jG5Nx_AgyI-eXL5qaK7yKrs4lCrZm2irxOTSzmcFRsrmQiM627t5wydBtHIY1ATGd/s400/observtory+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Haleakala is situated on the island of Maui. It is pioneer in activities related to astronomy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPZaC2J2iF8Yet8v6Y1jBiUi-bWXm04afgafF-NjdXQ02Gl8reTjTdleSJwDZbTIeQWTzuau_-HmBXXlwD6GE32FreIHIDTGoTwT2t80t8XNiNrM-2jskrnpbzBL8n_GkbZyvWcztvkdp/s1600/observtory+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPZaC2J2iF8Yet8v6Y1jBiUi-bWXm04afgafF-NjdXQ02Gl8reTjTdleSJwDZbTIeQWTzuau_-HmBXXlwD6GE32FreIHIDTGoTwT2t80t8XNiNrM-2jskrnpbzBL8n_GkbZyvWcztvkdp/s640/observtory+3.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Situated at 3050 metres above sea level, it has excellent astronomical seeing conditions</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aBuJBe45JVK0CrDYCNFWs1ERMz1zqfucDeGHuWI_yhtFqcuHsKM9tYpp7KdsMC559_RhVcn0fhIiuKmVBCy9QZL05yG5DmK6peOkwg6Djsf_X5o3CyQWX4MEkJFTSfVhdgPMgoQA4w5c/s1600/observtory+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aBuJBe45JVK0CrDYCNFWs1ERMz1zqfucDeGHuWI_yhtFqcuHsKM9tYpp7KdsMC559_RhVcn0fhIiuKmVBCy9QZL05yG5DmK6peOkwg6Djsf_X5o3CyQWX4MEkJFTSfVhdgPMgoQA4w5c/s400/observtory+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">It is sheer fun to go all the way up to the observatory and stay at the summit </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> for a while</span></td></tr>
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TerraHopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06182540217736563926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-39176604797053418622012-10-31T18:16:00.001+05:302012-11-10T02:25:11.442+05:30Laos Visa-on-Arrival- An Authentic Account<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Having travelled a number of countries, some of those even more than thrice, I can safely say that Visa-on-Arrival system of Laos has been the smoothest one I have ever experienced. We had crossed into Laos from Thailand via Friendship Bridge, and came back via same route; although the modes of transportation were different in each instance. It was a shuttle train that took us to Laos, and a shuttle bus that deposited us back in Thailand eight days later. But, both the entry and exit procedures had been a cakewalk for us.</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Train from Bangkok to Nong Khai</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Nong Khai railway station is small but very neat and clean one with all possible amenities</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">View of Nong Khai station and the road beyond from the window of international train</span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">It was the last week of September this year. We three friends boarded the train number 69 from Hua Lamphong Station of Bangkok for Nong Khai- the border town of Thailand and one of the most popular gateways to Laos. The tickets for this sleeper train had been booked on internet in advanced, and it too had proved to be a smooth process. The arrival time at Nong Khai of this most-preferred train of foreigners is 8.25 in the morning, but we had been told to expect a delay of around 2 hours as it is a single line and tracks on this route are being re-laid. And our train was actually delayed by almost 3 hours when it reached its final destination.</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">Tips</span></span></i></strong><br />
<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">If you are travelling by train no. 69 and wish to catch the connecting international shuttle train from Nong Khai to Thanaleng station in Laos, but are worried about the delay; then you need not be. The shuttle train will wait for the arrival of this train, as most of the passengers it carries onto the other side of border arrive by train number 69 only.</span></span></i></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Shuttle Train Tickets at Nong Khai Station</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">This two-coach international shuttle train takes you to the other side of Thai-Lao border</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Yours truly...just before boarding the shuttle train. It was an amazing experience for me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Train has a total 80 seats. The seats are comfortable, though all of them are rarely occupied</span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Nong Khai railway station is exactly 2.6 kilometres from the Friendship Bridge, while the border lies somewhere in the middle of the bridge (or for that matter, middle of the river) that is 1.1 kilometres long. Thanaleng, the lone railway station of Laos, lies further 2.3 kilometres away. So, it was a 6 kilometres train journey that took us from one country to another in a matter of just 10 minutes. The second class train journey cost us 20 Baht, and tickets were readily available at the station itself.</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">Tips</span></span></i></strong><br />
<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">No worries! They don’t start until all passengers have bought their tickets, cleared immigration and boarded the train. When we took this journey, there were not more than 40 passengers on board the two-coach shuttle. So, relax and enjoy the moment when train crosses over to Laos from Thailand.</span></span></i></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Immigration Procedure at Nong Khai Railway Station</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MgDQ19P56Alk9Pj9pmnqYQ33saqthoRNv50dedqWrbuC-s7_voapAzvQfaZMrcAcPzAwsGe10e1bdSBMqQnYZihVmvkII1X3RoJ9K14zrmPLVwCeeEl3pJwQByvluIfX1GSLz_GJ48tm/s1600/DSCN0960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MgDQ19P56Alk9Pj9pmnqYQ33saqthoRNv50dedqWrbuC-s7_voapAzvQfaZMrcAcPzAwsGe10e1bdSBMqQnYZihVmvkII1X3RoJ9K14zrmPLVwCeeEl3pJwQByvluIfX1GSLz_GJ48tm/s400/DSCN0960.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">There is just one small booth that controls immigration process at Nong Khai railway station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgvT0enHokudvPMoO6UW93jpWuaJ8sxNRe9ITJtVI4Uyj4QIgTgjxb22Y18dZfMtQCIi31aoDWFcXQO6msym619e6FbsRR445HWnY9-ik5RgvbIwrCs_eDqVrbn7lPXh4EP8mjFO0l9JR/s1600/IMG-20120927-00126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgvT0enHokudvPMoO6UW93jpWuaJ8sxNRe9ITJtVI4Uyj4QIgTgjxb22Y18dZfMtQCIi31aoDWFcXQO6msym619e6FbsRR445HWnY9-ik5RgvbIwrCs_eDqVrbn7lPXh4EP8mjFO0l9JR/s640/IMG-20120927-00126.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">A single person was manning the booth. They told us it is same daily as there is never a rush</span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">The immigration was also a very smooth process at Nong Khai. They stamped us out in almost no time. There was only one official there who was handling the immigration formalities. We just waited a couple of minutes for our turn, as there was a small queue at the immigration booth. And when we were stamped out, we hopped on to one of the two coaches of the train.</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">Tips</span></span></i></strong><br />
<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">There is no Visa-on-Arrival facility at Nong Khai station. What they have there is an immigration booth where your passport is stamped in or out. So, if you plan to arrive directly at Nong Khai station from Laos on your return journey, then you must possess a valid Thai Visa on your passport. Or else, you must return via shuttle bus that leaves you directly at Nong Khai Immigration where they provide V-O-A if you are eligible for it.</span></span></i></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Train Journey and Visa-on-Arrival at Thanaleng</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5gp0yIioja3nNQ0YosELzXcu0l-FXrvzmLk5WMpgkzxeaWPEM96dnzV9HYiB61rhGTEh-jBAhmzj0rF15aYBHtUrhyqip4dHhQaX4kMlYYELOEEOKhVXF1Aye4c0CJqbhPDCx8h47wOr/s1600/IMG_5883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5gp0yIioja3nNQ0YosELzXcu0l-FXrvzmLk5WMpgkzxeaWPEM96dnzV9HYiB61rhGTEh-jBAhmzj0rF15aYBHtUrhyqip4dHhQaX4kMlYYELOEEOKhVXF1Aye4c0CJqbhPDCx8h47wOr/s400/IMG_5883.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Just after the shuttle train left Nong Khai station. It eventually runs on the Friendship Bridge</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xWi-4piqfkgfjU_UAClkN0b_c6XaTKMKXfNcA9NELy8WXUm_KKQTPEeaTX0t2SO6dfm-9PmZqTEZtgkcv5oAcHbar9DCSYpIMDz8QVoN0EdO3AIPGyDmaZCDWBx4GM_OeoWi_v5VB3ZR/s1600/IMG_5885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xWi-4piqfkgfjU_UAClkN0b_c6XaTKMKXfNcA9NELy8WXUm_KKQTPEeaTX0t2SO6dfm-9PmZqTEZtgkcv5oAcHbar9DCSYpIMDz8QVoN0EdO3AIPGyDmaZCDWBx4GM_OeoWi_v5VB3ZR/s400/IMG_5885.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">And the train passes through the Friendship Bridge. It is still the Thailand side of the border</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5gBfhmOvghUGCEsE35oiH-31QKlNz25Ax9RocErJr7CmIY3QftyOGE3F6XlcXwmZxwU5MfpdXWSaBFVSIJNcYpLLMJDEqOKD3wXBx5ubTvAFDhFeTzzpMwm329eP8gobjQ0weg10Lm4g/s1600/IMG_5886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5gBfhmOvghUGCEsE35oiH-31QKlNz25Ax9RocErJr7CmIY3QftyOGE3F6XlcXwmZxwU5MfpdXWSaBFVSIJNcYpLLMJDEqOKD3wXBx5ubTvAFDhFeTzzpMwm329eP8gobjQ0weg10Lm4g/s400/IMG_5886.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">The Mekong river separates Thailand and Laos. The border is somewhere near the blue flag </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKdZgNJcEtkqZfc82CM7X4blwMpALyM5kihpq08yijMvwMWAhFFg_CfHiXJ3K5X018HQpCOrF-X_z30TLznXZISAG3D8Y6MRYWxUUPa7eymmo-RlY58Wdc3B0DVff7XZhbCJ-b9QT75X_/s1600/IMG_5889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKdZgNJcEtkqZfc82CM7X4blwMpALyM5kihpq08yijMvwMWAhFFg_CfHiXJ3K5X018HQpCOrF-X_z30TLznXZISAG3D8Y6MRYWxUUPa7eymmo-RlY58Wdc3B0DVff7XZhbCJ-b9QT75X_/s400/IMG_5889.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">We reach Laos. Flags are the only indicators to tell us that we are now in another country </span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Thanaleng station in Laos is not a passenger train station as such; it is just a terminal for the international train where one can avail of Visa-on-Arrival facility. Visa forms and immigration slips were available at Visa-on-Arrival window. The visa fee was different for different countries but the details were not displayed anywhere there. We had to ask about it, and they told us it was 40 USD for Indian nationals. We just submitted our forms with our passports and paid the fee; and within 5 minutes each one of us got our passports back with one-month visa affixed on them.</span></span></strong></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-B8dXmosLvNDOI22LxEnMgOogPwYIwEnmEqXgyRI9nwWGD27XGnyEC5sLtsvKXlSb0-NolJ5Bya1GhPvVchXD5NRvgrv7HfnS4MAK1_qRDN7Qf14V75wDKUmx334Pwc_XxJkXTPAxrIMt/s1600/IMG_5891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-B8dXmosLvNDOI22LxEnMgOogPwYIwEnmEqXgyRI9nwWGD27XGnyEC5sLtsvKXlSb0-NolJ5Bya1GhPvVchXD5NRvgrv7HfnS4MAK1_qRDN7Qf14V75wDKUmx334Pwc_XxJkXTPAxrIMt/s400/IMG_5891.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Thanaleng is the only station in Laos, which receives and flags off just a pair of trains daily </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJAArtw5f4uyVQku6Wj-lq4F1SScKIcWyP1RL8O_FUGzWGcaaI9qfcxiQCm3vBnRzfshoUtTL27ihIfNprDDZa4nPn-BDKW6wbZCEAFGN6If7QTZ37cVgHjpdC1VlBhFxzn5nn0mLpfVp/s1600/IMG_5893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJAArtw5f4uyVQku6Wj-lq4F1SScKIcWyP1RL8O_FUGzWGcaaI9qfcxiQCm3vBnRzfshoUtTL27ihIfNprDDZa4nPn-BDKW6wbZCEAFGN6If7QTZ37cVgHjpdC1VlBhFxzn5nn0mLpfVp/s400/IMG_5893.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Visa is issued at the first window in arrival area. It is the busiest window when train arrives</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlPJyLt8Ek3BSB3vCWkjrYcDbC4MBvHbp6IAyhD_0qdJVtBUJp5obDpPexKBUZEchQGSF94vICtRNxnHaQFCxkN-8xjqVa25x3SvrN_I-I2RVocMQJ4qKpvJxUg7SHpz1JduBEQzUAJ-V/s1600/IMG-20120927-00132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlPJyLt8Ek3BSB3vCWkjrYcDbC4MBvHbp6IAyhD_0qdJVtBUJp5obDpPexKBUZEchQGSF94vICtRNxnHaQFCxkN-8xjqVa25x3SvrN_I-I2RVocMQJ4qKpvJxUg7SHpz1JduBEQzUAJ-V/s400/IMG-20120927-00132.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">The submission of visa form and fee, and collection of passport are done at the same place</span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">The V-O-A counter is the first one of the four counters in a row, and has two openings. At the first opening, a person collects your passport, filled-in visa form and immigration slip, and requisite fee. After verifying your details, he pushes your passport and fee receipt to his colleague sitting next to him. The second person affixes visa sticker on your passport and also stamp you in. Your name is announced at the second opening and you receive your passport back. You need not go to any of the three immigration windows, as you are already stamped in at V-O-A window. The immigration windows are for those who already have a Lao visa on their passport.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">Tips</span></span></i></strong><br />
<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">It was totally hassle-free. And the staff was friendly. They didn’t even check our accommodation reservation. And also, none of the passengers alighted at Thanaleng had to pay any money other than the required visa fee, as it had been mentioned by many travellers in their accounts on internet. No stamping-in fee, no service fee… absolutely nothing. So, relax! Just take your passport back and head towards taxi stand.</span></span></i></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">From Thanaleng Station to Vientiane City</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">A make-shift counter for booking your transportation to Vientiane. Rates are displayed there</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf0h9cuTMT10zhlnMzs_qIrnUKe9_IWDxlCWgJoIi-YTOoGrOI7IN3YPEGKhfmI2AMsZlzULo6-4vmlnSbeGOJeUxeCrCqYk5iRFfp72nyCe2wb9ay_bOmmRjG0Xa119W23dXtvcsaCHj/s1600/IMG-20120927-00137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf0h9cuTMT10zhlnMzs_qIrnUKe9_IWDxlCWgJoIi-YTOoGrOI7IN3YPEGKhfmI2AMsZlzULo6-4vmlnSbeGOJeUxeCrCqYk5iRFfp72nyCe2wb9ay_bOmmRjG0Xa119W23dXtvcsaCHj/s400/IMG-20120927-00137.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">It was one of the last two taxis available by the time we got our visa. It charged us 400 Baht </span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Just outside Thanaleng station, there was a taxi stand to take us to Vientiane. They had a counter in the station premises itself where one could book a vehicle of one’s choice. The non-AC but spacious pick-up van charged 300 Baht for 8 persons while air-conditioned taxi suited for 8 passengers charged 400 Baht for the 20 kms run to the capital city of Vientiane. </span></span></span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPegN-NkOhskfy3nsC0VOAacttZjhvw296jJaf94HA_b_XPQIDROnYx4K9Cwx1YPSvuUU9tFi1_SonPYwzoSVgPamxo2YMWmBYe8kJQJSU15WVF-rsG48XFI7nNsXZS8Tt1lQK42AkaYI9/s1600/IMG-20120927-00135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPegN-NkOhskfy3nsC0VOAacttZjhvw296jJaf94HA_b_XPQIDROnYx4K9Cwx1YPSvuUU9tFi1_SonPYwzoSVgPamxo2YMWmBYe8kJQJSU15WVF-rsG48XFI7nNsXZS8Tt1lQK42AkaYI9/s400/IMG-20120927-00135.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Just before leaving for city. We had three more travellers to divide the fare amongst us</span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Since people arrive at Thanaleng station from Thailand only, they are quoted fare in Thai Baht. We were little slow in going through visa process, so by the time we got our visas there was no pick-up van left. We had to settle for a taxi. Luckily, there were three more people who agreed to share taxi with us. So, it was around 70 Baht per person, which was not bad.</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">Tips</span></span></i></strong><br />
<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">There is a bus service too for Vientiane. But for that, you have to walk a few hundred metres till you reach the main road, and wait there for the bus that comes from Buddha Park. The bus takes you to Talat Sao (the Morning Market) bus station and a ticket costs just 5000 Kip. If you don’t have Kip, they will ask for 20 Baht, which is okay as far as the conversion rate is concerned. At an exchange counter, 20 Thai Baht will fetch you around 5200 Kip. But, keep in mind that pick-up van or taxi will drop you at your hotel or guesthouse, while bus leaves you at Talat Sao. From Talat Sao, you end up paying around 10000 Kip (roughly 40 Baht) per person to your choice of destination. So, if you could form a group of 7-8 people before leaving the station, then a taxi or a pick-up van is cheaper and more convenient option.</span></span></i></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">From Vientiane to Friendship Bridge</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqwbt36E2QBy_Ag6QD_khxSfi2xqbwzJUHamsZenXZBeHccIuWEzD974TBs1NNa-VtrZfTXtAp_cOSssGejjwtfAb5HD8z-dzL-X3gO7LkEpB8jtqCMNbRPuqEhesdAWef1Ik_9ycxsL0/s1600/05102012104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqwbt36E2QBy_Ag6QD_khxSfi2xqbwzJUHamsZenXZBeHccIuWEzD974TBs1NNa-VtrZfTXtAp_cOSssGejjwtfAb5HD8z-dzL-X3gO7LkEpB8jtqCMNbRPuqEhesdAWef1Ik_9ycxsL0/s400/05102012104.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">The air-conditioned bus from Talat Sao bus station of Vientiane to the Friendship Bridge</span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">On our journey back to Thailand, we chose another mode of transportation across the border- the shuttle bus. As expected, tuk-tuk charged 10000 Kip per person from our guesthouse to Talat Sao bus station. This bus station is right in the middle of city. From there, you can hop onto a public bus or hire a tuk-tuk for Friendship Bridge border. We preferred bus, which leaves for border every 30 minutes or so. It was a very modern air-conditioned bus, and the 20-minute ride till border was very comfortable. The bus left us right in front of Lao immigration offices.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">Tips</span></span></i></strong><br />
<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">A tuk-tuk would ask for 1,00,000 Kip from Talat Sao to the border, but we had been told that they could settle for 50,000 Kip. But a bus is far better option, which charges just 6000 Kip per person. You can’t get tuk-tuk for the border from just anywhere in Vientiane; you have to come to Talat Sao. Be wise! There is no need to pay huge amount to tuk-tuk when you have a far economical and convenient bus service. The bus conductors don’t understand English, so tell them you have to go to Mittraphap (Thai and Lao word for Friendship).</span></span></i></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Lao Immigration at Friendship Bridge</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU3ycXoS-M7kzcq62FRNNC8CvQ4Hux1sh-mnE5wBBcTS3bMeruN7bobVCA77KzJPA1iOjnhBXwiroY7z9FUo0usaTiOENUz_o3SnGzWKnoc8umZqXBgtyJ4mHxKroMASjAgMqpwzHZIB4/s1600/05102012107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU3ycXoS-M7kzcq62FRNNC8CvQ4Hux1sh-mnE5wBBcTS3bMeruN7bobVCA77KzJPA1iOjnhBXwiroY7z9FUo0usaTiOENUz_o3SnGzWKnoc8umZqXBgtyJ4mHxKroMASjAgMqpwzHZIB4/s400/05102012107.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Return journey to Nong Khai. This time it is shuttle bus that takes us from Laos to Thailand </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LlXQQQf_N9h3yf-hHrgVZdbU8y9wZC3bcfRBUGgbWWAYLjvyr1HtF1Q-_32g9xpQXSrRfnLx1FNdpaNfeC3_xQKeVypaok7FIO4WVPQCMdhOXdo1kIjATjX9TaNaqTWJKvRNOz7qNPQQ/s1600/05102012110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LlXQQQf_N9h3yf-hHrgVZdbU8y9wZC3bcfRBUGgbWWAYLjvyr1HtF1Q-_32g9xpQXSrRfnLx1FNdpaNfeC3_xQKeVypaok7FIO4WVPQCMdhOXdo1kIjATjX9TaNaqTWJKvRNOz7qNPQQ/s400/05102012110.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Near the border on the bridge. Lao flag on the left; a little further Thai flag on the right side</span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">The stamping out process was completed without any problem. There were 4 counters; and since apart from travellers, hundreds of Thai and Lao workers crossed the border bridge every day, the queues at each counter were little longer than what we had experienced at Nong Khai. After been stamped out, we could see a ticket counter just a few paces ahead. The international shuttle bus ticket was 4000 Kip, but as we were not left with any Kip we had to pay in Thai Baht…and they charged 20 Baht per person. </span></span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUmExPGYyqQOyCervqWlRfMvnW-gAmI-TxCL0VBO1hr3ptMfbpGOXGHJHGhdXfj4BtblurNq0c-Mgq8bVKk-H2rppPfjwuOxnSDEZRtp3sICuf85GCRAuci3PYSMtiYX106PTkRwHqUf9/s1600/05102012112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUmExPGYyqQOyCervqWlRfMvnW-gAmI-TxCL0VBO1hr3ptMfbpGOXGHJHGhdXfj4BtblurNq0c-Mgq8bVKk-H2rppPfjwuOxnSDEZRtp3sICuf85GCRAuci3PYSMtiYX106PTkRwHqUf9/s400/05102012112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">The rail line separates from road on the bridge. All road transport stops when train passes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0_6ujn9YSVswREHcIEgl2sXNZFFxrCFzWuLd-cFAYyBIwj4jwbX49LNW8xL-sGrUchAzd5mh8iw7PvjuXMeLs4__LYDC2IDexEc2IZaSy-vyXrORGsxel99a_1VmprclKAh8o31BGxi0/s1600/05102012115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0_6ujn9YSVswREHcIEgl2sXNZFFxrCFzWuLd-cFAYyBIwj4jwbX49LNW8xL-sGrUchAzd5mh8iw7PvjuXMeLs4__LYDC2IDexEc2IZaSy-vyXrORGsxel99a_1VmprclKAh8o31BGxi0/s400/05102012115.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">The shuttle bus is nearing Thai Immigration. All the visa-on-arrival formalities are done here</span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">In no time, we were on the other side of the bridge, where there were long queues at the immigration counters to stamp you in. The two of us three already had Thai visa, so we were stamped-in easily. Since one of us had to obtain Visa-on-arrival (Indian nationals are entitled to V-O-A in Thailand) it took him some time to fill in the form and deposit fee etc. But still, it was hassle-free and we were again in Nong Khai from where we had our train back to Bangkok in the evening.</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">Tips</span></span></i></strong><br />
<strong><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">The international shuttle bus runs every 10-15 minutes and takes not more than 2-3 minutes to take you to Thai side of the bridge. The conversion rate is very bad for bus ticket. It should be around 16 Baht for a 4000 Kip ticket. So, better keep at least 10,000 Kip per person if you wish to take bus from Talat Sao and then international shuttle bus from the bridge.</span></span></i></strong><br />
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</span></span></i></strong> <b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><i>Text and Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ajay" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Ajay Garg</span></a></span></span></b></div>
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TerraHopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06182540217736563926noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-64014442566531862122012-10-26T18:14:00.000+05:302012-11-16T00:42:42.114+05:30A Treacherous Night At 13K Feet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreYqOycOcX0qm7qXsdug7ld9HiSykoy_QmV8xYD0s_US86RoJZcjUZCuCkWDDV3zkNshco46sxH7VovThsLHkzIYM4z0SARX7R3SEKCZ_7nwuz7FlHdH1zTQyTCROvqJmmwDuvAsKNAl9/s1600/Photo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreYqOycOcX0qm7qXsdug7ld9HiSykoy_QmV8xYD0s_US86RoJZcjUZCuCkWDDV3zkNshco46sxH7VovThsLHkzIYM4z0SARX7R3SEKCZ_7nwuz7FlHdH1zTQyTCROvqJmmwDuvAsKNAl9/s1600/Photo-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The top of Rohtang pass is situated at an altitude of 13050 Fee<span style="font-size: small;">t</span> <span style="font-size: small;">above</span> the mean sea level</span></span><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #0000ee;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">For a biker, biking all the way to Ladakh is akin to visiting Mecca. An earlier wish to go around the world on a bicycle been nipped in the bud; dream to go biking to Ladakh was well nurtured. In my better-half Bhasha, I had an able partner to support and sustain my adventurous escapades. Months were spent in meticulous planning and preparations. Bikers on that way normally prefer a heavy-duty motorbike like Bullet, but I had a three-year old light bike in Hero Honda Ambition. But then I had numerous examples of lighter bikes and even scooters going through the treacherous mountain route quite successfully. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I got my Ambition refurbished enough to withstand the hardship; accumulated all the accessories, including a double sided luggage carrier- of a kind usually used on a Bullet, but I got it designed for my bike- and an on-road repair kit. Special care was taken as Bhasha was to ride pillion all the way along and back, since all my earlier attempts to give her some biking lessons had fallen flat. Besides, neither we had any dry run nor I had rode so long (or for that matter even half of it) ever before. But I was more than assured of my homework and some thorough feedback from one of my friends Gagan Sethi who, though younger than me, is a veteran of that particular route.</span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aTYGcFmcG7g0ATjskVkhRGeNvbtpw3kI-JfUamhfgMzN-yTfwUiwWKw-EwAgX3S-Yas-_MxGNEfDcf0rHarHVj-KWjcVuP-JgY5MprnJ5LWuaZyUbgtL1NESD2__kc4MUont-GxboFo/s1600/scan-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aTYGcFmcG7g0ATjskVkhRGeNvbtpw3kI-JfUamhfgMzN-yTfwUiwWKw-EwAgX3S-Yas-_MxGNEfDcf0rHarHVj-KWjcVuP-JgY5MprnJ5LWuaZyUbgtL1NESD2__kc4MUont-GxboFo/s400/scan-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Pandoh Dam on the way. The dam is built over river Beas and presents a very scenic view</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">But then it was later to have a face-off with the fact that Google based homework doesn’t always work that well. Well, the flag-off was uneventful, so was the ride till Chandigarh, where we had a lunch stopover. Our first day target was to reach Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh. But it was quite late when we reached there. I had my first experience of riding in the hills and that too in the dark. It was first day of my unique riding expedition. We had covered more than 300 kilometers that day, another first for me. Besides some anxious moments on turns while negotiating with glaring headlights of trucks, we reached Bilaspur safely. But then, riding in the dark was something that we were not prepared well for, something I missed in my homework.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRZ3xkyBcdOuby-l8FunCsgZ_WWhRVXeqAfr7rIsrcGlMaaLHEbDDufbrGLIoVJSfegObbPRXtCXRhy20lAUB5sFh1uMuJMFtFSTvn02C4N7bThJztCyycUguvEaKC13LZAKlJcHoyLg/s1600/scan-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRZ3xkyBcdOuby-l8FunCsgZ_WWhRVXeqAfr7rIsrcGlMaaLHEbDDufbrGLIoVJSfegObbPRXtCXRhy20lAUB5sFh1uMuJMFtFSTvn02C4N7bThJztCyycUguvEaKC13LZAKlJcHoyLg/s400/scan-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINJ6zG-oFC0wLja2jTWrS-oW_bojvBJL9HX27eKvrwEYbC7hkfYL_MHs7NkRLdsXzMp_6e5UH2XhvLgwswp3FFeqW4nMzL3Ei6JqbALK5ae2kGRUu2kAyfXNI_Y0JMuVOUU2MBtblWzA/s1600/scan-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINJ6zG-oFC0wLja2jTWrS-oW_bojvBJL9HX27eKvrwEYbC7hkfYL_MHs7NkRLdsXzMp_6e5UH2XhvLgwswp3FFeqW4nMzL3Ei6JqbALK5ae2kGRUu2kAyfXNI_Y0JMuVOUU2MBtblWzA/s400/scan-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Kullu is famous for processions of gods, which is witnessed by a large number of people</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Anyways, Bilaspur was our home for the night. We planned to travel lesser on our second day so as to keep ourselves fitter for ascend to the Lahaul valley. It was a bright morning when we left for Manali situated at a distance of just over 180 kilometres from Bilaspur. It was a beautiful route along the river Beas, covering Mandi, Sundernagar and Pandoh. We had started enjoying the ride by then. We had planned our stay at Youth Hostel at Khakhnal village, just nine kilometers before Manali on the opposite side of the river. Though, now YHAI has given its hostel franchisee to a hotel in Prini village. It was a nice and peaceful place surrounded by apple orchards overlooking </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">the</span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span>river. We had covered the first leg of our journey. Real ride was to start<b> </b></span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">after this</span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">.</span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #000053;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;">This is how the mountains looked from Manali before the weather sudde<span style="font-size: small;">n</span>ly tur<span style="font-size: small;">n</span>ed bad</span></span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Once in Manali, weather suddenly started to take a bad turn. Although it is normal to have heavy monsoon rains in that part of India during first week of July, but <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the fact that Lahaul valley was a cold desert and after crossing over the Rohtang Pass into Lahaul there would be hardly any rains had kept us encouraged and going. And also, Rohtang was just about fifty kilometers from Manali! But, rain didn’t wait till next day. The moment we were back in the hostel after dinner at a nearby restaurant, it started raining. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Thunder showers were relentless and seemingly bent upon breaking silence of the valley, and it kept us worried. The morning was no different. With no visible signs of the rain-gods letting up, we decided to push till Rohtang hoping things would be in control after that. Having a specially-designed </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">rain-gears</span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> with us, we aimed to reach Khoksar, less than 25 kilometres downhill from Rohtang to be safe and on the track. But oh, we were in for a huge shock! We had barely crossed Manali and started to ascend when realization dawned upon us. Our rough n’ tough raingears were not able to cope with unleashing downpour. We were already wet inside and cold wind was sending chills down the spine. These conditions forced us to purchase a couple of raincoats, and over-clothed we moved ahead. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The rains had </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">become quite</span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> heavier by then and I was finding it tough to ride. My hands were freezing because of ice-cold water seeping inside my gloves; and roads had become slippery. All our clothes and luggage were already wet, and it was a terrible start to a long journey. Having left with no choice, we kept moving and somehow reached Marhi passing through Kothi and Gulaba. Mercifully, the rain had relented a bit by that time. We were wet and hungry and desperately in need of some rest. At a roadside restaurant, we ordered some aloo-paranthas, and while pouncing upon them, we tried to dry ourselves from the heat of tandoor. The warmth we got from within and outside relieved our body and spirit a bit. </span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;">Just below the top of Rohtang Pass,<span style="font-size: small;"> this little <span style="font-size: small;">shop <span style="font-size: small;">was our shelter for <span style="font-size: small;">a<span style="font-size: small;">lmost</span> a full d<span style="font-size: small;">ay</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The ride</span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> from Marhi to Rohtang Jot is a tricky one, with many glaciers on the way. It was an hour past noon by the time we reached near Rohtang top. There were still a few small patches of snow remaining in this time of the year, and we could see many tourists having fun there. As we looked out for a food shop with some space to park my bike, we noticed <i>Lucky Fast Food</i>. Oh, thank you, God!! </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The sky</span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> still overcast, a plateful of hot noodles and tea were like a new lease of life. But as if it was not enough for us, it started raining again. It was about 3 in the afternoon, and Khoksar- the Gateway to Lahaul Valley -was another 25 kilometres from there. Though reaching Keylong would have been better, I was ready to settle for Khoksar as we were already too late for Keylong. As per my calculations, it should not have taken more than 45 minutes to reach there from Rohtang Jot. There, we could find a place to stay, and this option seemed better than returning to Manali. We just had to wait for the rains to stop.</span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">One of the three vendors <span style="font-size: small;">at Lucky Fast Food<span style="font-size: small;">,</span> who was like a God-sent saviour for us</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">But, as the destiny would have conspired, rains were unrelenting; rather they went on becoming heavier. Sensing </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">the</span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><b> </b>weather, tourists and vendors started rushing back to Manali, and we were perhaps the only bikers left out there on the top. As we sheepishly waited for that elusive 45-minute window, the Rohtang top quickly became a deserted place. Two hours passed in no time. By 5 pm, we were really very worried. No way could we have ridden in such a heavy downpour. Soon, raindrops turned into hails. It was getting freezing cold, and I could sense where I had put us into. The heavy clouds had eaten away all the daylight. My immediate worry was what happens if our vendor also decides to pack up. It had been our shelter since noon. We talked to the hotel guys, they were three of them; and to our big relief they were staying there for the night.</span></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rohtang <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jot </span></span>was abuzz with ac<span style="font-size: small;">tivity. <span style="font-size: small;">T</span>ourists were having fun in the small patches of snow</span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Although spending night on the top of Rohtang pass was still the last thought on our mind, yet the reality was looming large on us. Besides five of us, there was practically no other soul on the top, or at least I couldn’t trace anybody else. Seeing the last traces of daylight fading away, we resigned ourselves to fact that we would have to spend the night in the company of three totally strangers, amidst heavy snowfall in a shelter of which we were not sure if it would survive nature’s fury that night.</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Despite very little space available in the shop, the vendors allowed us to stay there overnight. For the next twelve hours, we were their guests. First few hours were spent in talking and knowing more about them and their families. They all were from Mandi town of Himachal. This shop was their summer vocation and in winters they used to move back to their hometown. Unlike other vendors, they used to stay at Rohtang for almost the whole summer, barring occasional trips down to Manali to get goods or in case of an emergency. They all seemed very gentle to us- the guys one would rarely find in our ‘cultured’ metros. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Noodles were again our choice for the dinner. Once it was over, nothing else was left to be done except to slip into the warmth of a blanket. The shop had a partition. The main portion had the kitchen and shop, and in the inner portion there was a makeshift sleeping place. Since, we were not carrying any bedrolls with us, the vendors were generous enough to not only give us their blankets and mattresses, but also arrange for us to sleep in the inner drier and warmer portion. No words can probably justify our gratitude for them. Even after so many years today, the thought that what would have happened had they were not there makes me shiver. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">It snowed the whole night, and it being a high altitude pass, wind was sharp and chilling. It was actually frightening at times. Vendors must h</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">a</span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">ve been accustomed to it, but for us it was indeed a bone-chilling experience. The noise of wind against the plastic sheet being used as roof was terrible. Every now and then we had an unnerving feeling as if the wind would blow away the shed. </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">As </span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">expecte</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">d,</span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> we couldn’t sleep the whole night, though terrible headache, high altitude dizziness, cold, fatigue and fears of unknown kept us pinned to our beds. It was a very long night.</span></b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">These are the p<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">ictures</span></span> of next morning<span style="font-size: small;">. The road to Leh was covered with waist-deep snow</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The next morning was bright, but it was all white around us. Thick carpet of fresh snow was all over. Still, the nightmarish twelve hours having failed to dampen our spirits, we decided to move ahead. After some hot tea and breakfast, we were back on our two wheels. Only then we realized that riding a bike in fresh snow was tougher than expected. We somehow managed to reach at the top, which was another kilometer and half from the shop we had stayed in. Peril started once we crossed the top on our way to jigs below. The usually beautiful curvaceous road with many hairpin bends was gone. Not many vehicles had passed since night, so there were no tyre<b>-</b>marks to follow. Bike was skidding every now and then and one of the slips was very severe. There was no choice but to put an end to this insanity. We finally decided to turn back. The skids were so scary that Bhasha decided to walk back instead of riding pillion so that I could handle bike more comfortably. Still we both kept slipping. Once, Bhasha even went waist-deep into snow. We somehow managed to reach back to the Lucky Fast Food and had a breath of relief along with our tea.</span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had to come back to Luc<span style="font-size: small;">ky Fast Food as the road to Leh had been blocked<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> with snow</span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">With heavy hearts, we rode back to Manali. As destiny would have written this, just before the bridge on river Beas to cross into Manali town our bike slipped again. Luckily we escaped any major casualty. Nine kilometers away, our Youth Hostel at Khakhnal still had room for us. It was only when we reached to the confines of our room and exposed ourselves to talks around us we came to know that the rainfall last night had been one of heaviest and the most unusual for the region. We were wise to have turned back from Rohtang as there was not just a heavy snowfall on all the major passes till Leh, but also the Pagal nallah just across Khoksar was heavily overflowing. Army had stopped all movements on Manali-Leh highway owing to this weather. It meant, even if we could have managed to reach Khoksar, there would have been no way ahead. </span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">The temple of <span style="font-size: small;">Ved Vyas, who wrote <span style="font-size: small;">epic Maha<span style="font-size: small;">bharta,</span></span> is one of <span style="font-size: small;">many attracti<span style="font-size: small;">ons near Manali</span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Later, we came to know that owing to overflowing Pagal nallah the vehicular movement on the highway had been blocked for almost a week. Even Mandi-Manali highway was breached at many places by the suddenly swollen Beas River and roads back to Delhi were also closed, though weather had improved a lot. We waited for two days in Manali; went to places around; and even had another trip to Rohtang- this time sans any luggage- and met our samaritans at <i>Lucky Fast Food</i>. As soon as the roads back to Delhi were opened, we were off. Our journalism jobs couldn’t afford the luxury of waiting endlessly for Pagal nallah to relent. The dream of riding on bike to Leh still lives with us.</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">To see the video related to this incident<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">,</span></span></span></b> go to </span></b><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P5Gp1pwY3A"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P5Gp1pwY3A</span></span></a></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Text and Photos by</i> <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Upendra" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Upendra</span> <span style="color: #990000;">Swami</span></a></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">of </span></i><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://aawaara.blogspot.in/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: black;">The<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span>Vagabond</span></span></i></a></span></span></b></span></i></span></b></div>
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TerraHopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06182540217736563926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-38686624511022284692012-08-15T12:49:00.000+05:302012-11-16T01:00:48.971+05:30Glimpses Of Paris- The City Of Lights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Louvre Museum is famous all over the world for its enviable collection of exhibits</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomw44bDYmwKdiDLBVRUBQ1WCv-zmRC9AnpSihncF_VKf7FUnqienUIYcCLv3d6SgSMmi9nPFPNEaWKCuTFw0yNrZsCadHY7g6JfjYDfagmGEFrkVlAT6bbw8DKwiLDeCUsvphKisCTwM/s1600/Street+sightings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomw44bDYmwKdiDLBVRUBQ1WCv-zmRC9AnpSihncF_VKf7FUnqienUIYcCLv3d6SgSMmi9nPFPNEaWKCuTFw0yNrZsCadHY7g6JfjYDfagmGEFrkVlAT6bbw8DKwiLDeCUsvphKisCTwM/s400/Street+sightings.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paris is an ever-happening city. Such sightings are not very uncommon in the streets</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Paris is often called ‘a filmmaker’s dream’ where at every step there is a readymade set. Hundreds of films made all over the world have been set in the City of Lights, such as ‘Paris Je t'aime’, ‘From Paris With Love’, ‘2 Days in Paris’, ‘Before Sunset’, and more recently, ‘Midnight in Paris’. So, I decided to take myself on a ‘filmi’ photographic journey of Paris’ popular tourist spots. </span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br />
<span style="color: red;">Eiffel Tower</span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl1fT8ul9ylAK8AKybPqDhuUH65-in2mYP8thBweug4LGJGa6OeM-jRd5zeF0724itkHpl0q9KXVNFuyxVUZLmsdDOysA5UdXKHT96yTnsQSZmjIUHzpjbKXjOGctx09l9wdO1z4uxN8/s1600/IMG_1333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl1fT8ul9ylAK8AKybPqDhuUH65-in2mYP8thBweug4LGJGa6OeM-jRd5zeF0724itkHpl0q9KXVNFuyxVUZLmsdDOysA5UdXKHT96yTnsQSZmjIUHzpjbKXjOGctx09l9wdO1z4uxN8/s400/IMG_1333.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Eiffel Tower is the biggest attraction for the tourists visiting the French Capital</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IDc4y6TVE_XQcnIk7LC4Yhx4xrMwiJCBNxQd-hFnq1QjWkAEZXxFQVUOWvG-7cInFezjI-J7DQzHNvZ6B2Isp36GVlK6XddU654utL_9_lPDq3TTXaw9kqnFHiKuusPVEUQq70nFfiU/s1600/IMG_1375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IDc4y6TVE_XQcnIk7LC4Yhx4xrMwiJCBNxQd-hFnq1QjWkAEZXxFQVUOWvG-7cInFezjI-J7DQzHNvZ6B2Isp36GVlK6XddU654utL_9_lPDq3TTXaw9kqnFHiKuusPVEUQq70nFfiU/s640/IMG_1375.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This majestic tower has three levels. Imagine how it must feel while being on the top</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Five minutes after I got off the train at the Trocadero station, I saw this magnificent metal structure. Its sheer size is so intimidating, you can’t help but be mesmerised by its presence. The closer I got to the tower, it dawned on me how big a tourist attraction it is. Divided into three levels, it is flooded with people waiting in endless queues, waiting for the elevators to get inside the tower. On the other hand, there were those who chose to take the stairs, I suppose, till Level 1. My patience (that wore thin after waiting for two and half hours in the queue) took me only till Level 2, where the view was rather spectacular. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the charm of the Eiffel Tower, for me, lies in gazing at it from afar. Irrespective, I wish I had made it to Level 3. Undoubtedly, the Eiffel Tower most definitely is a must-visit.</span></b></span></div>
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</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Admission fee: </span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">€14(adult), </span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">€12.5(age 12-24 years), </span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">€9.5(age 4-11 years) </span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Arc de Triomphe</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80LWnnMetJt3bd-xP-rI0BWbNa6rnsUzE95tZxS1uTWCSSE5p5LdSoFrGgZQyXCSwuX2GMVN3J8LBSUBaMlGq68dRGDF7OGR6WGTUZLNmJS2ELb-Y7_if0enXVKCr7T4epWTxY8twk7U/s1600/Arc+de+Triomphe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80LWnnMetJt3bd-xP-rI0BWbNa6rnsUzE95tZxS1uTWCSSE5p5LdSoFrGgZQyXCSwuX2GMVN3J8LBSUBaMlGq68dRGDF7OGR6WGTUZLNmJS2ELb-Y7_if0enXVKCr7T4epWTxY8twk7U/s640/Arc+de+Triomphe+1.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The colossal Arc de Triomphe was built to commemorate the soldiers who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars. It is engraved with the names of all the generals who commanded French troops during Napoleon's regime and prominent French victories on the structure’s inner and outer surfaces, and beneath its vault lays the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.</span></b></span></div>
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</span></b></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Visitors can walk up a spiral staircase for views of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées and the Sacré Coeur from the observatory, located on the top of the building. There is also a small museum that displays small and large models of the structure and recounts its story from the time of its construction.</span></b></span></div>
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</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Admission fee: €9.50</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Montmartre</span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpePAa4pT4UCkYrUUzWrI80pS1VdoSTJBG8xF64z_otperdcIkXuwjYDbU5DRs09uLOJmoGdt8vMbt1LIByD9JY0J9bbLqQZySJxTp6ZfHflsJZKrd_idDFKgzaWtyqyE_QIB4y3tm_7s/s1600/IMG_1782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpePAa4pT4UCkYrUUzWrI80pS1VdoSTJBG8xF64z_otperdcIkXuwjYDbU5DRs09uLOJmoGdt8vMbt1LIByD9JY0J9bbLqQZySJxTp6ZfHflsJZKrd_idDFKgzaWtyqyE_QIB4y3tm_7s/s400/IMG_1782.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">One of the most interesting neighbourhoods in Paris, Montmartre has been home to many famous artists' studios, such as Vincent Van Gogh and Salvador Dali, as well as the backdrop of films like ‘<span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Amelie</span>’ and ‘<span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Moulin Rouge</span>’. It is also where the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur is located, atop a hill. This quaint area is replete with an intriguing fusion of street artists, boulangeries and of course, the <span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Moulin Rouge</span> (that roughly translates 'red mill').</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Cruising on River Seine</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">A cruise is a laid-back, relaxing way of sightseeing. There are tons of companies offering different types of cruises on the River Seine. You can pick from open-air boats with casual seating to glass-covered ones that you can club with an extravagant dinner and cocktails.The usual hour-long cruises take you on a scenic route that pans over the city's prominent historical and architectural landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral. I took an open-air boat, as I wanted to ensure zero obstruction, which however wasn't possible, thanks to an over-enthusiastic man who kept standing in front of me blocking my view. </span></b></span></div>
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</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The cruises ply from several points, like the Eiffel Tower and operate all year around.</span></b></div>
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</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Admission fee: €11</span></b></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Ladurée </span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLJaD0KlGjCOBO146XUoMNcdM47eioTFT_8B1Gofhaoagq7y8bePSo8LlqTPZdGFwGglJngcHDAXYjxwRdODwQMcFCJgDn_LH41_PPwMvgox8q8HP6ijaA94LbEz43UCoVg3WFk6VIQc/s1600/IMG_1638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLJaD0KlGjCOBO146XUoMNcdM47eioTFT_8B1Gofhaoagq7y8bePSo8LlqTPZdGFwGglJngcHDAXYjxwRdODwQMcFCJgDn_LH41_PPwMvgox8q8HP6ijaA94LbEz43UCoVg3WFk6VIQc/s400/IMG_1638.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">With doting fans like Blake Lively and Sofia Coppola, you can be sure that Ladurée certainly creates some of the best macarons in the world. And being a crazy dessert lover, I just had to try them.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I happen to stumble upon the store, and what happened next is something I’m going to deny if ever asked again. Like a giggly school girl, I stood staring at the store with stars in my eyes and greed dripping down like drool. I couldn’t wait to get inside and get my hands on that macaron tower on the display counter. But I can proudly say; I almost behaved myself. Just that I got a tad lost while making a selection and invited some nasty scowls from other customers. But it was a small price to pay. My favourite was this black macaron with liquorice filling.</span></b></span></div>
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</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Cost of a small macaron: €1.65</span></b></i></div>
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</span></b></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Jean-Paul-Hevin</span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Following a suggestion made by Emilie from <span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.travelavenue.com</span>, I headed to Jean-Paul-Hevin to try their chocolates on my last day in Paris. Here are a few glimpses of their lip-smacking range of chocolates and macarons.</span></b></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I wish I had more time to tick off all the places on my list of must-visit places in Paris, but who says I’m not going back!</span></b><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><i style="color: black;">Text and Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ruchika" style="color: #990000;" target="_blank">Ruchika Vyas</a></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">of </span></em><a href="http://www.travellerstories.com/" target="_blank"><em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Traveller</span></span><span style="color: black;"> Stories</span></span></em></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></em></span></b></span></b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-77808888675202070252012-07-07T21:12:00.000+05:302012-11-10T02:15:24.630+05:30Hawaiian Islands Have It All<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Hawaii!
A mere mention of this word is enough to generate a very warm and bright-as-sun
feeling inside anybody. Yes! The diverse natural scenery, warm tropical
climate, abundance of long sandy beaches and oceanic surrounding... all these
make Hawaii a popular destination for tourists and surfers. And to add to this
list, some really active volcanoes enhance Hawaii's charm.</span></b></div>
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An archipelago comprising of volcanic islands in northern Pacific Ocean, Hawaii
presents some amazing sites to its visitors. The eight islands at south-eastern
end of the archipelago are the most frequently visited ones; and amongst them
Maui (the Valley Isle), Kauai (the Garden Isle), Oahu (the Gathering Place) and
Hawaii (the Big Island) are the most scenic ones. While Niihau (the Forbidden
Isle) is also very scenic but is privately owned.<br />
<br />Roam about in one of the most lovely places on earth through photographs... All these photos are by <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/David" style="color: #990000;" target="_blank">David Hellard</a> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">of <a href="http://recalibration.weebly.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Recalibration Photography</span></a></span></em></span></span></b></span></em></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></span></span></div>
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The beaches on the island of Maui are a perfect place to enjoy sun-bathing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26ixDqa2Kx5NrRozCLv2NtQNC5vCw3LZqgOfeKboLwWevrEmtuzDfkxmZ4worxlUcQ3ZZE7AiNLVU_QD89nKFZaquqEqegn4cnvIXGKMwfOfmDdm4DBL4ko8_ADlfhDr8hDPph_7C5wE/s1600/8765428_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26ixDqa2Kx5NrRozCLv2NtQNC5vCw3LZqgOfeKboLwWevrEmtuzDfkxmZ4worxlUcQ3ZZE7AiNLVU_QD89nKFZaquqEqegn4cnvIXGKMwfOfmDdm4DBL4ko8_ADlfhDr8hDPph_7C5wE/s400/8765428_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A long shot of a beach on Maui Island. The Island is known as Valley Isle </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1Fn19yEfZTbcXNuxpH-wn_Hdm3mApzEkATH7yxZZ0XWq8u1d1mYo9xwGzxRG8SMuMMtgm8uFCw5OvMGLuwoG7DwbnYb6Gg7M0NbvzuUmGo-Y5bKccEH1JniHk1CbSy4xsR6ZqsHjZgc/s1600/5970998_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1Fn19yEfZTbcXNuxpH-wn_Hdm3mApzEkATH7yxZZ0XWq8u1d1mYo9xwGzxRG8SMuMMtgm8uFCw5OvMGLuwoG7DwbnYb6Gg7M0NbvzuUmGo-Y5bKccEH1JniHk1CbSy4xsR6ZqsHjZgc/s400/5970998_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kauai Island is aptly known as the Garden Isle for its beautiful landscapes</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexH77ANWM3eBlc0o8bmv7SFI7gMkrH8H2iW-c02-TDSQ9lM9mNaE7U6I2U3hHL1Tb4o4_mYbdc7ezTnUEVUlx-E0f2hbjeG-EytJo6dq1CH-BT5lNvFs3iDQ-H9WelHs3UIx2YJviqHQ/s1600/2487389_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexH77ANWM3eBlc0o8bmv7SFI7gMkrH8H2iW-c02-TDSQ9lM9mNaE7U6I2U3hHL1Tb4o4_mYbdc7ezTnUEVUlx-E0f2hbjeG-EytJo6dq1CH-BT5lNvFs3iDQ-H9WelHs3UIx2YJviqHQ/s400/2487389_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Surfing and other water sports on various islands are major tourist attractions</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40-RUm_3eumjk29miYOG-RCwZtqs3atXPIQ9kRWtNrI_-TExO8_Mh_gkiJ7zz-D96Hqb7S0xVZJvvcZexarC9tb5qg0VMal1Pd-jFBCw6XyhBMQJpz20OjXRP3bAz9KJ2y8ohTMtNtds/s1600/4573309_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40-RUm_3eumjk29miYOG-RCwZtqs3atXPIQ9kRWtNrI_-TExO8_Mh_gkiJ7zz-D96Hqb7S0xVZJvvcZexarC9tb5qg0VMal1Pd-jFBCw6XyhBMQJpz20OjXRP3bAz9KJ2y8ohTMtNtds/s400/4573309_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The volcanic rocks of Hawaiian islands do present some intriguing topography </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLd8gVSDi9Gpb5ZKapwRJyLndb3QkmcOcIWzladIqtwN5_eIZzJ9mncybakPFpY5mU4HfxMtl5mcmD-MAmk2t2d6Q3Mg5V-bSSdTrV0ZrXxT_Z-RAuAg4riVrV9BZ1ZjagwP-Ni5ceQE/s1600/3454410_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLd8gVSDi9Gpb5ZKapwRJyLndb3QkmcOcIWzladIqtwN5_eIZzJ9mncybakPFpY5mU4HfxMtl5mcmD-MAmk2t2d6Q3Mg5V-bSSdTrV0ZrXxT_Z-RAuAg4riVrV9BZ1ZjagwP-Ni5ceQE/s400/3454410_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rock, sand and water are the three main ingredients of Hawaii archipelago </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZv6QK_ClKyjgxZliBQtbc9bywzVnWkfzsSRehjDSZDE3F0k8hpobeyN_CGX5uYTSuxP-vvONyczujEkdQrkSVlx2rnf5egDDijL65i_w5GmAO6qw1wqd8LVWOlV8cfWcYQwh8OjfMp9o/s1600/1978564_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZv6QK_ClKyjgxZliBQtbc9bywzVnWkfzsSRehjDSZDE3F0k8hpobeyN_CGX5uYTSuxP-vvONyczujEkdQrkSVlx2rnf5egDDijL65i_w5GmAO6qw1wqd8LVWOlV8cfWcYQwh8OjfMp9o/s400/1978564_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The catamarans and speedboats are main mode of transportation between islands </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshqvNHEnQsfo2HLvLaY17qlMTyyebHcea5_zk230U7c023NCaVUwQXLu3jRDotzS_dENczyYaaHZtn1y4NAJmfdgp-U8XsJ4pQh1uwoXtl8yyxqLYBTqto31Zf0-Hmb7Ts25JVYueIfg/s1600/641672_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshqvNHEnQsfo2HLvLaY17qlMTyyebHcea5_zk230U7c023NCaVUwQXLu3jRDotzS_dENczyYaaHZtn1y4NAJmfdgp-U8XsJ4pQh1uwoXtl8yyxqLYBTqto31Zf0-Hmb7Ts25JVYueIfg/s400/641672_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">What is the better way to explore nooks and corners of islands than a small boat!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1trsPr1m5jDNVfHuzk9BTGGoBXq2FMjR_jAh7gKZNBp0rZnt7GvO1LwMar43ZnviHPdwiNjTFFZORIIrWfyL_YcbSkk_-cawMMqUge5ruhtdDqr9LOFfC0EfrE3L9qRY9A168EuSYeM/s1600/6684065_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1trsPr1m5jDNVfHuzk9BTGGoBXq2FMjR_jAh7gKZNBp0rZnt7GvO1LwMar43ZnviHPdwiNjTFFZORIIrWfyL_YcbSkk_-cawMMqUge5ruhtdDqr9LOFfC0EfrE3L9qRY9A168EuSYeM/s400/6684065_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">It can just be mesmerizing on a cloudy day on any of the islands of Hawaii</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrTW1pqY0BXH5MAD3gFYJuN_G_zyGMS-RMfS9ftAYxEyoxcOTC5KoJBMkDXM_DWtf0hsIBhOPMShG284GXnL713KejNJ-XOwIQsmhIUl1ZybW79vYtApaVpWtGKwZ79Cqi6KpdLC_OHY/s1600/6874754_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrTW1pqY0BXH5MAD3gFYJuN_G_zyGMS-RMfS9ftAYxEyoxcOTC5KoJBMkDXM_DWtf0hsIBhOPMShG284GXnL713KejNJ-XOwIQsmhIUl1ZybW79vYtApaVpWtGKwZ79Cqi6KpdLC_OHY/s400/6874754_orig.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;">Again, this is Maui, the Valley Isle. Does it remind you of an Arabian movie? </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcB3iKxQx_8_fyrQS1EHfGapMKN1KZaQjDWxR3x19paH1OOEGk6dUV7fipCMONMZD5EzUqY3UDiNCEpr8INRzYHdbTmaVdNU71yp7S69YZYea-XHTm-6WnOVgtpPNGcpc0TeSCOaru1J4/s1600/8876635_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcB3iKxQx_8_fyrQS1EHfGapMKN1KZaQjDWxR3x19paH1OOEGk6dUV7fipCMONMZD5EzUqY3UDiNCEpr8INRzYHdbTmaVdNU71yp7S69YZYea-XHTm-6WnOVgtpPNGcpc0TeSCOaru1J4/s400/8876635_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Sunset in Maui. Every hour of the day is loaded with a colour of its own</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFGbHL1ELnX1h9kliBcPPFQ1uLrkaPxqePHw4UNV1IqczzXnd-LqulXixAgS8LmKbS9ibF5OqYQB49EfyWmY_Be9JjgctuGYKyIE8WMKQoRkc88vm1JhBONs4xoS2vkw4kQdMEaC7F8c/s1600/1633461_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFGbHL1ELnX1h9kliBcPPFQ1uLrkaPxqePHw4UNV1IqczzXnd-LqulXixAgS8LmKbS9ibF5OqYQB49EfyWmY_Be9JjgctuGYKyIE8WMKQoRkc88vm1JhBONs4xoS2vkw4kQdMEaC7F8c/s400/1633461_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hawaiian beaches are not sandy always. One does encounter rocky patches at times </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiA5apeazzC7wTR-9IYUd__z7LAr-XWu9W-s6O5IeyeEvt8U5vhyphenhyphenqkf8tWRN_d8bREegAgs_SuK9PtPooorf43w-pKJHeSkx63NY8aOiG4H-ikGKqKQ5fvsSiPL6wi7KTVw1GRI9rKck/s1600/4963223_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiA5apeazzC7wTR-9IYUd__z7LAr-XWu9W-s6O5IeyeEvt8U5vhyphenhyphenqkf8tWRN_d8bREegAgs_SuK9PtPooorf43w-pKJHeSkx63NY8aOiG4H-ikGKqKQ5fvsSiPL6wi7KTVw1GRI9rKck/s400/4963223_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The sand is not white like on coral islands, as it is loaded with volcanic minerals</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMsNEaAk-GZVbNodhp9X7yHRSO0RiVucZoOXGPmmAEo0cNpMhhdSCc5I7MMki4QH5hrUPJfYI8oQwX_o0BSce31Q570H0wXzAB-WrR6czqqgQYvr-daft-gFjZ44E__XiRPOattseBDw/s1600/268719_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMsNEaAk-GZVbNodhp9X7yHRSO0RiVucZoOXGPmmAEo0cNpMhhdSCc5I7MMki4QH5hrUPJfYI8oQwX_o0BSce31Q570H0wXzAB-WrR6czqqgQYvr-daft-gFjZ44E__XiRPOattseBDw/s400/268719_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The beach houses and resorts are prefect place to live throughout the year</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvVlD5rEODhlu1Y8MMFP5jBRrxEKIArJWCv4EM6okS3zvGvpyrpfkXZkl-8OuQgDsCxKO27cuMUZG70hhhmLPq3dYe1b-zVleIVab0Jrv0v56LMwnKiBNttGxavF506qy8xdsHS5wEJE/s1600/7141806_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvVlD5rEODhlu1Y8MMFP5jBRrxEKIArJWCv4EM6okS3zvGvpyrpfkXZkl-8OuQgDsCxKO27cuMUZG70hhhmLPq3dYe1b-zVleIVab0Jrv0v56LMwnKiBNttGxavF506qy8xdsHS5wEJE/s400/7141806_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The local children enjoying the sea. The original population is of Polynesian decent </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pFT9U9tOaAg-gBAEIy_SE8NeSpRV6XabyubNmdo5n1IIPCleqieQxYzcK_wSf59BckuBRzIKVV6CZWyRIepsZZLD0h40uIwsNIgORL_5tVF99np_nzCYbPm2IVqayg-15cngefAiL0E/s1600/9176785_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pFT9U9tOaAg-gBAEIy_SE8NeSpRV6XabyubNmdo5n1IIPCleqieQxYzcK_wSf59BckuBRzIKVV6CZWyRIepsZZLD0h40uIwsNIgORL_5tVF99np_nzCYbPm2IVqayg-15cngefAiL0E/s400/9176785_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Again, this is Maui. A perfect setting for a relaxed living, with sea as you neighbour</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3n59XRH3aJAHm-sB4fF_5aifR2tKKZsnzNoiYGwUAEGbk0EBVs85HEIM2JOg6kN2Ym5O7rYbVITnzfgsdqQazmjwViX26LS-uFXQyyqF4O-VfIcjvVqCnSgWwhXjzQ_RfjuYYFF6kZCI/s1600/Volcano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3n59XRH3aJAHm-sB4fF_5aifR2tKKZsnzNoiYGwUAEGbk0EBVs85HEIM2JOg6kN2Ym5O7rYbVITnzfgsdqQazmjwViX26LS-uFXQyyqF4O-VfIcjvVqCnSgWwhXjzQ_RfjuYYFF6kZCI/s400/Volcano.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are many volcanoes that are still active. This one is Haleakala on Maui</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABtsaIXBRfHvxBollmugJwOz4jlWaC0PLF6803JXm3H4glKdWXA7cv4P1JSr1sJY07KOPVX4sywjvz202UwPgkGuxxPLerFXV2FxXRSuPenFwCEjPdIahLb5f7_Dm0dGnCYWZS-xwM0U/s1600/931038_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABtsaIXBRfHvxBollmugJwOz4jlWaC0PLF6803JXm3H4glKdWXA7cv4P1JSr1sJY07KOPVX4sywjvz202UwPgkGuxxPLerFXV2FxXRSuPenFwCEjPdIahLb5f7_Dm0dGnCYWZS-xwM0U/s400/931038_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A remote corner in Maui. Nature's blend of turquoise water and fertile hills</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-51026094258762586302012-06-15T03:16:00.000+05:302012-07-08T22:36:41.882+05:30Some Breathtaking Visuals of Shimla<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla- formerly known as Simla- has always been a star attraction for tourists from India and abroad alike. The city and its surrounding areas have amply been gifted with breathtaking views by nature and are draped in forests of pine, rhododendron and oak. Many parts of the city still retain the old colonial charm through the buildings styled in neo-Gothic architecture.</span></span></b></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Shimla is situated at an altitude of 2205 metres and boasts of a very pleasant weather in summer when most of the north India reels under scorching heat. It were its awe-inspiring views and refreshing climate, that the British coined the term 'Queen of the Hills' for this place. And this term still holds good long after it came into existence.</span></span></b></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Here are some shots of this beautiful place at different times of the day... All the photos are by <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Naveen" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Naveen Choudhary</span></a></span></span></b></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSr_aXI2kyk4CcnAWK6FLXs6_BVglYpKjy1eM1-O8k8-vXH8W7sSINVHKF1i_gGBLTn-qJBZTIAcUlrlZSLMTItzEQztwPzBAU_nWqzXKEHBPLi10qv1j5-CCYsw3grefC4C2tqDSaoB8/s1600/IMG_3173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSr_aXI2kyk4CcnAWK6FLXs6_BVglYpKjy1eM1-O8k8-vXH8W7sSINVHKF1i_gGBLTn-qJBZTIAcUlrlZSLMTItzEQztwPzBAU_nWqzXKEHBPLi10qv1j5-CCYsw3grefC4C2tqDSaoB8/s400/IMG_3173.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A cloud spreads over the city... The whole setting looks refreshed after recent showers</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5foKimsDnVSkZIQ6E0-b9wd5PKwwABcuBCX00Tn8NfDRNxLy5rUJvPzTwhpBO6mIEmaPQzr2KxO0s2-gLkeFIJkR1GwPZcTZJ6xZ7LaiUTc2il52NnyhM4jokOcDorR70LWyI0SKNrak/s1600/Church+on+foggy+night.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5foKimsDnVSkZIQ6E0-b9wd5PKwwABcuBCX00Tn8NfDRNxLy5rUJvPzTwhpBO6mIEmaPQzr2KxO0s2-gLkeFIJkR1GwPZcTZJ6xZ7LaiUTc2il52NnyhM4jokOcDorR70LWyI0SKNrak/s400/Church+on+foggy+night.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A thick fog at night makes the famous church at the Ridge look even more beautiful</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjGINnMuWYhDYe6oI45OHaK2B6zqBKcxaiSnxodpMIoBPyX3x-JfQ_hSuriIZ9xqYGSw2t6icNgMkDMoKxqbl3Y5aR116f8gxv_BCsk2hn_HS81glzwRLI7yhjBM3h5w8U-cndFVUCX0/s1600/Gaity+Theatre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjGINnMuWYhDYe6oI45OHaK2B6zqBKcxaiSnxodpMIoBPyX3x-JfQ_hSuriIZ9xqYGSw2t6icNgMkDMoKxqbl3Y5aR116f8gxv_BCsk2hn_HS81glzwRLI7yhjBM3h5w8U-cndFVUCX0/s400/Gaity+Theatre.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The famous Gaiety Theatre stands out illuminated while engulfed in thick blanket of fog</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HxwoxbFn_Cl1YCrtcye46CF3ucyeixM8JgsOwnZWKShlsi2TE3Kx2kdHTIcSMPSo1-28OBNTomXx04lqKcCTjMcu07YMHq5oS-A4PM5RzSshyReldZBIgkosUJ2rbu7PFORebe8ufUA/s1600/IMG_3138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HxwoxbFn_Cl1YCrtcye46CF3ucyeixM8JgsOwnZWKShlsi2TE3Kx2kdHTIcSMPSo1-28OBNTomXx04lqKcCTjMcu07YMHq5oS-A4PM5RzSshyReldZBIgkosUJ2rbu7PFORebe8ufUA/s400/IMG_3138.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the 106 railway tunnels on the way from Kalka to Shimla on a narrow-gauge line</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2omI1uJdUuPi-A0TGA7Ot-I7pHOjod7Q3OJ85MpwBNqumaHY0C9LDBIjNSB8aIEvtC9fqUAqHOrkhGShBLh1yes_KX3pSp45TXyrAjO2llDlpyWNbGVtiVoyAx0Pto7NdI_5FMLmbJVg/s1600/IMG_3344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2omI1uJdUuPi-A0TGA7Ot-I7pHOjod7Q3OJ85MpwBNqumaHY0C9LDBIjNSB8aIEvtC9fqUAqHOrkhGShBLh1yes_KX3pSp45TXyrAjO2llDlpyWNbGVtiVoyAx0Pto7NdI_5FMLmbJVg/s400/IMG_3344.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A shot of the city taken from atop a neighbouring hill. The sun is playing hide and seek.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rh9IA4IkBzH2IAKSqs-Ao__lJAzGrLi74sDfJgLIuAfaJrtZlUvJxlym4qQpAAesE34WjtE0RQDZM2egjOvx3H2TrnPp2U8-O4g80gy2CvPWr3Jc9dzf9JiyVyYEda7p1fT1sltTiHY/s1600/CS+305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rh9IA4IkBzH2IAKSqs-Ao__lJAzGrLi74sDfJgLIuAfaJrtZlUvJxlym4qQpAAesE34WjtE0RQDZM2egjOvx3H2TrnPp2U8-O4g80gy2CvPWr3Jc9dzf9JiyVyYEda7p1fT1sltTiHY/s400/CS+305.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The rain shelter at the Ridge. The Ridge is the centre point for all activities in Shimla.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtLhvlNmw9V8w-1FbpTQ1OhSB1UdGpvN7ui3e5ypBSNRWzL0Qc9_jigex-JCXv3CYHgXxMC10l29waE4VkU5Oc_Co792C1c_0iBH8OiLU_3eDL-cKCMUF9Qm8XvlnZpZN2-tIzDPPZH0/s1600/IMG_3154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtLhvlNmw9V8w-1FbpTQ1OhSB1UdGpvN7ui3e5ypBSNRWzL0Qc9_jigex-JCXv3CYHgXxMC10l29waE4VkU5Oc_Co792C1c_0iBH8OiLU_3eDL-cKCMUF9Qm8XvlnZpZN2-tIzDPPZH0/s400/IMG_3154.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A distant shot of city at night time. The church at the Ridge serves as an identity of the city </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnm5ev2Au8VFIotCUNkQbWoTIRFM31j_k6JnGwQIU_rLOXuKURUF-mJod7cjtRWh3aWfHPO8sf30aoGzfpg_xE1DjcUPtKPiA-dl0PalUeDOgRkjT3vbXKJOXccd3jZ63-v8uYiBFog0/s1600/IMG_3287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnm5ev2Au8VFIotCUNkQbWoTIRFM31j_k6JnGwQIU_rLOXuKURUF-mJod7cjtRWh3aWfHPO8sf30aoGzfpg_xE1DjcUPtKPiA-dl0PalUeDOgRkjT3vbXKJOXccd3jZ63-v8uYiBFog0/s400/IMG_3287.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Centre for Advanced Studies is housed in a building that reminds us of colonial era</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuf3N0Vr1QM4YB3eY5232_hhWiYSHY24PVIw-S9Jg0bxdhGPThKPLBceetb_aK_fI3VZ9F6visZihFPmPRgvP46pQc0isnv4x4j74xKTB5O2ap4g_UICxSdKNalo9-d174MHNzuo80AM/s1600/way+to+jakhoo+temple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuf3N0Vr1QM4YB3eY5232_hhWiYSHY24PVIw-S9Jg0bxdhGPThKPLBceetb_aK_fI3VZ9F6visZihFPmPRgvP46pQc0isnv4x4j74xKTB5O2ap4g_UICxSdKNalo9-d174MHNzuo80AM/s400/way+to+jakhoo+temple.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">Road to Jakhu Temple that is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is situated on a higher altitude</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1VXSv3wnVliRiyhfXhU_Nue9Q8CGS_UWKi3K2Hg_x3P11vW64kciJ_Cr4iysA08zVxGsrA1c9LAfTeE0JF1qFQmkxnN-9-xdMKEybADUvjWzzMku3DHaBxpX-0oQzd_HV6ZeKwr80bg/s1600/Jakhoo+temple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1VXSv3wnVliRiyhfXhU_Nue9Q8CGS_UWKi3K2Hg_x3P11vW64kciJ_Cr4iysA08zVxGsrA1c9LAfTeE0JF1qFQmkxnN-9-xdMKEybADUvjWzzMku3DHaBxpX-0oQzd_HV6ZeKwr80bg/s400/Jakhoo+temple.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The famous Jakhu Temple, where Lord Hanuman is believed to have set his foot once</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsmPQ51KPmIXNvPs0T46rYumLPQqFfEPx34kh_RjgUgmkYJlGzpEQ9TIR9LwpsUryWV8HuObWtqcs1WSTyPN35isL3S6H58ZOKA6g2Gb_cJC_BFtRaZxtLDlzJDd3LpQS79mIf78oLNo/s1600/Church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsmPQ51KPmIXNvPs0T46rYumLPQqFfEPx34kh_RjgUgmkYJlGzpEQ9TIR9LwpsUryWV8HuObWtqcs1WSTyPN35isL3S6H58ZOKA6g2Gb_cJC_BFtRaZxtLDlzJDd3LpQS79mIf78oLNo/s640/Church.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A scene of the Ridge in bright sunlight. But the sky hints that it is going to rain soon</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lb6jKahVw-fzjVpiazV4UUbi9tB15MbMLvGW8XPY5qOSJqBOK7U-fgm0Y1l69a9B9U88htFEKZrVqwddGccaqUUII0j7LLoOW0CS1PCSCvDWaDjdpUM_g6DoG_C0cxOtehB-xLOzKtg/s1600/Medical+College.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lb6jKahVw-fzjVpiazV4UUbi9tB15MbMLvGW8XPY5qOSJqBOK7U-fgm0Y1l69a9B9U88htFEKZrVqwddGccaqUUII0j7LLoOW0CS1PCSCvDWaDjdpUM_g6DoG_C0cxOtehB-xLOzKtg/s400/Medical+College.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The building of medical college situated in Sanjauli area. It is called the Snowden </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbSx85wT8OPn-sJ5xtmxcgrONDIiQHenTXQfnorKRJ3inEn8jcnos9CEJO6QqhzPFzMMkydDmzqj7XmU7cWTj4fq66pSz3lbt_V_ahnt450nSlzzsg-DXhos2puowhXNrLA5vsY4iZqY/s1600/IMG_3220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbSx85wT8OPn-sJ5xtmxcgrONDIiQHenTXQfnorKRJ3inEn8jcnos9CEJO6QqhzPFzMMkydDmzqj7XmU7cWTj4fq66pSz3lbt_V_ahnt450nSlzzsg-DXhos2puowhXNrLA5vsY4iZqY/s400/IMG_3220.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shimla has many temples, and some of them are more revered ones like this one is</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqarYOJ1IN9vC1WoyP7FILVjaYPY4i_wdyPNk_L9zGp3U7X3Tq7ZAy6AdJhnbgGOjIljLH7XB4fX156Yn8DarfyfAIBcT56theNl3qErf4C3afioatg4Nx_FtEBcfaxfcI0hk8SU9sSU/s1600/IMG_3234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqarYOJ1IN9vC1WoyP7FILVjaYPY4i_wdyPNk_L9zGp3U7X3Tq7ZAy6AdJhnbgGOjIljLH7XB4fX156Yn8DarfyfAIBcT56theNl3qErf4C3afioatg4Nx_FtEBcfaxfcI0hk8SU9sSU/s400/IMG_3234.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shimla has expanded significantly in past some decades. A view of a new residential area</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Shimla
is well connected with road and rail with rest of the India. There are
regular air-conditioned and normal bus service from New Delhi,
Chandigarh and many other prominent cities and state capitals. It takes around 4 hours to reach
Shimla from Chandigarh by road. A narrow gauge railway line connects
Shimla with Kalka, and Kalka is connected to Delhi by a broad gauge line and regular train service. There is also an airport at Jubbbalhatti near Shimla,
which is connected with Delhi via regular services.</span></span></b></span></b></div>
</div>Ajay Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030966959831917345noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-60240439543632526672012-06-13T00:02:00.000+05:302012-07-08T22:38:04.563+05:30The Summer House of Kollam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Q70CzI4E7zfHEObMz5fB-KJTt47jZqLiHcGi8_s50G9wdqPDEC6XcHAFWeZJrfZW8lXx7alahCLqw4ab_pnvNOv0__AwOKOGG5tX5ESU9DU7jPr988xmttIRyRZBuBH5JH80IGDFZCc/s1600/IMG_4004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Q70CzI4E7zfHEObMz5fB-KJTt47jZqLiHcGi8_s50G9wdqPDEC6XcHAFWeZJrfZW8lXx7alahCLqw4ab_pnvNOv0__AwOKOGG5tX5ESU9DU7jPr988xmttIRyRZBuBH5JH80IGDFZCc/s400/IMG_4004.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was late afternoon when we reached Summer House. But the whole setting refreshed us </span></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">How about staying at a place where only a two-foot high wall and a short length of stone platform separate you from the sea and salty droplets wet your face every half-minute or so? Sounds exciting, no? Well that was at Kollam where I had a cottage on the sea-shore for two days. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">In fact, Kollam is a place that offers one of the best backwater experiences in Kerala.</span> </span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The backwaters of Kerala indeed have a charm of their own. The narrow water-lanes meandering through villages; ethnic household situated on their banks; and finally those lanes emptying themselves into salty lakes! It is surely a not-to-be-missed experience to witness the rural life of Kerala flourishing along these water-lanes while sitting in a long narrow boat. But, what I didn’t know was that my stay at Kollam was also going to be an equally memorable experience.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">The sun was vibrant and furious but the cool misty breeze was quite relaxing and refreshing</span></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">After spending two blissful days in the beautiful beach-town of Varkala, me along with my parents headed towards Kollam situated at a distance of 24 kms from Varkala. We had booked a room at one of the three Summer Houses in Kollam. All the three holiday homes are private properties having a total of nine bedrooms, though are duly recognized by District Tourism Promotion Council. Kollam has three beaches namely- the main beach called Mahatma Gandhi Beach, Tangasseri Beach and Thirumullawaram Beach. All three summers are situated on Tangasseri and Thirumullawaram. We had booked at House no. 3, which was on sea shore at Tangasseri.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The house is surrounded by coconut trees. The verandah is large enough to have long strolls</span></span><b> </b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The magic of Varkala had not completely left our mind when charm of the summer house captivated us. The moment we stepped into this lovely holiday home situated at one corner of the city, we felt refreshed. All the stress seemed to vanish away in thin air. Suddenly, we were far away from the din and bustle of city life, and before us was the sprawling Arabian Sea hitting against the outer wall of the house. And we had reached an almost perfect place to watch sun immersing itself in the sea waves in the evening.</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The place is surrounded by coconut trees all around. The courtyard is spacious to relax in the evening. While I was making the reservation, I was apprehensive how we would do without an air-conditioner in warm month of March. Kerala becomes quite warm by the start of March. But, believe me it was so breezy at the summer house that we had to switch off the fan even during the day time. The sound waves were noisy during the day, but they seemed to be chanting in a rhythm during night.</span> </span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The bedrooms with private ensuite are basic in design but quite comfortable to stay</span></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The summer house was being attended by a caretaker named Ram, who was always there to fulfill every need of ours with a smile never leaving his face. There was warm water in the private ensuite, tea and coffee making facilities in the kitchen, and a refrigerator stuffed with beer and packaged water. Ram made tea for us whenever we asked for it. The best part was the food, especially the seafood. They didn’t prepare the food there, but it came from a restaurant being run by the owner of the summer house. The food was fresh and yummy. While we paid for the lunch and the dinner, the afternoon tea and the breakfast were included in the room rent. </span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is an area in the sea that is marked safe for bathing. Currents are non-existent there</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So serene was the atmosphere that my parents couldn't stop themselves from meditating</span></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Spending two days in the wooden cottage house was nothing short of being in paradise. There is cordoned off area in the sea that is safe for having bath. The house also provides fishing rods to keep you engaged. And above all, it was an awesome idea to sip ice-cold beer while sitting in the verandah in the dim lights of evening and gradually slipping into darkness of night, with water drops flying in intermittently to wet you all this time. And what’s more, we had the entire place almost to ourselves, as a Tsunami warning had resulted in a few cancellations.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">How to Reach Kollam</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Kollam is a district headquarters and is very well connected through rail and road. It is situated on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake and is approximately 71 kilometres from the state capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The nearest railway station is Kollam itself that is connected through broad-gauge railroad to almost every nook and corner of the country, and the nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Whom to Contact for Reservation</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The soft-spoken Mr. N. Sasi is the owner of all the three summer houses. For reservations and inquiries, he can be reached through e-mail at <a href="mailto:contactsummerhouse@hotmail.com" style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">contactsummerhouse@hotmail.com</span></a> or at +91-9895662839 or +91-474-2794518 on phone. For more information, one can visit the <a href="http://summerhouseworld.tripod.com/" style="color: black;" target="_blank">website of Summer House</a><span style="color: black;">.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><i>Text and Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ajay" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Ajay Garg</span></a></span></span></b></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-64841850685979173522012-06-03T02:03:00.001+05:302012-11-10T02:19:59.502+05:30The Unforgettable Varkala<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View of the beach from the cliff; and view of the cliff from the beach at Varkala</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">It had been not very long since I had
read Ken Follett’s novel ‘Eye of the Needle’ that I happened to visit the sleepy
town of Varkala in Kerala. The story of this novel revolves around
the activities of a Nazi spy during World War II, involved in espionage within
Britain. A major part of the story happens on a rocky island near Scottish
shore. Imagine a huge mass of rock standing vigilant in vast expanse of sea;
and saline waves roaring against its bottom! This image had been imprinted
somewhere deep in my mind by the time I finished reading the novel. And I had
no idea that the image was about to be realized soon at Varkala.</span></b></div>
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Varkala- a tiny town at the southern end of Kerala</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">!</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> At first glance, it appears to be
a sleepy hamlet in one remote corner of a vast country, and moving with a speed
of its own. A quiet railway station with almost non-existent hustle & bustle
and surrounded by lush green trees; a good number of taxis and auto rickshaws
outside the station to take you to the beach; no bus stand, and people boarding a bus from the road itself; and ordinary eating outlets along the
road, many of those running in kiosks.</span></b></div>
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The beach shimmers in golden glow at dusk. It is an inviting view nonetheless</span></td></tr>
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are many souvenir shops lining the road on hilltop where they sell local stuff</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">This image of Varkala does not
change much as you go down the winding road towards the beach. The road runs
for almost five kms. till it hits the cliff. And the moment you fill your
eyes with the scene below you from the top of the hill, you see a different
world altogether. That scene is still unforgettable to me. By the time I
reached there, the Sun had started its final descent in the Occident, and the
white sandy beach below me was shining in the evening light. The whole setting
of the rocky island and the sea in Ken Follett’s novel was suddenly alive
before me. The only difference was, whereas there was only one house on that island
and it had only a couple of souls living there, here, in Varkala, were many resorts, restaurants and souvenir shops lining the single road on the
hilltop and there was a huge crowd enjoying on the beach below. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">A better and cheaper option </span></b></div>
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Varkala is far better option as compared to Goa and Mumbai. It is cheaper too</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If you have had enough of the dirty
and littered beaches of popular Indian tourist destinations like Goa, Mumbai or
Chennai, then welcome to Varkala! The sand here is almost white in colour and shore
edge is velvety. And as the sunrays deflected by the clean glassy beach soothe
your retina, it feels like a paradise glowing in the golden light. Varkala
beach is a strong contender to beaches of Phuket and Penang in beauty. That is
why perhaps, you will find so many foreign tourists here- much more than what
you will expect at more popular beach of Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram situated
only 50 kilometers away. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The seaside resort town of Varkala
is settled on a hillock. This hillock is part of a low mountain range called
Western Ghats that runs along the western sea coast of India. As compared to
other places, these Ghats almost kiss the seashore in Varkala. The hillock in
Varkala has two cliffs namely the North Cliff and the South Cliff. And at the
bottom of these sharply sloped cliffs lies the gleaming sandy beach.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">One feels at home</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCrbhqUdP21GfYw45Rux3Mlsg2ReRyoK6fzQTSzuXBR_BIbympSQ1vPvWRJGIcXrVGN5t-73NabdHXrZLThXjK-TW12KTkhZ-lc9c2Nu2FRJv0qIQExhbY6-pKw88AuSnl4NtjEJL_7U/s400/IMG_4002.JPG" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are flea markets too in the small alleys that run off the main road on the cliff</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If it is mentally refreshing to
spend some time on the beach and get into a playful mood in the Arabian Sea, it
is equally relaxing to have an overnight stay in one of the numerous home-stays
there. Though there are many five-star resort hotels in Varkala, one can easily
find budget accommodation, thus making it an ideal destination for backpackers
too. Although, the actual identity of Varkala lies in its home-stays, which
offer true backpacking experience. The most of foreign tourists prefer to get
mixed up in the local life rather than locking themselves up in a hotel room. Living
like a guest with local families, knowing about the culture of Kerala, and savouring
pure and delicious home-made local food… home-stay experience is really different
and enriching.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">My destination too was one of those
home-stays. After being tired from travelling almost for the whole day, I stepped
into the courtyard surrounded by coconut trees… and what! All my tiredness
vanished then and there into thin air. On one side a swing; and on the other some
young guests sitting on a mat and laughing heartily! A well for fetching drinking
water from; and a candle light dinner with Keralite dishes while sitting on a
cot! It felt as if all the guests staying there were known to each other since
long and a part of an extended family.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br />
<span style="color: red;">Taste and Health come together here</span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnGZ0A01t-ZHxidB3vYJty_0I__K41SlHedKL5dKV8H727ELvNoXtSaD0X-809fI94CfKAsZgb7CaLzJdvlWCWqE0ampfs95FLHKjcPiVuhyEZYbUXTyud5B3E5EqhwE3bK5L1REaxLw/s1600/IMG_3993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnGZ0A01t-ZHxidB3vYJty_0I__K41SlHedKL5dKV8H727ELvNoXtSaD0X-809fI94CfKAsZgb7CaLzJdvlWCWqE0ampfs95FLHKjcPiVuhyEZYbUXTyud5B3E5EqhwE3bK5L1REaxLw/s400/IMG_3993.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many small restaurants are there on the cliff. Though there are bigger ones too</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Having local food at a home-stay
has a charm of its own, though one has an option of having meal at one of the
restaurants on the cliff. If one is in town, then there also are numerous food
outlets serving all kind of food. The restaurants at the cliff can offer you mesmerizing
ambience- music playing amidst dim lights, a roaring sea just beneath you, and
fresh seafood... What else one wants! Bet it, you won’t forget this dinner. And
if you wish, you can buy raw seafood here and get it cooked to your own taste
and choice. Varkala is indeed a paradise for food lovers. Health conscious
people also have something to rejoice in Varkala. They can have Ayurvedic
massage and spa at very reasonable rates and there are several such centers
where you can say goodbye to your physical and mental fatigue.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br />
<span style="color: red;">Janardhana Temple and Sivagiri Monastery</span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGsXS3Nye37wqDP65u_y4ACF5sHK2lbpi6yWdF6eXCWLHg-jR1h0uUl6UuesonzSpuCmP47dd6GnS4nugLirIl8PVvIylHUEHrvmuRR7Q8NwAqfFqi9t5lWpbVPddK629Gec1l_-aqlw/s1600/IMG_3997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGsXS3Nye37wqDP65u_y4ACF5sHK2lbpi6yWdF6eXCWLHg-jR1h0uUl6UuesonzSpuCmP47dd6GnS4nugLirIl8PVvIylHUEHrvmuRR7Q8NwAqfFqi9t5lWpbVPddK629Gec1l_-aqlw/s640/IMG_3997.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Janardhana Temple is 2000 years yold and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If Varkala is one of the best
destinations for those who love comfort and sophistication at an affordable
price, it is no less important from religious point of view. Here you can visit
Janardhana Temple that is 2000 years old. It is not very far from Papanasham beach
which literally means ‘destroyer of all sins’. This place is religiously so
important for local people that they call it ‘Kashi of the South’. In addition,
Sivagiri Math in Varkala is also a centre of religious activities. This was founded
by great saint and philanthropist Narayana Guru. A festival is celebrated
at Sivagiri from December 30th to January 1st every year.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br />
<span style="color: red;">Some tips before you go there</span></span></b></div>
<ul style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<li><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Situated about 50 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 25
kms from Kollam, Varkala is easily approachable by bus and train. Train
travel is far more convenient. The name of the railway station is Varkala
Sivagiri.</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Not every train originating or passing through
Kollam or </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> Thiruvananthapuram </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">stops at Varkala Sivagiri station. Check out
before you board a train.</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Varkala beach and the cliff above have many eating and
drinking outlets where one can have a memorable dinner while enjoying cool
and misty sea breeze.</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I had booked my home-stay on internet and it was a bit
costly as compared to others. But there are many home-stays to choose from
and not each of them is offered on internet. One can get a cheaper option even
after getting to Varkala.</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Before you choose a home-stay, do inquire about the
facilities they provide there. Don’t forget to ask whether breakfast is
included in your room tariff or not. Sometimes it is there but they will
offer it only if you ask about it. </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If you intend to spend much time in Varkala, rooms
are available on rental basis.</span></b></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i style="color: black;">Text and Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ajay" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Ajay Garg</span></a></span></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-22140548944029349572012-05-15T21:20:00.000+05:302012-07-08T22:37:11.864+05:30Postcards from Bewitching Gulmarg<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Gulmarg is a hill station and a popular skiing destination in Kashmir region of India. The name literally means 'Meadow of Flowers'. It was once described by CNN as 'the Heartland of Winter Sports in India', and was a candidate as venue for Commonwealth Winter Games in 2010.</span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Here, the beauty of Gulmarg is depicted through pictures. These pictures are of two seasons. Savour the snow-clad mountains in winter and pleasant warmth and serenity of nature in late summers. It is just 52 kms from Srinagar and is situated at an average elevation of 2690 metres. The approach time from Srinagar by car or taxi is two hours.</span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">All these pictures are by <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ambreen" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Ambreen Zaidi</span></a></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: red; font-weight: normal;">Mesmerizing Winters</span></b></span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwBGdXxOCI4HytoJM7a6rRLt6TSR5AKjOm2Oqb3EH6neJoDznCdBl0YOFPr9m73vbd9NQC6M2u6ET_cg1eOlr8CCSEGgMpnWw1WU-kWL-yDqSbWPaIy6Oq_SD-rFNQt-Yjuy4pP8nGFE/s1600/DSC01732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwBGdXxOCI4HytoJM7a6rRLt6TSR5AKjOm2Oqb3EH6neJoDznCdBl0YOFPr9m73vbd9NQC6M2u6ET_cg1eOlr8CCSEGgMpnWw1WU-kWL-yDqSbWPaIy6Oq_SD-rFNQt-Yjuy4pP8nGFE/s400/DSC01732.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A plain mass of land flanked by mountains makes Gulmarg ideal for winter sports</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aWfE3wZC09v8YPyl5wlEavMVtA7ISk__mSCHVYORuz8Iv3uRc8uQ4PVuK0DlVVIb5BYGTt46I7FRIynDQgxsAwuicWshg6rsWcvwBS8pEhEj5BKVLEjXob4nAVZF3r9Q5S3UCgYlS2Y/s1600/DSC01827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aWfE3wZC09v8YPyl5wlEavMVtA7ISk__mSCHVYORuz8Iv3uRc8uQ4PVuK0DlVVIb5BYGTt46I7FRIynDQgxsAwuicWshg6rsWcvwBS8pEhEj5BKVLEjXob4nAVZF3r9Q5S3UCgYlS2Y/s400/DSC01827.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Tourists from all over the world choose Gulmarg as one of their destinations</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6u2KCnNUluXYN7Kf7xufX6yavtKE2CYwbaLlzH9T6qszdmYl_-zM7YFMZt8TO8RUFMRbog5dSl9P_xwP40-cP-cgsieGHLFowOGv_BGqcbccVLZQOZhlGWJfJVAFVphuX6KlnlhllRE/s1600/DSC01796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6u2KCnNUluXYN7Kf7xufX6yavtKE2CYwbaLlzH9T6qszdmYl_-zM7YFMZt8TO8RUFMRbog5dSl9P_xwP40-cP-cgsieGHLFowOGv_BGqcbccVLZQOZhlGWJfJVAFVphuX6KlnlhllRE/s400/DSC01796.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Even in winters, one can see patches of land here and there peeping through snow</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3aNLbfSf1Ly8BLFTnYV6fcZOqK1LL_w8-zB_gGtBLlKbz0UQJIgvPzLmvpPmMVeAhuNu_wiFBHWjeGfa0E9zJgPHmLakrJ_W3US0_0cU6LHIrfaag5MWferZNamiS2HUkzhGhUJUN8Q/s1600/DSC01759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3aNLbfSf1Ly8BLFTnYV6fcZOqK1LL_w8-zB_gGtBLlKbz0UQJIgvPzLmvpPmMVeAhuNu_wiFBHWjeGfa0E9zJgPHmLakrJ_W3US0_0cU6LHIrfaag5MWferZNamiS2HUkzhGhUJUN8Q/s640/DSC01759.JPG" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Terrace farming is abundant in Kashmir. The area is known for saffron cultivation </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmy21uXR1hyTaHtBUstKGmTXygnlrG1vTshKVmQ_CB4TV41RJDWWhj1BLBtosdXXJIjj2FB_16f5bTxfGGFEubZRZ4cXAEz9CFuWpJjcB_iw8Mk9UsWhUPW4phZPvuUTXYegOmJg1a2Hg/s1600/DSC01831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmy21uXR1hyTaHtBUstKGmTXygnlrG1vTshKVmQ_CB4TV41RJDWWhj1BLBtosdXXJIjj2FB_16f5bTxfGGFEubZRZ4cXAEz9CFuWpJjcB_iw8Mk9UsWhUPW4phZPvuUTXYegOmJg1a2Hg/s400/DSC01831.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">All set on the start line... Surely, some spectacular skiing is on the cards </span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: red; font-weight: normal;">Enchanting Summers</span></b></span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQzZ-iSx6AJJOYgTv3pMl3eIKHkK2irVZj-L_2snAR60r6uaSO2IFzqlFApkfisdaYmQN535fQPpQCtVfmXUQ_jOPRRTIlYFiCNqzqG-L0R7MheusvzYMay5V2-sTAzRu1aStbN98EOs/s1600/DSC00335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQzZ-iSx6AJJOYgTv3pMl3eIKHkK2irVZj-L_2snAR60r6uaSO2IFzqlFApkfisdaYmQN535fQPpQCtVfmXUQ_jOPRRTIlYFiCNqzqG-L0R7MheusvzYMay5V2-sTAzRu1aStbN98EOs/s400/DSC00335.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">View from top of the surrounding mountains can be stunning and breathtaking</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kdFTFlu54NulA5SvUYDg4gfyoCAwxkXg4ZpEIOY77P6rw70A49BCGufMfZWsJ1ptip8XWijXYptYtdzcA5XiBX9Zym1fDE92oQEZP-oMTZTKXleAagwgDyqpCt37mwxdmA9_riGEMb4/s1600/DSC00305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kdFTFlu54NulA5SvUYDg4gfyoCAwxkXg4ZpEIOY77P6rw70A49BCGufMfZWsJ1ptip8XWijXYptYtdzcA5XiBX9Zym1fDE92oQEZP-oMTZTKXleAagwgDyqpCt37mwxdmA9_riGEMb4/s400/DSC00305.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Gulmarg has some beautiful landscapes and mountains in and around</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejKGGYGCQsn8AKCzykmL8gv9H8XMFr4IaxTsZoMQNWCA7-Kq1GeEa9is3HebEbB-EGhyphenhyphen9_JWS2qTvU9BSy6sJMJJTAHIz_oZyUFOH2n-J-H69W4fAGtgp_2xl2MUQ1_tt3hhyphenhyphenUjgItdU/s1600/DSC00337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejKGGYGCQsn8AKCzykmL8gv9H8XMFr4IaxTsZoMQNWCA7-Kq1GeEa9is3HebEbB-EGhyphenhyphen9_JWS2qTvU9BSy6sJMJJTAHIz_oZyUFOH2n-J-H69W4fAGtgp_2xl2MUQ1_tt3hhyphenhyphenUjgItdU/s400/DSC00337.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The best way to savour the beauty of Gulmarg area is a rope way trip</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRLTPkayewpNfbyKrGwzO0pFMzEne953nBFLGisxw2Uo_jdb2JUe4aHayo0eum2NdSPCynsHegPnce9JrgvwmA_e2Nt4KdVkFoSJe_VSAcZ19k2zizWMLvyVi49b3OytjqqVQXJzJonc/s1600/DSC00340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRLTPkayewpNfbyKrGwzO0pFMzEne953nBFLGisxw2Uo_jdb2JUe4aHayo0eum2NdSPCynsHegPnce9JrgvwmA_e2Nt4KdVkFoSJe_VSAcZ19k2zizWMLvyVi49b3OytjqqVQXJzJonc/s400/DSC00340.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Get as close to nature as you can, and take non-erasable imprints home</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A mix of nature and machine... it is variety of scenes that attracts in Gulmarg</span></td></tr>
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</div>Ajay Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030966959831917345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-8272517511786934492012-05-11T03:40:00.000+05:302012-08-21T09:28:17.723+05:30The Little Tibet Of India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Prayer flags adorn most of the buildings in the little town of McLeod Ganj</span></td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">The little town of McLeod Ganj may be a thriving tourist destination that lures in more foreigners than Indians, but to the many Tibetans who live here, it’s their home. Visit this unexpectedly charming town brimming with warm people, and indulge in the vibrant display of their rich culture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">As an enthusiastic traveller, I’ve often wondered what the best way to explore a destination would be. Should I do detailed research about it so that I know what to expect once I reach there? Or should I just jump in headfirst and head there without a plan? Well, for </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">McLeod Ganj</span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">, I chose the latter. So here I was, heading up the narrow road from Dharamsala to </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">McLeod Ganj </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> on a cold Tuesday evening in March. Evening turned into night as I arrived at the bus stand. With no hotel booking in place, I set off, lugging along my heavy backpack, to look for a room. Four different hotels and no vacant room. Without a choice, I walked on to Bhagsu, 2 kms. away, and finally found a place to spend the night: Hotel Sangam, with basic rooms at a reasonable price of Rs. 400 for a double-bedroom, a balcony and a hot shower. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A breath-taking view of the Dhauladhar mountain range clad in snow</span></td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">I woke up early the next day after a good night’s sleep, ordered tea and headed to the balcony to see what I’d missed at night. There in the distance stood the powdered white nose of the Dhauladhar mountain range. I sat there gazing till I heard the bell-boy banging on the door waiting outside with the tea. I got ready and decided to walk to McLeod Ganj, instead of taking a rickshaw. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Didgeridoos (a musical instrument of Australian Aborigines made from a long wooden tube that is blown into to create a low drone) sold in the local market</span></td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">The route is flanked by cedar and oak trees; many strung with colourful prayer flags. I passed by a cafe jutting out of the road towards the ravine and mysteriously called ‘Last Chance - do not miss pleasant view from here’. Plus points for creativity! A series of shops cropped up as I neared McLeod Ganj, mostly selling Tibetan souvenirs. But there was one store that stood out. Called Rosa ‘n Tosh’s Artistic Shop, it featured the works of artists who specialize in abstract psychedelic paintings. Upon reading </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">McLeod Ganj</span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">, I spotted a stall selling a wide variety of didgeridoos. There was one box-shaped didgeridoo with a Cannabis leaf painted on it that caught my eye, but its price made me look away soon enough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">After all the walking, my stomach pleaded for some respite, so I headed to Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen - highly recommended by my handy guidebook. Bright chrome-coloured walls decked with movie posters dominated the decor, while Masala Omelette, toast and pancakes made for a hearty breakfast. Sipping on a hot cup of coffee, I discovered that the restaurant- which also had a great terrace with a view- also hosted movie screenings occasionally. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Onto Temple Road<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The monastery inside Tsuglagkhang complex in McLeod Ganj</span></span></td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Monasteries emanate a sense of calm that always urges one to just go inside and sit in complete silence. I did just that at the monastery inside Tsuglagkhang complex. It was completely vacant, but for one devotee who sat there with prayer beads in his hand. Besides the monastery, the complex also contains the Dalai Lama's residence, a temple and a museum. The complex is comparable in function to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, said one of the young monks I met. as he pointed to a painting of the palace that covers the exterior of the monastery. Surrounding it is a meditation trail lined with many shrines and prayer flags that pilgrims circle through in a clockwise direction, while offering a prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peace march in McLeod Ganj led by natives and foreigners alike, commemorating the completion of their 50-year struggle to free Tibet from Chinese rule</span></td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">In 1960, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatsho, was permitted to make </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">McLeod Ganj </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> his headquarters. This led to the influx of Tibetan refugees who settled here and shaped it as a learning centre for Buddhism and Tibetan culture. People come here from all parts of the globe to uncover their spiritual curve, whereas some come here as volunteers to help Tibetans fight their battle to regain their land. It amazes me that they’ve spent 50 years fighting this battle only using the path of peace, without resorting to any alternative methods, and their patience still perseveres. Every monk I passed by on the streets and every local I interacted with greeted me with a smile. No sign of pain, no sign of doubt and no sign of weariness creeping in even after 50 years.</span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;">On Hunger Trail</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">My food trail was largely ruled by the quest to find the best momos. After a few experiments, I found the yummiest momos at Snow Lion, located at Jogibara Road. Their steamed vegetable momos were just delicious; and against better judgement, I devoured two whole plates. I also gorged on a yummy banana chocolate crepe and a piece of chocolate cake. They just looked at me so invitingly; I couldn’t resist! By dinner, I was in the mood for good ol’ Indian food, so I headed to Ashok restaurant, located at the end of Jogibara Road. A great roof-top view and some paneer tikka masala and naan for company; I couldn’t have asked for more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inside a coffee shop. Some of the coffee shops are more of traveller's cafe'</span></span></td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">If you are a coffee lover, you’ve come to the right place. </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">McLeod Ganj </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> is replete with coffee shops, most of which offer indoor and outdoor seating and serve good quality coffee with numerous accompaniments. My trail led me to four cafes: Moonpeak Espresso and Mandala Coffee House that lie adjacent to each other on Temple Road; Coffee Talk, which is close to the Tsuglagkhang complex; and First Cup Café, located en route from Dharamsala to </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">McLeod Ganj </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">. The coffee mugs there are just as large as the ones made popular by television sitcom Friends. Wait, it gets better. The prices attached to these large mugs were very tiny. On an average, a regular latte cost only Rs. 40! Some of these cafes even had a significant collection of books that customers can read while enjoying their coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;">Giving in to shopping </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">On the last peg of my journey, I scanned the streets, only to find the usual suspects: apparel, shoe and handicraft shops. Then came the ethnic jewellery shops. Aside from colourful gemstone necklaces and beaded bracelets, there were pendants with Tibetan writing scribbled on them, and some that bore miniature paintings. There were several shops that sold authentic Tibetan wares. Thangkas, mini prayer wheels, prayer flags, T-shirts and bags bearing the Tibetan flag, statues of the Buddha, incense sticks and many more curios that one can take back home as souvenirs. I was particularly interested in the prayer flags. I expected to get cheaper rates in a small town like this, but the prices were rather high and bargain tolerance as good as nil. However, women somehow find a way to get what they want, don’t they? So did I. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">McLeod Ganj </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">isn’t exactly a touristy place, but if you’re hoping to find yourself in a place that is cosy, content and lively, then this is your best bet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;">How to get there</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">The nearest airport is at Gaggal, approximately 17 kms. from Dharamsala. The nearest rail-head is Kangra, which is on a narrow gauge railway that runs between Pathankot and Jogindernagar. Pathankot is situated on Delhi-Udhampur rail section and is a major station. From Pathankot, it is a three-hour road journey to Dharamsala, and from Kangra it is a half an hour road journey. From Dharamsala, it is a short bus journey to </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">McLeod Ganj</span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">. Buses also ply daily from Delhi to Dharamsala. One can book Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation buses or private buses through a travel agent. Best time to visit </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">McLeod Ganj</span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> is from May to October.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><i style="color: black;">Text and Photos by</i> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ruchika" style="color: #990000;" target="_blank">Ruchika Vyas</a> </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">of </span></em><a href="http://www.travellerstories.com/" target="_blank"><em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Traveller</span></span><span style="color: black;"> Stories</span></span></em></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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Ajay Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030966959831917345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-70339192718645646952012-05-09T20:28:00.000+05:302012-07-08T22:41:30.484+05:30Delhi at Dawn, Dusk and Night<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldMWpm-7Ytu730JzL2GjeFaUJfKWKDszrTV_aBUxmYmFMeM_j9736xjT3wamL7DIpuFumQjpY5qQOwVdjJ4GhZzsYd14oinQsRUmJsK-9f52KHBtx1B5HbtIVHf6zzNgj8y_Rhqzd0EA/s1600/375469_10150523762728523_179394362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Delhi" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldMWpm-7Ytu730JzL2GjeFaUJfKWKDszrTV_aBUxmYmFMeM_j9736xjT3wamL7DIpuFumQjpY5qQOwVdjJ4GhZzsYd14oinQsRUmJsK-9f52KHBtx1B5HbtIVHf6zzNgj8y_Rhqzd0EA/s400/375469_10150523762728523_179394362_n.jpg" title="Delhi Night Life" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">As seen from ITO bridge.. road towards Akshardham</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXiGRCNBTeHnG56GhlNJlhiS4NfVeMhY1kOXpb7owxCU88-H-xePjI_vZAFMHswE9SbmtxVbgrMqBtKFpoIGPKpyvgAlZa4vO17Sg6niUPDW7xd8pD8XEz_rOb3bFT8vvx2fU7fI9cqQ/s1600/200440_10150163005628523_623338522_8093366_8031236_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Delhi" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXiGRCNBTeHnG56GhlNJlhiS4NfVeMhY1kOXpb7owxCU88-H-xePjI_vZAFMHswE9SbmtxVbgrMqBtKFpoIGPKpyvgAlZa4vO17Sg6niUPDW7xd8pD8XEz_rOb3bFT8vvx2fU7fI9cqQ/s400/200440_10150163005628523_623338522_8093366_8031236_n.jpg" title="India Gate" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Lovely hues and colours at dawn at India Gate</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillJpL_W4HoocARV-KbVmebPV-WFDJiF_tfW9kgRHH-M1BCkik-17EKclpgN-dW3wnQpnQHTHBgS220toNViR5-3VdFcxs4R7ba8rm3pF1UowPUICXAfml0-b6SVhDMKVhBD1Ryt2-Q80/s1600/376634_10150449609373523_623338522_10210861_499655098_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Delhi" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillJpL_W4HoocARV-KbVmebPV-WFDJiF_tfW9kgRHH-M1BCkik-17EKclpgN-dW3wnQpnQHTHBgS220toNViR5-3VdFcxs4R7ba8rm3pF1UowPUICXAfml0-b6SVhDMKVhBD1Ryt2-Q80/s400/376634_10150449609373523_623338522_10210861_499655098_n.jpg" title="India Gate" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A 15-second exposure shot at India Gate</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGXvaOWTnMeGFdQEVx6ZrIcIn_znKeLk843YJJUcpYHOvkWHJxZirq-E21mar1A6xPRaHceMrhOXZkBIQFT6dqPVjPCIm-oDzSE8uDnq-6POh8xZNTeCbUY30zsi95TF1u8l8R933_44/s1600/388877_10150464951748523_623338522_10275314_960922003_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGXvaOWTnMeGFdQEVx6ZrIcIn_znKeLk843YJJUcpYHOvkWHJxZirq-E21mar1A6xPRaHceMrhOXZkBIQFT6dqPVjPCIm-oDzSE8uDnq-6POh8xZNTeCbUY30zsi95TF1u8l8R933_44/s400/388877_10150464951748523_623338522_10275314_960922003_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A long shot of Akshardham at sun-set</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJs-PoO3bh8D-vMCIk1e5UnykZAjUXJU3igiEwYQoA2zvW2HmKjcyNJs5uJ7bAvJ3o2B-xYYXJ-VEvf5m5FgnZAbJbdSqFvh1AQ3aqFQM9o7Ob1-Jeqi3tVua8csh4KSp0VfGpSPTl-js/s1600/577253_10150792530533523_623338522_11449277_1113581618_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJs-PoO3bh8D-vMCIk1e5UnykZAjUXJU3igiEwYQoA2zvW2HmKjcyNJs5uJ7bAvJ3o2B-xYYXJ-VEvf5m5FgnZAbJbdSqFvh1AQ3aqFQM9o7Ob1-Jeqi3tVua8csh4KSp0VfGpSPTl-js/s400/577253_10150792530533523_623338522_11449277_1113581618_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Indraprastha Park looks no less captivating than other sights</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjKL4jqX2n-WxKuxU1tQildN7Kx1kdVQbv1xXAIGVibUaqHl0_xQxzqxNi_J7DAbjrVa9UdIOxt2f0t4G2ADDm-L_RYSD1yFl3iDA6lFWKufegQ88L478DcjKApQLVQhlDrf7cG2fbwY/s1600/581293_10150792530443523_623338522_11449275_1984043093_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjKL4jqX2n-WxKuxU1tQildN7Kx1kdVQbv1xXAIGVibUaqHl0_xQxzqxNi_J7DAbjrVa9UdIOxt2f0t4G2ADDm-L_RYSD1yFl3iDA6lFWKufegQ88L478DcjKApQLVQhlDrf7cG2fbwY/s400/581293_10150792530443523_623338522_11449275_1984043093_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A closer view of Indraprstha Park from another angle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn-Yr6l3puCiwb6dRYHW9Ingrhyphenhyphen5S_4M3mIvtLuYGzrcA28WQbE8G-KuNG7tQw4YQTRSSY3cjxPYpYRhBqGFQtoYpIJ80_WC9M9fdXUrK0FMblfqkovzBNdMeJewxX3nAONewPGwJhQs/s1600/574705_10150809226803523_623338522_11511409_169090072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn-Yr6l3puCiwb6dRYHW9Ingrhyphenhyphen5S_4M3mIvtLuYGzrcA28WQbE8G-KuNG7tQw4YQTRSSY3cjxPYpYRhBqGFQtoYpIJ80_WC9M9fdXUrK0FMblfqkovzBNdMeJewxX3nAONewPGwJhQs/s400/574705_10150809226803523_623338522_11511409_169090072_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This is how the Cannaught Place looks at night time</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnx8DQLrpxA_2KUww8lLlUi3x4t_bHupx7FlmlYFG0Jz9w_lHQh4zqGXAV-9uo5vFxCDIY0uGK9Hq0WcXz4cK6iSojhvItreaReBDtuqB1sCL0KAtfydropXMdzHelLK6pKs7g3OQiFYo/s1600/401723_10150550157103523_623338522_10582602_1713191901_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnx8DQLrpxA_2KUww8lLlUi3x4t_bHupx7FlmlYFG0Jz9w_lHQh4zqGXAV-9uo5vFxCDIY0uGK9Hq0WcXz4cK6iSojhvItreaReBDtuqB1sCL0KAtfydropXMdzHelLK6pKs7g3OQiFYo/s400/401723_10150550157103523_623338522_10582602_1713191901_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Lotus Temple.... a meeting point for followers of Baha'i faith</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66eRXH7ghG9Brwu_BPNVaVCLS2b5f86LEAhzjhMhn5Phh0YN3aazH5njhKsMwJ9HNyHz3jsHFwh3AlrSVWHRpGsWe2avq8U0-gysfswS3sXiBqPTw_aCtV-zlLoFCLZ21pxR3TV9PMqM/s1600/189872_10150147935748523_623338522_7950652_6510714_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66eRXH7ghG9Brwu_BPNVaVCLS2b5f86LEAhzjhMhn5Phh0YN3aazH5njhKsMwJ9HNyHz3jsHFwh3AlrSVWHRpGsWe2avq8U0-gysfswS3sXiBqPTw_aCtV-zlLoFCLZ21pxR3TV9PMqM/s400/189872_10150147935748523_623338522_7950652_6510714_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Lotus temple at dawn</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIR97tkx9HG9jpmwIowkkkXuC3Aq90Lr0NhvXDgVnV-QkKRXE1vmYHokCWhXLBgaWsVvAfw2fwXobaCWmzCcfRvjkS3s7pnM_RzXeNSXCguVdjDeEO9fVQtS1pJh64y_fwKx7sprOVxE/s1600/185714_10150149323843523_623338522_7963837_4218666_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIR97tkx9HG9jpmwIowkkkXuC3Aq90Lr0NhvXDgVnV-QkKRXE1vmYHokCWhXLBgaWsVvAfw2fwXobaCWmzCcfRvjkS3s7pnM_RzXeNSXCguVdjDeEO9fVQtS1pJh64y_fwKx7sprOVxE/s640/185714_10150149323843523_623338522_7963837_4218666_n.jpg" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A quite and religious morning at the Lotus Temple</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0XB-zRJTKzIDoE0NfXSaPjMcKa27c_siUFRSGTozwVQvc7ng05IrAAxADRO_7P_YW8krYbh3FrOB3RbwyzhgpfNHpz6UxzUpiKcltmoqLMa356d0nJmefvbLHXxmdwNnALmUz2F0meM/s1600/220730_10150219061828523_623338522_8353422_2420241_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0XB-zRJTKzIDoE0NfXSaPjMcKa27c_siUFRSGTozwVQvc7ng05IrAAxADRO_7P_YW8krYbh3FrOB3RbwyzhgpfNHpz6UxzUpiKcltmoqLMa356d0nJmefvbLHXxmdwNnALmUz2F0meM/s400/220730_10150219061828523_623338522_8353422_2420241_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset time near a building inside Red Fort</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1-LodfGbinh_EX8kgyqONOtaGkxisygjY_1OTukf7plnYbGu16Wb2bU2WxxnbrOH4MvYa5-5Bs8u35rQGVHOlYleldWfdPXfY-MeGgnkYvg9au-5aTarlh_z91hma0c0krDvi8xxPhI/s1600/221674_10150219062388523_623338522_8353433_6820805_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1-LodfGbinh_EX8kgyqONOtaGkxisygjY_1OTukf7plnYbGu16Wb2bU2WxxnbrOH4MvYa5-5Bs8u35rQGVHOlYleldWfdPXfY-MeGgnkYvg9au-5aTarlh_z91hma0c0krDvi8xxPhI/s400/221674_10150219062388523_623338522_8353433_6820805_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The golden look of Akshardham Temple</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOG14xBNpBFXsmVdQXJIGJqaESskrTqvZvcgiyWnJGXaxIFJERgV7h-vpqCpvlE1YP2eCXrqW5U2akzvNgjZt5mxRD8i38RQxsaoto819WtddqCYuIOoWvqPjbRKvunZf50Ar_DNSPp0/s1600/254183_10150262641118523_623338522_8738531_8082751_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOG14xBNpBFXsmVdQXJIGJqaESskrTqvZvcgiyWnJGXaxIFJERgV7h-vpqCpvlE1YP2eCXrqW5U2akzvNgjZt5mxRD8i38RQxsaoto819WtddqCYuIOoWvqPjbRKvunZf50Ar_DNSPp0/s400/254183_10150262641118523_623338522_8738531_8082751_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">An all-illuminated India Gate</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWpnjKxZSebBut47px1PU8gHjyG02T_KdVY4uGwhpULjZwMz2o6TFQ55CtQib1nFFAKIeNParsM62N5qeGDQf4pIvKXKh3d3EznXUsFjkIzNFlzkdzSQ2iysaKw18VsY6qWOWYpITV9o/s1600/252902_10150262641283523_623338522_8738535_1490749_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWpnjKxZSebBut47px1PU8gHjyG02T_KdVY4uGwhpULjZwMz2o6TFQ55CtQib1nFFAKIeNParsM62N5qeGDQf4pIvKXKh3d3EznXUsFjkIzNFlzkdzSQ2iysaKw18VsY6qWOWYpITV9o/s400/252902_10150262641283523_623338522_8738535_1490749_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">These are the lights responsible for illuminating India Gate at night</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Fountain near India Gate.... It reminds of a setting of a Europen town</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYgBGu9d-CYIT8DQrNC3n7VDe3xlyHgafcrfn7WaFYcAklUlkpltWm_ukc7dl53t8lUORTE6Gp_fCITXK-nYL838EszAlkdECNbI7wKMOD7avx5B4mhCPyaPOxN5PuPhgX3CbatRN5VA/s1600/254929_10150262641313523_623338522_8738536_8159230_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYgBGu9d-CYIT8DQrNC3n7VDe3xlyHgafcrfn7WaFYcAklUlkpltWm_ukc7dl53t8lUORTE6Gp_fCITXK-nYL838EszAlkdECNbI7wKMOD7avx5B4mhCPyaPOxN5PuPhgX3CbatRN5VA/s400/254929_10150262641313523_623338522_8738536_8159230_n.jpg" title="Boat Club Delhi" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The setting may look European but the scene is very much Indian</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>All Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Naveen" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Naveen Choudhary</span></a></span></b></div>
</div>Ajay Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030966959831917345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-6500345875874290302012-05-02T20:43:00.002+05:302012-10-26T18:21:26.983+05:30A Comic Tour of Tintin Land<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">To every comic lover the name Tintin brings an exciting feeling. Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Adventures of Tintin- The Secret of the Unicorn’ released last year might have renewed interest in Tintin’s country and even inspired a few to be there. Surely, whether you love comics or chocolates, Belgium is a traveller’s delight. And, it certainly has a lot more to offer.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Belgium is the country which gave birth to Tintin. Capital Brussels is fondly called as capital of Tintin by comic lovers around the globe. No wonder, Tintin has the stature of the world’s best-known Brussels resident. But then, comics in Belgium is limited not just to Tintin, they also have stars like Smurfs and they have a created a huge following of… no, not comic lovers but of comic strip writers. It’s statistically said that with more than 700 comic strip authors, Belgium has more comic strip artists per square kilometre than any other country in the world! </span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Streets in Bruges, called Venice of the North, </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">are infused with artwork </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Sculptures are scattered everywhere in Burges. It is an artistes' town.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">But then, Brussels was the last stop in my Belgium trip, where my encounter with Tintin was destined. My tryst with Flemish art started well in Bruges during the boat ride in its canals for which it is also called as ‘Venice of The North’. I could see interesting sculptures and paintings along the waterway for full public view. I started enjoying the way art was mingled in the daily life of Flemish people. So much so that I even almost missed the setting of dog scene of the movie ‘In Bruges’. But luck was my way and I managed to catch that beautifully.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Graffiti Street in Ghent, flowing with colourful graffiti all around</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">History is strewn on the streets of Ghent, but that too in comic form</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">But it was Graffiti Street in Ghent that I instantly fell in love with. Had googled about it before the trip and every search result had in fact brought impatient me to the fore. It was something I haven’t seen anywhere before. A street overflowing with all kind of colourful and expressive graffiti from top to bottom and start to finish, not just on the side walls but on the walkway itself. In it were some finest expressions of feelings, emotions, ideas and ideologies. I was fortunate enough to see some young artists at work. Perhaps it was also the playing ground for all budding comic strip artists of Belgium. The way different graffiti co-existed and were overwritten again and again, I couldn’t help thinking that it was where they were sowing the seeds of tolerance within the society.</span></b></div>
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Masqueraders on the roads of Antwerp fool you as well as impress you </span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAApvIZSwJf4NYPRQdcOS38f2VU94nETsASsCe9K14d85nBGPKrR2A6jWOhwERGB6rXLxziGiQgTM-I0XBiALN8N2HcuKgU4SzGp8q9AXLyyjFS_bItDJYut_EWCNh9ER3GxPJJYP55U/s1600/It's+a+Chocolate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAApvIZSwJf4NYPRQdcOS38f2VU94nETsASsCe9K14d85nBGPKrR2A6jWOhwERGB6rXLxziGiQgTM-I0XBiALN8N2HcuKgU4SzGp8q9AXLyyjFS_bItDJYut_EWCNh9ER3GxPJJYP55U/s400/It's+a+Chocolate.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">Wow! These sculptures showcased in Antwerp are made of chocolate...</span></span></span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Antwerp was more of a happening city, often termed as fashion capital or the diamond capital. Here comic art was live and intriguing. You can find all kind of exhibitionists on roads- from pretty guitarists to masqueraders who can fool you (or rather impress you) with their Vincent Van Gogh look. Since Belgium is everything about chocolates, you can find all types of experiments done with them from body paint to cartoon characters. In Neuhaus Chocolatier at Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert I found a whole range of Tintin comics packaged with chocolate boxes. Kids will just love it.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">Okay.. Tell me which one is sculpted and which one is an artist posing</span></span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Tintin can be seen on the chocolates and also on their wrappers </span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a four-storey building and Tintin is coming down the ladder. Interesting!</span></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Brussels’ comic museum is a huge draw for the tourists coming to Belgium. Every year more than 200,000 visitors come here to explore 4,200 square metres worth of permanent and temporary exhibitions. At the Belgian Comic Strip Center, you will witness the unusual marriage of the Ninth Art and Art Nouveau, two artistic forms of expression which have always been particularly cherished in Brussels. Besides Tintin, this kingdom of the imagination is home to some of Belgium's best-known comic strip heroes like Spirou, Bob and Bobette, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke, Blake and Mortimer, Marsupilami, etc. They are one big happy family of paper heroes. Belgian Comic Strip Center has become the number one reference for comic strip lovers. It is also a modern research centre that boasts of more than 40,000 titles (albums and theoretical works) in more than 20 languages.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">Sidewalls of buildings in Brussels have comic scenes drawn on them</span></span></span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">But then, as in other cities of Belgium, in Brussels too, comics are not just limited to <a href="http://www.comicscenter.net/en/home" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Comic Strip Centre</a>. Going down the Stoffstraat towards the Manneken Pis, you may find comic scenes drawn across the whole height of sidewall of a four and five-storey residential buildings and in one of them I even found Tintin coming down a four-storey ladder. Of course, when it comes to comics and Tintin you will never escape them when you are in Belgium.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Well Connected</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Brussels is one of the most well-connected European cities from India. There are direct daily flights from all the four metros to Brussels. Once in Brussels, whole of Belgium is well-connected through roads. Driving there is fun through the countryside- a typical European lush green. Brussels to Bruges was just a few hours’ drive; and then Bruges to Ghent, Ghent to Antwerp and Antwerp to Brussels, every bit of this trip was worth enjoying.</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Text and Photos by</i> <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Upendra" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Upendra</span> <span style="color: #990000;">Swami</span></a></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">of </span></i><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://aawaara.blogspot.in/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: black;">The<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span>Vagabond</span></span></i></a></span></span></b></span></i></span></b></div>
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Ajay Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030966959831917345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-71872816418186691142012-04-30T02:59:00.001+05:302012-07-08T22:43:06.733+05:30Melaka Through Pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8-7s1jpkb8Az_dcnOh8QkR4tXiLGS17MpYCT0YrsDEB_SnEoWi5mMqOV8rDLleBUfSb1u0WaZOz9Z83kvU2dwOB5J4NSByMFgSHw-mwSGAdakvKevrFCo1DlcQRCrxPOpWxsD2SIeAU/s1600/IMG_5523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8-7s1jpkb8Az_dcnOh8QkR4tXiLGS17MpYCT0YrsDEB_SnEoWi5mMqOV8rDLleBUfSb1u0WaZOz9Z83kvU2dwOB5J4NSByMFgSHw-mwSGAdakvKevrFCo1DlcQRCrxPOpWxsD2SIeAU/s400/IMG_5523.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A boat ride at night time in River Melaka can be very refreshing</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zaLqCfDxazUJ9Dg9W-v3uP4BU_ngpbhIX5K3oU7pjuGvcVhpVSQpCdX1svA_l6g6Nt5mi3KR98yl1DlYWEI7uo-5xjck6VJTIxAbNTs7_Z_zLhttR0Vp63WNmJO-PGnsbQD0k8qcEdgl/s1600/IMG_5458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zaLqCfDxazUJ9Dg9W-v3uP4BU_ngpbhIX5K3oU7pjuGvcVhpVSQpCdX1svA_l6g6Nt5mi3KR98yl1DlYWEI7uo-5xjck6VJTIxAbNTs7_Z_zLhttR0Vp63WNmJO-PGnsbQD0k8qcEdgl/s640/IMG_5458.JPG" width="419" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">360 degree view of Melaka from the rotating cabin of Menara Taming Sari</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinktsCjw04cNrS4tP223YI-6Z9dwM4WjTYq8PcIsUieIyLjeRmLxm_FA9P7L_jQ5Sir0-p3hGQA27tl1vTk27pwx0ZnzgXOzXExirXZlhPKwZTJLGSb17RE_TLmEs2XBmCI-Gm2NJtQ8c/s1600/IMG_5563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinktsCjw04cNrS4tP223YI-6Z9dwM4WjTYq8PcIsUieIyLjeRmLxm_FA9P7L_jQ5Sir0-p3hGQA27tl1vTk27pwx0ZnzgXOzXExirXZlhPKwZTJLGSb17RE_TLmEs2XBmCI-Gm2NJtQ8c/s400/IMG_5563.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eye on Melaka is situated on river bank. There are other attractions too</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V_fVM2cuVWbN-eIcpKv65tr3172GhfHp989fKP2eZ3JugUIYU_7mVFKcVzxlLvxnYZ5OVUoq7foK5R9AKTNomnTlauf3iK9Dy1sWIYgJusSmArQdxEVyxMokT2aV5NsRYi7IqLUvjfU/s1600/IMG_5460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V_fVM2cuVWbN-eIcpKv65tr3172GhfHp989fKP2eZ3JugUIYU_7mVFKcVzxlLvxnYZ5OVUoq7foK5R9AKTNomnTlauf3iK9Dy1sWIYgJusSmArQdxEVyxMokT2aV5NsRYi7IqLUvjfU/s400/IMG_5460.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Duck tour is done on an amphibious vehicle. It is a fun ride of 45 minutes</span></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicugLmzc48TCV1drd3cGUUlcCI5C9kMjywLXr1bIwynjIXAkO1cprbnw15GyvvD9Q1zHog4fnF8M-JmIlKdp5Yj3I3ET1s8fAEgw7hgkCe9tlFuI_0S00yfW73UgHBJcYhrx-Mrs6lAVY/s1600/IMG_5527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicugLmzc48TCV1drd3cGUUlcCI5C9kMjywLXr1bIwynjIXAkO1cprbnw15GyvvD9Q1zHog4fnF8M-JmIlKdp5Yj3I3ET1s8fAEgw7hgkCe9tlFuI_0S00yfW73UgHBJcYhrx-Mrs6lAVY/s400/IMG_5527.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Chinese Temple in Harmony Street</span><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">. The oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0KuM9RS-Yui7_nphGSkQsFf7r8dKwIAsAeDKsxpaMUKRyR80zgCBVQMCaWNK58cxpbp64dVZyXU5EOQUsB2INkF-644nlALssNz13pcZmwBeesU6vB0ABAId-J6qYhxINzydkxE7g9Oa/s1600/IMG_5424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0KuM9RS-Yui7_nphGSkQsFf7r8dKwIAsAeDKsxpaMUKRyR80zgCBVQMCaWNK58cxpbp64dVZyXU5EOQUsB2INkF-644nlALssNz13pcZmwBeesU6vB0ABAId-J6qYhxINzydkxE7g9Oa/s400/IMG_5424.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Mosque in Harmony Street of Melaka. Its architecture is Sumatran</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxfWdT-tUHFQTV8tBjvNUN5k8g3-1eu50aQPxeWqyPOomXz1gF7f2Pezw_e13jmRpNIWMXahHp1V5T7njvHCqkafUanJ6TJFF55jaxhc4NjJGwmsumuW1GuOoctObB4r9bwBvRU3g4EAc/s1600/IMG_5426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxfWdT-tUHFQTV8tBjvNUN5k8g3-1eu50aQPxeWqyPOomXz1gF7f2Pezw_e13jmRpNIWMXahHp1V5T7njvHCqkafUanJ6TJFF55jaxhc4NjJGwmsumuW1GuOoctObB4r9bwBvRU3g4EAc/s400/IMG_5426.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inside view of the mosque. One can see Victorian-style chandelier</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfqvPDpE7XfSXESq9LAjjAROYKybDZ1IzlRz1E_PgSGMRBtdgI82cWU-rd2FsrqUJvNDAWQh50loRP6vojv7kWj9qz3eLsxnavzg2GHVaapgViyI9FeuDheMWerDyq65-Ep1PuwL-bD0/s1600/IMG_5540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfqvPDpE7XfSXESq9LAjjAROYKybDZ1IzlRz1E_PgSGMRBtdgI82cWU-rd2FsrqUJvNDAWQh50loRP6vojv7kWj9qz3eLsxnavzg2GHVaapgViyI9FeuDheMWerDyq65-Ep1PuwL-bD0/s400/IMG_5540.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For authentic Baba-Nyonya food, don't miss to go to Donald & Lily's</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvtuq-aEzfld_Z3oay_zVPcm91pr6GRjQYYlHjOJYa3jZJBb8WifbalOPh-JBZ44quDs0MXDtFvQbeD7qVi-SVcRhUy5Dhkp3CMZVGf-PSXwMVviS3IiSXLuUE9sR11-8GXgzUvxjIm6x/s1600/IMG_5430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvtuq-aEzfld_Z3oay_zVPcm91pr6GRjQYYlHjOJYa3jZJBb8WifbalOPh-JBZ44quDs0MXDtFvQbeD7qVi-SVcRhUy5Dhkp3CMZVGf-PSXwMVviS3IiSXLuUE9sR11-8GXgzUvxjIm6x/s640/IMG_5430.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Famosa Restaurant on Jonker Street is famous for its chicken rice balls</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCoLeW-DiJaj9rlh5Bf6dbqkGfdVt0GdvWaCC_7Nvu6fcGTYuHOjqReR1nn5w74VHEee4QFHmQZNxRMbYPZJfskR48jtO01SziFAU8oyOqN7uvUbrb8-bmzLGkiVA9pJuGX1xbZwiJ4Q/s1600/IMG_5545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCoLeW-DiJaj9rlh5Bf6dbqkGfdVt0GdvWaCC_7Nvu6fcGTYuHOjqReR1nn5w74VHEee4QFHmQZNxRMbYPZJfskR48jtO01SziFAU8oyOqN7uvUbrb8-bmzLGkiVA9pJuGX1xbZwiJ4Q/s400/IMG_5545.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A Baba-Nyonya house, which has been converted into a museum now</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqkPqtQsw6xirCsius1FcsSNmBMnjNIzlkRYDhYoSc-DRZYiA6qmwYulr4aSanGTcbKvX0g-nyJB0hFWCywk_0SiuMOK5wKCJ_H-2Rxl9ZENybllVzRcDRbvIK__8hPhjxOSuOdCcvuQ/s1600/IMG_5543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqkPqtQsw6xirCsius1FcsSNmBMnjNIzlkRYDhYoSc-DRZYiA6qmwYulr4aSanGTcbKvX0g-nyJB0hFWCywk_0SiuMOK5wKCJ_H-2Rxl9ZENybllVzRcDRbvIK__8hPhjxOSuOdCcvuQ/s400/IMG_5543.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inside Baba-Nyonya house. It speaks of wealthy lifestyle of its owners</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g1jM8h25-GUkfNoEQIwlufJy8K-P1RhtKcq1yGpbVpLLcGPzQ6AC1wanqT8TWYmeN16FlQpo-aF4ZQ9hBv5fHGBt6EH_YS1mP1YEU4CB2ZAT8DzfZLu63AI5pBmfqhzymwSmolmaxsqy/s1600/IMG_5464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g1jM8h25-GUkfNoEQIwlufJy8K-P1RhtKcq1yGpbVpLLcGPzQ6AC1wanqT8TWYmeN16FlQpo-aF4ZQ9hBv5fHGBt6EH_YS1mP1YEU4CB2ZAT8DzfZLu63AI5pBmfqhzymwSmolmaxsqy/s400/IMG_5464.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">New parts of Melaka. These are built on reclaimed land and are well-planned</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAZUYrgIHMmt-NH0qln1iejlSigiTojWlezu1ICgGFUCwoJVRW1D0Ka2fQyqUzHBqU1eTWupVZirIO-qni2PK4OVf043btnycZcdQEqfg97FyHmrOXCG5xeKinWnKhQSCtNRDeJG4SMtO/s1600/IMG_5362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAZUYrgIHMmt-NH0qln1iejlSigiTojWlezu1ICgGFUCwoJVRW1D0Ka2fQyqUzHBqU1eTWupVZirIO-qni2PK4OVf043btnycZcdQEqfg97FyHmrOXCG5xeKinWnKhQSCtNRDeJG4SMtO/s400/IMG_5362.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking toward sea from St. Peter's Hill. Land seen here is reclaimed one</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp30_ka8E071wsxpLRwJ5xvxmujjo8bR8OoKHo9yS_sHuLfUtk_8gTH545hM1cV4h4lNCrE96YSDKv-acF1du4jgNEDNAzkGnDk8Wx3NyWC3NTTkRMQFPZDg1Pd7N7xV3Ae_Sh-qTeY_qg/s1600/IMG_5373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp30_ka8E071wsxpLRwJ5xvxmujjo8bR8OoKHo9yS_sHuLfUtk_8gTH545hM1cV4h4lNCrE96YSDKv-acF1du4jgNEDNAzkGnDk8Wx3NyWC3NTTkRMQFPZDg1Pd7N7xV3Ae_Sh-qTeY_qg/s400/IMG_5373.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The participants of the MAP Fest, which is being held every November</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItBvMuf-1C940xoAWVbnU4kIGYn8dgZh2DpXzAswQt09Y4phG1i-80aJ19g-R1itITLieoj-qNjm0rzpl8e5Ny1Ihj8HpCZkn0_K_cD-WpeDfV-iHoiwxCB31AjAMOcCITz8iLG6i7yo/s400/IMG_5444.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Colourful trishaws are unique to Melaka... in fact an identity for Melaka</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPmP9yvEDm1T1CJzg45cyarRnG9GvyktibQUIot8pxknIDIuNHVl3kKdKoj6DAhyry4Ewhyphenhyphenc5AvyJ4-0DOD0Q1EOX7l67B18Gs4bLeRgyPn5XTifssuromKDIfRUCcxfYqgabodB1Mt1Z/s1600/IMG_5493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPmP9yvEDm1T1CJzg45cyarRnG9GvyktibQUIot8pxknIDIuNHVl3kKdKoj6DAhyry4Ewhyphenhyphenc5AvyJ4-0DOD0Q1EOX7l67B18Gs4bLeRgyPn5XTifssuromKDIfRUCcxfYqgabodB1Mt1Z/s400/IMG_5493.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Children enjoying a ride in one of the trishaws on Jalan Kota</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QZSURuBPBmUuhu742YsuWmL8QGcMqIXiNtkII1Eh4H0PHeUDl38weH9CNeYc7KXc4mGzrSZumKQD7R-rIzJ8f-d9Q6dHo1re2XfqhBPs-F69wD7JDfOBaduxswgrfEXXbBlliBgrrulD/s1600/IMG_5388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QZSURuBPBmUuhu742YsuWmL8QGcMqIXiNtkII1Eh4H0PHeUDl38weH9CNeYc7KXc4mGzrSZumKQD7R-rIzJ8f-d9Q6dHo1re2XfqhBPs-F69wD7JDfOBaduxswgrfEXXbBlliBgrrulD/s400/IMG_5388.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">The Melakan Art and Performing Festival is becoming a regular feature now</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRgbTk8csfIUI8Se7WHX04tfZjCzXbCRNaFhfVtwk08T2SrJWnMiMi1cWJkq8Lw2T2rTqZZsGqOnH15JPSnf96JoLGVOfY4FZZvFoVAgwYo2Y_W9oUkrlPEP_f4FmU9StNn05LTdkAgU/s1600/IMG_5438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRgbTk8csfIUI8Se7WHX04tfZjCzXbCRNaFhfVtwk08T2SrJWnMiMi1cWJkq8Lw2T2rTqZZsGqOnH15JPSnf96JoLGVOfY4FZZvFoVAgwYo2Y_W9oUkrlPEP_f4FmU9StNn05LTdkAgU/s640/IMG_5438.jpg" width="451" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The fountain at the Town Square...dedicated to Queen Victoria of Britain</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFl4ZTYbCGs5zEVKiJgi6Z08mOr2lKyxJCcK05qafoEwfpoPJHROURTGMWdoQN4T3Vd2IA9Myg95hBDMOnLmIXIMorybXk1QCtU6-1dSoiSrSW9qvyxnbrDHubXQlgsWKO2ApMK0tbZ5c/s400/IMG_5443.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Town Square also known as the Dutch Square, has many roadside shops</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGmg89bQhdgqdnlYrWddNI8cGlIOrNiczA398N4bGYXxuRHD-XWZXM2ubc_WV7z5wzCQA7Dbd4EtaWFKHhb6eHys12GJfvTJNR3ixb7YaTGxI3L2fbAZkOA-HRETrNfM12jQOIQo0VJsl/s1600/IMG_5412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGmg89bQhdgqdnlYrWddNI8cGlIOrNiczA398N4bGYXxuRHD-XWZXM2ubc_WV7z5wzCQA7Dbd4EtaWFKHhb6eHys12GJfvTJNR3ixb7YaTGxI3L2fbAZkOA-HRETrNfM12jQOIQo0VJsl/s640/IMG_5412.jpg" width="408" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Clock Tower situated in the Dutch Square looks stunning at night </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCl0rE-14X93VcCqoPiIAOiifgxpNWCsibvgQKoedZhmr71C2FlvdByuNLaE_PHNApQ_nCcgX3Zt0rMO6Q_hgKWKkVxOxNnv7MvbzPpT06Me3v2OiPGXISWoNfaQPWBNZcS0vqeAD0IA/s1600/IMG_5434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCl0rE-14X93VcCqoPiIAOiifgxpNWCsibvgQKoedZhmr71C2FlvdByuNLaE_PHNApQ_nCcgX3Zt0rMO6Q_hgKWKkVxOxNnv7MvbzPpT06Me3v2OiPGXISWoNfaQPWBNZcS0vqeAD0IA/s400/IMG_5434.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Melaka River, which has been a backbone for Melakan economy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRlkp44wCAVOsJNdF0iENoHu6lWNxwH2BlsYWJPZzz_Bj2p3XT5pPdIukatR4TKGWG5eGGKQYYDdM7COGfYiktZ6PasxGmi8Sik1te1qFuspnKrUgUTc-0KCA1_BWeLctUObINLGT03k/s1600/IMG_5446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRlkp44wCAVOsJNdF0iENoHu6lWNxwH2BlsYWJPZzz_Bj2p3XT5pPdIukatR4TKGWG5eGGKQYYDdM7COGfYiktZ6PasxGmi8Sik1te1qFuspnKrUgUTc-0KCA1_BWeLctUObINLGT03k/s400/IMG_5446.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A monument on the banks of river, where bastions of fort were excavated </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoVTI-FwlAKbSFnp6DK5ajs7cOM7ZHpTcU-v2YCjVU731sp_0jHzLsCqNvtg_Eknl9tt15csgTeEjP45P6xrEQoU6bhufbZvdTP8nXsmBJtBhrXd1cxAF76hWrucd1HeCbthoJFEF-L4/s1600/IMG_5442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoVTI-FwlAKbSFnp6DK5ajs7cOM7ZHpTcU-v2YCjVU731sp_0jHzLsCqNvtg_Eknl9tt15csgTeEjP45P6xrEQoU6bhufbZvdTP8nXsmBJtBhrXd1cxAF76hWrucd1HeCbthoJFEF-L4/s640/IMG_5442.jpg" width="438" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The famous red Christ Church built by Dutch... Situated at the Town Square</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LMTyblxM9Xa62wB4l8SISmUvr1ktbbPZAdQ-DKeRZkvmt2Hwma3qBE3LvwL3jBKqfV9otdAJ9RR1_m7EtZIPpH7eGDsRB2949F4N2JHarURQMtwIcGA6fMSIMAN2FnczJDWI01EWZhc/s1600/IMG_5568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LMTyblxM9Xa62wB4l8SISmUvr1ktbbPZAdQ-DKeRZkvmt2Hwma3qBE3LvwL3jBKqfV9otdAJ9RR1_m7EtZIPpH7eGDsRB2949F4N2JHarURQMtwIcGA6fMSIMAN2FnczJDWI01EWZhc/s400/IMG_5568.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Graffiti on the rear walls of buildings situated on both sides of the river</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pRdEqsxAZHK3h6X3efW7WAEfaaSQPTOpsGvemXoujUu79_oPWW0PYuqdTI9mBdZQ0gcJPatVQ_UY7GIb0hS1nqnVRIBft-IsIbs2_ZtOPbGvarsTS8CB2qHTWFK7IxLGRGu-7lLNa_M/s1600/IMG_5456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pRdEqsxAZHK3h6X3efW7WAEfaaSQPTOpsGvemXoujUu79_oPWW0PYuqdTI9mBdZQ0gcJPatVQ_UY7GIb0hS1nqnVRIBft-IsIbs2_ZtOPbGvarsTS8CB2qHTWFK7IxLGRGu-7lLNa_M/s640/IMG_5456.jpg" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A replica of Flor Do Mar ship. It houses one of the maritime museums</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>All Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_166104233" style="color: #990000;">Ajay Garg</a></span></b></span></b><a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ajay" style="color: #990000;" target="_blank"></a></div>
</div>TerraHopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06182540217736563926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-66434612475605928022012-04-20T15:16:00.000+05:302012-11-10T02:20:36.891+05:30A Quick Escape to Alluring Alibaug<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If you are in and around Mumbai and looking for a quick escape from the
daily rut, Alibaug is the place for you! We had planned to go to Alibaug only for
two days but then extended our stay with one more day since our entire journey
was full of surprises with sparkling beaches and quaint villages and ancient
architecture. Alibaug is a pristine, nicely hidden quite little place with
beautiful beaches, just 130 kms away from Mumbai and 138 kms from Pune! The
place itself gives you a feeling of being into the interiors of Kerala. Just
imagine streets and beaches lined with hutments and coconut groves!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The beauty of Alibaug lies in its clean and clear beaches, surrounded
by beautiful forts like the Kolaba Fort and old churches, which instantly take
you to the an era gone by. There is a Magnetic Observatory that is more than
150 years old. Then there is fascinating tower of St Barbara, famous Vikram
Vinayak temple and a lot of small attractions thrown all over the place.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The main beaches near Alibaug are Kihim Beach, Rewas Beach, Saswane
Beach, Kashid Beach, Awas Beach and Mandwa Beach where you can see farmhouses of a lot of
film celebrities, and of course the Nagaon Beach. They all keep you enamored by
their white sands and cleanliness. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Places not to be missed<i><br /></i></span></b></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Kashid</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">A little ahead of Alibaug, almost 30 kms, is Kashid. Here you get your
first hand experience of true beach fun, with lots of shacks to relax, white
sand, camel and tonga rides, boating, surfing etc.</span></b></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Murud and Janjira</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">A stone’s throw away from Alibaug are small and sleepy twin towns of
Murud and Janjira. Historically, Murud holds a very important place. These
towns are just 45 kms away from Alibaug. Located on the sea shore, these towns
are prosperous due to seafood industries and flourishing tourism. Janjira is a
very famous fort in Murud, which is built 2 kms into the sea. During 15th and
16th centuries, it was the capital of Siddis. It was the Great Maratha Shivaji’s
base from where he initiated many of his famous assaults on his enemies. Due to
its strength and grandeur, the palace remained unattainable to all of his
rivals, however strong they had been.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Where to stay in Alibaug</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Accommodations in this part of the country are good enough to suit any
pocket, but it is the family-friendly hospitality which sweeps you off your
feet. For a relaxed stay and civilized service with contemporary services you
can opt for resorts like Shoreline Resort, Sand Piper Resorts, Golden Swan
Resort, Mahua Bagh and Lotus Beach Resort. For more economically suitable
options you can go for Boarding, Beach Resort Silver Sand, Sea Face, Kinara
Hotel, the Nest Bamboo House and Sea Shell Resort. There are cute little
cottages also available, owned by local people, at decent rates.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">How to get there </span></b></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Air</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Mumbai is the closest airport 140 kms away. From there, one can hire a
taxi to get to Alibaug, a 3-hour drive away. It is well connected through
roadways to the cities along the Konkan coast. There are prepaid taxis that are
available from Mumbai International Airport. The taxi operators charge around
Rs 1500 for a trip from Mumbai to Alibaug. </span></b></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Train</span></b></i><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">The closest main railway station is at <a href="http://www.mustseeindia.com/Panvel" style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Panvel</span></a>. Panvel is an
important station on Konkan Railway and is approximately 50 kms from Alibaug.
From Panvel, the road trip takes about one hour. Though the closest railway station is Pen, but not all trains stop at Pen. </span></b></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Bus</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Alibaug town is well connected by buses with Mumbai, Panvel, and Pune
etc. Buses also ply to most of the main beaches in the area. One can reach Alibaug via Pen. It is about 30 kms. From Pen, there are many buses. The main bus stop
is located at a walking distance from Alibaug Beach.</span></b><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Boat</span></b></i><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">It is the most preferred mode of transportation amongst local people. It is far quicker and exciting as compared to road or train journey. Alibaug is connected to Mumbai via two of its surrounding beaches. There is a catamaran service between Gateway of India and Mandwa beach, which operates between 6 am to 6 pm daily. The journey takes around 50 minutes. From Mandwa, the boat operators have their own chartered bus service to Alibaug. Bus journey is of 45 minutes and the ticket price includes both catamaran and bus fare. There is a second option from Dockyard Road in Mumbai. A ferry service operates daily between 6 am to 6 pm from Dockyard Road to Rewas. It is one hour journey and ticket price includes only sea fare. From Rewas, one has to go to Alibaug by State Transport bus or by auto-rickshaw and it takes around 1 hour. One has to keep in mind that ferry services are suspended if it is high tide, and those usually remain suspended during peak monsoon season.</span></b></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Taxi</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">You can also hire a taxi to go to Alibaug. Different operators charge
differently but whichever way you go, Alibaug is a great stress-buster with its
clean beaches, less crowd and sheer tranquility.</span></b></div>
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<b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Text and Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ambreen" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Ambreen Zaidi</span></a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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TerraHopperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06182540217736563926noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-54904000021279805082012-04-19T04:09:00.000+05:302012-11-16T00:13:29.900+05:30A Journey On Death Railway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOtkCoLU2G3Mxaem6HDp4euDIHB3TRmZxFh12PkpWFhyn0FTnTKcTgMGhW9nndQ0_k-lFwQEWa7gmElokIrO8FM4VngBV_HL5tzPSk8RGq-vHO-0mzHMPMz3Ox9bWSPe5Z-3o-Q7XJnE/s1600/IMG_3048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOtkCoLU2G3Mxaem6HDp4euDIHB3TRmZxFh12PkpWFhyn0FTnTKcTgMGhW9nndQ0_k-lFwQEWa7gmElokIrO8FM4VngBV_HL5tzPSk8RGq-vHO-0mzHMPMz3Ox9bWSPe5Z-3o-Q7XJnE/s640/IMG_3048.jpg" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I didn’t know that train journeys in Thailand could be so much fun, until I had hopped on a passenger train going from Thonburi in downtown Bangkok to Nam Tok situated in the hilly north-western region along the border with Burma. Apart from the journey itself, it was the thrill of being on Death Railway that had sowed the seeds of excitement in the first place. The infamous Death Railway once connected Siam (Thailand) with Burma (Myanmar). But I was not going up to the last station; my destination was Kanchanaburi- a small town and a state capital situated on the banks of River Kwai- and it was three and a half hours away. Most of the travellers going to that part of Thailand make Kanchanaburi as their base to explore further. It is in Kanchanaburi that you find the world-famous bridge on River Kwai (made famous by a 1957 movie ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ ).</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Before I take you onto this journey, let me tell you an interesting fact about the naming of the bridge. When this bridge was constructed during Second World War, it was not on River Kwai actually. It was built on the mighty River Mae Klong, but wrongly documented as built on River Kwai, which is in fact a smaller tributary and merges into River Mae Klong a little further downstream. To correct this historical mistake, River Mae Klong up till the merger was renamed as Kwai Yai (literally meaning ‘the Big Kwai’) and the tributary River Kwai was renamed as Kwai Noi (literally meaning ‘the Small Kwai’). And after the point where two Kwais merge, the river name remains the same as Mae Klong. It does sound interesting, no??</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt;">The Journey Starts</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">We were three friends visiting Thailand together. It was the month of December in 2010 and the sun was rising a little late in the northern hemisphere. So, when the train started from the station at 7.50 in the morning, it was still pleasant in otherwise hot and humid Thailand. The trains covering short distances usually have 3rd class seating compartments and seats are not reserved. The train fare in Thailand is according to the distance travelled, but they charge a flat fare of 100 Baht from foreign tourists travelling on Death Railway no matter where one wants to alight.</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">The railroad passes through some beautiful landscapes. As the train starts coming out of Bangkok and labyrinth of stone buildings starts thinning, green paddy fields and banana trees start meeting your eyes; and believe me, those are very soothing sights. You get to see a lot of country-side life on the way- quite opposite to what you witness in Bangkok. This is real Thailand.</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">And inside the compartment, you can get a chance to interact with this rural life of Thailand. Don’t be surprised if you find some of your co-passengers giving you constant glares and flashing a large grin the moment you happen to look straight into their eyes. After all, you are a foreigner and a rare and special commodity in the rural areas. You have to be lucky to get into conversation with one of them, because a very few of them know English.</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">It is advisable that you take enough eatables with you as these trains don’t have a pantry car. Though, you will frequently have vendors inside the train selling beer cans, water bottles and small eatables. We had got some packets of fried rice with us. It was fun to sip beer while cool breeze from the open windows was blowing in my face.</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">One more thing you will like about the train journeys in Thailand is the stations are very clean and are not crowded with vendors. The bigger stations do have eateries and other shops, but those are inside the station premises and never on the platforms- quite opposite to what you see in India.</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">We reached Kanchanaburi almost on time. But sadly, we had not crossed the famous bridge yet. It is about 5 kilometres ahead of Kanchanaburi station towards Nam Tok. This bridge was to be crossed on our return journey which we took two days later from Wang Po- a beautiful place further up in hills in Sai Yok area and the second last station on this route.</span></span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">The Return Journey</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywb3nGoH3IOTZRYrYYKfQn2QOXQgjHZh5nN9bfJDMhcDIdCrgz0s35a9vwMXFXAI0-xrOz7oAmVE-6rllcXmuU-Kr0NQpU43Y9vzv-s1XO-A3tSi49SSGbBI7qnVyw_3oRtXyu0sVnWU/s1600/IMG_3055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywb3nGoH3IOTZRYrYYKfQn2QOXQgjHZh5nN9bfJDMhcDIdCrgz0s35a9vwMXFXAI0-xrOz7oAmVE-6rllcXmuU-Kr0NQpU43Y9vzv-s1XO-A3tSi49SSGbBI7qnVyw_3oRtXyu0sVnWU/s400/IMG_3055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">The return journey was far more exciting- thrilling, to be accurate. We had stayed at Sai Yok the night before. It had a station named Wang Po. We boarded the train in after noon from there. Just after leaving Wang Po, the train crosses Wang Po viaduct- a wooden bridge which is in the last stages of its life. It is built along River Kwai Noi. The train speed is so low that it almost crawls. And below on the right side you see a sprawling water body. Don’t be surprised if your heart skips a beat... It was one of the most thrilling experiences I had in life. And on the banks of river, one can see lush green lawns of resorts. These resorts offer the beat stay in the area.</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">The rail section between Nam Tok and Kanchanaburi runs through lush green hills and above the meandering river and it offers some great views. I had missed this on my journey two days before which had ended at Kanchanaburi. But the return leg compensated for the earlier miss. </span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Our final moment of exhilaration during this return leg came when we reached ‘the bridge’. As the train took a curve and the bridge came into sight, I could see many tourists taking a stroll on it. How the train is going to pass them!!! Well, the train slowed down and the strollers took refuge on small platforms built at regular intervals on both sides of the bridge. They waved when train passed them. It was an unforgettable moment. And it had completed my first experience as a train traveller in Thailand. My second train experience in Thailand came one year and two months later when I went to Chiang Mai. That I will describe in my next article.</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Some Helpful Tips </span></div>
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<ul style="color: black;">
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The trains usually run late in Thailand, and this was the case during my return journey and my journey to Chiang Mai. They will start on time, mind it… but will get delayed during journey. You can blame it on single line on most of the sections. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For 3rd class compartments, there is no need to buy tickets in advance. But you should be at the station early to get good seat if you are starting from originating station.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Outside Thonburi station, there are many vendors who sell cooked food. The food is good and clean.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The train to Kanchanaburi departs two times daily from Thonburi station. First one at 7.50 and second one at 13.55. and the train from Nam Tok departs at 5.20 and 12.55 daily for Bangkok.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The biggest station or the central station in Bangkok is called Hua Lamphong. It is located in the centre of the city in Pathum Wan area on Rama VI road. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There is online booking system of train tickets in Thailand. You can check the availability of seats than can book your tickets at <a href="http://www.thairailticket.com/" style="color: black;">www.thairailticket.com</a> The charge per transaction is 20 Baht and you can book four passengers in one transaction.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Else, you can use private train travel agencies like <a href="http://www.thailandtrainticket.com/InTrainThailand.aspx" style="color: black;" target="_blank">www.thailandtrainticket.com</a><span style="color: black;">, </span><a href="http://www.asia-discovery.com/train.htm" style="color: black;" target="_blank">www.asia-discovery.com</a> or <a href="http://www.thaifocus.com/travel/train/" style="color: black;" target="_blank">www.thaifocus.com</a>. These agencies charge a fee for booking tickets through them.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Text and Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ajay" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Ajay Garg</span></a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<ul style="color: black;"></ul>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-70373425199874108162012-04-17T14:33:00.001+05:302012-11-10T02:22:59.757+05:30Amsterdam- The Sin City<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">My first
impressions of this city were foggy. Literally; the city is filled with
fearless smokers at its every nook and corner. It is a city that is known for
its legal permissiveness of sex and drugs. A city that attracts millions of
travellers every year; a city that lets you unleash that wild side you
otherwise keep tamed for the real world. This is the city of freedom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In </span><a href="http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;">Amsterdam</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;">, </span>you’re
probably considered an outcast if you’re not looking for sex, drugs and crazy
partying. I was one such outcast. In a bid to explore beyond the periphery of
the usual suspects, I found some intriguing spots in a vast cobweb of canals.
Aside from the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House and the Heineken
Experience, I also discovered Dutch-style fries drowned in mayonnaise, the colourful
Dutch tulips, their large family-size pancakes, numerous bicycles everywhere,
and much, much more.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/" style="color: red;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Rijksmuseum</span></a><span style="color: red;"> @ </span><i style="color: red;">Jan Luijkenstraat 1</i><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Considered to be
one of the 10 most principal museums in the world, the Rijksmuseum houses works
of notable artists like Rembrandt </span>van Rijn<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (The Night Watch) and Het Joodse
Bruidje (The Jewish Bride) are on view here. It also contains a vast collection
of Netherlandish paintings from 15th to late 19th century, together with Delft
earthenware and a gorgeous doll house. There, I happened to witness a very
intriguing artist at work. The objet d'art of artist Maarten Baas was a huge
grandfather clock inside which a man is seated (visible through a translucent
white screen), who changes the time every minute. It was so fascinating that
most of the crowd would finish the museum tour and then spend several minutes
at the exit watching time change minute by minute.<br />
<i>Open from 9am-6pm (till 10pm on Fridays); Admission fee €10</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp?lang=nl" style="color: red;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;">Van Gogh Museum</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> @ <i>Paulus
Potterstraat 7</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">For any Van Gogh fan, this is a
must-visit. This three-storied building illustrates Vincent Van Gogh’s
development as an artist and captures facets of his personal life through a
permanent collection of over 200 paintings and 500 drawings; along with letters
and quotes from his family and friends. One of its current biggest attractions
is the reproduction of one of his most famous paintings- The Bedroom- through a
life-size visual display. It also serves as a visually vibrant educational
platform for someone who isn’t familiar with his work. You can also take home
some of his works in a miniature avatar at the museum’s souvenir shop
that has everything from magnets to mugs to coasters to button pins to puzzles
to chocolates (with wrappers decked with the paintings) to table mats to tea
pots to lunch bags.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Open from 10am-6pm (till 10pm on
Fridays); Admission fee €14</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.heinekenexperience.com/AgeCheck" style="color: red;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The Heineken Experience</span></a> @ <i>Stadhouderskade
78</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Amsterdam is the birthplace of one of
the world’s finest beers, Heineken. The Heineken Experience comprises the first
ever Heineken brewery, opened in 1887, that was transformed into a visitor
centre that held informative tours on the brewing process of this beer. Today, the
Heineken Experience offers an exciting interactive tour that last for an hour
and half spread over 19 different rooms. It includes historic exhibits, the
brewing process through interactive videos, their advertising reel starting
from 1958, a football section with memorabilia together with foosball tables, a
stable with Heineken shire horses, a section where you can create videos, do a
karaoke number and click photographs of yourself and send it to your friends, a
special simulated movie called Brew Your Ride explaining the brewing process in
a lighter vein, and a souvenir shop with T-shirts, glasses, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">My favourite
part of this ‘experience’, however, was definitely the tasting room- where you
can also learn how to pour beer the right way, how to correctly skim the foam,
and more tips from the experts- and the Brew U section, where you can create
your very own personalized beer bottle etched with your name on it.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Open from 10am-6pm (Tue-Sun); Admission
fee €14</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.annefrank.org/" style="color: red;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;">Anne Frank House</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> @ <i>Prinsengracht 267</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">This was truly an extremely emotional
experience, yet an unforgettable one. Having known nothing about her, not only
was I enlightened about her story but also was touched by it. This is the
actual house where Anne Frank hid from the Nazis for over two years. The house,
now a well-laid museum, puts together her story and the history of the eight
people who hid there between 1942 and 1944, and those who helped them during
their hiding, the way she recounts it in her diary. It even has actual pages
she initially wrote on, as well as medium-sized model of the room she stayed
in hiding. Also on display are several videos by people who knew her expressing
her family’s anguish over the perils they had to face. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">However, it was her father’s video that
really shook me. I didn’t expect to feel so overwhelmed. And I certainly didn’t
think that I was going to cry. But it took me by surprise, and without
invitation just came rolling down when I heard him say (about Anne, after
reading her journal); ‘You never really know who your children really are.’</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Open daily from 9am-7pm (till 9pm between
March and Sept); Admission fee €7.50</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">A Canal Cruise @ <i>Damrak 26</i> </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Enjoy a relaxing evening by taking a
canal cruise, as it lets you see the city in the most laid-back way. It’s a
great way to see Amsterdam’s most prominent spots and understand its history
and architectural influences via this one-hour tour.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tour departs every 15 minutes from
10am-4.30pm (till 6pm from April to Sept); Tickets start from €10</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sneak Peeks</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tulips and clogs (wooden shoes) are trademarks of the
Dutch capital, so pick some up at the Bloenmarkt (Flower Market) along the Singel
canal.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For large, main-course-plate-sized pancakes, make a
stopover at T’Singeltje, along the Bloenmarkt. It has welcoming wooden
furniture with vintage photographs of Amsterdam on the wall. Oddly, it has
napkins on the lamps. Never understood that!</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Walk into the Magic Mushroom gallery -also along the Bloenmarkt- to purchase everything
and anything related to drugs: seeds, pipes, bongs, candies, chocolates,
cookies, and loads more.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I didn’t visit any coffee shops, but
according to hearsay, Bulldog Cafe is supposedly a popular spot. If cheese is
your fix, then you must try the wide variety at Henri Willig Cheese. The
flavours range from pesto and fenugreek to pepper and herbs and garlic
cheese. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Adding to the list of museums in
Amsterdam, you could also explore the </span><a href="http://www.sexmuseumamsterdam.nl/index2.html" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;">Sex Museum</span></a><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt;">
(tracing its history), </span><a href="http://hashmuseum.com/" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;">Marijuana Museum</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><a href="http://www.torturemuseum.com/" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;">TortureMuseum</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">
and </span><a href="http://www.vodkamuseum.com/" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;">Vodkamuseum</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you just want a lazy afternoon
sitting by a lake or cycling around a park, Vondelpark -just south of the city
centre- is the place to be. Sprawled over one and a half kilometres, it has
numerous paths, lakes, wide expanses of green and a restaurant/bar.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For a quick satisfying meal, head to any of Amsterdam’s
FEBO outlets. They are everywhere! You should be able to get a good burger for
around €2. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Have a Great Trip</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxFvDQVpbg0LFjGBaOq_wfaMXbGdcy8gwUtUFUzsLLBbZZ0wzuw9Zj8Sv0D5xfzO_ffnGvRuWBze88g8nmi-VQtLaXcX0z3Ab16y9y7FTgVMT9Uq8tzG89nViKbKTEb3Je993GET-W0U/s1600/IMG_1307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxFvDQVpbg0LFjGBaOq_wfaMXbGdcy8gwUtUFUzsLLBbZZ0wzuw9Zj8Sv0D5xfzO_ffnGvRuWBze88g8nmi-VQtLaXcX0z3Ab16y9y7FTgVMT9Uq8tzG89nViKbKTEb3Je993GET-W0U/s400/IMG_1307.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul style="color: black;">
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When planning your trip, double-check all of the above as
admission fees and timings are subject to change.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Be sure to do a search on ‘Free things to do in
Amsterdam’. There are several things to do and places you can visit that are
free of cost and it is best to know before you reach, so that you can plan your
days accordingly. For example, you can catch a free concert at The Boekmanzaal,
which hosts free concerts (performed by either Netherlands Philharmonic
Orchestra, the Choir of the Netherlands Opera or the Netherlands Ballet
Orchestra) on Tuesdays at 12.30pm from September-May.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Dam Square is often abuzz with activity with some
crazy street artists putting up fun attire and tricks to entertain an audience.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Accommodation</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I stayed at the Stayokay Hostel in
Stadsdoelen. You can find many budget accomodations on travel websites like <a href="http://www.hostelbookers.com/" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">www.hostelbookers.com</span></a><span style="color: black;"> and </span><a href="http://www.hostelworld.com/" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">www.hostelworld.com</span></a><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
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<b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Text and Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ruchika" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Ruchika Vyas</span></a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">of </span></em><a href="http://www.travellerstories.com/" target="_blank"><em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Traveller</span></span><span style="color: black;"> Stories</span></span></em></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></em></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-43387606490197747392012-04-06T02:09:00.001+05:302012-11-10T02:48:17.298+05:30Excitement Knows No Boundaries Here<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvdMK6EYCprG-ruOLrQOhhWqYAB2iZcuw8PifssvK0H7w_jdi6oKWoLgdS48nV9W_W8TklVchiBK3GGgR5P_YZGCj1GpAKvxQaweNLBZtkTLyLnNZECcPoSHegz_qRWrM06kYOPFuFSc/s1600/IMG_8494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvdMK6EYCprG-ruOLrQOhhWqYAB2iZcuw8PifssvK0H7w_jdi6oKWoLgdS48nV9W_W8TklVchiBK3GGgR5P_YZGCj1GpAKvxQaweNLBZtkTLyLnNZECcPoSHegz_qRWrM06kYOPFuFSc/s640/IMG_8494.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If you have heard enough stories about animosity between India and Pakistan, then I must tell you about a place where they actually see eye-to-eye. Well, when I say this I am putting it quite literally. It is Wagah Border (Indians now call it Attari Border) between the two countries where a retreat ceremony is held every evening. During the ceremony, Indian and Pakistani border guards make some fierce eye-contacts with each other while displaying equally aggressive body language. And screams and shouts filled with patriotism from both sides of the border filling the air!!! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Don’t be amazed if you have to close your ears when somebody sitting near you shouts a slogan in such a high volume that surprises him also. You can feel blood rushing through your vessels and adrenalin level touching new heights. Such is the feel of Wagah Border. If you have been to open borders between various member countries of European Union where crossing into another country is a smooth sailing as if you are roaming in your own backyard, then you will find Wagah Border quite an experience. The western travellers do find it very interesting and refreshing. It is indeed a treat to watch this retreat. So, if you are in Amritsar or anywhere nearby, then you must not miss this place.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">We planned to visit Wagah Border when we were in Amritsar. There are VIP rows on the either side of the road near the border gate, and if you have some connections you can make it to one of those rows. But all this is to be done before you reach there. One of my senior editorial colleagues arranged this for us. The name-list for VIP entry of that evening is closed at 12 noon. My colleague had called them at 1.30 pm. It was late, but we were told that he somehow had managed to get our names included in the list through the Brigadier of Border Security Force. And, we were there in the evening to witness those memorable moments. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq_44iOdUxl2h4DS1p0__npWnFiCLyR6wcXUZGs-mS0y1wUooHMs9y2ppdj3MmmEakrP4CvQ9gaoIYMV6yXVPiOcXW8uZHXBxgSkKAJRARvFG6ZzXKmoxjTJpVPKTshOSWsl5VGJPtYU/s1600/IMG_8484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq_44iOdUxl2h4DS1p0__npWnFiCLyR6wcXUZGs-mS0y1wUooHMs9y2ppdj3MmmEakrP4CvQ9gaoIYMV6yXVPiOcXW8uZHXBxgSkKAJRARvFG6ZzXKmoxjTJpVPKTshOSWsl5VGJPtYU/s400/IMG_8484.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The border is 32 kms from Amritsar. On the way from Amritsar to Attari, you can see milestones mentioning distance to Lahore in Pakistan. Last one was showing the distance to Lahore as 30 kms. So, Amritsar and Lahore are at almost equal distance on either side from the border. The retreat ceremony starts at 5.30 pm in summers and 5.00 pm in winters, and during this the border gates are opened and national flags are lowered.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAorF-YwEQnjCsHvEjc-AP5hozIHXcCBdukOVZoUuO7GGQjGEuugR256snDqlyK4JlaD4VzdqstRxchv3VZvJ0FSc7kH40Rm0NgoK5ZTnaivbgykF17lDt2mRL8-8VZE08jl6K0JbtWng/s1600/IMG_8503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAorF-YwEQnjCsHvEjc-AP5hozIHXcCBdukOVZoUuO7GGQjGEuugR256snDqlyK4JlaD4VzdqstRxchv3VZvJ0FSc7kH40Rm0NgoK5ZTnaivbgykF17lDt2mRL8-8VZE08jl6K0JbtWng/s400/IMG_8503.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">We arrived at the parking area of border at 5 pm. There, I came to know that my name was not there in the VIP list. With a bad mood, I parked my vehicle there and called the Brigadier. Usually, you don’t get any mobile network there, but fortunately I got connected to him. He immediately flashed message on wireless to allow me in VIP area. My mood had lightened up now. We started walking towards the border; there are two security-checks on the way. But there was so much rush that it took us about 15 minutes to reach up to the border gate, which was 250 meters from parking area. When you are going there, remember not to carry any bag or lighter, cigarettes etc. And if you are carrying a camera, then better leave its carry-case in your vehicle. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oP9YFv3fgb2NAJB4kHOfOYgIJAISalP4n8QxWavr4dBqTFaeGwx0ezxjd0x3VnU7toNL3cHLGe1G68g3E2UOYIQdwmfGn2oFpIc3DENFa4gaEsJy5jGOCUZrbqvJIufI7ihU_JLO2Ac/s1600/IMG_8490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oP9YFv3fgb2NAJB4kHOfOYgIJAISalP4n8QxWavr4dBqTFaeGwx0ezxjd0x3VnU7toNL3cHLGe1G68g3E2UOYIQdwmfGn2oFpIc3DENFa4gaEsJy5jGOCUZrbqvJIufI7ihU_JLO2Ac/s400/IMG_8490.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">We were a bit late, so could not get the higher seat o the stands. We got the lower front row, but it was good as far as visibility was concerned. The ceremony started in five minutes. As the parade started on both sides of border, people this side started shouting ‘Hindustan Zindabad’. As if it stirred the spectators on the other side, the Pakistanis also started shouting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ and ‘Jiyo Jiyo Pakistan’. The atmosphere had soon become quite exciting. It had shaken up our patriotic emotions in such a way that we did not know when we ourselves were shouting ‘Hindustan Zindabad’. Even the foreigners sitting around us were no exception. They were equally charged up and screaming slogans. While Indian pavilions were packed to their capacity, Pakistan pavilions were almost empty. I was told that it is a usual sight. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBex81noxHD1_fCSM_-SL9Xg2S3sE8os5M-xpiS-59GBfGFhznBHGus25YSPR2Cg4_i7m0Dsbwg5N3S4WhO-CDYfrOJGbxx5YNFzaJTVQluSlTg_vcBQwvqCJWrRoeK84ZA0nhajQFtJw/s1600/IMG_0359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBex81noxHD1_fCSM_-SL9Xg2S3sE8os5M-xpiS-59GBfGFhznBHGus25YSPR2Cg4_i7m0Dsbwg5N3S4WhO-CDYfrOJGbxx5YNFzaJTVQluSlTg_vcBQwvqCJWrRoeK84ZA0nhajQFtJw/s400/IMG_0359.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The ceremony itself was full of drama on either side. It seems that the border guys on both sides practise every move together. They were exhibiting the same actions at the same time. Finally, the gates were opened and we could see people on other side very clearly. Pakistanis are the same race as we are, we are the same people; there is no difference. I was wondering if some of them came to this side or some of us went to the other side through open gates, nobody would be able to identify who was their own and who was the neighbour. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">After the ceremony is over, one can buy from the souvenir shop, which is on right side of the gate. There is a souvenir shop on Pakistan side also, just at the right side of the gate.</span></b></div>
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<b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">How to </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">R</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">each Border from Amrits</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">ar</span></b></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The best way is to hire a taxi to go to Wagah Border. There are number of taxi stands at Amritsar. The fare is not fixed and you can bargain. You must hire taxi for a return journey. Also, auto rickshaws ply on Amritsar-Attari road. The rates are more or less fixed and by paying Rs. 50 you can reach Wagah Border.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Why Wagah Border is important</span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7jorpso7Q9wWe2fZW-9uzgBahokym3FaNCvUZrP1I6AsYrbfUjdPq9rUmTHv7yMEPH98TCnFhcZ96xXK0ijEMlf41r8ZlMdQ3XWN2eo6NkscMsB1U225sda6GgetZIBBDeme1_PFsbY/s1600/IMG_8473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7jorpso7Q9wWe2fZW-9uzgBahokym3FaNCvUZrP1I6AsYrbfUjdPq9rUmTHv7yMEPH98TCnFhcZ96xXK0ijEMlf41r8ZlMdQ3XWN2eo6NkscMsB1U225sda6GgetZIBBDeme1_PFsbY/s400/IMG_8473.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">This border route is used to carry vegetables and grains between both countries. Loaded trucks can be seen at the border on both sides of the road. Trucks are unloaded at border, checked and then reloaded in the trucks of other country. The bus service connecting India with Pakistan also passes through this route. There is a village named Attari on Indian side from where train to Pakistan called ‘Samjhauta Express’ departs. Both countries have their customs setup at the border.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Text and Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Naveen" style="color: #990000;" target="_blank">Naveen Choudhary</a></span></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-30227940339277019082012-04-05T02:44:00.000+05:302012-11-08T03:29:50.604+05:30In Love with Las Vegas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje73ffIAKK5ktzMEKPHjg_LGSqhBHgB3nETuODUpRz8JG3Zdccs1apRuk297h8ui4__Mqtu6gxfw5VIvZCuIk-ezrwcTLKUzRDrlsP-5kHiMCD4kmWr3nUMCLYlpYUM4yJnYuDXWQpRRw/s1600/Bellagio6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje73ffIAKK5ktzMEKPHjg_LGSqhBHgB3nETuODUpRz8JG3Zdccs1apRuk297h8ui4__Mqtu6gxfw5VIvZCuIk-ezrwcTLKUzRDrlsP-5kHiMCD4kmWr3nUMCLYlpYUM4yJnYuDXWQpRRw/s400/Bellagio6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">In Las Vegas, the 6.8 kilometres long strip is the most happening one at the night time</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Suddenly in the middle of a long, dreary and dark desert, you find millions of lights, fireworks and amazing buildings, a castle here and a Disneyland there, with a pyramid or an Eiffel Tower thrown in between. This is Las Vegas for you… a city famous for its booze, drugs and sex!! This surely was not my choice of a holiday destination when my hubby first suggested it. But a trip to this wonderful city eventually changed all the perception I had for it. Some call it the City of Dreams; some call it the City of Sin; but a city of unlimited fun it surely is if you know where to draw the line.</span> </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Five days in the City of Entertainment </span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMq6j5GTvfO3lLg31TQKoCWXkp4xuLSkuzRSwEZIrZtdwkOp7mEmyGUMY-xGbnQodetJdsDOyPZtpeuvQ5nmv1fvHZ53F3S6__CGnQoTiWolC2uAnic1MOa2WdUtf42uqSE5F7-cST2M/s1600/197543_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMq6j5GTvfO3lLg31TQKoCWXkp4xuLSkuzRSwEZIrZtdwkOp7mEmyGUMY-xGbnQodetJdsDOyPZtpeuvQ5nmv1fvHZ53F3S6__CGnQoTiWolC2uAnic1MOa2WdUtf42uqSE5F7-cST2M/s400/197543_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">The Cosmopolitan Hotel, which boasts of one of the best terrace rooms in Las Vegas</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">We had driven to Las Vegas from Los Angeles and stayed there for five days. It was going to be a never-before and never-again experience in this Entertainment City of the World. We ogled the lions that prowl by card tables at the MGM; visited Shark Reef aquarium at the Mandalay Bay; watched a volcano exploding outside the Mirage and white tigers strolling around inside its casino. Outside Treasure Island, bikini-wearing pirates attack one another in a pyrotechnic naval display. Then there are the Bellagio's dancing fountains; the gondolas indoors at the Venetian; the revolving bar and trapeze artistes at the Circus Circus, and what not. You imagine a thing, and in most probability you are going to find it in Las Vegas.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqu1uZDROW7asIF5QoiIMNztfIJ7kWcfqI8lkiA0YDi3anS0LdFwth64VJwfBiVYCatP1HCslDc10iV1rY_3RqIxhjShEeUmwcjjJ4snvNEWOfXgH5Ps_hupV6d3RzfOqd9XAcu2wAtn4/s1600/Bellagio2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqu1uZDROW7asIF5QoiIMNztfIJ7kWcfqI8lkiA0YDi3anS0LdFwth64VJwfBiVYCatP1HCslDc10iV1rY_3RqIxhjShEeUmwcjjJ4snvNEWOfXgH5Ps_hupV6d3RzfOqd9XAcu2wAtn4/s400/Bellagio2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">The Paris Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip has a replica of Eiffel Tower built in front of it </span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">All of the best hotels to visit there are located on the Las Vegas Strip, which is a 6.8-kilometre stretch of the Las Vegas Boulevard. It is not a part of the Las Vegas proper and rather lies outside the city limits. This strip is like a never-ending party, which has been going on forever and ever.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">But you never lose on experience</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXhuDMvAZCw3xqIWlMAXzP-o8EOWaSdEpl4L0V4-9i6kY6nnX-nRCaIwFsHbQFFJTxowwg5lUeBVBDOCJEcMEaI94kvrllS1fkWXyqtFgrKQUvYdXqcfEWLGeG8E9lgjhHjaYTwnv_E4/s1600/4342816_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXhuDMvAZCw3xqIWlMAXzP-o8EOWaSdEpl4L0V4-9i6kY6nnX-nRCaIwFsHbQFFJTxowwg5lUeBVBDOCJEcMEaI94kvrllS1fkWXyqtFgrKQUvYdXqcfEWLGeG8E9lgjhHjaYTwnv_E4/s640/4342816_orig.jpg" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Laughing Buddha statue at Aria Resort and Casino, which is located within the CityCentre </span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">When we entered Caesar’s Palace hotel in Las Vegas, we had no idea about how to play roulette or even at the slot machines. We threw $50 on the black and tried our luck. A young attendant fired the ball around circular groove and spun the roulette wheel in the opposite direction. Players and spectators watched the ball spiral slower, falling, popping up in the air and finally settling on. Black!! We couldn’t actually believe that it was happening to us. And after few more takes our modest amount of $200, which we had kept aside only for gambling, had swelled to $500. This egged us to try our luck even more the next day.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGshG2skmCsRhr2yRy06gqkaLZK3YgE5loLIDqWUDuulEZyufukj7BQvPA1zDCruJWxuP4ZTDdlnw2po7-3Hw4lyYAGurHienodChkePad4MH0LtgfAfyeCv6mCNr0avtY0oENe5G4Uo/s1600/357536_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGshG2skmCsRhr2yRy06gqkaLZK3YgE5loLIDqWUDuulEZyufukj7BQvPA1zDCruJWxuP4ZTDdlnw2po7-3Hw4lyYAGurHienodChkePad4MH0LtgfAfyeCv6mCNr0avtY0oENe5G4Uo/s400/357536_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">The resorts and casinos there have some or the other unique themes thrown everywhere</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Each of the casino-hotels has a unique motif and features a large casino area containing thousands of slot machines and hundreds of gaming tables. And, even the smaller ones have over 2,000 guest rooms each. Each of these casino-hotels contains many large swimming pools, multiple multi-cuisine restaurants and a variety of entertainment venues. Some of them offer health spas, wedding chapels and golf packages too.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2aYgxVJ2MdVfyOmA5p7eP_zclemOp0sg0Utrjv275mokC3-OcmnY78TAKokpAqt6GHEWaqhChDECh0xNC44SoqiADnm894VysGGpC1cY_JHjLjaIgPWxSTOdLYGmcxLF1eZVf2tqZkw/s1600/Bellagio3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2aYgxVJ2MdVfyOmA5p7eP_zclemOp0sg0Utrjv275mokC3-OcmnY78TAKokpAqt6GHEWaqhChDECh0xNC44SoqiADnm894VysGGpC1cY_JHjLjaIgPWxSTOdLYGmcxLF1eZVf2tqZkw/s400/Bellagio3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">The area in front of Bellagio Hotel during day time. It is on the famous Las Vegas Strip</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhwFDLa37cfVfPj3GizYHVwefg3nLcPwwTR6dsPC98sjCZCwKWShnB7a41Fk5c2uH963oM1QRFLBdp5TvQlBNNBMr3vFwBdBOTmACtvF44eW2IIpol2eRkYln1l-H1pRn1JQzj4KUvkA/s1600/Bellagio7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhwFDLa37cfVfPj3GizYHVwefg3nLcPwwTR6dsPC98sjCZCwKWShnB7a41Fk5c2uH963oM1QRFLBdp5TvQlBNNBMr3vFwBdBOTmACtvF44eW2IIpol2eRkYln1l-H1pRn1JQzj4KUvkA/s400/Bellagio7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">he fountain show in front of the Bellagio Hotel at night is spectacular one. It's a free show</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Las Vegas is a music lover's delight. The city hosts resident music shows by icons of western pop and rock like Elton John and Donny and Marie. Illusionist and magician Cirque Du Soleil has five regular shows here. But, if you are considering going very cheap in Las Vegas and save money as much as possible, you need to know what the best free attractions are. You can always count on free drinks if you’re gambling in Las Vegas, but what to do if you are tapped out and need to kill a few hours before you try to make your comeback? You could sit out in front of the Bellagio and watch free fountain show. If you are in Downtown, then better you hang around the Fremont Street Experience and see free light show there.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGa_9z_CMZwKZEA-L4bOtm0NUqAdQQLbVSKYHGo4yJ5VW65C1_VD86crZKqMc1m944xMFikLDN5A1DfN5d4zvFH-KSae4rw5tZ3pXs-3UgnBC2GYOLtmsQv-LhMZNyLmBvG_QDrvM8oo/s1600/Bellagio5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGa_9z_CMZwKZEA-L4bOtm0NUqAdQQLbVSKYHGo4yJ5VW65C1_VD86crZKqMc1m944xMFikLDN5A1DfN5d4zvFH-KSae4rw5tZ3pXs-3UgnBC2GYOLtmsQv-LhMZNyLmBvG_QDrvM8oo/s640/Bellagio5.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">This replica is no small. It is 541-foot high and is a signature landmark on Las Vegas Strip</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">All glitter everywhere. It is what Las Vegas is all about, where nights are brighter than days</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Las Vegas can boast of very expensive premium-range hotels, boutique hotels and resorts. Some of the most famous ones Include Wynn Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino, Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, Bellagio, Luxor Hotel Casino, Excalibur Hotel Casino, MGM Grand Hotel Casino, Paris Las Vegas Hotel Casino, Mandalay Bay Hotel Casino, Caesar's Palace Hotel Casino, Mirage Hotel Casino, Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, Flamingo Las Vegas, Circus Circus Hotel Casino. Out of these, The Venetian combined with The Palazzo (both are in the same complex and owned by a single corporation) holds record of having the largest number of hotel rooms in the world. The total number of rooms there are 8108, of which 4049 are suites. Whereas, MGM Grand comes at 3rd position with 6582 rooms.</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">One more unique thing in Vegas is that you can get married here without a license (in every other state of US you first need a license), so lot many people just come here to get married… and for great gambling, of course.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Eating and Drinking in Las Vegas</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">The Jean Philippe Patisserie is a well-known food joint, which is always full with customers</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Who can curb the temptation to have them?? One should not when one is in Las Vegas</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Aureole, Mandalay Bay Resort (001-702-632-7401) <a href="http://www.aureolelv.com/" style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">www.aureolelv.com</span></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Tableau, Wynn Las Vegas (001-702-248-3463) <a href="http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/" style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">www.wynnlasvegas.com</span></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">How to Reach from India</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The fastest way to reach Las Vegas is to fly to Chicago or New York from India and take a domestic carrier from there to the city. The flying time on a direct Air India flight between New Delhi and Chicago or New York is approximately 16 hours. And from either Chicago or New York, it will take nearly 4 hours to reach Las Vegas. An average middle class Indian tourist can stay in Las Vegas for three nights for 100 dollars. If you have friends and relatives living nearby, it surely works out better and cheaper. But one thing is for sure that Las Vegas is a complete family holiday destination offering everything for everyone.</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">More Information</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Las Vegas Tourism (001-702-892-0711) <a href="http://www.visitlasvegas.com/" style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">www.visitlasvegas.com</span></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i style="color: black;">Text by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ambreen" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Ambreen Zaidi</span></a></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Photos by</i> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/David" style="color: #990000;" target="_blank">David Hellard</a> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">of <a href="http://recalibration.weebly.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Recalibration Photography</span></a></span></em></span></span></b></span></em></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-68101733822624017072012-03-13T13:15:00.000+05:302012-11-10T02:25:02.743+05:30Ladakh Can Leave You Spellbound<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I still can’t understand why it felt the way I felt when I saw Ladakh for the first time. Suddenly, after travelling through various landscapes, we were amidst huge, rocky and barren mountains, which were sometimes yellow, sometimes red and sometimes white. For me it was a déjà vu, a strong sense of home-coming. The place was Upshi and it was a beauty beyond description. It felt as if I belonged to this marvelous place.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I had fallen in love with Ladakh very long ago after watching a documentary on television. So, the moment my hubby told me about our still-undecided programme to go to Ladakh for a holiday, I was exhilarated. It was a childhood dream waiting to be realized. He had been sanctioned one-month annual leave- a part of which we wanted to spend in the mountains before going home. And then began our inquiries about the road, route and terrain etc…. after all, we were not alone; we had our two-year old son with us. We decided to go by car and cruise on Manali-Leh route, as going via Srinagar was highly inadvisable. But the moment we entered Ladakh our doubts of the past couple of days vanished in thin air. What was before our eyes could easily be termed as one of the most beautiful places on this planet.</span></b></div>
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<tr align="center" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">En route Leh, road after Rohtang Pass is full of patches</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">It had taken us four days by road to reach from Udhampur… on the way halting each day for night stay at Pathankot, Palchan, and Patseo. The drive till Palchan was almost of 300 kms. Here we halted for night at newly constructed Army Transit Camp. Next Day our destination was Patseo. The road was okay up to Rohtang Pass. Thereafter, there were some really bad patches due to heavy rains and landslides. There were moments when we doubted our decision to make this trip. We had been forewarned about the route, but still we were not prepared for whatever we encountered on the way. It was our faith in God and confidence in each other that we carried on. In Patseo also, we stayed at the Army Transit Camp. We were really touched by the hospitality of the army men; it was indeed very heart warming.</span></b></div>
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<tr align="center" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Leh has many monastries. some of them presenting breath-taking views</span> </td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The next was our final day of travelling; we were to reach Karu that day. And the moment we entered Ladakh we were spell-bound. Ladakh was breath-taking and mesmerizing. We stopped at Upshi to take in whatever was around us. It was a beauty beyond description: barren rocky mountains had an exquisite beauty of their own, the shattered looking landscapes splashed with small but brilliant patches of green. Ladakh is also known as Little Tibet; there one could notice the chortens- small white structures build to guard the fields and villages, and the holy flags- the long pieces of cloth with mantras to purify the winds. And not to be missed were ever-smiling Ladakhi people.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6O0_wmOJDVlvdLglTL-rprq9vBSX_PfyebZMmDchxhzg0QSX4ENtes_RtaSHtX2wlGXBTQytXqDevlKwMpaApLOyhxMiaouVd2CmlnWSG4OiBRfG3S3TSicEGQvFjIyjYsPOYQBlQ7eA/s1600/SDC11200+%5B800x600%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6O0_wmOJDVlvdLglTL-rprq9vBSX_PfyebZMmDchxhzg0QSX4ENtes_RtaSHtX2wlGXBTQytXqDevlKwMpaApLOyhxMiaouVd2CmlnWSG4OiBRfG3S3TSicEGQvFjIyjYsPOYQBlQ7eA/s400/SDC11200+%5B800x600%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr align="center"><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByk-naEM9v51qEiT6wCwB0iNFMI1k9q_IuqWT-4w_pDhjgCccPPK80JHkeaBejwPA2GybYLgGAeWYoryc8wr2oqWhDJS7MsYDW0G1eaK9kpgWA48jJAvm539I4sKzLIHwWtd3mGmUZas/s1600/SDC11204+%5B800x600%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByk-naEM9v51qEiT6wCwB0iNFMI1k9q_IuqWT-4w_pDhjgCccPPK80JHkeaBejwPA2GybYLgGAeWYoryc8wr2oqWhDJS7MsYDW0G1eaK9kpgWA48jJAvm539I4sKzLIHwWtd3mGmUZas/s400/SDC11204+%5B800x600%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">The courtyard of </span><span style="font-size: small;">Hemis- </span><span style="font-size: small;">the largest Gompa in Leh </span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">En route one could also see many Gompas- the monasteries. Hemis is the most important and the largest Gompa in Ladakh that we visited the next day. Thereafter we visited the famous Pangong Tse Lake with its celebrated Garnet hill (where I collected some really beautiful pieces of raw Garnet), Leh Palace, Shey and Thikse Gompas, and then Khardungla Pass. It is world’s highest motor-able road.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Shopping in Ladakh can be fun. This we discovered on the last day of trip. We spent the most of our day shopping in Leh, which is the district centre and main city of Ladakh. Leh is famous for pearls and precious stones. One can also go for local handicrafts. There are numerous shops in and around Main Bazaar where one can find a wide range of souvenirs. Most of the souvenir shops sell Tibetan antiques or replicas. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Another option for shopping is the Tibetan Market, where one can go for little jewellery made of semi-precious stones and local handicraft items. There are also some good book shops where one can find an excellent range of guidebooks on the Himalayas. And those, who need to buy some warm clothing, can go to second-hand clothes market situated near the jeep stand. Leh is also a good place to buy authentic Pashmina shawls. The price ranges anywhere between Rs. 4500 and Rs. 8000.</span></b></div>
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Instant noodles- a good option for trekkers</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Leh has many good places where one can soothe one’s taste buds. There are some good low-range Tibetan-food restaurants in market area of old town and the area around bus stand. While you are in Ladakh, you can’t miss on noodle soup called Thupka, and Momos (a Tibetan name for dumplings). Almost every restaurant or food stall offers these two dishes. If you a vegetarian, then you have very limited options in these areas as it is difficult to find a dish without meat as an ingredient.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Main Bazaar also has many Tibetan-food joints. Those being mid-range joints and offering a vast variety of dishes are quite popular with tourists. And as the rush of tourists starts increasing with onset of summer, many garden restaurants start springing up in Changspa area. These restaurants serve a variety of Tibetan, Indian and Western food. For trekkers also, Leh offers the best selection of food. Apart from ready-to-serve noodles, instant milk and biscuits, trekkers can opt for fresh and dry fruits and vegetables which is an ideal choice for hilly deserts of Ladakh. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">But more than anything else, it was the memories for the lifetime that we gathered during our journey and our stay in Ladakh. I miss you, Ladakh!!!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Text by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ambreen" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Ambreen Zaidi</span></a> <i>Photos by</i> <span style="color: #990000;">Piyush Garg</span></span></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-23103114479238707632012-03-09T00:00:00.000+05:302012-11-10T02:24:41.516+05:30The City of Golden Temple<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If you are habitual of living in a place with wide roads and smooth traffic and are easily put off by narrow alleys, too much of traffic and all the construction work going on at every nook and corner, you will at once discard Amritsar as your destination. But, hold!! Are you really sure you would like to leave Amritsar out of your itinerary? My guess is that you would not. Who would want to miss on an opportunity to experience rich heritage and culture of this historical city while riding a rickshaw passing through narrow lanes of the old city and overtaking four-wheelers on a busy street! And the calm, pious and serene Golden Temple! And, then the world famous food of Amritsar! Ohh!! So this city has got so many things to offer. Well, one just can’t resist the temptation, really, once one knows what he or she is going to get in Amritsar.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Amritsar has been a favourite destination of mine. I am there whenever I get a chance to go. Since I am living in the northern part of India, and nature of my job makes me travel a lot, many times I have had the privilege of visiting the city of Amritsar that is often regarded as Sikh capital of the world. Aptly so, because it is Amritsar where there is the highest seat of Sikh religion. </span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Whereas newer parts of the city are all concrete, the older ones still retain their rustic charm</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The actual charm of this city lies in its older part. There are many gates- Lahori Gate, Bhagtanwala Gate, and Lohgarh Gate, to name few- to enter the old city. As I earlier said, better you take a rickshaw to tour this older part. It moves slowly so it lets you absorb as many details as possible, and it is far cheaper mode of transportation. If you are coming to Amritsar by air, then you reach at Rajasansi. From there you have to take a faster mode of transportation. But if you are coming by train, you are already in the older city. Just hop on a rickshaw and start roaming.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Famous Durgiana Temple</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Like Golden Temple, the Durgiana Temple is also covered with gold. This is a Hindu temple</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">The adorned idols of different gods are situated in the inner sanctoriums of the temple</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">This is a famous tourist spot in Amritsar. Durgiana temple is situated at the backside of railway station. Temple itself is situated in the middle of a water body. This brings pictures of Golden Temple in mind, as both are situated inside a holy pond. Like Golden Temple, the dome of Durgiana Temple is also covered with gold. In fact, it was constructed on the pattern of the Golden Temple by Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor. It is sometimes called Silver temple as it has carved silver doors. Though, the temple derives from Goddess Durga, it is in fact a Vishnu temple which also houses idols of Krishna and Shiva. It is in fact a temple complex where there are some historic temples such as Sita Mata and Bara Hanuman.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Historical Golden Temple</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">From Durgiana Temple, you can move to Golden Temple. It is also a temple complex which is named as Darbar Sahib, but it is famous as Golden Temple as the main temple inside is plated with gold. The actual name of the main temple is Harmandir Sahib. Besides temples, there are museums and inns inside the complex. The place is full of pilgrims 24 hours a day, but is very well managed. </span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">As devotees take dips in holy water, the guards attired in traditional dresses are all around </span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">On the left side of entry gate is shoe-stand where you will find very decent people offering free service. You will find it very neat and clean inside. But it is the serenity and piousness of the place that mesmerizes you the most. Most of the first-time visitors feel as being in a state of meditation or trance, while they are inside the complex. But be sure that you don’t forget to cover your head with some cloth or handkerchief before entering any temple inside. If you don’t have even a hanky with you, don’t worry… Outside of the main gate, you can find pieces of cloth placed there by the temple management for people who don’t have anything to cover their head. Use it and leave it at same place when you come out.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">As I mentioned before, Golden Temple is also situated in the middle of a water body. There is bridge to reach the temple. People take bath in this holy water of the pond and then go for ardass (offering prayers). Even sitting on the bank of pond is very soothing. The coloured fish inside the pond keeps you engaged and focussed.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Water being offered to devotees inside temple. The bowls are cleaned properly before re-use</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If you have been feeling thirsty by now after moving inside the complex, you can have water from various taps there. It is safe to drink water from those taps which are marked as ‘Drinking Water’. Even outside of the complex, you will find bowls of water being offered to you. If you are hesitant to drink this water, don’t be as these bowls are cleaned properly and the water is filtered. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The Jallianwala Bagh</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Under this dome, there is the well people jumped into when bullets were fired on them </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">The brick wall behind the well which, after more than 90 years, still has bullet marks on it</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">A monument was elected later in memory of those innocent people who attained martyrdom</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">This historical park is very near to Golden Temple. This is the place where Brigadier General REH Dyer ordered a massacre on 13th April 1919. Following his orders, hundreds of unarmed Indians who had gathered here to listen to their leaders were killed in what can be described as an act of madness. As you enter the park, you will see on the left side the Martyrs Well, locally known as Shaheedi Kuaan. Many people jumped into this well to save themselves from a rain of bullets being fired at them by British Army without any warning, and died. They had nowhere to escape as the entrance is very narrow, as you will notice when you are there, and British troops had blocked that entrance. Ahead of the well, you can see hundreds of bullet marks on the wall. Officially, the total death poll was put at 379, but it is said that more than 1500 people were killed here on that fateful day.</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">And now, Amritsari food </span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: small;">These mouth-watering dishes can make anyone feel hungry. It is heaven for food-lovers</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Amritsar is famous for its food. It is in fact food-lovers’ paradise. The most famous of all recipes is Chhole Kulche. While you are in Amritsar, you must have them at any cost. There are a few good restaurants near Golden Temple where you can have Chhole Kulche. One more famous destination for food in Amritsar is Kundan Da Dhaba. It is near railway station. You can have really excellent food here.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Text and Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Naveen" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Naveen Choudhary</span></a></span></span></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-19145468422024837182012-03-08T15:13:00.000+05:302012-11-10T02:32:10.249+05:30Melaka Diary # 8 : Jewels Here and There<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">While you are in Melaka, you always have something to do, see or experience. In nutshell, Melaka, sort of, gets on you. Even a leisure walk through clean and spotless lanes or sipping coffee or beer in one of those cafes in and around Jonker Street is refreshing and occupying. But there are some attractions, which a visitor must not miss. In my previous diaries, I have discussed in detail about many aspects of this quiet town and covered almost everything a traveller must see or do while being in Melaka. And, in this last diary of mine about Melaka, I am going to talk in brief about some of the tourist attractions or places that have yet not been covered.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Heritage Trail and the New City</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The part of Melaka that has been demarcated as heritage city can be experienced by following a sign-posted trail. It is the older part of Melaka which is quite compact, but it can boast of having almost all the cultural and historical attractions. Outside the boundaries of Heritage city lie the newer sections of Melaka, which are very much planned. Just across the waterfront and near the sea shore, there is an area built on reclaimed land. Suddenly you come across broad roads and symmetrically built buildings. This is quite a different sight than what you encounter while roaming in older section. It is this new city which has most of the shopping centres and malls, and is also bustling with very good restaurants and food joints, and also many entertainment centres.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Menara Tamang Seri</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If you wish to have a bird’s eye view of Melaka city and the sea beyond its boundaries, then you must go to Menara Tamang Sari. It is named after a magical weapon named Tamang Seri, which is said to have been possessed by Melakan warrior Hang Tuah. By spending just RM 20 as ticket price, you can have a 360-degree panoramic view of Melaka and the strait from atop this 110-metre high tower. As the revolving observation cabin goes up the shaft, you feel excitement building inside you. It is quite a new attraction in Melaka; it was installed only four years ago… and it is the only gyro-tower in Malaysia till date. It is situated on Jalan Merdeka and at a short walk from waterfront. You can see this tower from St. Paul’s Hill when you happen to look towards the sea. It is around 7-minute ride but it is worth having the experience. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Eye on Melaka</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">It is 25-metre high Ferris wheel on the banks of Melaka river. When you walk up the river, it is on the left bank near Jalan Hang Tuah Bridge and opposite old Cathay Cinema. The wheel has 16 pods and each can accommodate five persons at one time. It also offers stunning views of the areas nearby from the highest point of wheel, particularly during night time. It is truly a sight to behold. There are two other attractions too- a pirate ship and a trampoline bungee. Ticket price for each of these attractions is RM 5. During night time, the whole area is lit with neon lights. One can have a lovely view of this place while going up on a boat-ride in the river. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The Duck Tour</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">This is land-and-sea adventure offered on an old military amphibian vehicle. You can’t miss a bright yellow vehicle- shaped as a duck- moving on the roads of Melaka. One can enjoy a ride on this vehicle by buying a ticket at RM 38. The tickets are available at Menara Tamang Seri, and this duck-bus starts from just outside the Menara. It is about 60-minute ride and is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. The ticket sale counter closes at 5 PM. The duck tour offers glimpses of historical sites and monuments while it moves on land, and of Straits of Melaka while moving in sea. It is quite an experience to have.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Islands nearby</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">There is a cluster of islands near Melaka, which can be accessed by boat. Pulau Besar is the largest of these islands and it offers sandy beaches and many types of fun activities to its visitors. The second largest one is Pulau Upeh, which is far quieter as compared to Pulau Besar. It is sort of a getaway for nature-lovers. Here visitors can have an opportunity to see Hawksbill Sea Turtles. And just to add in the end- in Malay language, a Pulau means an island.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;">Text and Photos by</span> </i><a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ajay" style="color: #990000;" target="_blank">Ajay Garg</a></span></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-87705169115353583052012-02-09T12:28:00.000+05:302012-11-10T02:32:07.652+05:30Melaka Diary # 7 : Food, Drinks and Chinese Tea<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr align="center" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Chicken balls are not to be missed at Famosa Restaurant in Jonker Street</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Melaka can be a foodie’s paradise. It is home to some authentic Malaysian, Chinese and Nyonya food. Jonker Street and the areas around it offer many good outlets where you can enjoy almost every kind of food available in Melaka- be it sea food, cakes, shakes, white coffee, fried rice varieties or some good chicken. And especially on weekends, when Jonker Street is having night market, you can have very cheap but delicious food at stalls put up there. Such is the charm of these food stalls, the business elsewhere in Melaka gets on a slow track on weekend nights. Apart from food stalls in the night, there are some restaurants which are hugely popular among locals because of their specialties and are always full of customers. Restoran Famosa is one such place which is famous for its chicken rice balls that are served hot in plain soup. This recipe looks bland but- believe me- it is delicious and fulfilling.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">And to have good Baba Nyonya food, every single soul in Melaka seems to be heading towards Donald & Lily’s. It is a quiet little place (that is what it seems from outside) on a street which is just two streets away from Jonker Street and next one from Millionaire Street. But as you climb up the stairs, you find a jam-packed restaurant. Such is the popularity of the place among locals and tourists… that you should be lucky enough to get a seat without waiting. And as the aroma of food being prepared over there fills your nostrils, your gastric juices are sure to make you restless.</span></b></div>
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<tr align="center" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Nyonya food at Donald & Lily's is a rage among locals and tourists.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">And for good Indian and South Asian food in Melaka, let’s head towards PakPutra. It is quite a walk from Jonker Street, but it is worth it. It is situated at Jalan Kota Laksamana, and is being run by three Pakistani Punjabi brothers. I was not aware of this place until I met the eldest one Sohail at Raz Kashmir- a souvenir shop being run by Kashmiri lad Zaffar Chapri in Temple Street. Since, it always gives you pleasure to talk with someone in your mother tongue while you are at place where English is the only common language, I soon found myself engrossed in chitchat with Sohail in chaste Punjabi. He only told me that their restaurant is among the best in Melaka as declared by TripAdvisor. He extended me an invitation to have food at Pak Putra, which I readily accepted. Though it was raining that night, I was at PakPutra for my dinner. And, yes, the food was very tasty. It felt like being at home. And what’s more, Sohail refused to take a single penny for the food, saying that I was his guest and like a brother. I was touched, I was overwhelmed!! </span></b></div>
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<b style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">And now, how about sipping some authentic Chinese tea in Melaka… and that too while experiencing tea ceremony and subtle hospitality? Sounds interesting, no? For this, we have Zheng He Tea House on Jalan Kampung Kuli, two streets away towards river from Jonker Street. The owner is Pak Siew Yong. I had met her on my first day in Melaka at St. Paul’s Church, where she was offering ice tea to guests at the inauguration of MAP Fest. Yuko had introduced me to her, and I promised to visit her tea house during my stay. And, I was at her tea house on the last day of my Melaka visit.</span></b></div>
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<tr align="center" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Pak during Chinese Tea Ceremony at her tea house on Jalan Kampung Kuli.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Pak showed me around for a while, and then we sat down for the tea ceremony. Pak told me that there are six types of tea and all are imported from China, and it is the art of consuming tea that makes it taste differently and has an overall soothing effect. Pak called it mental spa, and how right she was! I chose Oolong tea. And it took us more than half an hour to finish our tea. During the ceremony, you don’t consume tea in one go but in many installments. And you can feel a change in taste with every next pouring. Mild first, then bitter, and then sweet… What an experience it was for me! It soothed me from within. And, as I am writing this article, I feel happy to know that Zheng He Tea House has gone to top spot in TripAdvisor’s latest ratings of Melakan restaurants.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Text and Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ajay" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Ajay Garg</span></a></span></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-61013240513754626562012-01-16T16:44:00.000+05:302012-11-10T02:32:06.390+05:30Melaka Diary # 6 : Enthralling MAP Festival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Write something on a ping pong ball and tie it into this wish-tree </span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">‘So, you are here for the festival?’ This was the first question Raymond had asked me after filling in my personal details in guest logbook of Riverview Guesthouse in Melaka.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">‘What! What festival are you talking about? Is there a festival going on in here?’ I asked Raymond. I was both confused and curious at the same time.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">‘The Melakan Art and Performance Festival, of course! So, you are not aware of it,’ Raymond replied. He seemed to guess by now that it had just been a coincidence that I was there on a day when MAP (as this festival is popularly known) was going to start.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Raymond handed me a set of keys and said, ‘So, Ajay, you are staying in a three-bed dormitory and going to share it with two ladies. I think they are going to this festival. Just ask if you can accompany them.’ With this, Raymond also handed me a brochure about MAP festival and a printout of map of Melaka, and started telling me about places and streets pointing them on the map itself.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Raymond was owner of the guesthouse and was first of the nice, humble and welcoming persons I met just after reaching Melaka. Of course, I was going to meet many more on my very first day there. I met Yuko just afterwards…Yuko Kuramochi from Japan. She was getting ready to go out when I entered the room. We introduced ourselves to each other. She asked me if it was for the first time that I was in Melaka. I replied in affirmation. She had been there for many days and just loved the place. She told me that our other room-mate was Sarah Davis from Britain. It was a pleasant co-incidence that all three of us had said good-bye to our respective jobs and were out to explore life (Sarah told me the next day how travelling around the world had transformed her as an individual). </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">‘There is going to be a festival in Melaka from today. The opening is at 6 pm and the first show will be at 8 pm. Do you wish to watch it? If yes, you can come with me. Sarah must be there already,’ Yuko said candidly. It was already 5 pm. I was already enthusiastic, so I said yes; and within 20 minutes of our conversation we were walking down towards venue- the church at St. Paul’s Hill.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The sun had started setting beyond Melaka Strait when we reached A’Famosa fort which is situated at the foot of the hill. We were to climb up the stairs to be at the venue. On the way up, Yuko indicated towards Dutch graveyard. It is the place where many of the officials of Dutch ancestry lay rested. When we reached at the church, the formal inauguration of MAP was over, and organizers were having tea and snacks (It was there I tasted Baba-Nyonya dish Ondeh Ondeh for first time). The first day performances were to start at 8 PM. So, we had good two hours, and it was a good chance to meet and interact with people over there.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqtSjStvPPGNfPDt-eFv6P0uXT0Ec0Td6TQk1r3vdx7N89DmMF9qZ0dSItn_ODR_p79VTCORlxIQlAQhx4oI2j-2rrtoQxhRacPA9PDGFCn7Ckq2XXDDHxyzZGfvZn7RGYImP6qTvrTg/s1600/IMG_5373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqtSjStvPPGNfPDt-eFv6P0uXT0Ec0Td6TQk1r3vdx7N89DmMF9qZ0dSItn_ODR_p79VTCORlxIQlAQhx4oI2j-2rrtoQxhRacPA9PDGFCn7Ckq2XXDDHxyzZGfvZn7RGYImP6qTvrTg/s400/IMG_5373.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr align="center" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Yuko Kuramochi with two of the volunteers for MAP festival. They were supporting a local youth cause by painting their faces.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">It was a colourful mood there. I was amazed to see a bunch of young fellows with painted faces. Were they a part of some performance that day? No… I was told. Those fellows were volunteering for the festival; and apart from that, they were supporting a movement in Melaka and thus had painted their faces to show solidarity with its participants. That sounded really great.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Yuko introduced me to Sarah, and Sarah in turn introduced me to two other persons. It was lovely to know all of them. From the conversation that ensued I came to know that annual MAP festival was two years old and it was being organized for third time in a row. It was an effort by Melaka Tourism that has bore fruit in form of success of this festival. The festival gives a common platform to various leading artistes from Malaysia, Australia and other countries to showcase their talent. And audience comes from as far as Singapore, apart from Kuala Lumpur and various states of Malaysia.</span></b></div>
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<tr align="center" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Another performance on first day of the MAP festival </span></td></tr>
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<tr align="center" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">A performer on second day of the festival</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The festival started on time; we
were seated on carpets inside the now-abandoned church. And within few minutes
of the start, I had known why Raymond was particularly asking me about it and
why Yuko was sounding so enthusiastic while mentioning it. Everything was
superb and technologically equipped. Great themes, stellar performances and
great play of lights and sounds! I was so spell-bound at times that I forgot to
click photos. General theme for this year’s festival was ‘transformation’. A
special thing about this festival is that it draws its themes from Melakan
history and tradition.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">So enchanting were the first day
performances that I decided to go there on all three days; and I did go. Second
day was equally plausible. Though, on third day it had been raining since
afternoon, so the start was considerably delayed. The performances did take
place after the rain stopped, but I had to miss it as I was to board a bus for
Kuala Lumpur airport at 12 in night. I also missed another important part of the
festival i.e. the films, which are screened everyday of the festival at different
venues in Melaka.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Text and Photos by </i><a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ajay" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Ajay Garg</span></a></span></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073488966202524131.post-60229993373605713472012-01-06T08:30:00.000+05:302012-11-10T02:31:57.363+05:30Melaka Diary # 5 : Babas and Nyonyas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr align="center" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">The exterior of Baba Nyonya Museum situated in Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">They have been the wealthiest of Melaka people. They make some of the most delicious dishes, especially cakes, in Malaysia. They have a unique cultural heritage and biological lineage. They can be of utmost interest to a geneticist. They can offer a prefect glimpse of the benefits cross-marriages can bring about in enhancement of characteristics. They are Straits-born Chinese. They are Baba Nyonyas. Baba is male and Nyonya is female. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">There were times in Melaka, when various cultures and ethnicities not merely co-existed like these do today, but also intermingled more frequently. This intermingling has resulted in new cultures and communities in past. The most prominent of these is Baba Nyonya culture. Baba Nyonyas are descendants of early Chinese males and Malay females. Well, the story goes back to fifteenth century, when a Chinese princess came to marry Sultan of Melaka. With her came a group of 500 Chinese men. These men were settled by Sultan in the area known as Bukit China (literally, China Hill) today. Many of these Chinese men married local female, resulting in a combination of two cultures, known as the Straits Chinese culture or Peranakan culture (Peranakan is a Malay word meaning ‘born here’). </span></b></div>
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<b style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I had read about them before going to Melaka, and so, had formed an image of theirs in my mind. Naturally, my eyes were wandering around to pinpoint a Baba or a Nyonya in the crowds around me when I reached there (though it was difficult, at least for a person who had never seen a Baba Nyonya before). And then I found them the next day- in Jonker Street where they had put up their stalls and were selling their famous cakes there.</span></b></div>
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<tr align="center" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">An aesthetically decorated courtyard of a Baba Nyonya house </span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The Baba Nyonyas are known for a unique blend of Chinese and Malay customs. Even their language is a mixture of Chinese and Malay, and is known as Baba Malay. As far as their dressing is concerned, they adopted Malay attire called Baju, and embroidered it with Chinese motifs. The females of this community love to wear intricately crafted jewellery, mostly made of silver and beads. The uniqueness of their fanciful jewellery lies in the fact that it is blended with Malay, Chinese, Arabic and Indian designs. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The Baba Nyonyas have a passion for food. Their hot and spicy cuisine includes Otak-Otak, Laksa and Mee Siam. If you happen to have a dish prepared by Nyonyas, don’t be surprised by the generous amounts of spices, chilly, Shrimp paste and coconut milk. One of the common dishes is Ikan Masam. It is chicken or fish cooked in aromatic spices. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If I go on talking about the spicy Nyonya food I will not be justified, as they make some of the most irresistible cakes. These cakes are sticky to eat and their primary ingredient is rice. I happened to eat one on the day of my arrival in Melaka. It was called Ondeh Ondeh. So delicious it was that I went on to have it on all three days of my stay there. Though, I also tried other varieties. One of them was Nyonya Popiah and other one was Kuih Tapioca. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">As I mentioned earlier, Peranakans have been one of the wealthiest people of Melaka. The houses they built speak for it. In the next street to Jonker Street- which street is named as Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok- you will find majestic two-storey houses. These houses belong to Peranakan families. In these houses, you will find an influence of Victorian culture, along with Southern Chinese and Malay ones. The Victorian influence is much evident in their furniture, window panels and portraits of their ancestors on the walls- all of these indicating a wealthy status and lifestyle of the owners. Locals are not wrong when they call the street as Millionaire’s Row.</span></b></div>
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<tr align="center" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">A Baba Nyonya house. Interiors speak of wealthy lifestyle of its owners</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If you wish to peep into one of these houses, you can do so at a price of RM 10. One of these houses has been converted into a private museum. It is called Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum. Once of buy the ticket, you will be taken around inside the house by a well-informed guide. She will explain to you the lifestyle of Baba Nyonyas. You will be amazed to see costly black-wood furniture painted with Chinese ominous scenes and inlaid with marble and mother-of-pearl in exquisitely designed rooms. Beautifully designed courtyards, indoor gardens, fabulous attires, intricate latticework on ceilings, colourful murals on walls, carved fittings, enviable collection of antiques and variety in cutlery according to occasions will surely leave you awe-struck. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">A visit to such a marvellous house-cum-museum was indeed a rewarding experience for me. It is open from 10 am to 4 pm with a break of one hour from 1 pm to 2 pm. Photography is not allowed once you are inside. So, what I could capture with my camera was only the exterior of this museum. Though, one part of this house is turned into a café. If one wants to, one can click pictures there. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Text and Photos by</i> <a href="http://www.terrahopper.com/search/label/Ajay" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Ajay Garg</span></a></span></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2