tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50528823987148027492024-02-19T00:18:22.554-08:00Trip ItAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-24509142240228345532016-10-15T04:53:00.000-07:002016-10-15T04:53:45.709-07:00Srinagar, a paradise that chose hell - Kashmir Diary Day 5 - Sept 2016<div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">29th September 2016</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The hotel reception informed me that one needs to reach the airport at least 90 minutes before flight, as at times, the x-ray machine is down and physical checks of even check in luggage enforced. Paying heed to the information, reached the airport by 0545 hrs for a 0710 flight from Leh (IXL) to Srinagar (SXR) by GoAir GA-386. Time to say goodbye to Mr. Haq who drove us to the airport. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrwLMBQgnbBTNooKdjofpYecjxvMws_bkk0UbHqSVTsLZTHKsah8bVJYUAwy7PK5AhfJh7yKIgJL8dF8Fz-Ay-7kOlqUkg19OL3uKgFG83u52qlK8kxp-Q5WU4tB3rsD8mcaR-a3Cyw/s1600/20160929_121545.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrwLMBQgnbBTNooKdjofpYecjxvMws_bkk0UbHqSVTsLZTHKsah8bVJYUAwy7PK5AhfJh7yKIgJL8dF8Fz-Ay-7kOlqUkg19OL3uKgFG83u52qlK8kxp-Q5WU4tB3rsD8mcaR-a3Cyw/s320/20160929_121545.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tPEu11Hb7Wi6bHcqCqr7ED_JWBrVO2nd7l0lOFqbqdZtxtaPBLvTNm85P097BpI5e39AitaeN7jNPD9YLWDoKgz01H3BPP0W22C6j9QijIyeCHSSJlpnMNxkpxC9fhVLyqyUOU6e_Q/s1600/20160929_120701.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tPEu11Hb7Wi6bHcqCqr7ED_JWBrVO2nd7l0lOFqbqdZtxtaPBLvTNm85P097BpI5e39AitaeN7jNPD9YLWDoKgz01H3BPP0W22C6j9QijIyeCHSSJlpnMNxkpxC9fhVLyqyUOU6e_Q/s320/20160929_120701.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">On enquiring, the check-in counter clerk told me that the flight was packed, which was very reassuring. Since the same flight then headed to Mumbai, one could not tell how many passengers would get off at Srinagar though. The flight was on time and 45 minutes later we touched down in Srinagar. Nearly 90% of the passengers got off the aircraft, and from what I could make out, the airport too was far from being deserted, inside and outside. It resembled a normal day at any Indian airport including birds flying and shit bombing passengers inside, and baggage being delivered on the wrong belt.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhE6jk6FRlbDxkF5MginZqaEh9UA5mhPUsR0sPSwCqa9u4_OtVouwhnnml85N5LIZ9UJkWDSK4jyOW7u0vjS08B_hm0SnqUX3PpPiolQVaFZk6l-2tD7q2xA8Ow_tTcVSIAi_IjXqMQ/s1600/20160930_102306.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhE6jk6FRlbDxkF5MginZqaEh9UA5mhPUsR0sPSwCqa9u4_OtVouwhnnml85N5LIZ9UJkWDSK4jyOW7u0vjS08B_hm0SnqUX3PpPiolQVaFZk6l-2tD7q2xA8Ow_tTcVSIAi_IjXqMQ/s320/20160930_102306.jpg" width="246" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">As promised, a man was holding up a Taj Vivanta name card with my name on it. Thankfully, it was a regular local taxi contracted by the hotel and not one with its livery. There was a huge crowd outside, I was told it was for receive pilgrims returning from Haj. As the vehicle moved out of the airport perimeter, I could tell that in just 4 years (the time of my last visit to this city), development had reached its doorsteps. While most shops were shut, general stores were open, people were going about their normal business, and sufficient vehicular (non-military or police)traffic was moving about at even 8.30am. The weather was just right and the city looked good. It was a great decision to stop over in Srinagar. It did not look like a city that was under curfew just over a week back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The driver, Mr Younus kept informing us of landmarks that we passed, including the residences of the Chief Minister, the leader of the opposition and the leader of the separatist group, all next to each other. How very neighbourly of them to fight with each other? I avoided any political conversation, least it hurts sensibilities, knowing that Kashmiris are a very emotional lot. I did ask Younus about how the locals felt about tourists? His response was that the people loved to have guests over after all tourism has been the people's bread and butter from time eternal. The 30-minute drive to the hotel was beautiful and nostalgic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuYN_e4h60u4DBZB3Yj03vNc58_2hMgd7scMPZuKhuVHcQNq1Itq4PWQ_sqQZUNQ4TTjsjNQaroIJioWF5mFnQ8qG10xAF3vd3Rm-IJoo-bjT9lmJFf49u-tTzXZSaBNW0uubb8F8IQ/s1600/20160929_121209.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuYN_e4h60u4DBZB3Yj03vNc58_2hMgd7scMPZuKhuVHcQNq1Itq4PWQ_sqQZUNQ4TTjsjNQaroIJioWF5mFnQ8qG10xAF3vd3Rm-IJoo-bjT9lmJFf49u-tTzXZSaBNW0uubb8F8IQ/s320/20160929_121209.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrwLMBQgnbBTNooKdjofpYecjxvMws_bkk0UbHqSVTsLZTHKsah8bVJYUAwy7PK5AhfJh7yKIgJL8dF8Fz-Ay-7kOlqUkg19OL3uKgFG83u52qlK8kxp-Q5WU4tB3rsD8mcaR-a3Cyw/s1600/20160929_121545.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrwLMBQgnbBTNooKdjofpYecjxvMws_bkk0UbHqSVTsLZTHKsah8bVJYUAwy7PK5AhfJh7yKIgJL8dF8Fz-Ay-7kOlqUkg19OL3uKgFG83u52qlK8kxp-Q5WU4tB3rsD8mcaR-a3Cyw/s320/20160929_121545.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">We reached the gates of the hotel, and it looked like we were entering a high-security facility. Once in the complex, the beautiful gardens and landscaping greeted us. The 6-acre hotel complex sits atop the Kralsangri hills in the middle of what is a heavily wooded mini city forest, and the fencing around is more to keep some of the wild animals that occasionally stray in. The Front Office Manager was waiting to receive us at the entry of the Lobby block. I could have mistaken the property for a "Four Seasons" or a brand in its ilk. But, this was just the lobby block.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Seated in the tea lounge, over a much-needed cup of "Kawaha", we completed our registration formalities. The Manager briefed us on the hotel facilities, places safe to visit, the security details and finally called in the Chef to plan our celebratory Kashmiri dinner for two, to be served on the moonlit deck. It was her birthday and pampering was in order. There were just 4 guest rooms (out of the 48) occupied, which meant there would be no dearth of being pampered. Next came breakfast post which, we were taken to our room. In any other hotel, the 50sqm room would have qualified as a junior suite. Yes, it could give well have been a "Four Seasons". Since we were here just for the day and needed some rest, this room just diminished any notions of stepping out of the property. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasOoMVW8ZMQmreYMdGck0fNNzZf4NoQ-jWrx8cnKUYyWf9wvM4vStj141_B6tajXsL0OSVBYcU4_O77isegCS0ind6eCyKIuylJd8qBJ5KrDS10219xy2oQaj0v-wKDlSalRXk0H7OQ/s1600/20160929_100055.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasOoMVW8ZMQmreYMdGck0fNNzZf4NoQ-jWrx8cnKUYyWf9wvM4vStj141_B6tajXsL0OSVBYcU4_O77isegCS0ind6eCyKIuylJd8qBJ5KrDS10219xy2oQaj0v-wKDlSalRXk0H7OQ/s320/20160929_100055.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELTIU3AWnLNf6PWBWAYs3MHu921YufrUDh4_gbU12QoJ8bfWLdnEWQ6RGI-vL8aK1djCG-PXSUiRd1_UOKflzmg64e8_hzmZ3cK0seYeKuWnQB-TNMGZsemARbqUvVVdGRAEgaIgS-g/s1600/20160929_095741.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELTIU3AWnLNf6PWBWAYs3MHu921YufrUDh4_gbU12QoJ8bfWLdnEWQ6RGI-vL8aK1djCG-PXSUiRd1_UOKflzmg64e8_hzmZ3cK0seYeKuWnQB-TNMGZsemARbqUvVVdGRAEgaIgS-g/s320/20160929_095741.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Just as we had settled, we got a call from the front desk informing us that we may - just may - depending on the situation, need to check out a bit earlier than planned the next day. The news from the outside wasn't very good with a partial curfew having being imposed on account of some urgent security reasons. My wife switched on a news channel on TV. There was some major drama being played out of India responding to a ceasefire breach by Pakistan by shelling villages near the Line of Control (LOC). The City was calm. She got a bit worried and thought we had made a big mistake by coming here. I told her to focus on the spa treatment later that afternoon at Lalit hotel next door. A shower and short walk inspecting the property later, it was time for lunch. By the time we got back to the room to get ready to leave for her spa appointment, the news had worsened. It was not Pakistan that had attacked India, but it was Indian soldiers that had gone across the LOC for a hit on the terror camps. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe-kWF4EcsJd45nu8pRF7Ed7GOtVNkvqqJDBs5asd03vZ7iBMWCHdkIIUEx1MG-usNAJalyBwoxA22DUYrsoUsF2JajdfZPpP95K43wVdkaDbZCSfkbXo4g-60BLY_cY3CJfv16D_ZQ/s1600/DSC00775.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe-kWF4EcsJd45nu8pRF7Ed7GOtVNkvqqJDBs5asd03vZ7iBMWCHdkIIUEx1MG-usNAJalyBwoxA22DUYrsoUsF2JajdfZPpP95K43wVdkaDbZCSfkbXo4g-60BLY_cY3CJfv16D_ZQ/s320/DSC00775.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdwBmZ2Fibxr50TFg5l4n5Kggar5qpjl3ljrM4vwq2J0av26Q8NRNE8CfFrkROt3mJQ7zCui5pfX3UbH0vzgwXjm2bEst_6jz-PFsXLqN1tbPaSPHi5zvsTc4YPA_WhOaobiYpMq1Zw/s1600/DSC00764.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdwBmZ2Fibxr50TFg5l4n5Kggar5qpjl3ljrM4vwq2J0av26Q8NRNE8CfFrkROt3mJQ7zCui5pfX3UbH0vzgwXjm2bEst_6jz-PFsXLqN1tbPaSPHi5zvsTc4YPA_WhOaobiYpMq1Zw/s320/DSC00764.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">On one hand, the TV news anchors changed their squeaky concerned voice of a while back to that of Tarzan, chest thumping on the brave attack like they had done it themselves, and on the other, here we were receiving calls of concern from friends and relatives like we were trapped on the other side of the LOC. As a matter of not playing "Die hard", we thought best would be to stay within the confines of the property, as it is, some rest after the four previous days was in order. It wasn't such a bad idea. Before we knew it, we were on the deck that overlooked the lake, enjoying some wine over sunset, followed by a fantastic 5-course dinner. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2LOUvvd-6LPpItcK3hwEm1l6SDKf1RoDWQXsvsXeWV_KVyDWOZJGq8xqbBg7soMTed97BL01gEhGydtsgiCvhJesdraL6TsLM-LnjkO0iCJO8ByIa4K3GPcIOor6UPhPGn1eo1nokA/s1600/20160929_095831.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2LOUvvd-6LPpItcK3hwEm1l6SDKf1RoDWQXsvsXeWV_KVyDWOZJGq8xqbBg7soMTed97BL01gEhGydtsgiCvhJesdraL6TsLM-LnjkO0iCJO8ByIa4K3GPcIOor6UPhPGn1eo1nokA/s200/20160929_095831.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7gnQVVL1IQYE8n2LFKJKPMs8rhtJrE9O5j9LVfNp7wBuqT0i1v8NfnisOWEnqMt2qhPw8vKup1RNRZuqJoVq5rT78hAZq2VaZKN1GUPt89_-FbQBlRivhL1kECiefRiLOqXpFzeXYg/s1600/DSC00780.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7gnQVVL1IQYE8n2LFKJKPMs8rhtJrE9O5j9LVfNp7wBuqT0i1v8NfnisOWEnqMt2qhPw8vKup1RNRZuqJoVq5rT78hAZq2VaZKN1GUPt89_-FbQBlRivhL1kECiefRiLOqXpFzeXYg/s320/DSC00780.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Morning, I was up early. With a cup of hot coffee in hand, I sat out on the balcony to enjoy the sereneness around. I could not imagine that this City was strife struck. The soft sound of prayers emanating from the many mosques just made the moment more ethereal. I wondered why I was here? Was it early signs of madness or some kind of death wish to do something silly? Then, how was I to know that the Indian forces would choose the very day of my arrival as the D-day for a strike? Or that of all the days in the week one should avoid arriving or departing from Srinagar on a Friday? In a way, it did not matter. I was just meant to be here, to enjoy these moments of heaven in a Paradise that had chosen to convert to hell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Breakfast at 0900 hrs, the service was just wonderful. The Kashmiri lad serving us told us of how he loved Mumbai and I told him maybe we should swap places. The Manager came up to us a bit concerned. The police had started barricading streets and requested us, in the interest of safety for ourselves and the driver braving it to the airport to hurry up. He was very apologetic to rush us, but he had no choice. With an enjoyable stay and heavy heart, we left. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rzlk0KnXdWxvev02hDvQF6NuoGy7gXn8e-sVmZr2ane6fHgxYpg-y6RfpP9PHaD5RSzmiSAzUBx_NST9gYTnZijI_hh0vILIProdEQxNeCSjkvZV5uBLtEOMGgSN8ICE2uVEJv_T_w/s1600/20160929_175923.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rzlk0KnXdWxvev02hDvQF6NuoGy7gXn8e-sVmZr2ane6fHgxYpg-y6RfpP9PHaD5RSzmiSAzUBx_NST9gYTnZijI_hh0vILIProdEQxNeCSjkvZV5uBLtEOMGgSN8ICE2uVEJv_T_w/s320/20160929_175923.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">One could sense the tension on the street. Strict and frequent checks on the road; restricted traffic movement of men and machines, no shops open. Yes, the situation could go anyway as the day progressed. In the forty minutes from the hotel to the airport, numerous calls from friends. Irritating a wee bit, but touching too. Good to have such people in our lives. The scene at the airport, pretty much the same as the previous day, crowded, except much more people waiting outside to receive returning pilgrims. Security at this airport is much higher as is the presence of uniformed men and women, but all, very courteous and polite, not afraid to smile and wish back greetings as they went about doing their job dedicatedly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It was a long wait for our 3 pm flight back. Fortunately, there was shopping to keep the irritation of wife in check. Did we enjoy our mini adventure? But of course. Would we do it again? But of course, and encourage others too, to follow suit. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com1Srinagar34.0836708 74.79728249999993733.8733118 74.474558999999942 34.2940298 75.120005999999933tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-59011480755179448562016-10-13T03:14:00.001-07:002016-10-15T04:54:23.193-07:00The Idiots guide to Pangong Lake- Kashmir Diary Day 4 - Sept 2016<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">28th Septemeber</span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_PbUTaoaPPLTH8heu2VQLEeOKUAGrnvMuVn93WO7ka_bmLTTUTBaG_FfRmpMMSfxowUUqYnfoP0fEZulv1I6WPrgzFb-HDqhUvobxWNDrNU5BUU_Gaik5fnaQazyyq5GCz3C0ocRYA/s1600/20160928_121408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_PbUTaoaPPLTH8heu2VQLEeOKUAGrnvMuVn93WO7ka_bmLTTUTBaG_FfRmpMMSfxowUUqYnfoP0fEZulv1I6WPrgzFb-HDqhUvobxWNDrNU5BUU_Gaik5fnaQazyyq5GCz3C0ocRYA/s640/20160928_121408.jpg" width="480" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">0600 hrs I was up. After a quick loo call, stepped out to the balcony with a cup of coffee. The air was crisp and cold, tempting me to spike my drink with something headier. Had it not been for the journey, I would have. Post checking emails and messages, posting the previous day pictures on social media sites, did a final bag check based on my cross examination of Arjun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span> <a href="http://vargiskhan.com/log/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/leh-to-pangong-tso-map-with-distances.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for leh to pangong lake road map" border="0" src="http://vargiskhan.com/log/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/leh-to-pangong-tso-map-with-distances.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">No good loos on the way, so pack a roll of toilet paper, bacterial sanitizer, soap, a<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">nti-diarrheal medicines, motion sickness medicines, dry snacks including chocolate bars. I knew that 30 km of the road from Leh to Karu was great. Rest of the 120 km was "not bad" or at least not as bad as the Khardungla - Nubra road. I must confess that I hadn't done my homework as well as I usually do to be confident. My belly was sending out mixed signals, worrisome actually. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mP7Hu_YdaEYB4QhPYrwK05ETNkXcJEwK_tRYgysxKn6zgHghSQvAPbiWH8NC4F_4SPB_q27r_c8FsyiWjoBRQzmCqSJmslqENlgUc2vsMDFmge6s8j-sWj0zTQULNk-_o_skSbHZSw/s1600/20160928_095708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mP7Hu_YdaEYB4QhPYrwK05ETNkXcJEwK_tRYgysxKn6zgHghSQvAPbiWH8NC4F_4SPB_q27r_c8FsyiWjoBRQzmCqSJmslqENlgUc2vsMDFmge6s8j-sWj0zTQULNk-_o_skSbHZSw/s200/20160928_095708.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejsGe3qeNYTcSUYR1-aNejd0z3UTG-ozdNj5Hb6K8x8khgWWEq6ISfj5oPYF4p6shVRACdks32tAQzO8kW4-hvT6MWVfcLLRv_UoxrWTxh-F45s0fao550AlSsWvfmxdgxca4VXTZLw/s1600/20160928_094333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejsGe3qeNYTcSUYR1-aNejd0z3UTG-ozdNj5Hb6K8x8khgWWEq6ISfj5oPYF4p6shVRACdks32tAQzO8kW4-hvT6MWVfcLLRv_UoxrWTxh-F45s0fao550AlSsWvfmxdgxca4VXTZLw/s320/20160928_094333.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">By 0730 hrs we were both ready for the trip and breakfast. Had to stay light, so picked up whatever appeared to conform. Fruits and juice and a bit of cheese. After consuming it, I thought... just thought that it was possibly a big mistake. The waiting staff having discovered that we were off to Pangong, packed up a hamper from the breakfast buffet as we had hardly touched anything at all. The thoughtfulness more than the hospitality at this hotel really touched my heart. At 5 minutes to 8, I got a call, it was Arjun, he was outside. Now, that worry was ticked off from my list. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKbB3BAj9R8ajqAalJSS5goTbmd4hqQAnSW2hK9HRS0-32Khm3mkky0VO3nfcsI_HUuYW3GuA9fKAJK-fDbzWdTQsBBy2SMKl11aYuYC5VULHFcP7sAPMFHlHjiaEK4pkgjFuKnHi0Q/s1600/20160928_130952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKbB3BAj9R8ajqAalJSS5goTbmd4hqQAnSW2hK9HRS0-32Khm3mkky0VO3nfcsI_HUuYW3GuA9fKAJK-fDbzWdTQsBBy2SMKl11aYuYC5VULHFcP7sAPMFHlHjiaEK4pkgjFuKnHi0Q/s200/20160928_130952.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKbB3BAj9R8ajqAalJSS5goTbmd4hqQAnSW2hK9HRS0-32Khm3mkky0VO3nfcsI_HUuYW3GuA9fKAJK-fDbzWdTQsBBy2SMKl11aYuYC5VULHFcP7sAPMFHlHjiaEK4pkgjFuKnHi0Q/s1600/20160928_130952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwpLeYddjrGX3ayXI_eNozMdVR6IH6ZOeT6ahF72pE-0U1I3X5Nk9GLsBwjcemvY-SgEUfkzo7EMNiLzmywxWkIXjIuUz4hR7vwhp4AhUZ6o74DRQTbcS6_MPBJz5evYqx-5IaYoWEA/s1600/20160928_132020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwpLeYddjrGX3ayXI_eNozMdVR6IH6ZOeT6ahF72pE-0U1I3X5Nk9GLsBwjcemvY-SgEUfkzo7EMNiLzmywxWkIXjIuUz4hR7vwhp4AhUZ6o74DRQTbcS6_MPBJz5evYqx-5IaYoWEA/s320/20160928_132020.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X59-s-6kyuKzO3aemVzNFtmurQKKwBmPyBmqJ_mfP3iR-ke3R6Z1uQq95fVzWcsuybZO1a7dqlPis4La4QXBaELJTTsLh1vfDDVPO57zm3LEc9SrWfPqgk1cG5N7mx_1xbzIPx7ytQ/s1600/20160928_130220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X59-s-6kyuKzO3aemVzNFtmurQKKwBmPyBmqJ_mfP3iR-ke3R6Z1uQq95fVzWcsuybZO1a7dqlPis4La4QXBaELJTTsLh1vfDDVPO57zm3LEc9SrWfPqgk1cG5N7mx_1xbzIPx7ytQ/s320/20160928_130220.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">"All good?" I asked. He nodded and said I should speak to "Haqqa" as Haq was addressed locally. Haq inquired if we slept well and well rested, and if there was anything that needed to be done while we were on the trip. I told him we should have dinner together and he was happy to accept. On our way, the first 30 minutes was a repeat of last evening, so I went into a light doze mode. We had to stop at Karu for submitting the permit. Arjun said that it was the last stop where one could find a decent loo. What I assumed was a 5 minute procedural stop, turned out to be a wait of 20 minutes. Arjun was nowhere to be seen. When he showed up, I asked why the wait and he said something about the road ahead being blocked for traffic until 0900 hrs. I called his bluff as I saw other vehicles proceeding and he too got in, though a bit reluctantly. Haq would hear of this, I don't like being lied to. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr5LJg9W0Lwy4_nPEg12wEJujRmt0ynzfVcyHDNnOCS_pufTEyA9kPxl7Eq1CJoJAEZ2sbZTZ_yXudjoej77Skp-wqdq4QU2JeAtKvl7BTLXi2umCtCKQoXbVjNx_XdHfscIJXNQVRQ/s1600/20160928_131947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr5LJg9W0Lwy4_nPEg12wEJujRmt0ynzfVcyHDNnOCS_pufTEyA9kPxl7Eq1CJoJAEZ2sbZTZ_yXudjoej77Skp-wqdq4QU2JeAtKvl7BTLXi2umCtCKQoXbVjNx_XdHfscIJXNQVRQ/s200/20160928_131947.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKpCNThIaqK5-hrKznvNlCdOVlcVx1G76cBI3dBvp9sxnq6ozmr4CE5SPxgrZY56oUjMaNHkrLFj4cdSMx37MCQ6QcJOd8x3cX4BOZlm1e2RKkRg9kUC2JFXB20OyYGIRydm0RGWfQQ/s1600/20160928_134257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKpCNThIaqK5-hrKznvNlCdOVlcVx1G76cBI3dBvp9sxnq6ozmr4CE5SPxgrZY56oUjMaNHkrLFj4cdSMx37MCQ6QcJOd8x3cX4BOZlm1e2RKkRg9kUC2JFXB20OyYGIRydm0RGWfQQ/s320/20160928_134257.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA74U2Hdim5Vtdc8ZTnvbZKMCX1plGWHzB6pZ720C6rr6q3D7PbqylecfSZQiEdZKDpeoCfoKjAL6zWTwLgvKpg1iW-Cp0d8XN36iCjYXXDFpx4hNBMkvFFfUlq965qeTRzR_32Cu4lA/s1600/20160928_132353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA74U2Hdim5Vtdc8ZTnvbZKMCX1plGWHzB6pZ720C6rr6q3D7PbqylecfSZQiEdZKDpeoCfoKjAL6zWTwLgvKpg1iW-Cp0d8XN36iCjYXXDFpx4hNBMkvFFfUlq965qeTRzR_32Cu4lA/s200/20160928_132353.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">The road condition was getting progressively worse, as was my mood. I could see road works being carried out, but that many patches of diversion and lots of mud and dust in the air. Normally, one would roll up the windows and turn on the air-con or heater as the case maybe, but in this vehicle, it was busted. Moreover, the sun rays had become strong enough to sting through the clothes. Some 10km and 20 minutes later we reached the village of Sakti. At this rate, I thought it would take longer than 5 hours to get to our destination. At Sakti, right enough, the road to Pangong was shut and the traffic was diverted to an alternate route. I say route because it was nothing but a dirt track going up hill. Windows had to be kept shut. If there was a meter to measure my angst, trust me, it would have been hovering around the danger mark. Fortunately, we were climbing and the temperature inside soon became bearable. 10 km and 30 minutes later, we were joined back to the Pangong Rd. This stretch looked well tarred and full of hope. I asked Arjun if the road from here on would resemble this surface? He responded saying mountain roads are quite unpredictable. Unlike the two days earlier, he wasn't in much of a talking mood. Maybe, bored of us, just as I was of the scenery outside. Nothing that was so exceptional for me to take pains to shoot. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">22 km and 45 minutes later, we reached the military camp of Zingral. Arjun stopped the vehicle and ran to the loo. 15 minutes later he reappeared looking sick. Bad stomach he said. His disappearance at Karu could now be explained too. I gave him a tablet and asked if I should drive. He said, once we start the down hill track, he would let me drive. I discovered why soon enough. A km away, it was Khardungla all over again for the next 45 minutes covering the 12 km to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang_La">Chang La </a>(Altitude 17,500 ft 5,360 m), the supposed second highest motorable pass in India, if not the world. The climb is steep and the area an avalanche zone. That explains Mr. Arjun's "mountain roads are unpredictable" statement. Already behind time (it was 1130 hrs now), and still at half way mark (75km from Leh)I egged Arjun to drive on. There were patches of snow slush on the road, remnants the ice and snow that had slid down from a bit higher up. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">Arjun drove another 35 km to Durbuk, from there, I took over. There was some 45 Km of driving left, with me at the wheel 1 hr 15 min max. The road was narrow, bad in parts, but that's exactly what an SUV is born to tackle. The test of the pudding was Arjun falling asleep on the rear seat. My wife would have failed me in a driving test. She kept yelling at me to be careful, reminding us we have kids at home. I told her to focus on the scenery ahead and take some pictures. The landscape had changed and we were in what resembled a cross a cross between the Grand Canyon and Mars. We passed through a 100 mt stretch that had just been bulldozed after being shut by an avalanche a day or two earlier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhda6-BqUbCNWrfPA2jr9btKXmqvqiU0IQ8sqWssJsYsjIpU3cQdRmzcJ0WgLLj8WhEMMs3HMxm2sFJ6he5QyJngy56xQCypQ3SgakKuAiKny9yxNxJ_HNzqc8KKuI8wda-fD2XQe2yFA/s1600/20160928_121431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhda6-BqUbCNWrfPA2jr9btKXmqvqiU0IQ8sqWssJsYsjIpU3cQdRmzcJ0WgLLj8WhEMMs3HMxm2sFJ6he5QyJngy56xQCypQ3SgakKuAiKny9yxNxJ_HNzqc8KKuI8wda-fD2XQe2yFA/s320/20160928_121431.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir06TfeUqy07LTx6-xU_FbZJrPbjRDqaKGpsRewxW89Iy3OazQ0oVNPhdG-Q3sk0k-1pcVK3uHHBNj6FBQ2rOzXRBfJzggGN3U_Jd_ku7Ox5FMcYFRcp0jkieDocIuN3MX-6FY9E_2iw/s1600/20160928_130844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir06TfeUqy07LTx6-xU_FbZJrPbjRDqaKGpsRewxW89Iy3OazQ0oVNPhdG-Q3sk0k-1pcVK3uHHBNj6FBQ2rOzXRBfJzggGN3U_Jd_ku7Ox5FMcYFRcp0jkieDocIuN3MX-6FY9E_2iw/s200/20160928_130844.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">At 1300 hrs, it was visible. Pangong Tso. My foot became heavier on the pedal and no amount of jumps and bumps could wake the baby called Arjun slumbering behind. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span></span></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_PbUTaoaPPLTH8heu2VQLEeOKUAGrnvMuVn93WO7ka_bmLTTUTBaG_FfRmpMMSfxowUUqYnfoP0fEZulv1I6WPrgzFb-HDqhUvobxWNDrNU5BUU_Gaik5fnaQazyyq5GCz3C0ocRYA/s1600/20160928_121408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">Finally, we made it. Spectacular is all what I could say. One has to be an idiot to this journey, but then it's worth it. Now we had to psyche ourselves to endure the 5 hours back. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rRuCObefAaNz-Nnn0YZZB4GMup3ga8OAKaJQRodtga3n1T3FKlDL5CL13SEuqk3K5rI7xnoSXNOVxL_fvNMw24MTsXa6m6F-jYMG7k1DieOdZuLYRavpBjfnYcLkT1UcDtMQUEGo-A/s1600/20160928_124733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rRuCObefAaNz-Nnn0YZZB4GMup3ga8OAKaJQRodtga3n1T3FKlDL5CL13SEuqk3K5rI7xnoSXNOVxL_fvNMw24MTsXa6m6F-jYMG7k1DieOdZuLYRavpBjfnYcLkT1UcDtMQUEGo-A/s200/20160928_124733.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 19.2px;">A billion pictures, pee in an open to sky lav, maggi noodles and ginger lemon tea later, we hit the road. One could pitch a tent and explore the entirety of the lake. But that is for the serious adventurer. I could only set my clock backwards to take me back to Leh. Fortunately, the medicine and sleep had revived Arjun and he was back to his jovial self. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDvPwstlSvc1cO2cZCQzzWeQboK8UezOTd0_fVSKblR50XQkhGJ_TvlwHkloqwLv8bi8jvuWeQztgIVX9SzDeeDyNOroGhZCkaELSsN84m1N9NKTMsKRPCZadyTrzTEuMhjmhhoFLfw/s1600/20160927_171757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDvPwstlSvc1cO2cZCQzzWeQboK8UezOTd0_fVSKblR50XQkhGJ_TvlwHkloqwLv8bi8jvuWeQztgIVX9SzDeeDyNOroGhZCkaELSsN84m1N9NKTMsKRPCZadyTrzTEuMhjmhhoFLfw/s200/20160927_171757.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82mDRC2lHtsQUWeFYU83plLgZ7eMKpS-qQOJhjkds7pie1SZn8HNcgLJbJruFhdoU5DlFy76eGh82H5p_Vb7teLkREUtLyv-5KM8yqA4L87GM5_W-Em-sUV1P1JarBstYpzu4LYi-qA/s1600/20160928_123003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82mDRC2lHtsQUWeFYU83plLgZ7eMKpS-qQOJhjkds7pie1SZn8HNcgLJbJruFhdoU5DlFy76eGh82H5p_Vb7teLkREUtLyv-5KM8yqA4L87GM5_W-Em-sUV1P1JarBstYpzu4LYi-qA/s200/20160928_123003.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">The way back was just the same, except that I switched places with Arjun in the sick bay. The altitude at Chang la got me and I puked the morning fruit juice and tea that had been the cause of it. Besides that adventure, and stopping for 15 minutes on the road to act as good Samaritans to a car suffering a flat wheel, the journey was uneventful. We made it back in 4 1/2 hours. Yippee! And, Arjun was rewarded for the same. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeX-XtfLSOweiQxVavDUaKUFK5ZbVlvylFuhLhSKObv8K_-X0e8BYAwrxUR-THBZcDe_pNdb4CT8jvKxZm3lTWixXjoYb5Su1IbgMSGiddYddreEbludZ4PQ7ejpjY2bIMAltMsBzcg/s1600/20160928_121800.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeX-XtfLSOweiQxVavDUaKUFK5ZbVlvylFuhLhSKObv8K_-X0e8BYAwrxUR-THBZcDe_pNdb4CT8jvKxZm3lTWixXjoYb5Su1IbgMSGiddYddreEbludZ4PQ7ejpjY2bIMAltMsBzcg/s1600/20160928_121800.mp4" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">An early dinner with Haq recounting our adventure completed, we were tired and wanted to just sleep. Next morning was a flight to Srinagar, and the situation there, was reported to be too far from normal. But the hotel had called and informed us that a car would be waiting to pick us up. So it could not be as bad as being talked about - right? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="line-height: 19.2px;"> </span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-74656410465746246332016-10-12T03:41:00.002-07:002016-10-12T03:41:11.479-07:00Going Gompa (Shey Thiksey Hemis) - Kashmir Diary Day 3 - Sept 2016<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Day 3 </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0fO0T5XdO57KhIlvAf2TryEN7Ue-PhiIg9Y0nGt8BCtm0IakC3j25I6CMg1YLFo5ZC_7bFV3n1W7pvvn2C9WY1dyr0dG-ywBw5k4uPSBjeuHREEsI7OzXvHuNRyKRkvRep8OO9A69A/s1600/DSC00740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0fO0T5XdO57KhIlvAf2TryEN7Ue-PhiIg9Y0nGt8BCtm0IakC3j25I6CMg1YLFo5ZC_7bFV3n1W7pvvn2C9WY1dyr0dG-ywBw5k4uPSBjeuHREEsI7OzXvHuNRyKRkvRep8OO9A69A/s640/DSC00740.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EsJuLbNuvaNKgQduOVk-j2XSPJYwusyOs_GQRzAZrbTC9adSqZaju5eTz5-f6BqVc8M3mq5plze5-9eK3FHTNFHXL6AQITyOC87vYRjprLp03ynI2j5a_eXykNnAWxSSadSX1vowSA/s1600/DSC00728.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EsJuLbNuvaNKgQduOVk-j2XSPJYwusyOs_GQRzAZrbTC9adSqZaju5eTz5-f6BqVc8M3mq5plze5-9eK3FHTNFHXL6AQITyOC87vYRjprLp03ynI2j5a_eXykNnAWxSSadSX1vowSA/s200/DSC00728.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">27th September 2016 No WiFi and no phone connectivity except BSNL in Hunder.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUWr0GgGlvlkfW3qbZgeKGLnBthq04uxaGFzyQEjHAyOzS_W7TrnN3AJiheI-hVj0yMAY0dMwID2imMOBq2LKBub2XfAzO2h4OryP3hqcH6QLVVb7wLVX0ecrhTXBjCQsM4T7cRxjWg/s1600/20160927_072346.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUWr0GgGlvlkfW3qbZgeKGLnBthq04uxaGFzyQEjHAyOzS_W7TrnN3AJiheI-hVj0yMAY0dMwID2imMOBq2LKBub2XfAzO2h4OryP3hqcH6QLVVb7wLVX0ecrhTXBjCQsM4T7cRxjWg/s200/20160927_072346.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFH0SdJhGqg8PuSmjMI9zGJAPD2I_fd_rBGmjVQmPyd63V6myHS2H-OW_Whf9g2R7e1zWbjXygY7qUt-NphcLOhMI-3VMAPZTPBlHS8NLIziAym07apG5cuczvT2_arUfeAyIgRboSw/s1600/20160927_055047.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFH0SdJhGqg8PuSmjMI9zGJAPD2I_fd_rBGmjVQmPyd63V6myHS2H-OW_Whf9g2R7e1zWbjXygY7qUt-NphcLOhMI-3VMAPZTPBlHS8NLIziAym07apG5cuczvT2_arUfeAyIgRboSw/s200/20160927_055047.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I was up by 0530hrs, woken up by the prayer calls emanating from the army camp not too far away. Sleep had been sound and I did feel well rested. The Sun had not risen, but would anytime; so I stepped out for some dark light photography; unsure if either of the equipment in my possession would be of any use. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was cold outside. Thankfully the air was still, and the sky clear. Got some decent shots of what I was after, and felt at peace... for a good 30 minutes, until I looked at the watch.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W-UiSIKbvlZh94DrIBz5xdIF3IOsIfhlaj0MWITFOlHEO209dJNF71vXWEM2YB0Vk9zrCYTniwSMNyECn0l-d588EXcU94sXjOFq5PCZ-qpZEgReaRqyNx5e5TyfbGzftseE_1fIwg/s1600/DSC00744.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W-UiSIKbvlZh94DrIBz5xdIF3IOsIfhlaj0MWITFOlHEO209dJNF71vXWEM2YB0Vk9zrCYTniwSMNyECn0l-d588EXcU94sXjOFq5PCZ-qpZEgReaRqyNx5e5TyfbGzftseE_1fIwg/s320/DSC00744.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was 0615 hrs now, and no sign of Arjun or the Mahindra XUV. where on earth was he? there was no way to get in touch with him too. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jVKtGmYoSMjstMjj3JkjPHVje3k4Qs16-PwnANqkRUAqA2f27u1otgCMgOacTaNEdQDN5JsZGzpeoM1lQGlrGuEvdda2SsQv-xolS3n4m4SMylUYtyOXk5lBem02-pvkz3r0nAsHLw/s1600/DSC00746.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jVKtGmYoSMjstMjj3JkjPHVje3k4Qs16-PwnANqkRUAqA2f27u1otgCMgOacTaNEdQDN5JsZGzpeoM1lQGlrGuEvdda2SsQv-xolS3n4m4SMylUYtyOXk5lBem02-pvkz3r0nAsHLw/s320/DSC00746.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My travelling companion was up too and joined me outside. Mr Habib and family, as promised had risen, and had our breakfast ready. Tea, toast and eggs consumed,(moderate intake), bags ready, and bill paid; a princely Rs 2,500 for the food and stay; we awaited our transporter. I must say that at this price point, Habib Guest House is a steal, especially for the warm hospitality that is thrown in for free. At 0655 hrs we could hear an SUV engine and a dust cloud headed our way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_Md_kR9i0aAbWIhgrhoTNSvBa_ImfDgvj9HRFaTBV3ccKdEswOmhkLen50F6aMHxdMd2mFlqKDvF3NWkJ4wCFGUDj6A0eBdH8RCyAXEGTFcGaxuNdZLxJ8vgB9emk3mNyRRF0kV6lg/s1600/DSC00751.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_Md_kR9i0aAbWIhgrhoTNSvBa_ImfDgvj9HRFaTBV3ccKdEswOmhkLen50F6aMHxdMd2mFlqKDvF3NWkJ4wCFGUDj6A0eBdH8RCyAXEGTFcGaxuNdZLxJ8vgB9emk3mNyRRF0kV6lg/s320/DSC00751.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UQXT74ASwz1twkl8mki5-D30dUMFl_AX3SAHD_4NmvoOL2TtthPlLkucoSoznWGH3052bSdV-ZgWa6aRG-gjyuWKbldN3NQvRDGX8XqrC7Tak4dbftGRmWCoqM-dMTrWBVumYgVp4g/s1600/20160927_084822.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UQXT74ASwz1twkl8mki5-D30dUMFl_AX3SAHD_4NmvoOL2TtthPlLkucoSoznWGH3052bSdV-ZgWa6aRG-gjyuWKbldN3NQvRDGX8XqrC7Tak4dbftGRmWCoqM-dMTrWBVumYgVp4g/s200/20160927_084822.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-XpmViQjprkUkvU8gi-_BSuOgTh0PpAH-9GW0jQ4z7tEz58dQDgu6Yw3MlAuZGVwNyy72dHmJL5vkdy7AuEG5PlZYgCSvY3wb7NlVlagvSvCGR_V5avFgsPSWJweC8qPU8y66wOsgg/s1600/DSC00763.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-XpmViQjprkUkvU8gi-_BSuOgTh0PpAH-9GW0jQ4z7tEz58dQDgu6Yw3MlAuZGVwNyy72dHmJL5vkdy7AuEG5PlZYgCSvY3wb7NlVlagvSvCGR_V5avFgsPSWJweC8qPU8y66wOsgg/s320/DSC00763.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">'Sorry for the delay, met my family after very long, so slept a bit late.' I was annoyed, but we were on a holiday. No point spoiling it with an argument in the morning which would not change anything. I instructed Arjun that we would make up for the time lost by driving non-stop to Leh, barring technical halts if required to relieve oneself or tea to keep awake on the road. Having spent 5 hours on a road the day before, that simulated aircraft turbulence for some 2 hours, I was too aware of the journey today. I wanted to be in Leh before noon. Some 4 hours and a million pictures later, we were there. Had we started when we should have, we could have taken a short halt at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diskit_Monastery">Diskit Monaster</a>y, the oldest in Nubra, dating back to the 14th Century. Sadly, it was not meant to be. What I discovered along the way was that the same road and landscape can look and feel so different at different times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-HNru5lo6Bnp-PsImxmF4L6If688sBiuBe2rGvUK7sbBAz-c1bJ9bXhhGBalkKSrcc302vScQbgp23mkGsP9YPNF95oE3W9jeNDsFuwabA4CU5AXN-KYZu44v1L_DNt9cp6WOBwkXA/s1600/20160927_112006.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-HNru5lo6Bnp-PsImxmF4L6If688sBiuBe2rGvUK7sbBAz-c1bJ9bXhhGBalkKSrcc302vScQbgp23mkGsP9YPNF95oE3W9jeNDsFuwabA4CU5AXN-KYZu44v1L_DNt9cp6WOBwkXA/s200/20160927_112006.jpg" width="170" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8nFvxyJGdi2-5Myj5e-wEyUNAydhb3sd2OyVXMLxesx3ATgqtmu3YOGJxiZBnyFXUE9W87-UWV1R3bgCRNuqW62EdZKnLnPuseGyKOtX_x-QICdfTP6MrNNPepj8Z2EZwDlhiRZsLw/s1600/20160927_114937.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8nFvxyJGdi2-5Myj5e-wEyUNAydhb3sd2OyVXMLxesx3ATgqtmu3YOGJxiZBnyFXUE9W87-UWV1R3bgCRNuqW62EdZKnLnPuseGyKOtX_x-QICdfTP6MrNNPepj8Z2EZwDlhiRZsLw/s200/20160927_114937.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">By 1130hrs, we were at the "Grand Dragon" hotel. The room was being serviced, so we were asked by the manager to have some breakfast. Luxury suits us just fine and both wife and I were sporting a smile at being looked after. The room was large and well appointed. Shower, now which one of us would attack it first? It was large enough for two and so we did. Clean and refreshed, there was no sign of tiredness. We took a walk around the property with a "selfie" motive. Arjun would be back at 1600hrs for the second part of our journey on this day. Back in the room, we connected on to the WiFi to download emails and upload pics. We had been disconnected with the rest of our world for more than 24 hrs and needed to inform home that we were safe and alive. Haq called to check if we were fine and comfortable at this hotel. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tweBWW9aUzDnJKwcGSuKAf1vTXDJ8IrN3HKlBdnA-ZTmP2KrdfxhhxXTimTqD6DAKGNu62_21CXftBM1a-waOBWHSYrbPyPNKG0-nISOVupKZv5nMODM8si4wu9-H0s91JNexXJnfQ/s1600/20160927_164213.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tweBWW9aUzDnJKwcGSuKAf1vTXDJ8IrN3HKlBdnA-ZTmP2KrdfxhhxXTimTqD6DAKGNu62_21CXftBM1a-waOBWHSYrbPyPNKG0-nISOVupKZv5nMODM8si4wu9-H0s91JNexXJnfQ/s640/20160927_164213.jpg" width="480" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1600hrs, our boy was at the hotel porch. Obviously, my morning glare must have done the trick. I had limited time and each minute was precious and paid for. The afternoon was to be spent visiting Gompas (Monasteries) in the vicinity of Leh. The largest and most famous is campus is that of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemis_Monastery">Hemis Gompa</a>. Had we come here a week earlier, we could have been a part of the great <a href="http://www.naropa2016.org/programe.php"><b>Naropa Festival</b></a> that was celebrating its 1000th year. No wonder the monks look jaded. The road to Hemis some 45 km from Leh was a delight. We passed the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shey_Monastery">Shey Monastery & Palace</a> (15km from Leh)and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thikse_Monastery">Thiksey </a>monastery (19 km from Leh)on our way, deciding to stop for a visit, time and sunlight permitting. Along the way, one could spot several Gompas, every small village has one. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JSpZl8sRLZ1hQTUQjn9Z7C_3aoGsjWVajhkVfEGHf4CUQEB8bE1cBowBDgsRNZiQGLOlDFY_XfvgFtBYwEzi-E2JnjiCyxaAXM1Yk4HSonyr0bfD9OOS7X8oTPqcf6TRyZaQ8mO6Aw/s1600/20160927_163639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JSpZl8sRLZ1hQTUQjn9Z7C_3aoGsjWVajhkVfEGHf4CUQEB8bE1cBowBDgsRNZiQGLOlDFY_XfvgFtBYwEzi-E2JnjiCyxaAXM1Yk4HSonyr0bfD9OOS7X8oTPqcf6TRyZaQ8mO6Aw/s200/20160927_163639.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2wndH7h-t6n9vKNrXBVuDqK266YzN9cdmvA7wgjphjFkBPwz0BDUf05nQK2s9MxRjc2axa-HFg0WJsa7v8tENQSeXrJgrwTCmWtHyJGtFuIX4mD79A-a8WVLEbYV1cLfU0GJtOtzTw/s1600/20160927_164749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2wndH7h-t6n9vKNrXBVuDqK266YzN9cdmvA7wgjphjFkBPwz0BDUf05nQK2s9MxRjc2axa-HFg0WJsa7v8tENQSeXrJgrwTCmWtHyJGtFuIX4mD79A-a8WVLEbYV1cLfU0GJtOtzTw/s320/20160927_164749.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hemis Gompa, in many ways, resembles a smaller version of the grand monastery in Lhasa Tibet. Even so, it is beautiful and serene. Just sitting there hearing the monks chant singularly or collectively is a memory that will sit fresh in my mind forever. Photographing monks in prayer and or the Buddha statues inside, without permission, is prohibited, but that did seem to deter many of the visitors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_5UFpdM8MuBObdui5PNyiUrJyej59qsKX2hV9SvGVkWtk6-2fbe2JPSU97KwpKrlEdDNT3FK2QY2o6r5H-yfYLF9hrhC7ERpgBLHsjzCKT3gQFPsVi8656JhGIpf-u9exLUX7NQhVA/s1600/20160927_172306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_5UFpdM8MuBObdui5PNyiUrJyej59qsKX2hV9SvGVkWtk6-2fbe2JPSU97KwpKrlEdDNT3FK2QY2o6r5H-yfYLF9hrhC7ERpgBLHsjzCKT3gQFPsVi8656JhGIpf-u9exLUX7NQhVA/s320/20160927_172306.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4GxIRHe9dJb1_h6ewinv0s3ntqzJrtXSzOfZ45lbq1R4NmIilQ62zA7e8OZkTlSALhSpdY4BwsbVxV83-EKRFd3iicLBjr0U5Cm5RY1DN-CFtysJbpBScb-yH2FjF9nnX0ZyIkqWZw/s1600/20160927_163632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4GxIRHe9dJb1_h6ewinv0s3ntqzJrtXSzOfZ45lbq1R4NmIilQ62zA7e8OZkTlSALhSpdY4BwsbVxV83-EKRFd3iicLBjr0U5Cm5RY1DN-CFtysJbpBScb-yH2FjF9nnX0ZyIkqWZw/s320/20160927_163632.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Having spent our time in absorbing the purity here, we were too overwhelmed to visit Thiksey, other than photographing it from the outside. Which is what we did, as also the Shey Palace. I guess natural structures appeal more than man-made, no matter how ancient they may be. Add to that the fact that there was limited time and body fatigue slowly creeping up. By 1900hrs we were on our way back to Leh just 30 minutes away. Wife had done her statutory trinket shopping at the Tibetan refugee markets along the way, as i spent time shooting landmarks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxyRFXrMrXaftbNtnMaUPMpXrI689L1LORwSghyof_GZ_9OGtLZhXpNdpFcDNdCREYh22xSnOfzrOupB-uhMIZ3UvWufyh2gUpCFglb0BFPfHEuomiQkoLi2mMkA7PO85scXjZG0trA/s1600/20160927_173459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxyRFXrMrXaftbNtnMaUPMpXrI689L1LORwSghyof_GZ_9OGtLZhXpNdpFcDNdCREYh22xSnOfzrOupB-uhMIZ3UvWufyh2gUpCFglb0BFPfHEuomiQkoLi2mMkA7PO85scXjZG0trA/s320/20160927_173459.jpg" width="270" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrhN5DuEsz4vlPxMYIVZktcIeb7ZOgl70hNlzUymGdDGl-INskhzktLznsi9znKof_oqgj-7_FtVJg9CU9ecZzaCod3UMqI-YjdwTr0tquskUMDs4Tyi46p81NRNGG-vPI7-ONRjbRA/s1600/20160927_173603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrhN5DuEsz4vlPxMYIVZktcIeb7ZOgl70hNlzUymGdDGl-INskhzktLznsi9znKof_oqgj-7_FtVJg9CU9ecZzaCod3UMqI-YjdwTr0tquskUMDs4Tyi46p81NRNGG-vPI7-ONRjbRA/s200/20160927_173603.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I asked Arjun how the road to Pangong lake was? It was our journey for the next day. Five hours one way, 150 km, road condition fair; that is, not as bad as the one to Nubra. The trouble was that we were going to return the same day. I was already regretting it, but then, Pangong was the highlight of Ladhak and our trip. How could I think of even missing it? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPV26M5KPGY8op3SmYl93gTu8FX9FH8HgkNOKei1iVeZgJ_Ei4l4KXi15Zhli8fhbcmZ5fxHQah7hpXzWSRYXpLb4GIDxx-BwMcF8mJyylRQjTMukPD0MR8UY5Ag9AiNs5RpTUJJb8Q/s1600/20160927_182540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPV26M5KPGY8op3SmYl93gTu8FX9FH8HgkNOKei1iVeZgJ_Ei4l4KXi15Zhli8fhbcmZ5fxHQah7hpXzWSRYXpLb4GIDxx-BwMcF8mJyylRQjTMukPD0MR8UY5Ag9AiNs5RpTUJJb8Q/s320/20160927_182540.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK0w9VHaRtoq8fgWM-trkyWuILfstsDcelydI3CHR3moNi5xKyHrq5k56FIGP8q2onFOTw0GqrVTiSIRKAbS-xh67RaE79rwu3rf3zPc36mNnhMrr8InXt6mu0DOA-9U6_Y1oCXqXFA/s1600/20160927_114952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK0w9VHaRtoq8fgWM-trkyWuILfstsDcelydI3CHR3moNi5xKyHrq5k56FIGP8q2onFOTw0GqrVTiSIRKAbS-xh67RaE79rwu3rf3zPc36mNnhMrr8InXt6mu0DOA-9U6_Y1oCXqXFA/s200/20160927_114952.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Somehow, seeing a city, however small, seems to energise a person from a city. No sooner we entered Leh, saw the bustle in the markets, wife wanted to be a part of it. Having had nothing for lunch, the sight of kebab vendors on the road got our bellies growling. The solution, a walk on the vehicle free mall road to inspect the local bazaar while street food hopping. By 2100hrs we were back at the hotel. I thought we would have to pack up early, but then a comfort call from Haq changed it all. 'You can start by 8am and be back by 8pm or earlier,' he said. That allowed us time for a drink before a brilliant but light dinner by the grill warming us in the chill, on the restaurant's deck outside. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.topnews.in/files/3-Idiots_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for all is well 3 idiots" border="0" height="361" src="http://www.topnews.in/files/3-Idiots_4.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Something inside me told me "Aal izz not well, aal izz not well." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Whatever, it was, it was time to catch a good 7 hours of deep sleep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-14954221444290716742016-10-11T08:05:00.001-07:002016-10-11T08:05:57.265-07:00Khardungla & Hunder - Kashmir Diary Day 2 - Sept 201626th Sept - Day 2<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJLcfFyHcSrtoRFxsiMazO0xOPj2bQKCdf6qtcXoiYyolli88FtGgnyJB-FIpGaarjG8BJi6jav3vA8V9mEQTXRj7Kml7VP9UJd8L04onSCCq-sCaJ2qOiZNaU3VFlg7mbEK87VH0Rw/s1600/20160926_100959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJLcfFyHcSrtoRFxsiMazO0xOPj2bQKCdf6qtcXoiYyolli88FtGgnyJB-FIpGaarjG8BJi6jav3vA8V9mEQTXRj7Kml7VP9UJd8L04onSCCq-sCaJ2qOiZNaU3VFlg7mbEK87VH0Rw/s320/20160926_100959.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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0000hrs The headache showed no signs of ebbing. In fact, it had gotten worse, to the point where the head was throbbing. Had I succumbed to acute altitude sickness? Hospital? There was a point where I felt that I should take the "Diamox" tablet recommended by my doctor, but that would be a cause of concern if not panic for my partner. With no heating in the room, and the outside temperature hovering around zero Celsius, we were already buried under two layers of blanket, getting out of bed was an avoidable thought. I sat up in bed, and tried meditating, hoping that the pain would calm itself too. It did not despite me contemplating on it and repeating the 'it is temporary' mantra. Braving the cold floor and the still chill of the room, I made it my first aid bag and got a hold of the medicines. A "Snicker" chocolate bar, and bottle of water. I realized that my headache and lack of sleep was hunger and thirst driven, and not what I had earlier imagined.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EHI13Kk_0-d8s6y3VbfhFpHxyDOHRDwo16uY-FefZ9Mj7WiFJ4xK89loMRvO6bx0RuT-HSIgcbbZN0Vzhw-dorD0R67R9PoF8K6HlWxhbobbJoG0ZkQBEdvddnCTsjVnHF5ym8qkwA/s1600/DSC00658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EHI13Kk_0-d8s6y3VbfhFpHxyDOHRDwo16uY-FefZ9Mj7WiFJ4xK89loMRvO6bx0RuT-HSIgcbbZN0Vzhw-dorD0R67R9PoF8K6HlWxhbobbJoG0ZkQBEdvddnCTsjVnHF5ym8qkwA/s320/DSC00658.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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0700hrs Well rested, I was up with no sign of any headache, and ready to take on the next challenge of ascending to some 5,600 m (18,379 ft) at Khardung-la, the highest motorable road in the world. <a href="http://www.dangerousroads.org/rankings23/166-the-highest-motorable-road-passes.html">Well almost, GPS puts it at 5,359 m (17,582 ft)</a> and there are several challengers to this claim in China (Tibet), Bolivia Chile and even within India. Since this road sees maximum traffic consisting of various forms of vehicles (including the Nano) as compared to the others (that need off roaders or tougher vehicles to negotiate), for all practical purposes that is what will define a motor-able road for now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWMyFUdlc4_9he7Cy_ZIqcst7I5q_t3O64xhfn661M59Rn-w10npaeKsEN47PjLSZNDVa2Rqg7na3jUdKv4-6dvu_5OVQInAfFPL8H7t8qrA6bsZNpkItUqizPJNVRrLq1FxSPpuwIA/s1600/20161001_221550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWMyFUdlc4_9he7Cy_ZIqcst7I5q_t3O64xhfn661M59Rn-w10npaeKsEN47PjLSZNDVa2Rqg7na3jUdKv4-6dvu_5OVQInAfFPL8H7t8qrA6bsZNpkItUqizPJNVRrLq1FxSPpuwIA/s320/20161001_221550.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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0830hrs Morning duties completed, both wife and I were packed to get the hell out of this hotel. As we waited for our vehicle to arrive, we decided to have some breakfast. Egg Paratha rolls, coffee, toast butter, jam. The rest looked inedible. At 9 am sharp, Mr Haq showed up along with Arjun, our driver for the next 3 days. Bill paid, travel permit forms filled, statutory safety briefing by Haq heard, we were on our way, to cover some 125 km of adventurous terrain from Leh to Hunder in the Nubra valley. At Rs 6,000 per night Half board, I could not really complain, as hotels function for only 180 days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpra4t95Ow8qgKmYAmWhyrjUT3wEEQDYqyBPuMElKde_splDXGhxqzdICB-A3oTLxvbgfnT5XlbcZJzQCCrEvAYXu2I7uUHUvY123BaTqMrtY97E1DOmSqccH-yL-QQri_TQ6lVDyfQ/s1600/20160926_143607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpra4t95Ow8qgKmYAmWhyrjUT3wEEQDYqyBPuMElKde_splDXGhxqzdICB-A3oTLxvbgfnT5XlbcZJzQCCrEvAYXu2I7uUHUvY123BaTqMrtY97E1DOmSqccH-yL-QQri_TQ6lVDyfQ/s320/20160926_143607.jpg" width="267" /></a>0930hrs Khardung-la is 40 kms or about an hour and a half away from Leh. The road was in good condition, though narrow. At an average of the 50 km/hour we were doing, It would take us an hour to get there, or even less. The scenery climbing up was spectacular, and both, the camera and phone-cam were being given equal opportunity to capture some brilliant landscape shots of the hills and serpentine road. At 1000 hrs, we were at the first check-point - South Pullu . Five minutes later we were on our way again. With less than 15 km to go, we would be at the talking point much before schedule. 3 km later, that bubble burst. The road changed from a well tarred road to an absolute dirt track. I thought I could run faster than the speed at which my vehicle was moving.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XwyfDdoThsznd2fvunPYpTVx47Pntff__n-TZtsEe_2NNxkMaOTfDUvBp-6naDQNh6knY5NdTUUSMbMzW_rMd5xtxq5tWuAENt76cxfC7xbha-GsBChwslQ7wRuRysORXlivuTolEA/s1600/20160926_105552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XwyfDdoThsznd2fvunPYpTVx47Pntff__n-TZtsEe_2NNxkMaOTfDUvBp-6naDQNh6knY5NdTUUSMbMzW_rMd5xtxq5tWuAENt76cxfC7xbha-GsBChwslQ7wRuRysORXlivuTolEA/s320/20160926_105552.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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1100hrs Finally, we were there. On the way, Arjun had confirmed what I had read, that it had snowed at this altitude just a week before. While most of it had melted, there was enough snow at Khardung-la for pretty pictures. The last one hour of bad road was forgotten for some ten minutes of enjoying the weather and views. It then dawned on us that the road condition ahead looked pretty much the same. Arjun said the bad road would run up to North Pullu 15 kms away. The bad road became worse and despite moving down hill now, it took us an hour to traverse it. North Pullu is the second check point and pit stop. The Loos at both North and South Pullus are not something to write home about, and one is better off adding water to the rivulet that runs at North Camp. <br />
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1230hrs Nearly 75kms away from Leh, sits the village of Khardung. It is quite scenic, and a place where most tourists headed to the Nubra valley halt for refreshments. Arjun suggested we eat further up at Khalsar an hour away as the food would be freshly prepared since the establishments there serve the locals. We were not hungry anyway and the suggestion was welcome. The decent from 5,000+m to some 3,000 m had made breathing a lot easier, but the heat quite unbearable. The sun's rays were like laser beams stinging the skin, and moving seemed to be the best bet. With the road much better now, my wife fell asleep while I stuck on enthusiastically to shooting pictures. The landscape had changed dramatically. The mountains, chiseled by the Shoyok and Nubra rivers reminded me of Cappadocia in Turkey. Each mountain looked like it was made up of different material as one looked brown the other black and even blue. Half an hour into the journey, and yet again a change in landscape. the views of the river in its many shades of blue and green flowing below is just too spectacular.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHXuyW410207f0HEfTtELEVw1bxcm0-NVGPKBLY4_-c-QnML3kPoPSR_0dCm3sXg85zc8W93nyrzGnK2Lhfu6AXQkwqMvvjlwtaYKk87NSvy8Bbg_be7tAPxft2TzgU_AMCRd6C9hVw/s1600/20160926_125758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHXuyW410207f0HEfTtELEVw1bxcm0-NVGPKBLY4_-c-QnML3kPoPSR_0dCm3sXg85zc8W93nyrzGnK2Lhfu6AXQkwqMvvjlwtaYKk87NSvy8Bbg_be7tAPxft2TzgU_AMCRd6C9hVw/s320/20160926_125758.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MFXbW7dFNq64BL8ue6yiyVzs0QzW2wGMdMWGdsnMVspJ18NpbBlTMhQYsCjPsy1WXkvPJld_C6ffL63NCWYe2X71sioLx1bUvHL_KJ4dpjsQLf0SUAmvR2XLQG6FaTuqeHICBOa2Pg/s1600/DSC00721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MFXbW7dFNq64BL8ue6yiyVzs0QzW2wGMdMWGdsnMVspJ18NpbBlTMhQYsCjPsy1WXkvPJld_C6ffL63NCWYe2X71sioLx1bUvHL_KJ4dpjsQLf0SUAmvR2XLQG6FaTuqeHICBOa2Pg/s200/DSC00721.JPG" width="200" /></a>1345 hrs Khalsar, some 95kms away from Leh sits at a fork, one leading to Hunder - THOISE and the second to Panamik. Right at the fork sits a non descript little shack. It is where Arjun thought we should; at least he should, eat. My wife looked at it and said 'No'. I out of trust and politeness asked what was available. Parathas (Indian hot bread), eggs and "Maggi" noodles. I ordered all three. Some spicy red chilly chutney was liberally applied to the parathas, and the insipid looking omelette became the filling of my egg roll. I put the noodles in front of my wife. It took all of ten seconds for her resistance to collapse. She finished the noodles in like 2 minutes and began eyeing my roll just like the many mountain dogs that had now appeared from no where. My suggestion to all animal lovers, be careful in feeding them as they can get quite aggressive in snatching food from your hands as I learned the hard way. The thought of eating more food here vanished. 30 minutes later, we were on our way to cover the last 30 km of our journey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsA3i1Q4A19kYbIE6GPjuONlABPFllc-UzdLS5EhU-wxr2UnqvoKcSfnw2fzvaBGYMVMT7tXjP5V6sR8C8A17eVBZzEUpF_XpDwngS_QgQhDgmWZS52QAbZFnVk37ocVUS1LY1fYLAXw/s1600/20160926_134700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsA3i1Q4A19kYbIE6GPjuONlABPFllc-UzdLS5EhU-wxr2UnqvoKcSfnw2fzvaBGYMVMT7tXjP5V6sR8C8A17eVBZzEUpF_XpDwngS_QgQhDgmWZS52QAbZFnVk37ocVUS1LY1fYLAXw/s320/20160926_134700.jpg" width="240" /></a>1500 hrs Reached Habib Guest House at Hunder via Diskit. It was a scary narrow road in places with the landscape morphing into a white sand dune desert. Instead of cactus one could spot the Sea-Buckthorn shrub that produces the "Leh Berry". If one hasn't tried it, the juice of this berry is heaven in addition to it being a super food. If hotel Himalaya had given us a shock, my wife was ready to cry at this guest house. I told her that this was the best accommodation to be found in the area. She was half convinced, but given a choice and not tired, we would have been on the road back to Leh. The guest house is run by the Habib family, and a young lady asked us if we would like some lunch and butter tea. The tea was understandable, but lunch at this time? We were hungry and said 'yes thank you' with a request for Kashmiri Kahwa.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6NFUfUY55adoZLFCY81PWMmzGH9yuhHbMjoVHcIaUrtnWqxkIo-1niQoLcWYpji7BN_9r3I-RtZK6VN4jxKjZE7dkPQObiQZiMaRC57huK1aikVxTNUGv_rzLoxMfEc71YljYipXjA/s1600/20160926_144033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6NFUfUY55adoZLFCY81PWMmzGH9yuhHbMjoVHcIaUrtnWqxkIo-1niQoLcWYpji7BN_9r3I-RtZK6VN4jxKjZE7dkPQObiQZiMaRC57huK1aikVxTNUGv_rzLoxMfEc71YljYipXjA/s200/20160926_144033.jpg" width="150" /></a>Lunch was simple and nice, a vegetable, daal and rice. Post lunch, a short nap was in order. The room did not look so bad now. It was spartan but clean. The furnishings gaudy but functional. There was even a small TV with a satellite set top box. The bathroom was as big as the room and clean too. Yes, we could survive the night here, even with the transparent curtains that allowed everyone a view of what was going on in our room. Well we had no exciting entertainment planned for voyeurs anyway. There was no heating, but we did not think we would need it, though, a look at the blankets told us that we may need to put a clean white sheet below it - just as a precaution.<br />
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At 1700 hrs we decided to visit the famed sand dunes and possibly ride the non native two humped Central Asian Bactrian camels. An hotrur later, having enjoyed our walk, coffee and chow-mein, we asked Arjun what else could we do? A trip on the road to THOISE or enjoy a cultural show. Former sounded better, and something to do was better than going back to the room we thought. We did not drive up to THOISE, but turned back at sunset. Had we continued on that road for some 90 kms, we would have ended at Turtuk the village on the India-Pakistan border.<br />
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At 1900 hrs, we were back at the guest house. I asked Arjun if we could start for Leh the next morning at 6.30 am? He said sure and went off to stay the night with his brother in the village. I bumped into Mr. Habib and informed him of my intent to leave early; so, would he want me to settle the bill right away? He told me not to worry, and he would only check us out after we have had tea and breakfast at whatever time we wanted; even 5 am. What could I say back but smile at our host.<br />
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Back in the room, fortunately, the TV channel selection was much better than our previous hotel. We were tired but relieved too, to be resting it out here for the night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3AA9tt0VA-SzRQKTtcM9iCRs3o89m2TteMin4TxPEKf5aBZvhi4qE77pOGyq_nFZ_gu9i7UK1qcFccEB0UM8M8LQluMlcNm0_SeF1jNpl6waNBP5xc5LLWjCs00JlPjaYxk5syuNuw/s1600/20160926_184449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3AA9tt0VA-SzRQKTtcM9iCRs3o89m2TteMin4TxPEKf5aBZvhi4qE77pOGyq_nFZ_gu9i7UK1qcFccEB0UM8M8LQluMlcNm0_SeF1jNpl6waNBP5xc5LLWjCs00JlPjaYxk5syuNuw/s200/20160926_184449.jpg" width="175" /></a>2000 hrs Dinner was served in the dining hall. It was a sit down meal. By that I mean, we had to sit down on the carpet Kashmiri style. The Habib family went out of their way to feed the guests like we were part of their extended family. Despite there being a large Muslim community in Nubra, the diet is largely vegetarian. Animals are respected more for their produce and as aides in work rather than food. The harshness of the land has forged a bond between the species here. The home food was nice. Not oily, not over spiced. Egg curry was the special treat. Post dinner, we walked around a bit, then back to shower, and hit the bed. Don't even know when I passed out.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nBgU6ZOZYGJQg1voPN8q4_r0jRuqv2Z5jzhKsNFKNS_2eAdi1ZUQXGUEEi2B0Dt0GwZebgKPxdVCnEjvIaSWMOZ64iE4lhWkfjpWr8Up6A-xd74eGg9ZopTHZa7gGMh9DCllI1vDkw/s1600/20160926_185518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nBgU6ZOZYGJQg1voPN8q4_r0jRuqv2Z5jzhKsNFKNS_2eAdi1ZUQXGUEEi2B0Dt0GwZebgKPxdVCnEjvIaSWMOZ64iE4lhWkfjpWr8Up6A-xd74eGg9ZopTHZa7gGMh9DCllI1vDkw/s200/20160926_185518.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
If this was a tough day, the next was going to be even tougher I suppose.<br />
What were my last thoughts before sleep? Was the journey worth it? I don't remember the answer I gave myself.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-86459924655269856332016-10-08T05:52:00.005-07:002016-10-11T08:06:13.602-07:00LEH - Kashmir Diary Day 1 - Sept 2016<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"Are you crazy? How can you even think of going to Kashmir at the moment?" My concerned friends asked. The Kashmir part of the Indian State - Jammu & Kashmir had been under a security curfew for well over 60 days when this conversation happened. But I had booked well before the troubles had started.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QhunIMqNVXqAlFMASPQqmHyretSyJg9nLKReLYSmc1FgqZ5TrxDy_-7ZTTG33oOhYNA2wDoVEI7QTCol_G4YeAjmXmt7mGpiXphkGqKv-NWnpzdd58qzuDEdSc05-QqoWei6x3SXAw/s1600/20160925_062847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QhunIMqNVXqAlFMASPQqmHyretSyJg9nLKReLYSmc1FgqZ5TrxDy_-7ZTTG33oOhYNA2wDoVEI7QTCol_G4YeAjmXmt7mGpiXphkGqKv-NWnpzdd58qzuDEdSc05-QqoWei6x3SXAw/s200/20160925_062847.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"Well, I am spending 4 nights in Ladhak and just 1 night in Srinagar, so it's not as crazy as you all think," I responded back, even though I was half convinced that they had every right to send me to the asylum. If it was just me, I wouldn't think so, but with wife in tow, for celebrating her birthday, I must be mad. But then, I had given her options, and this trip happened to be on her bucket list, so we would stick to it. However, the word bucket made me uneasy, hoping that it would not be kicked. She was a tad uncomfortable with the Srinagar bit, but I assured her that the media hypes up the situation more than warranted, besides, I am not as reckless as I may sound. I had done my homework and evaluated the situation on the ground from sources living there. Even so, a day before the flight, my stomach had a few knots despite a brave face. I was more concerned about either of us experiencing altitude sickness; her ear was troubling her despite a preflight clean up. As a precaution, both of us had started a dose of a homoeopathic medicine called 'Coca' for faster acclimatisation at the high altitude we would stay at. She was both concerned and excited when I informed her about the substance used in the manufacture of the medicine she was taking. Peruvians chew the coca leaf for the exact same reason, just that they have formed an addictive habit of it.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJ9lf2rEp2ITExmZnDvP-fsuPxocdLSxvuFqEeOSBw3S_kQr9m93NGw1f-zacxP0y7o94j_J0WE3XzeoYXZ-cshgLecGBMujt5J-OxLidDDuniXHqxL1VmbvozA7QvqzaQ0zqGa5qpg/s1600/20160925_060126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJ9lf2rEp2ITExmZnDvP-fsuPxocdLSxvuFqEeOSBw3S_kQr9m93NGw1f-zacxP0y7o94j_J0WE3XzeoYXZ-cshgLecGBMujt5J-OxLidDDuniXHqxL1VmbvozA7QvqzaQ0zqGa5qpg/s320/20160925_060126.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">D-day. 25th Sept. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Goa Air Flight GA-386 BOM-LEH at 4am, duration 2 hours 40 mins., Terminal 1B. Tried web check-in at 10 pm the day before. Very limited free seats on offer. If the airline system has permission to auto assign seats, then two passengers on the same PNR may end up rows apart. Reached the airport's domestic terminal by 3 am. Fortunately, at this time, it is near empty and lacks the chaos of a bus or train station that follows a couple of hours later. Further, the check-in and baggage drop queue is short. The ground staff at the counter gladly changed our seats and was kind enough to block off the third seat too, the load was light. The flight took off on time; crew smart and attentive; aircraft interiors looked well maintained. Purchased a light breakfast and decided to dose off until 40 minutes before landing. I could catch the sun rising at 6 am and the snow capped mountain peaks rising above the clouds made marvellous pictures.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyibXUPprrygd2axh2Sr-1jl7AZbhF1B-FRot3uaH1ub_FNV-_7k1KmB6q00LTl4lD6ISf0SDxZR4XSDuU3jltQgUtV7ZsgFIQxn4LPxLUxgnTefKWYKPHtat-DOhpFC3HaUVZNoQx4g/s1600/20160925_131300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyibXUPprrygd2axh2Sr-1jl7AZbhF1B-FRot3uaH1ub_FNV-_7k1KmB6q00LTl4lD6ISf0SDxZR4XSDuU3jltQgUtV7ZsgFIQxn4LPxLUxgnTefKWYKPHtat-DOhpFC3HaUVZNoQx4g/s320/20160925_131300.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Leh (IXL), altitude 3500m, is a military airport and photography on the ground is prohibited. Despite the onboard announcement informing the same, there were many eager to take a selfie on the tarmac. Just like any other airline announcements concerning safety and use of electronics on board, this one too went unheard. At 7 am, the real temperature was some 5 degrees celsius and apparent double that. Always good to coat up even though the body bravely says "no", as the real temperature can play havoc on the body if ignored. The airport's welcome messaging system kept playing a loop on how one should get used to the altitude:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK-Iy5ApW8Tff3Qoa2yOvFqhGu6FrhFlMyF8qIZ3Suf3qhsS935TwFcrjY-xpP7i-B8-Q6DtbxbrYxrP5R6wazpU6-4W1x1QIs9D7mlskAtX-5YfGuIhkdTQytoukXUXFeaijYbCuXg/s1600/20160925_175925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK-Iy5ApW8Tff3Qoa2yOvFqhGu6FrhFlMyF8qIZ3Suf3qhsS935TwFcrjY-xpP7i-B8-Q6DtbxbrYxrP5R6wazpU6-4W1x1QIs9D7mlskAtX-5YfGuIhkdTQytoukXUXFeaijYbCuXg/s320/20160925_175925.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Keep the first day as light as possible(including meals), devoid of strenuous activity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Eat at short intervals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Avoid sleeping in the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Butter is good, butter tea better. (Something that I found unpalatable).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">At 7 in the morning, one is more likely to get sick of the looped message than the altitude. Baggage collected, we were out and realised that in a mere 15 minutes the sun's UV rays needed to be fought. Sun shades on. No sign of Mr Haq, our guide and transport manager. What's the problem? Make a call - right? My phones (Vodafone)could not connect to any host network. So much for their advert that says "Wherever you go, our network follows". Apparently, host Aircel was down. I asked a JK Policeman if there was a payphone I could use. He smiled and gave me his cell phone. BSNL apparently has the best network in Ladhak followed by Airtel. I got through and all I could make out in this bad quality transmission is "One minute please". </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9_1LXmnHqf77taO48wt56QVZNAdNDkDbNdzOrRFJGpCJnhpZphaPK9ICMy_bNhHWz3HEl8xL4SESlKQBw3UmjBRSUHRILguiauiqHp-NecbCxJ6Tj8rNt8_ZzXCn_t4vrbHNif_tjw/s1600/20160925_142000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9_1LXmnHqf77taO48wt56QVZNAdNDkDbNdzOrRFJGpCJnhpZphaPK9ICMy_bNhHWz3HEl8xL4SESlKQBw3UmjBRSUHRILguiauiqHp-NecbCxJ6Tj8rNt8_ZzXCn_t4vrbHNif_tjw/s400/20160925_142000.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Yes, a minute later we saw Mr Haq running towards me with my name on a banner and a big smile. What can you do but smile back? Exchange of pleasantries over, he gave us his do and do-nots, which included wearing a double layer of clothes, cap and shades at all times outside. The message reinforced what we had heard inside, and was still looping in my brain now.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8UYBRmwFUVh9QowpVgTOPeVbNAp8fpMCneSb5zNJSnoMhVh-MvMk4pygrFulhbfLCcSRomeRj3dnPeGhUcTrjyvt79dgKzNp41G80WebrpvAZhCAuKC-4NR7vLUCr_zqlSzo6umu1w/s1600/20160925_142026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8UYBRmwFUVh9QowpVgTOPeVbNAp8fpMCneSb5zNJSnoMhVh-MvMk4pygrFulhbfLCcSRomeRj3dnPeGhUcTrjyvt79dgKzNp41G80WebrpvAZhCAuKC-4NR7vLUCr_zqlSzo6umu1w/s400/20160925_142026.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The hotel selected by me for the first night, '<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/in/the-himalaya.en-gb.html?aid=357026;label=gog235jc-hotel-XX-in-theNhimalaya-unspec-in-com-L%3Aen-O%3AwindowsSxp-B%3Achrome-N%3AXX-S%3Abo-U%3AXX;sid=065401d6bf29f6aa7ade113c1d37e975;dist=0&sb_price_type=total&type=total&">The Himalaya hotel'</a> turned out to be a dump. I had actually confused it for the Grand Himalaya (it sits in the same compound), which I am told, is no great shakes either. The pictures on Booking.com and Tripadvisor are from the days the days when this hotel must have opened. To be fair, it was a dump from the standards I am used to. The room was clean but well worn. The luggage rack fell off when loaded. The mattress was of good quality, bed linen too was just about acceptable as were the towels. The bathroom not that great in terms of design or aesthetics, but was clean and functional with matching toiletries that suit a decent budget hotel. The breakfast was passable but heavy, good to keep us going for some time. The saving grace was the smile and service attitude of the staff. By 9 am, I was experiencing a mild headache. Back in our room, we had to undergo mandatory rest for 4 hours at least and we discovered the joy of television. Or, the angst of missing what we take for granted back home. The TV had very limited channels playing, the best being to endure the re-runs of a comedy show by "Kapil Sharma". It made my headache worse and I thought that it would be better to put on my ear plugs and do some electronic work. Lo, and behold, by 10 am the internet services crashed. Not just at the hotel but all over the City. Disobeying rule number 4, I decided to take a short nap post consuming a bottle of water.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljym2V2BLnIWiW2J2otwQWIzjBY1tEQs_1tPIJpJmzBt7Os1iEqaCpIKOrrP2Av6XGUU-Y5gXrCcD5aOKyDF-OQ24ch5CrtRN5BWfc758v64VHsC0M2j3bx2bQpvTcLZHYjFMAtTZnw/s1600/20160925_142226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljym2V2BLnIWiW2J2otwQWIzjBY1tEQs_1tPIJpJmzBt7Os1iEqaCpIKOrrP2Av6XGUU-Y5gXrCcD5aOKyDF-OQ24ch5CrtRN5BWfc758v64VHsC0M2j3bx2bQpvTcLZHYjFMAtTZnw/s320/20160925_142226.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I woke up at 2 pm and my dear wife had a cup of green tea ready. We were both hungry by now, guess the breakfast had been digested. Mr Haq had promised to return by 3 pm. Not wanting to be in the room longer than required, we decided on a quick stroll to figure out the neighbourhood. It turned out that the market was just about a kilometre away. We picked up some essential supplies for our travel over the next few days and bit into our favourite chocolate bars to calm the hunger pangs for a bit. We consumed a litre of water on the never ending long 1 km journey back to the hotel. As promised the smiling Buddha called Haq was waiting for us, with a local Airtel SIM card to make sure we could communicate. (remember inaccessible phone?) We hopped into his vehicle to go back the same route we had walked minutes back, this time to a restaurant <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.in/Restaurant_Review-g297625-d1197115-Reviews-Lamayuru_Restaurant-Leh_Ladakh_Jammu_and_Kashmir.html">Lamayuru</a> </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">that served local food. A lunch of Thupka (noodle soup) and Momos (steamed dumplings)chased with Kashmiri Kahwa (tea) was exactly what the body had been craving for. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygGCCtth-M8h-Oes0OZlPmzOgfdcTuNW8Te0fl0TZoKwV_esmgGCc4gIWVrmiZ943U6KOzO7qt0zTxE_ZLSM70dqlhthm245wJominghoCXiCULUA_yZUGeOE6Akc-kfKZdAx9jU-jg/s1600/20160925_180558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygGCCtth-M8h-Oes0OZlPmzOgfdcTuNW8Te0fl0TZoKwV_esmgGCc4gIWVrmiZ943U6KOzO7qt0zTxE_ZLSM70dqlhthm245wJominghoCXiCULUA_yZUGeOE6Akc-kfKZdAx9jU-jg/s320/20160925_180558.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">With belly happy, the wife was all bright and cheerful to notice the shops surrounding the eatery, followed by a walk in and buy of Pashmina shawls. One soon became two and then three. An inspection of the trinket market on Mall Rd, taking in views of the Leh Palace and Masjid later, we decided to visit the Shanti Stupa. However, as a matter of housekeeping, we decided to make sure our booking at the "The <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g297625-d1017953-Reviews-The_Grand_Dragon_Ladakh-Leh_Ladakh_Jammu_and_Kashmir.html">Grand Dragon</a>" hotel for the last two days in Leh was alive and well. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsRpN6T3lCQ8-rySmjztuG3cZ5b2Vk64xTzIhmOeUl5lh74Wc9H-eC32K19qX3O6YCS37upiMoX-CLPIpg2b2u8JLivCJDZQf4zeDfy6_m_Z07OsXczPSbc0zFVq-u8Z7QSXrJKNsYg/s1600/20160925_175849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsRpN6T3lCQ8-rySmjztuG3cZ5b2Vk64xTzIhmOeUl5lh74Wc9H-eC32K19qX3O6YCS37upiMoX-CLPIpg2b2u8JLivCJDZQf4zeDfy6_m_Z07OsXczPSbc0zFVq-u8Z7QSXrJKNsYg/s400/20160925_175849.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">We passed the markets, including a whole chunk of the City that had been carried away by a massive mudslide in 2010. This hotel true to its rating looked like one I am used to. Mr Haq checked for the booking made by him, only to be told it did not exist. Normal circumstances, I would have lost it, but taking care that the air was thin and I could get an anxiety attack, checked for what was available. Was told that only superior category rooms costing 30% more than the rate I was communicated for the room that was supposedly booked-and-now-not was available. Fortunately, Haq was not the timid looking man he seemed to be. He called the senior Manager through whom the booking was made, who in turn admitted his mistake for not communicating the booking down to reservations and instructed that the superior room to be offered at the same price as was previously contracted. I could not complain. To further make up for the situation, the manager invited us for high tea while the reservation formalities were being processed(remember, the internet was down - so everything was being done manually). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgju2W56jAl9p4cQC2Inxktw69HvtzfbdA3U0QIoJFu3dxIAVHoKZ5kjQjB0ICsRCOya8-RV8tb3as5D1OUHXMDvNGLPlk3Z0qI5f9ddr6BefWSyrJTBowp7gqfLqy-SMMtAuuxD-Beng/s1600/20160925_180335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgju2W56jAl9p4cQC2Inxktw69HvtzfbdA3U0QIoJFu3dxIAVHoKZ5kjQjB0ICsRCOya8-RV8tb3as5D1OUHXMDvNGLPlk3Z0qI5f9ddr6BefWSyrJTBowp7gqfLqy-SMMtAuuxD-Beng/s400/20160925_180335.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Shanti (Peace) Stupa, sits on a hilltop with a commanding view of the City and surrounding hills. "Be careful. Please cover yourselves properly. Walk slowly. If you feel dizzy, just sit down and call me. Madamji, you sure you are OK?" The fatherly concern of the Buddha Haq. We assured him we were fine. Wife feeling devout entered the Buddha temple, and walked around the Stupa, and paid respects to everything holy in sight; while I stuck to my photography, respecting the 'No Photography' signs where applicable. I don't know if it was a marketing statement or a genuine one, but Haq complemented our fitness level and quickness to adapt to the altitude so quickly as compared to many who need at least 24 hours. Irrespective, it felt good that the medicinal drug had helped. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK5R4ph6T5kQh-NfJwbCX4sc0_1NLc_sHeezjOs5Ym_9ksLODvi0onYuuWjFt2wHsLMSiGW2uOApTzCMD3GPsd9NeAPpNYxAWjDTBD2sG5Yoc2NSRHAFtveHJrQlKqCmn26EywUDTFw/s1600/20160925_180756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK5R4ph6T5kQh-NfJwbCX4sc0_1NLc_sHeezjOs5Ym_9ksLODvi0onYuuWjFt2wHsLMSiGW2uOApTzCMD3GPsd9NeAPpNYxAWjDTBD2sG5Yoc2NSRHAFtveHJrQlKqCmn26EywUDTFw/s640/20160925_180756.jpg" width="480" /></a><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Back at the hotel, we walked up to our room, had some more tea in the company of Kapil (on the TV screen). We got a call at 7 pm by the hotel manager inquiring about dinner. Told him not to worry as we would call it an early night. Not that we had to get up early, but wanted to catch up on the sleep lost the previous night, and forget the cube called room we were in. By 8 pm, lights out, but sound sleep was not. There were some guests who had checked in and were discussing rooming arrangements like selecting berths in a railway compartment, loud enough to be heard in neighbouring Tibet. With irritation, my headache quotient went up. Quietness returned for a while and I slipped into slumber. A thud and knock on my door and I woke up with a start. The person who did this would die. I opened the door and the guy who stood in front of me must have felt like harry Potter in front of 'Death-eater'. He was part of the same noisy gang earlier from the apology that followed. I gave him a quick lesson in hotel etiquettes, the standard military night suit lending authority to my words. The unruly platoon of overgrown teens promised to behave. I shut the door with and smiled. But the angst had driven up the headache. I made some more tea and then hit the sack again. Worrying about the symptoms only compound them, so made an effort to just meditate self to sleep. Khardungla pass was 8000ft higher and my headache better go away. </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh 19410134.1425054 77.5557215999999733.932311899999995 77.232998099999975 34.3526989 77.878445099999965tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-4087998180876696422016-05-27T04:22:00.001-07:002016-05-27T04:22:28.774-07:00To Fairyland in a Balloon. <br />
<a href="https://scontent.fmaa1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13006491_10154089162292288_2278425476974078423_n.jpg?oh=b898be135ebafb294e18e7257758abc7&oe=579A4BDE" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.fmaa1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13006491_10154089162292288_2278425476974078423_n.jpg?oh=b898be135ebafb294e18e7257758abc7&oe=579A4BDE" width="320" /></a>I had seen it in pictures, and it got on my bucket list. An adventure over a surreal landscape that jumps straight out of a fairytale, in a hot-air balloon over Cappadocia, and stay at one of its several hundred cave hotels it is famous for.<br />
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I was looking for fares to London, to fulfill a different agenda on my son's wish list, to witness an Arsenal game at the Emirates stadium. Turkish Airways threw up the best deal and that kind of ensured a stopover in Istanbul. Why should sons have all the fun I thought, and stretched the Turkey (stay) a bit to fit in a 2-night visit to Cappadocia. I had heard that April is about the best time of the year for ballooning there. The temperature is just right and there are minimal cancellations because of the weather. Actually, it's just about the start of the main tourist season, so, hotels are not too crowded, and rates are just about right.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4qU5ZH6wxCt4isKcSDsXy2xBNMj5SWSyyz4rcjfpaaCEHeq9XH6uwVboymJuO_Kg2lrNVtnpbuHU8O0E6K_R8qRrAE1ppk3fiZcjx4cur4vbxOW51rEGR8IYRqIw3Ti8FTdQTyj0eg/s1600/11188220_10154089161272288_8140256607562800565_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4qU5ZH6wxCt4isKcSDsXy2xBNMj5SWSyyz4rcjfpaaCEHeq9XH6uwVboymJuO_Kg2lrNVtnpbuHU8O0E6K_R8qRrAE1ppk3fiZcjx4cur4vbxOW51rEGR8IYRqIw3Ti8FTdQTyj0eg/s320/11188220_10154089161272288_8140256607562800565_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Next step, research, I am one of those who can be classified as an 'informed traveler', one who believes that first-hand information is better than what one reads on the net. My cousin told me to stay at Chelebi Cave hotel Goreme, my friend suggested Kayakapi Cave hotel Urgup, the travel agent somewhere else. My cousin told me to book my balloon ride with "<a href="http://www.royalballoon.com/">Royal</a>", my friend said "<a href="http://www.butterflyballoons.com/">Butterfly</a>", the travel agent said either is good. How easy. For validation, there is always Tripadvisor, and so I checked. It may be common knowledge for most, but I was ignorant about the fact that Cappadocia is not a city or town, and Goreme and Urgup are not like its downtown and suburbs. Cappadocia is a fairly large region with several big and small towns, and one of them happens to be Goreme and the other Urgup. Also, it is served by two airports, Nevsehir (NEV) and Kayseri (ASR) some 85 km apart from each other. Further, there are more than 20 hot-air ballooning companies operating in the area, that launch a cumulative of some 150+ balloons each (flying permissible) day.<br />
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The hotels suggested by my well-wishers were probably the best, and despite my friend trying his utmost to convince me that Urgup was the best place to park myself, I decided to book with <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g297983-d776088-Reviews-Sultan_Cave_Suites-Goreme_Cappadocia.html">Sultan Cave Suites</a> in Goreme and fly with Royal Balloons (60-minute package). My decision was based on numerous factors including pricing, safety, reviews, and response to my queries by the respective vendors. Above all, I wanted to keep the transaction as flexible as possible - just in case. There are numerous day tours that the hotels push as part of the activity list and I thought those would best be booked once there, based on eagerness, price, and time availability. I don't like being rushed into what I think are clever and expensive tourist traps. I had blocked at least 3 to 4 hotels both in Goreme and Urgup before firming my decision. It just so happened that I asked the owner of Royal Balloons to suggest the best of the lot and accordingly Goreme or Urgup. He suggested Sultan Caves as the best bet. Done, all sorted... well...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01QHL8FfPxDuTRjcK4XKRhbVDDz3sTpo6YrrUbOULk53nFisbI7KeDv8lbG4Zv3vYWAXuJvEZwpK5iPMmUvg24b-oTBXlhWLoGBjcxmkvaUoyLCO81roYIpAJvxqe08lSz5MZuyrTqQ/s1600/12938138_10154084296092288_153239936275375182_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01QHL8FfPxDuTRjcK4XKRhbVDDz3sTpo6YrrUbOULk53nFisbI7KeDv8lbG4Zv3vYWAXuJvEZwpK5iPMmUvg24b-oTBXlhWLoGBjcxmkvaUoyLCO81roYIpAJvxqe08lSz5MZuyrTqQ/s320/12938138_10154084296092288_153239936275375182_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>D-day minus 1 (D-Day being the balloon ride day). Flew in from Istanbul of Pegasus. (Flight check blog). Arrived at NEV at 7.20 am. The hotel had booked a shared bus shuttle that took some 30 minutes to load all passengers and 30 minutes to reach my destination, Sultan Cave Suites (SCS). I was expecting a very different landscape on the road from the airport. It was open for miles, dry, sparse vegetation, devoid of the fairy chimneys and quirks that one sees in the pictures. Well, almost until we entered Goreme. then it was another world.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyULpyeejyHoKUaKp8KCcfEM-eIGXjbKpR5vIsJyF52Tj_4OuNmxKu5-5bboBCKPC2BXcOSy7q3f7Whzc_126d-PY6HFEy9S3D2-8Q_DyECCQtNudyUzifONvXPaBUdbHgsChjLCLqcw/s1600/12718089_10154086780237288_2164065685510369590_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyULpyeejyHoKUaKp8KCcfEM-eIGXjbKpR5vIsJyF52Tj_4OuNmxKu5-5bboBCKPC2BXcOSy7q3f7Whzc_126d-PY6HFEy9S3D2-8Q_DyECCQtNudyUzifONvXPaBUdbHgsChjLCLqcw/s200/12718089_10154086780237288_2164065685510369590_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>The reception area was a large living room, comfortable and friendly. The latter because of the way I was welcomed in. The person manning the reception just checked my name and said, "hi! I am Hassan, welcome to Sultan Cave. I am sure you must be hungry. Why don't you finish breakfast first and then we shall complete all formalities. By then we shall have your room all clean and ready." Had I gone to the room first (assuming it was ready), I would have gone to sleep right away, having woken up at 4 am to catch the flight. The breakfast was decent, appealed more to the eye than to the tongue. But then, to be fair, I was eating for the sake of killing hunger and bit of the sleep that was wearing me.<br />
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My sleep disappeared completely. Not with the food, but with the words of Hassan, when I asked him what time does the Royal Balloon shuttle arrive in the morning to pick up guests. "You flying tomorrow? I don't think you will. As of now the possibility looks only 10%, but one never knows, the weather can improve. Check with me at 5pm, we will have more clarity, it all depends on the rain".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrjnBGVCF4TSvpOvfrWV940IdUCoHyfZJJhChs4hfy9k-ADnUW-3Mwg2nVteVMA4xhjCuFF6RqlUeiIqw1GFZhevf-MU69O_6AzNGqiqO58ysdyJNQLXn0hSu5UTEhIeW-mK2jOziIQ/s1600/12983394_10154084295897288_512140584224934681_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrjnBGVCF4TSvpOvfrWV940IdUCoHyfZJJhChs4hfy9k-ADnUW-3Mwg2nVteVMA4xhjCuFF6RqlUeiIqw1GFZhevf-MU69O_6AzNGqiqO58ysdyJNQLXn0hSu5UTEhIeW-mK2jOziIQ/s200/12983394_10154084295897288_512140584224934681_o.jpg" width="200" /></a>What the F was he talking about? It was warm, bright and sunny at 9.30am. Not a single dark cloud in sight. Not to be outdone by him, I responded, "But, I have messaged Capt. Suat of Royal last evening, and he never said anything to me about any cancellation. I would not have come had I known. It's the only reason for coming here."<br />
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Hassan gave me a smile and said "Bro, last evening was a different story. The weather pattern has changed, and it does every 6 - 8 hours over here. let me show you..." He opened up a weather site and I could see that he was not trying to play Halloween with me before time. "By the way, I must tell you, Butterfly Balloons is a sister concern, and one of the pilots is sitting in the next room. Check with him if you don't believe me."<br />
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He could see the dark clouds on my face if not outside the window. "Please don't get depressed, by evening the story could be very different. When are you leaving... I see day after, early, can you change your flight? The day after morning may be very different from tomorrow, just in case the worst happens tomorrow". I just shook my head and informed that my return seats were booked as well. "There are other things to do other than ballooning, why don't you rest and come back. We shall try and make sure that you enjoy your stay here."<br />
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My trip was already classified as a disaster and I was secretly wishing that I should have stayed in the UK a bit longer or flown back home directly from London. Cappadocia, as far as I was concerned, was a big and expensive mistake. Cancellation in April was not a normal. With that mood and a hung face, went to the room. It was simple, clean but dark (not enough natural or artificial light). A bit stuffy with the heat outside and lack of ventilation. Well, it was a cave room so what else should I have expected?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8evgprTJL3QsZJqjmczEYajYUPpgx8_yiJQFZgnoDJgOASBHlYJuAEfqDiIJuZqM36icBDbYYUt2IyU9LaURiLVqLu63NlA_jrycn_J-TWH0pL8HTM9i3fl1sDSDAm9nPBF_PKu6NFA/s1600/12986991_10154091657662288_2351019139875659087_n+%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8evgprTJL3QsZJqjmczEYajYUPpgx8_yiJQFZgnoDJgOASBHlYJuAEfqDiIJuZqM36icBDbYYUt2IyU9LaURiLVqLu63NlA_jrycn_J-TWH0pL8HTM9i3fl1sDSDAm9nPBF_PKu6NFA/s200/12986991_10154091657662288_2351019139875659087_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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No point sulking. After an hour's rest was back at the reception where the backup plans were discussed over the unending supply of Turkish coffee, Turkish delight, and apple tea that the hotel served its guests. My son was thrilled, he had access to great WIFI (included), and was told that he could view a BPL match at the reception later in the evening. Hassan's brother Mustafa was a football addict as well. I soon learned that the management of SCS was all one big family. Then, it was time to explore the town on foot. There was nothing much to do otherwise as the next day had been kept aside as activity day. It was mid-afternoon and there was no sign of rain. The hot-air balloon called hope in me began to slowly but surely soar up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ak2dQA4vV9HIKtJOpKCYdOvdh_RW2Coo0HIrvY7CqK89xtnYZG-r5Onl4i9HCEHI7D-HnCMq7p7j2hfVpWMsH0vXbtLWOdVbPpzPgiNOIvro6onA7JgKtgibE_JJOnnOplhFc91bWw/s1600/12472336_10154084289957288_4787528511632029746_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ak2dQA4vV9HIKtJOpKCYdOvdh_RW2Coo0HIrvY7CqK89xtnYZG-r5Onl4i9HCEHI7D-HnCMq7p7j2hfVpWMsH0vXbtLWOdVbPpzPgiNOIvro6onA7JgKtgibE_JJOnnOplhFc91bWw/s200/12472336_10154084289957288_4787528511632029746_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>A good Capadoccian kebab lunch at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.in/Restaurant_Review-g297983-d1503403-Reviews-Cafe_Safak-Goreme_Cappadocia.html">Cafe </a><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.in/Restaurant_Review-g297983-d1503403-Reviews-Cafe_Safak-Goreme_Cappadocia.html">Safak</a>, suggested by Hassan. The earthen pot kebab happens to be a speciality of this region. I thought it was more drama than taste, but wasn't bad at all. The service was excellent. Having sampled some more delights including the sticky ice cream (dondurma) that is served with even more drama than quotient, and checking rates for the bicycle, ATV, UTV, motorcycle, car and every other mode of transportation on hire, walked back to the hotel for a well-earned rest. Still no signs of any weather-related threat, the rain Gods must have decided to hold off. Chances of the balloon ride happening were looking positive.<br />
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We must have Rip Van Winkled for a couple of hours I thought. Waking up, we were in a different situation. It was quite dark and gloomy outside. My watch said 5 o'clock. Shit, had we overslept? I looked again, this time, the clock on my phone. It was five alright, but in the evening. I opened the door and could see dense dark rain clouds overhead. Not good. Went to the reception. No Hassan there. I guessed it was Mustafa sitting at the counter. I asked him how the weather could change in a couple of hours? He said, there were high winds up there blowing in rain clouds. According to him, the situation was good, 'cause if it rained, a - it would cool down the place - good for ballooning, b- the winds would be calmer. So, I still had half a chance to do what I had come here for. The hope meter was still intact after the football match. No cancellations announced by 8 pm, which was great news. Much better than the disappointment that Arsenal had drawn the match against West Ham. With a chill and drizzle still in the air, we decided to eat at the hotel's restaurant "<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.in/Restaurant_Review-g297983-d1829518-Reviews-Seten_Anatolian_Cuisine-Goreme_Cappadocia.html">SETEN</a>". Turned out that it is very popular with the locals and for a very good reason.<br />
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Next morning, we were ready and waiting at 5 am, the designated pick up time. The Royal Balloon shuttle van was there on time. <b>Excitement</b>. By 5.15am, we were at the Royal Balloon HQ located on the outskirts of Goreme. We were welcomed by Capt. Suat. The formality of form-work ticks out of the way, we were asked to do two things. First, eat breakfast; second, keep a watch on a big screen that displayed the current weather pattern and clearance by the Turkish Aviation Authority for balloons to fly. At 6 am, the flight was showing "standby". <b>Tension</b>. It was made worse by having just consumed breakfast. the spread was lavish and the urge to sample everything eventually goes against the system. By 7 am the sky was devoid of clouds and we could see the several balloon carriages waiting like chariots readying up for a race. <b>Anticipation</b>. The final update would be released at 7.30am and I could sense the nervousness in each of the 100+ persons waiting along with me for some good news.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuDCHgZF_4eRfMayEa8HqOrGqnjdEW_fvxeyyTKW-YuUCvuUFKRCl5jx0zEx4-27lbYur1ARp1Re12RI8VzdFAbbEgV6Ey04777HylNs8PSrbNulzLKVbuOl1Mdyx-HuYYX2auSJ6WA/s1600/11959999_10154086304867288_6045294730939426418_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuDCHgZF_4eRfMayEa8HqOrGqnjdEW_fvxeyyTKW-YuUCvuUFKRCl5jx0zEx4-27lbYur1ARp1Re12RI8VzdFAbbEgV6Ey04777HylNs8PSrbNulzLKVbuOl1Mdyx-HuYYX2auSJ6WA/s200/11959999_10154086304867288_6045294730939426418_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Nope! there was none. At 7.30am the message on the screen read "cancelled'. <b>Unbelievable. </b>The disappointment visible on each one's face was identical, one of disbelief. Capt. Suat made the formal announcement that the wind velocity just a 100+ feet above ground was unsuited for ballooning and the risk of accidents too high to fly. Those who were ready and willing to wait it out until the next day were marked, and those who could not, like me, were given refunds in full. The day had not started well. I told my son, that we would try and leave the same day today rather than wait for our flight tomorrow. Such was my anguish. Would I balloon again? Yes. But, certainly not in Cappadocia. Never.<br />
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We were dropped back at Sultan Cave. I could see the pilots from Butterfly Balloon parked for breakfast, discussing the cancellation this morning. "I am sorry," Hassan told me in earnestness. "Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?"<br />
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I said, with a sad smile on my face "a reason to stay back or help me get a flight this evening back to Istanbul."<br />
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"If you are willing to change flights, then why not push your departure to a later time tomorrow? I will get you an excellent deal from Butterfly that will make it worth your while." It made sense. Except, flights from NEV operated twice a day, once in the morning and then late evening. A late evening flight the next day meant having no time to enjoy Istanbul. "Why Nevsehir? Fly out of Kayseri. There is a flight every 2 hours." He checked, and yes there was a flight at 1330 hours. Perfect. Worth the risk. After all, that's what we came here for, right? Now for the deal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RRv7qgqJCdjGZ6rbeIo8FbJA90vTR7s8u15rBJGU36kxuG5I7hEMnqJ_e59t2XEQnF47NURvD0WfF0jwv7jEegBlF7d6u0oGmZKhp1lZ9YzFjRnPCVlDQES1v9U436gwIqg-L5fWIQ/s1600/12987018_10154086780387288_1241104664161220078_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RRv7qgqJCdjGZ6rbeIo8FbJA90vTR7s8u15rBJGU36kxuG5I7hEMnqJ_e59t2XEQnF47NURvD0WfF0jwv7jEegBlF7d6u0oGmZKhp1lZ9YzFjRnPCVlDQES1v9U436gwIqg-L5fWIQ/s200/12987018_10154086780387288_1241104664161220078_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh7X_rhyphenhyphenN1VJUsBARSpI0ASylHICwxqGMLpUr8W5k5pupXLgft5_q9JHzgFJpxG_iCTkAclPS6_rZd-Y2QmLjKKzaRHMRgS9CgXbPkfO30ecMWWEyTsoQLrFVD6ibTAGLaa5IepNOYw/s1600/12998491_10154086780102288_384607258971855349_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh7X_rhyphenhyphenN1VJUsBARSpI0ASylHICwxqGMLpUr8W5k5pupXLgft5_q9JHzgFJpxG_iCTkAclPS6_rZd-Y2QmLjKKzaRHMRgS9CgXbPkfO30ecMWWEyTsoQLrFVD6ibTAGLaa5IepNOYw/s200/12998491_10154086780102288_384607258971855349_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>Hassan called up Butterfly. I had a deal. Butterfly and Royal charge about the same price. The air ticket differential for the change of flight was discounted from my price. Oh! What a beautiful day it was turning out to be. Now, the idea was to spend it well. It was already 9 am, too late to join any of the full day explorer tours. The solution - booked a half day tour to one of the several ancient "Underground Cave Cities" in the region. I was told that after ballooning, it's an experience that is not to be missed. The tour would not start until 2pm, so with time to kill, decided to take my son for an offroading ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) experience. He had made me promise that should ballooning be cancelled then this would be our adrenaline fix.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquJSW63bP3AI1csfj_G7umDRJF-aV7AulPXm3Z-tlpbQp78iRSwvzXNberBB4aEOaUslaBLOI41ZbrkzfyycF8qn0TdHH0O5jJtSJDDl6NHc-DadG6mq8sEzCO7U0U6Lnx49a3yryyA/s1600/12961734_10154086779117288_4686803539738308743_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquJSW63bP3AI1csfj_G7umDRJF-aV7AulPXm3Z-tlpbQp78iRSwvzXNberBB4aEOaUslaBLOI41ZbrkzfyycF8qn0TdHH0O5jJtSJDDl6NHc-DadG6mq8sEzCO7U0U6Lnx49a3yryyA/s200/12961734_10154086779117288_4686803539738308743_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAz9i2X_LFke6yOEzS2Sanel_Pb4XTXBF4DxxzVVc6Vzyk7FmhoFmpKUkXSGGFKeMbOEbS_O4JYaAF8_m_mY5nb5l-8QkOyZBLD10moFt4000U1vNSy7E_2-tBSXVrnwHPc5pAWFBjGg/s1600/12991116_10154086778432288_8593538734680954532_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>We rented a UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) as my son at 16 is not permitted to drive on the road alone. It was an escorted hour long off road tour to visit the famed fairy chimney caves up close. Having a guide with us seemed like such a waste of money, but unlike ATV rentals, UTV rental included it in the price. Good for us, our guide Hakkan was a jovial sort, one out to impress and entertain us with his ATV skills - read stunts. It was nice to have a local tag along explaining the different shapes of the landscape as well as take our pictures. Having reached our end point, it was time for hydrating ourselves. Fresh pomegranate juice (very cheap), Turkish apple cyai, water, what more could I ask for? Time to head back, and one-third through our journey, I realised that my 5-day old expensive acquisition called smartphone was missing. Shit! I was sure I had it in my pocket when we left. If someone had picked it, then it was lost forever. If it had fallen anywhere, then finding it in a landscape that resembled the open desert came with odds that were worse than finding a needle in a haystack. Then, even if it was found, in what state would it be? Chances of someone driving over it... I stopped imagining possibilities. First the balloon cancellation, now this. What had I done to deserve this?<br />
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Hakkan told us to wait while he would head back on the route to see if he could find it. I tried calling the number, but it was switched off. I knew that Hakkan would return with bad news. Twenty minutes later, saw him riding back. My heart was beating a tad faster. Never loose hope. 'Let's go,' he said. Nothing else. My son was expecting a yelling for insisting upon the off road experience, one that proved to be a very expensive one. We reached the drop off point. Hakkan asked the car taking us back to the hotel to wait. He went up to a man took something from him and returned. It was my phone. Dirty but intact. 'You are lucky man mister. The juice vendor saw your phone drop from your pocket and sent his son after us. But we had taken a different route so he came here.' It was a beautiful day and getting better. Thanks and a generous tip to Hakkan and the boy. My son had a smile of relief on his face too. I may not have yelled at him, but the loss could have marred my mood for the rest of the trip.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goreme.com/images/kaymakli-underground-city-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.goreme.com/images/kaymakli-underground-city-2.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
A donner kebab lunch and some apple tea later, we were ready and waiting for our transport to drive us off to the famed underground city of <a href="http://www.goreme.com/kaymakli-underground-city.php">Kaymakli</a>. It was an interesting experience, one that was physically challenging. Claustrophobics or those with heart (related) ailments should seriously avoid it. Without a trained guide, this trip would not be half as interesting either, it is not a DIY trip by any count. The guide told the group the best "theories" behind these cave cities, but none of them have stood unchallenged. I came up with some theories of my own, but this is not the blog for it.<br />
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Back at the hotel, it was time to shower and get ready for watching a beautiful sunset and football game accompanied by some surprisingly good local wine. There is a school of historians that believes that grapes and <a href="http://www.winesofturkey.org/wine-history-in-anatolia-2/">winemaking</a> were exported by the Anatolian-Armenian-Georgian region to the rest of the world based on evidence collected over time. Dinner had to be at Seten again, we were too tired to step out. It had been a very long day of adventure, fun, and learning. Zzzzzzzzzz....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cJ_3cc6I614PsIufuRbY7dNDUGPT-l36KuVRAEurlV3rKoTgQfz4Q-4tXaVn-VIxPyLVl2L9gfqwvWYhqBVB4DZINbyeHcaRgkZCXLn5hhwNkPoAOjePunWF8SvzfGWqF3QDyFNsvA/s1600/12961494_10154089156602288_8708001245715781768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cJ_3cc6I614PsIufuRbY7dNDUGPT-l36KuVRAEurlV3rKoTgQfz4Q-4tXaVn-VIxPyLVl2L9gfqwvWYhqBVB4DZINbyeHcaRgkZCXLn5hhwNkPoAOjePunWF8SvzfGWqF3QDyFNsvA/s200/12961494_10154089156602288_8708001245715781768_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>Next morning was an early rise too. Operation "Ballooning II" was put in action. I must say that the reception, organisation, and breakfast at "Royal" was far better than the Butterfly one. But the idea was to fly and not be picky about the food et all. This time around, we sat in the minivans... ones headed to the balloons. We were told that the window of opportunity was available for only a couple of hours as wind velocity was expected to pick up again. <b>Drama. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK2y_UotFfNFiNo7myPHg958wnlqCrgv45THtdjk1JhygYqpnnag8E-6BLJJdehNFxV_hkvQJski3zB-qOrXAiv5-sYmA1fHCXEpGmaeCXgekXaufMr-2UuA4VmuLcqkMgZF2k-FBEw/s1600/12985491_10154089160972288_164330990878618873_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK2y_UotFfNFiNo7myPHg958wnlqCrgv45THtdjk1JhygYqpnnag8E-6BLJJdehNFxV_hkvQJski3zB-qOrXAiv5-sYmA1fHCXEpGmaeCXgekXaufMr-2UuA4VmuLcqkMgZF2k-FBEw/s320/12985491_10154089160972288_164330990878618873_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiar6ISp1YzN7yKXpLYNX_Hnt4frK95vTOrGwXP3htezKd6kvIuHAcuaQlRt-uRXur23zmGVc44OYTCsnHirQ2uGoP76G3MnyaHeQoowwqd0c5XLnHN7RurouGT3_OteEGHM-JBpUCk_A/s1600/12963724_10154089159872288_2807084485973958584_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiar6ISp1YzN7yKXpLYNX_Hnt4frK95vTOrGwXP3htezKd6kvIuHAcuaQlRt-uRXur23zmGVc44OYTCsnHirQ2uGoP76G3MnyaHeQoowwqd0c5XLnHN7RurouGT3_OteEGHM-JBpUCk_A/s200/12963724_10154089159872288_2807084485973958584_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>It was a sight to behold. Silhouettes of fabric expanding, taking shape, the blast of flames, wobbly giants threatening to fly. Awestruck, that's what I was. We were asked to jump into the gondola baskets, a total of 16 per balloon. The Captain of our airship gave us the take-off and landing instructions. <b>MORE DRAMA</b>, I thought, to heighten the adrenaline rush, the excitement. Soon we were climbing, an armada of some 100 balloons rising together in an unstructured formation that made photography a delight. We went up above ground and then dropped into a canyon, scraped a tree top (intentionally) and counted some underwear drying (outside someone's home) intentionally too. Dogs, sheep, cats, and horses got a scare as we flew over them with the sound of the Captain flaring the flame inside the balloons belly to keep us aloft. The landscape changing from forest to village to fairyland in the area that is known as the Goreme national park. Quite spectacular seen from the top. Everything that I thought I would experience emotionally, true.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Zi7KQHkmPoUG4ZQ8DsRVyRWnH9ENVtZSLFhgOTo6VgkeGK87J5la6ZZdZgp7R36_ygQhy3C6_tkxl0wd6T-mADBW3_S8I1YI5JsYeQmR6d9X2WF_Xv3Mha4SkdhwFHymh9ZaTvAu9w/s1600/13000350_10154089161932288_1015169390752217347_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Zi7KQHkmPoUG4ZQ8DsRVyRWnH9ENVtZSLFhgOTo6VgkeGK87J5la6ZZdZgp7R36_ygQhy3C6_tkxl0wd6T-mADBW3_S8I1YI5JsYeQmR6d9X2WF_Xv3Mha4SkdhwFHymh9ZaTvAu9w/s200/13000350_10154089161932288_1015169390752217347_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The first 30 minutes, all fun. Then the novelty kind of tapered and realisation set in that I was surrounded by a horde of "selfie" monsters armed with their famed sticks and gadgets. Does no one use a proper camera anymore? Well, everyone entitled to their own fun I suppose. Below, I could see the convoy of buses and pickup trucks towing the basket carriages chasing us on our route. Finally, it was time to land. The Captain told us to get into the landing brace position, and the basket fell with a thud. Before it could tip over and we dragged on the ground by the lesser powered gently deflating balloon that was still prone to airlift -the ground crew had attacked the basket and balloon to neutralize any such incident. Instructions are never for drama, not in an aircraft, certainly not in a balloon. Later, I heard that one of the balloons had drifted off some 25 kms towards Nevsehir airport as it got caught up in high wind currents and could not descend safely elsewhere. I also learned that we had accomplished a nice run of some 15kms thanks to some good winds. There are days when an hour up there could mean just 1 km of travel, and others when the balloon can land right on its designated carriage. No two experiences are the same for the pilot. I did conclude that the money spent was every bit worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydAo6bUie_W7MVSZsoyvdhanLqxPst7slH4Dc7LB9M_1JKsXJiYI-jUl0QFgd3LE8esuYxOZAo7JEeq7LlgNncQ4ekB-6qaodD24lhXsmDYgm0Y337kmPSs3z02AJLmNz-8zE5XHDyg/s1600/12936596_10154089162512288_8011890820464664966_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydAo6bUie_W7MVSZsoyvdhanLqxPst7slH4Dc7LB9M_1JKsXJiYI-jUl0QFgd3LE8esuYxOZAo7JEeq7LlgNncQ4ekB-6qaodD24lhXsmDYgm0Y337kmPSs3z02AJLmNz-8zE5XHDyg/s200/12936596_10154089162512288_8011890820464664966_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>A champagne and certificate ceremony followed with more photo ops. The feeling was akin to have completed a religious pilgrimage - months of preparation, completed in an hour. One more off my bucket list, it was time to go home, even if the route was via Istanbul.<br />
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My blog on the airline experience, if interested....<a href="http://travelwithumesh.blogspot.in/2016/04/flight-check-pegasus-istanbul.html">http://travelwithumesh.blogspot.in/2016/04/flight-check-pegasus-istanbul.html</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-78629343785901955962016-04-18T23:44:00.000-07:002016-04-18T23:44:13.074-07:00Flight Check Pegasus Istanbul- Cappadocia - Istanbul PC267 & PC4463Had made plans to visit Cappadocia (Turkey) for a hot-air balloon experience over its surreal landscape of fairy chimneys and underground cities resembling a live scene out of the many fantasy books written by J.R. Tolkien.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappadocia">Cappadocia,</a> as I learned is not a City but a region of Anatolia that consists of several small and one mid-sized (Nevsehir) and one large (Kayseri) town. Both of them have an airport that serves the region, and the distance between the two, some 80 km. I was booked on Turkish Airlines on BOM-IST(x)-LHR-IST-BOM, (IST = Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport, which is the main hub for the airline too). </div>
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I tried booking IST-NEV/ASR-IST (where NEV = Nevsehir and ASR = Kayseri) on Turkish Airlines, but the fares were prohibitive. My search threw up cheaper fares on the Low-Cost <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegasus_Airlines">Pegasus</a> Airlines. The fares were low, but the airline uses the Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) airport on the Asian fringe of Istanbul some 75kms away from IST for almost all of its domestic operations. My flight from London LHR was to reach IST at about 5 pm and given the possibilities of airline delays, airport formalities, and Istanbul's crazy traffic, decided to stay overnight in Istanbul at a midpoint location. </div>
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Booking the ticket. The Pegasus website has been designed more for the locals and booking on their English page was not the easiest. It is not made apparent that providing a contact number will cause the site to seek Pegasus loyalty membership, as a result the booking was hard to complete. Second, for some strange reason, if it detects an overseas IP address for the device being used, the drop down menus misbehave. It is here I learned that Pegasus flies to a very few destination from IST. But all this became unimportant have secured a return fare of Euro 75 pp for SAW-NEV-SAW. I could not understand, why the website refused to throw up fares from SAW-ASR-SAW? Please note that there are only 2 flights a day to NEV (morning and evening) and several throughout the day to ASR. The learning always happens after the flights are booked, sadly. </div>
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It took me exactly 20 mins by taxi from Besiktas (where I was staying) to reach SAW some 35 km away at 5 am. Cost - some 80TL, but the driver insisted I give him 10TL more for toll. Much better than the 90 minutes it took from IST to Besiktas the previous evening (about the same distance). But then, I was way too early for my flight. </div>
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SAW is a large no frill modern airport serving International and Domestic flights but does not match up to the buzz of IST. Not that IST is much better as compared to the fine airports in the Asian region, and I can proudly add Mumbai to that list too. It does have a lounge that accepts Priority Pass. (Discovered after finishing my breakfast. Hey! it was still my bed time). Check-in was polite and efficient, took less than 2 minutes to process 2 passengers including baggage tagging and identity check. Adequate seating at the assigned gate and clean toilets, at least until 7 am. Boarding announcements loud and clear. Departure display clear. Boarding efficient, though Turkish people, just like all Asians, always assume that they have to rush and catch seats (even though assigned) or that the flight may depart leaving them behind. Essentially queue breakers. </div>
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Aircraft - 737-800. Looked clean and well maintained. Faux leather seats. Width 17 inches. Legroom 29 inches. In-flight Entertainment - Overhead display but no IFE on domestic flights from what I could tell. Crew - Cockpit 2 Cabin 4 for serving 189 passengers. Flight take off and landing (SAW-NEV) on time. Food for purchase trolley circulated. Menu - looked decent, but did not buy anything as had just finished breakfast. Cockpit announcements in English. Clear and functional. Cabin announcements in Turkish followed by English. Cabin pressure and temperature, comfortable. Toilets, clean. Crew well groomed, efficient and polite Lacked friendliness. Maybe it's a situation with most airlines today, given the pressure under which the crew has to operate.<br />
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NEV is a very small airport, designed to handle not more than 6 to 8 flights a day. One baggage carousel, guess that says it all. The airport is some 15 minutes from Nevsehir itself and 30 - 40 minutes away from the smaller but more popular towns of Goreme and Urgup.<br />
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Thanks to the weather, my hot air balloon ride, the main reason for my visit, was rescheduled and I had to rebook a later flight, from ASR. Kayseri is an hour plus away from Goreme. The airport serves both military and civilian planes and also welcomes direct international flights. It is much larger than Nevsehir, but not that much larger either.<br />
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The flight was late by 20 minutes. I did try a sandwich combo this time around and the food was quite alright. The seats on row 26 had decent legroom as well. At 3 pm, the time taken from SAW to Besiktas area of Istanbul took me well over an hour and some 95TL. There was no demand for extra money for toll, but I did tip him 10TL for being a happy driver as well as good at avoiding jams wherever possible. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-76235841335101772782015-10-12T01:03:00.000-07:002015-10-12T11:33:29.778-07:00Shimla Diary 27th - 30th Sept. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQG7gWS24rO9fWeLcUY76qk2h3MRqubZc16_yPxkmGjVO6LtQPI6m2x-9s8XsXSLybMsm83rjZ63AtQzuIH7GVZbIJZivwiFs2ewVMs4TzDfb8YAc1MGKj6RHpYEbbfNSRVNy2z_dvA/s1600/12076159_10153650672792288_1586342825_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQG7gWS24rO9fWeLcUY76qk2h3MRqubZc16_yPxkmGjVO6LtQPI6m2x-9s8XsXSLybMsm83rjZ63AtQzuIH7GVZbIJZivwiFs2ewVMs4TzDfb8YAc1MGKj6RHpYEbbfNSRVNy2z_dvA/s320/12076159_10153650672792288_1586342825_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
"Let's go someplace in India this time, I haven't seen much of it like you have" said my wife to me, when I told her that the two of us should take off on a short break.<br />
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We narrowed down our choices to a few places and picked Shimla as the place to go. Actually, it was more the hotel "The Wildflower Hall" rather than the destination that we selected. It was a 3 night - 4 day trip, of which, 2 would be spent commuting to fro from the hotel to the nearest airport (Chandigarh), and with just 2 days on hand, the hotel had to be really spectacular. QED.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGHPQxWpBng2BKIVk6htwGc45iQ9P4XL14nND85jH2smNpkOvUZSZUIYA3-idTU2lkYpqcwPR-sBDIuXKU3eARe2phbMzdzLKxloNjHd57VrwGxUJu6JQetxUUv5epCq_BbrhZhMaNg/s1600/12076465_10153649289687288_1026822435_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGHPQxWpBng2BKIVk6htwGc45iQ9P4XL14nND85jH2smNpkOvUZSZUIYA3-idTU2lkYpqcwPR-sBDIuXKU3eARe2phbMzdzLKxloNjHd57VrwGxUJu6JQetxUUv5epCq_BbrhZhMaNg/s320/12076465_10153649289687288_1026822435_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Air Tickets were booked on Indigo. Fortunately, there was a fare war going on, and Indigo had a pretty good deal going on the direct BOM-IXC (Mumbai to Chandigarh) flight at the time. The selected dates were officially the last 3 days of the supposed off season for the hotel. Even so, the rate worked out to USD 350/- a night inclusive of tax and kind of breakfast for a mountain view room.<br />
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A week before departure, the trip became a talking point to garner the statutory free advice from friends on the hotel and or the destination. "The hotel was fab when i visited some 13 years back. Don't know how it is now. Must be good. It is an Oberoi hotel after all," said one. "Do visit the Mall road in Shimla. It's an absolute must see," said another. "Are you crazy thinking of wasting time on that Mall road? Such a waste of time, unless being harassed by men and monkeys is your thing," a view point from the third. "Since you are a foodie, eat the tandoori paranthas (stuffed and oven baked Indian flat bread) at 'Giani's Dhaba' on the way in or out of Shimla," were the wise words that I penned in my list. So much to do or not to do, and such little time.<br />
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<b>27th Morning.</b> Terminal 1B. Mumbai International Airport. With pre-printed boarding cards in hand, stood in line for the baggage drop. While this queue was being serviced by some 10 counters, the line for normal check in was much shorter. No wonder Indigo requires passengers to report at least 90 minutes before departure time. At this rate, it looked like touch and go to the gate for a flight that was going to fly on time. "Anyone for Chandigarh? Anyone for Chandigarh?" A ground agent yelled. I raised my hand, and was asked by her to head to the first available counter, where I was greeted by a counter officer called 'Clive'. "Good morning Sir. I see you have blocked seats on row 28. May I offer you seats in row 1. Better leg room, and on this two and a half hour flight, you will like the extra space." Even before I could smile, Clive let me know that the move would cost me Rs. 800 per seat. I told him that I would pass. So he cut a deal to give me 2 seats for the price of one. Deal struck, we were now on row 1. As he wrote the receipt, he asked if I would like to block the same seats on the return leg as well. I looked at my watch and told him that I would decide that on my return. He smiled a smile which said "you are making a big mistake not listening to me. But, it's your life." Enough face reading, had to contend with the security line and then grab a coffee before queuing up again to board.<br />
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I cannot understand why frequent travelers behave like it's their very first time. Security check in India requires all laptops and large screen equipment to be placed out of the bag, and all mobile phones inside the bag switched on. Yet, it dawns on most passengers to perform that ritual at the screening conveyor belt, holding up the line unnecessarily. Time, there was a line for people with no bags and no lap tops. Stamping of boarding cards and cabin bag tags was something that the airport has been trying hard to eliminate for months. But the practice exists and walking away with either unstamped would mean going through the entire process all over again.<br />
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My adrenaline was already up, so I skipped the coffee, but my calm and composed wife did not. We were on a break she reminded me. Yes we were, and the ride from Chandigarh to Shimla booked on <a href="http://www.chandigarhtaxiwala.com/">www.chandigarhtaxiwala.com </a> had not yet called me with driver and car details among the million other things that were bothering me that morning. The world was not going to stop for me and neither was time. What the heck. Enjoy the break. (The hotel charges Rs 6700 from Chandigarh to Shimla in an Innova (MPV) and the local service in the same type of vehicle costs Rs 3,400, with an optional full route air condition service at an extra Rs. 500). Two minutes prior to boarding, I get a SMS with the car and driver details. The flight was packed and the seat move option was suddenly the 'worth it' one. We had 3 seats to ourselves.<br />
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<a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/vt/data=RfCSdfNZ0LFPrHSm0ublXdzhdrDFhtmHhN1u-gM,tIM4De9GAhrR9NMtaC7Sn7rjq7pLpEahc7zNo9JSJGoU2xOPiz4nM1LfYw8r9bMNYyHfNIGdaUD8NOXGCU15uWunBY-xOE_tpInRmaqLAU5Uwo383tDAkZXr3GAgp6tE24ht-UT8GvAhT_MKjNvbVV1c7DrK,2msUgyansMwe1UlsoNAg2wqkE2I8VR4-mCfL8Je4MCK94YxMLBfC375ucLqF_fzUzUKUSa3kXeFbpJQd_vRqY64Mmzwhb2NFlgc9R4Zq7aKySUGzc9WI4BEub1IM6uUZ8AYZ6BgHRp7Y_N1XjKuqIpxOIKZz8od5Mn7cO5Nhe6_LmRIVvY1zFr_gab1HynwlOCSz8GL_SEmQ4hXMVN3PHjpks8xxCTzUOwV6y1KRInSc829WDnz_j7blrlBe0CtTPnZkXxh8LOjRArhlHfJ6G0DM4s20ShhFC0GT5DOyY8dIGFR-NBLaiA5ChuKkZGomFw9O0jeeYYvWxLfifqbotz7w24Xb0bLS-dJku_nsjM_vctULFxXt2XcpbSHM3l_Ksp7VvGVlhld5u41LFjpI5frY71U?scale=1&h=200&w=555" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="From: Chandigarh To: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh" border="0" height="143" src="https://www.google.co.in/maps/vt/data=RfCSdfNZ0LFPrHSm0ublXdzhdrDFhtmHhN1u-gM,tIM4De9GAhrR9NMtaC7Sn7rjq7pLpEahc7zNo9JSJGoU2xOPiz4nM1LfYw8r9bMNYyHfNIGdaUD8NOXGCU15uWunBY-xOE_tpInRmaqLAU5Uwo383tDAkZXr3GAgp6tE24ht-UT8GvAhT_MKjNvbVV1c7DrK,2msUgyansMwe1UlsoNAg2wqkE2I8VR4-mCfL8Je4MCK94YxMLBfC375ucLqF_fzUzUKUSa3kXeFbpJQd_vRqY64Mmzwhb2NFlgc9R4Zq7aKySUGzc9WI4BEub1IM6uUZ8AYZ6BgHRp7Y_N1XjKuqIpxOIKZz8od5Mn7cO5Nhe6_LmRIVvY1zFr_gab1HynwlOCSz8GL_SEmQ4hXMVN3PHjpks8xxCTzUOwV6y1KRInSc829WDnz_j7blrlBe0CtTPnZkXxh8LOjRArhlHfJ6G0DM4s20ShhFC0GT5DOyY8dIGFR-NBLaiA5ChuKkZGomFw9O0jeeYYvWxLfifqbotz7w24Xb0bLS-dJku_nsjM_vctULFxXt2XcpbSHM3l_Ksp7VvGVlhld5u41LFjpI5frY71U?scale=1&h=200&w=555" width="400" /></a>Flight arrived a few minutes before schedule. Being an aviation buff, I was excited to catch sights of some air force jets at this military airfield. (No photography allowed). No Sukhois or MIGs - but a lot of medium and heavy lift crafts including the mighty C-130 Hercules. Chandigarh at 11.30 am was already at 35 degrees Celsius. Bags collected, driver called, driver greets, and moments later we are ready to leave. The ride to Shimla would take at least 4 hours to cover the 130 kms, and Mr. Rinku our driver and I got into multiple conversations including his most recent 14 day drive to Leh-Ladhak, something that I have on my adventure list. I asked him about places in Himachal that we would not visit, and got a pretty good idea of what we would and would not be missing out on. An hour into the journey, on a great quality road, we hit a traffic jam. We learnt that the traffic was backed up for a couple of miles. It was a Sunday and the end of a long weekend, so the road was surely full of cars, some being driven by accident prone hungover guys (and possible gals). The drive for the next couple of hours was a painful crawl. We reached Dharampur by 3.00pm covering just about 15 kms in 2 hours, still some 70 kms and 2 hours away, already an hour behind schedule. But, the body needed some food and 'Giani's dhaba' was where we would eat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqjBsbtJp5luTXlEoUqeko7TFehYsEx9IA8ZFOOlJ3Gxw5bCLyh_bNWyD9fA3xRfmZkQMij3OX8O4YgRzGtYdscVMWjhQ3fsmH7yLPq2wpbKNDQshRIWmT_13Huzr7W0Uj0rcTvJs-A/s1600/12055285_10153645754492288_228440225_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqjBsbtJp5luTXlEoUqeko7TFehYsEx9IA8ZFOOlJ3Gxw5bCLyh_bNWyD9fA3xRfmZkQMij3OX8O4YgRzGtYdscVMWjhQ3fsmH7yLPq2wpbKNDQshRIWmT_13Huzr7W0Uj0rcTvJs-A/s200/12055285_10153645754492288_228440225_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0N2bwSDzRIch5WLlIVeD1aiKhkkkQYvoprbv7kHgonMI17NRLPjqM_gFQ35UBwNVn9OZCYMIXEYiOyEjCOIEX8y-kUj6WSz8zG4NrjBZ_ur6J21cpcluOMfhYVOrqemoItCTOH-txQ/s1600/12059303_10153645754682288_1934790444_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0N2bwSDzRIch5WLlIVeD1aiKhkkkQYvoprbv7kHgonMI17NRLPjqM_gFQ35UBwNVn9OZCYMIXEYiOyEjCOIEX8y-kUj6WSz8zG4NrjBZ_ur6J21cpcluOMfhYVOrqemoItCTOH-txQ/s200/12059303_10153645754682288_1934790444_o.jpg" width="150" /></a>I have traveled a lot by car and have eaten at some of the best 'dhabas' in Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. Had to try this one out. The number of cars outside gave me reason to believe that this was a right choice too. It was a mad house inside. Packed. The owner got us to wait next to a table that he thought would be vacated in a couple of minutes, which is exactly what happened. We ordered a chicken curry suggested by the waiter and some tandoor baked stuffed paranthas. We were hungry, and normally in hunger anything tastes good. Sorry, the food was just average. We should have tried the "Chole kulche" being sold by highway vendors instead. My wife was not too excited with that idea. City folk have this belief that anything inexpensive is bad for the stomach. A further 30 minutes drive, and we could feel the weather changing. We asked the driver to switch off the air-con unit. The road had become more scenic too, and the sound of the crickets outside louder in the background of silence.<br />
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We crossed Shimla at 5.45pm, still some 10 kms to reach the 'Wildflower Hall' at Chharabra, and thirty minutes later, we were there. We could sense that the temperature outside was down to single digits.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphuX1AxHFRUiyxoSY4UwKibiGMaiKy_2Yi3HWB31eX59qc7eIts8gNb0DlMjcwzN2D74zlUp8yYKsZKV8zfRtioxSZFjYQqTFT1vK6h6Inh4i_QyLU_AZJmTMpNnsYDFUq3LRqa1tRw/s1600/12082073_10153650772912288_46360507_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphuX1AxHFRUiyxoSY4UwKibiGMaiKy_2Yi3HWB31eX59qc7eIts8gNb0DlMjcwzN2D74zlUp8yYKsZKV8zfRtioxSZFjYQqTFT1vK6h6Inh4i_QyLU_AZJmTMpNnsYDFUq3LRqa1tRw/s320/12082073_10153650772912288_46360507_o.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDjXsPAcPrS1Yjosm_pPzgHq2rg6PB27ru0jY_ZcIQhDqIk7xxJUKfr0BLP4ia76GruVoNYdYLJGbrzN9m-ZtJhAxJdEegQ9d3kwbvTHpk4QpP7xNM_M0FS8KoX-4iBzOxOdB2dBfig/s1600/12062381_10153645760947288_442416152_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDjXsPAcPrS1Yjosm_pPzgHq2rg6PB27ru0jY_ZcIQhDqIk7xxJUKfr0BLP4ia76GruVoNYdYLJGbrzN9m-ZtJhAxJdEegQ9d3kwbvTHpk4QpP7xNM_M0FS8KoX-4iBzOxOdB2dBfig/s200/12062381_10153645760947288_442416152_o.jpg" width="150" /></a>As soon as we entered the lobby, we felt less tired then we actually were. It was cozy and welcoming, as was the reception committee that greeted us. The Front Office Manager introduced us to some key members of the staff, following which we were introduced to the room we would call home for the next 3 days. There was still some light to see the great Himalayan mountain range. The Floor to ceiling windows were designed to enjoy their magnificence. We were warned not to keep the windows open though, unless we fancied wild monkeys in the room for company. But, going a bit wild was something that we had on our minds too, and we decided to check with the activity desk on what it could plan out for us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFVXZsYw60mJ10rLeP-frnglA1xNc9XvHsXD7HFE0Q1pZrLivRb4PS0gAS1T0Nq8qaoGIDnZRVlK01gVHDiaLBygDHH1wNAl9ZHCmLo9YWez93W9eQcVdkGyztsS0FH7MQHlg3lIjbg/s1600/12050502_10153649315187288_1903073600_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFVXZsYw60mJ10rLeP-frnglA1xNc9XvHsXD7HFE0Q1pZrLivRb4PS0gAS1T0Nq8qaoGIDnZRVlK01gVHDiaLBygDHH1wNAl9ZHCmLo9YWez93W9eQcVdkGyztsS0FH7MQHlg3lIjbg/s200/12050502_10153649315187288_1903073600_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKE2Mty_FgiobwK1N6JF2PRy3szfxfAWF9w_GkwV0Sn_Jdub7471DwKxsmnfe0o-A_B2ozFrd5ITRM5MHPlXexvCzmUTPTDEkF_EmJqSEwQiuA4d3greXYhVJK7NeOJyLE3jz6LtNDQ/s1600/12060120_10153649002902288_1003830899_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKE2Mty_FgiobwK1N6JF2PRy3szfxfAWF9w_GkwV0Sn_Jdub7471DwKxsmnfe0o-A_B2ozFrd5ITRM5MHPlXexvCzmUTPTDEkF_EmJqSEwQiuA4d3greXYhVJK7NeOJyLE3jz6LtNDQ/s200/12060120_10153649002902288_1003830899_o.jpg" width="150" /></a>Treks in the wilderness or a picnic at a secluded spot, a pony ride or some mountain biking. Then, how about some white water rafting? Yes, that's what we wanted to do. The hotel rate with transport was quite high and I thought better to check with Mr. Rinku, now my unofficial informer. he got me a quote that was exactly half of what was quoted by the hotel. I was told that yes, the rates are half but then the run was only about 6 kms on grade 1 and 2 rapids (From Chaba to Sunni) whereas the hotel contractor had a 18 kms run (From Malgi to Chaba) with some serious grade 3 and 4 challenges. The idea of a 3 hour road trip plus a 3 hour row on the rapids and a 3 hour return journey though more exciting was not really as enthusing after having spent a whole day of travel from Mumbai to Shimla. The alternative was half of everything - cost - distance - time and <b>excitement</b>, but acceptable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmhALCQg6vqWuiGiGuywZ_nQaCc6MPVVtuoNppPZ4UuHXIZwCGiqUw9tWjhepJIyeVTUBPp_V30xP3HRXtJphto7HAzq9hT0_GAZbFdC7pWHRPL9CFJwLGBw-yDounBu-GVkB0JsdCg/s1600/12076281_10153647552767288_1048766065_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmhALCQg6vqWuiGiGuywZ_nQaCc6MPVVtuoNppPZ4UuHXIZwCGiqUw9tWjhepJIyeVTUBPp_V30xP3HRXtJphto7HAzq9hT0_GAZbFdC7pWHRPL9CFJwLGBw-yDounBu-GVkB0JsdCg/s200/12076281_10153647552767288_1048766065_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtEgNSO7lA-vYPsxRWzCjxMNNgE3xZw0wZ9Md_d1ud3K2PPiiOGyIXFkt02ooHSKiTnpJ1InxrO-E7Vrx-pQM6lxPrxRF9NepjEgY_nxDzgEgU9HUu_sKG2zMcr0ReO5aSURjcWDZKw/s1600/12059720_10153647655487288_1666179986_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtEgNSO7lA-vYPsxRWzCjxMNNgE3xZw0wZ9Md_d1ud3K2PPiiOGyIXFkt02ooHSKiTnpJ1InxrO-E7Vrx-pQM6lxPrxRF9NepjEgY_nxDzgEgU9HUu_sKG2zMcr0ReO5aSURjcWDZKw/s200/12059720_10153647655487288_1666179986_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>28th Morning</b>. We were ready for our mini adventure at 10 am. The ride to Tattapani some 51 kms away took about 2 hours. The temperature was about 15 degrees C when we left, and by the time we had descended the hills, the temperature would have been around 30 degrees C or so. At Sunni, some 5 kms from Tattapani, we transferred to the rafting operator's pick up to drive up to our starting point. We thought we would have a crew of 3 in the raft, but realized that included 2 of us as well. Life vests were strapped but no helmet. Guess, the experience would not require it. The raft was being commandeered by a Nepali boy named 'Nakli' (which could mean either fake of great mimic). The experience was more a lazy river boat trip with a couple of brief run ins with mild rapids. If one was looking for an adrenaline rush; guess it was the wrong boat. We were not disappointed though. I got to work my arms rowing and enjoy some fab hillscapes. Next time though, I would go for the real thing. I was told that the river Sutlej that we were rafting on, starts in China, passes through India and ends up in Pakistan. The rapids were much wilder earlier (even on the placid stretch we did) before the dam was built to generate electricity and provide water for agriculture. Now here is a tip to help one avoid the rafting trap.<br />
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<cufon alt="River " class="cufon cufon-canvas" style="display: inline-block !important; font-size: 1px !important; height: 18px; line-height: 1px !important; position: relative !important; vertical-align: middle !important; width: 46px;"><canvas height="19" style="height: 19px; left: -1px; position: relative !important; top: 0px; width: 60px;" width="60"></canvas><cufontext style="display: inline-block !important; height: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; text-indent: -10000in !important; width: 0px !important;"></cufontext></cufon><cufon alt="Rafting" class="cufon cufon-canvas" style="display: inline-block !important; font-size: 1px !important; height: 18px; line-height: 1px !important; position: relative !important; vertical-align: middle !important; width: 61px;"><canvas height="19" style="height: 19px; left: -1px; position: relative !important; top: 0px; width: 69px;" width="69"></canvas><cufontext style="display: inline-block !important; height: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; text-indent: -10000in !important; width: 0px !important;"></cufontext></cufon></h4>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">White water rafting can be done from Chabba (12 Kms) or Sunni ( about 5 Kms before Tattapani) to Tattapani. Located about 50 Kms form Shimla on the banks of the river Sutlej Tattapani is an ideal place to enjoy the river as well as the sulphur springs sprouting out on its banks. The Hindu temples as well as the Shiv Goofa (Shiva Caves) located at Saraur at a distance of four kilometers from there are also places of utmost interest. Fishing can be an exciting activity in the place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Shimla's Tattapani has become a spot of big tourist attraction. The time taken for this is about one and a half hour This activity is done on sunny days during the daytime only. They provide all the equipment, dress and shoes along with well trained and professional staff.</span></div>
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<tr><th scope="col"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Activity</span></th><th scope="col"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Strength</span></th><th scope="col"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Distance</span></th><th scope="col"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">No. of Packs</span></th><th scope="col"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Price</span></th><th scope="col"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Above 15 Pcks</span></th></tr>
<tr><td rowspan="2"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Rafting</span></td><td><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Chaba to Tatapani</span></td><td><span style="font-size: xx-small;">12 KM</span></td><td><span style="font-size: xx-small;">4</span></td><td><span style="font-size: xx-small;">650 per person</span></td><td><span style="font-size: xx-small;">400 per person</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Malgi to Chaba</span></td><td><span style="font-size: xx-small;">18 KM</span></td><td><span style="font-size: xx-small;">4</span></td><td><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1250 per person</span></td><td></td></tr>
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<cufon alt="Tattapani: " class="cufon cufon-canvas" style="display: inline-block !important; font-size: 1px !important; height: 19px; line-height: 1px !important; position: relative !important; vertical-align: middle !important; width: 92px;"><canvas height="20" style="height: 20px; left: -1px; position: relative !important; top: 0px; width: 107px;" width="107"></canvas><cufontext style="display: inline-block !important; height: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; text-indent: -10000in !important; width: 0px !important;"></cufontext></cufon><cufon alt="Getting " class="cufon cufon-canvas" style="display: inline-block !important; font-size: 1px !important; height: 19px; line-height: 1px !important; position: relative !important; vertical-align: middle !important; width: 72px;"><canvas height="20" style="height: 20px; left: -1px; position: relative !important; top: 0px; width: 87px;" width="87"></canvas><cufontext style="display: inline-block !important; height: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; text-indent: -10000in !important; width: 0px !important;"></cufontext></cufon><cufon alt="there" class="cufon cufon-canvas" style="display: inline-block !important; font-size: 1px !important; height: 19px; line-height: 1px !important; position: relative !important; vertical-align: middle !important; width: 46px;"><canvas height="20" style="height: 20px; left: -1px; position: relative !important; top: 0px; width: 56px;" width="56"></canvas><cufontext style="display: inline-block !important; height: 0px !important; overflow: hidden !important; text-indent: -10000in !important; width: 0px !important;"></cufontext></cufon></h3>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><strong>Distance</strong>: 51 Kms from Shimla on the Shimla Naldehra Mandi road<br /><strong>Travel time</strong>: two hours<br /><strong>Travel mode</strong>: By road only, preferable in a car</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Cw-E6ByAusb1-R41r05xcVglkoal1pK_WRAVqD688oZDNiiPsiSj8Tk8LwctHS6g_oK-g8En4pCcsLx1GpEypf4j7Np9j8rVId5tRtWvD3EYkw3XzDbIWfhw5aw108d2Epe7xXpEkA/s1600/12062578_10153649287242288_50979906_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Cw-E6ByAusb1-R41r05xcVglkoal1pK_WRAVqD688oZDNiiPsiSj8Tk8LwctHS6g_oK-g8En4pCcsLx1GpEypf4j7Np9j8rVId5tRtWvD3EYkw3XzDbIWfhw5aw108d2Epe7xXpEkA/s200/12062578_10153649287242288_50979906_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsVZKmI8Upn2_HNiZpbVPdh5xTBzZR-fao6Kh75tTTKwh5U8UXYIKXJj60tULSFsgtwKaFpDY9IuMmeZkDvWT-7lIfBTTcqgrsbmyI0UL_olT6tuJmBMf26omK9sSmfvmxKc35Y7_Bw/s1600/12055138_10153649296332288_341163919_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsVZKmI8Upn2_HNiZpbVPdh5xTBzZR-fao6Kh75tTTKwh5U8UXYIKXJj60tULSFsgtwKaFpDY9IuMmeZkDvWT-7lIfBTTcqgrsbmyI0UL_olT6tuJmBMf26omK9sSmfvmxKc35Y7_Bw/s200/12055138_10153649296332288_341163919_o.jpg" width="150" /></a>We were back at Sunni at half past two. Hunger pangs were quelled at a local eating house that served simple home food. Back at the hotel by 5 pm, we were exhausted. A soak in the heated jacuzzi that overlooked the valley was exactly what the doctor ordered. It was followed by a bottle of wine and a fab romantic dinner while toasting ourselves next to a bonfire on a full moon night, temperature some 6 degrees C. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3cjiCdTtvEc4sTM_LLmsvAY4T495qmmNv6W3EMn0brCE8RbUknVIvjlq99SsPYvdK5JLos_MrJpjyKRg8GiceGnAdqyab1l8Ov_UnWSxj8A8Tzft420uXxVspuuxA5aq-tZI24JN9w/s1600/12062738_10153649311512288_1958061482_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3cjiCdTtvEc4sTM_LLmsvAY4T495qmmNv6W3EMn0brCE8RbUknVIvjlq99SsPYvdK5JLos_MrJpjyKRg8GiceGnAdqyab1l8Ov_UnWSxj8A8Tzft420uXxVspuuxA5aq-tZI24JN9w/s200/12062738_10153649311512288_1958061482_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>29th Morning</b>. Fully refreshed, it was a day to enjoy the hotel. Breakfast on the terrace was followed by a visit to the spa (her) gym (me). It was nearing noon and we thought of taking a hour and a half long 6 km trek in the forest just behind the hotel. It's a beautiful walk with mild to steep gradients, shaded by the tree cover and made serene by the ambient quiet. The sound of insects playing their symphony was heart filling. The only wild things we came across was a cow, a couple of monkeys and some school kids using the path. This is what we came here for, some space from mankind and we got it, even if it was for a very short time.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWVMPOw2r9vUbJU2pRaYQTpJIVSGPhkrXv_uhJBdAcuBpVSkWFX2aPnl7evZanhw96O6VcTGAS74w5y_Zydae3qdXOlaGJj6O_H1qiA5dA1BDOM43KMpIzxzYBzPNDYn69ZwbA9nT2Q/s1600/11261231_10153649280322288_1808189651_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWVMPOw2r9vUbJU2pRaYQTpJIVSGPhkrXv_uhJBdAcuBpVSkWFX2aPnl7evZanhw96O6VcTGAS74w5y_Zydae3qdXOlaGJj6O_H1qiA5dA1BDOM43KMpIzxzYBzPNDYn69ZwbA9nT2Q/s200/11261231_10153649280322288_1808189651_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
We contemplated paying a visit to the proverbial "Mall" road in Shimla, but decided against it. A dip in the hot Jacuzzi (again) followed by a walk in the gardens and a visit to a charming temple. The books we had carried were never read. Enjoying nature and each others company took precedence.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9RsgFdhD29Pvjr14BB_C-jzljcoN5CFV_0pc31EgftUl6gMTZEaxEx9NquEAVzLbR-MsaZEpq-lS9BxCL7Vw32IULlikmiwoakLklQNTlQ178s48Fkhyphenhyphenifq9JfZYQWgp3GffHBuEKw/s1600/12076159_10153650672792288_1586342825_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2x83ouzRufNVpCYO2i10y7UXdMCgDLQ2-v7AuaSMooij5bRqjJQS0avHbInHM0jrmD-Y49t5MnYDZ5m2nPQx-L1Wp2FdKRDA9b7rO4OZkN3Uiux3sLwZbopERvF55zOezcoyBKq1HQ/s1600/12062884_10153651469202288_1604649283_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2x83ouzRufNVpCYO2i10y7UXdMCgDLQ2-v7AuaSMooij5bRqjJQS0avHbInHM0jrmD-Y49t5MnYDZ5m2nPQx-L1Wp2FdKRDA9b7rO4OZkN3Uiux3sLwZbopERvF55zOezcoyBKq1HQ/s200/12062884_10153651469202288_1604649283_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>30th Morning. </b>Time to go home. It was warm today. On the way back, we saw the extended runway of the airport that would open up to air traffic sometime end October. Once open, the Jabarhatti airport just 22Kms away from Shimla may shave off some 3 hours of hair pin winding bends on the mountains. The trip down was thankfully devoid of much traffic this time and the scenery looked very different in bright sunlight. We picked up some apples that the region is famous for as souvieners. Giani's Dhaba looked empty this time around and we not hungry. Clive's wicked smile was not without reason. The counter agent at Chandigarh airport was not one to be bothered about upselling seats. Nor were we interested in the extra comfort seat. Home was calling us and that was all we had on our mind. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-18068044755689635852015-09-24T23:35:00.001-07:002015-09-24T23:35:18.446-07:00Flight check BOM-SIN-BOM on AI342/343 <br />
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<a 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" 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" width="200" /></a>I would have selected some other airline to travel on the Mumbai Singapore route, but pricing by SIA and the displeasure of flying long haul on a single aisle narrow body 737 or A320 or flying indirect pushed me to experience the national carrier. The advertisements it runs would certainly not impress me to fly it.<br />
<br />
Air India flies a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, direct, at a decent time (both ways) at a price that is not too bad. Moreover, it would be my first flight aboard the 787 that have joined the fleet fairly recently, but have earned a bad rep for more than a couple of reasons.<br />
<br />
Check In at GVK Terminal 2. It took more than 45 minutes to get to the check in counter. Counter staff inefficient and prone to VIP or related party pandering. Airport security check - quick and efficient. Immigration Check - dreadful. Took nearly an hour and I cannot figure out why so many counters were unmanned at peak time.<br />
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Flight departure. Announced on time and it was on time. Aircraft, spanking new. Cabin crew, spanking old. Seat pitch at 33 inch - fantastic. Seat width at 17 inches - no complaints. Seat Recline at 6 inch - comfortable. LCD touch screen in front at nearly 11 inches - pretty cool. My co-passengers, not so cool. Craft configuration: Business 18 seats in 3 rows of 2-2-2; economy 238 seats in 3-3-3 arrangement starting from row 11 to 39. Nice big windows with electronic window shades.<br />
<br />
Flight announcements were clear, the security video boring. Flight push back on time (15 mins behind schedule).<br />
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Up in the air, Entertainment system not working. Electronic window shade would not operate. I had tried it on the ground - it did not work. I thought it would operate once air borne. Nope. The entertainment and control system on the neighbours seat had a couple of buttons jammed in as a result the reading light was on throughout the flight. My arm rest had an ink tattoo drawn my a person to immortalize his love in the air.<br />
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Good all else worked, as the aircraft has been notorious for fires and technical failures. Cabin sound very low. pressure and temperature - perfect.<br />
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An hour into flight, the cabin crew served a light snack. Avoidable unless rancid oil elevates your taste buds. Must say that it takes courage to handle Indians on flight and the well experienced crew have mastered the art. Many say that they are rude. If I was part of the crew, guess my tenure would have been short lived on account of throwing a couple of passengers out of the door in flight if I had the option. The drinks trolley was never circulated - strategically maybe. The crew was polite with me and I have nothing but good things to say about them.<br />
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Guess what, despite an over enthusiastic mother and daughter in the row behind, who were probably playing the game of kick and shout, I managed a 3 hour nap without the need of a sedative called alcohol, and without any stiff or pulled muscles. Thirty minutes before arrival, paid a reluctant visit to the loo. What? Clean? How? Miracle. I have always advocated that airlines flying in and out of India should drop a crew member and replace that person with a professional plumber/loo cleaner, This time however, that thought did not cross my mind.<br />
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Landing at Changi 2 - smooth and on time. From aircraft to baggage belt 15 minutes. Baggage was already trickling on the belt. My bag arrived with bits and parts broken. It was too early to pick a fight in the morning, I had a long day of work in Singapore and could do without the added angst.<br />
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Two days later, flight back. Check in at Changi 2, 5 minutes. Security 3 minutes, Immigration, 6 minutes, Duty free time 2 hours. Boarding, on time. Take off, on time. Arrival into Mumbai, 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Immigration 30 mins, Baggage arrival, further 15 mins. Customs, further 15 mins.<br />
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Incidentally, the same cockpit and cabin crew on return journey. Probably the same craft as well. the entertainment system worked and I caught 2 movies. Electronic shade - not. Dinner was decent. Drinks trolley did go round.<br />
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I had a young lady on the seat next to me, and I could not help over hear her conversation that concerned spare parts for a Dreamliner stuck at Kolkatta airport for the last 3 days. I struck a conversation with her, and she said that the aircraft was an over engineered technical wonder; the first true fly by wire by Boeing, and one where it has made tons of error in pursuit to gain superiority over Airbus. It has scored in some departments, but on others it's a "nightmareliner".<br />
<br />
I read this article the very next morning:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'roboto regular', roboto, arial, sans-serif-light, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">NEW DELHI: </span><a class="social-icons" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="background-color: white; color: #0225a9; font-family: 'roboto regular', roboto, arial, sans-serif-light, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px auto 2%; text-align: center;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">An Air India Dreamliner (VT-AND) has been stripped of parts to keep the other Boeing 787s flying</span><span class="fb" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px 0px 0px auto; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: middle;"><img id="-wl-ii1" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEABQODwYFBQgGBQYLCQgMEiYVEhAQEjEgIhgmPTRAPzs0OjlETmdWRElhSjk6WHxZYWtvdXZ1QlSBi4BximdydXABFRcXEg4SLxUVL3BHOkdwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcP/AABEIABQAFAMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAVAAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABv/EABQQAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AswAAAAAAAf/Z" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" /></span><span class="twitter" style="border: 0px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px 5px 0px auto; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: middle;"><img id="-wl-ii2" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEABQODwYFBQgGBQYLCQgMEiYVEhAQEjEgIhgmPTRAPzs0OjlETmdWRElhSjk6WHxZYWtvdXZ1QlSBi4BximdydXABFRcXEg4SLxUVL3BHOkdwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcHBwcP/AABEIABQACAMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAVAAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABv/EABQQAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AswAAAf/Z" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'roboto regular', roboto, arial, sans-serif-light, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">. </span><br />
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Question that I ask myself, will I fly Air India B787 again? I have learnt to never say never, but I must add, not out of choice.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-90995318424751844932015-08-05T23:20:00.004-07:002015-08-08T11:28:25.361-07:00Aviation techBOEING BAGS A $6.6 M DEAL TO DESIGN SATELLITE LAUNCHER<br />
Mumbai Mirror | Aug 8, 2015, 05.04 AM IST<br />
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Looks a lot like the Airbus below</div>
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<img alt="imggallery" src="http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/NasData/Publications/TheTimesOfIndia/Mumbai/2015/08/05/Photographs/022/05_08_2015_022_020_002.jpg" height="393" width="400" />http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Gallery.aspx?id=05_08_2015_022_020_002&type=P&artUrl=LONDON-TO-NEW-YORK-IN-AN-HOUR-05082015022020&eid=31804Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-6300764881064300822015-07-02T00:14:00.000-07:002015-07-02T00:16:51.231-07:00To the Queen's Land (UK) once again. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRusFfXc48Rf3oj7j75IkcAO-2Y8uq22zIzRMdSLI9mczLkp9HbiF4wZo7Du-MO04nWK7-PkmnTiUWJTreQ9oU-A3xlEquYHhpqecXwo47H-auKIJO4ddur2B78oWE6CQSKCo6zmKDKA/s1600/11347867_10153400408567288_751718041_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRusFfXc48Rf3oj7j75IkcAO-2Y8uq22zIzRMdSLI9mczLkp9HbiF4wZo7Du-MO04nWK7-PkmnTiUWJTreQ9oU-A3xlEquYHhpqecXwo47H-auKIJO4ddur2B78oWE6CQSKCo6zmKDKA/s200/11347867_10153400408567288_751718041_o.jpg" width="150" /></a>It was not meant to happen; but just as last year - the situation forced me to look at Old Blighty as a holiday destination. I had to visit Manchester on work and decided to frame my holiday around the British Midlands - Lake District, Blackpool, Manchester. Yes; it does sound a bit industrial and boring. With two teenage kids - I rather cross over to the continent and visit some fun places in Europe - specially with the currency beaten up for now. But; by the time I woke up to the idea of including South of France (Prove<br />
nce and the Coast) to my itinerary - it was a bit too late to get my visas.<br />
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Fate had made sure that I explore England and research increasingly told me that I was prejudiced. It need not be boring as I had imagined.There were lot of things one could do from enjoying nature peacefully to seeking an adrenaline rush to burning cash on shopping to exploring true English culture (not the bastardized one visible in London). I had no clue how this holiday would end up; but there was no choice now.<br />
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Visas - The <a href="http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/india/">VFS</a> online visa process has been vastly improved over the years and despite the holiday season; the visas were ordinarily delivered within 2 weeks of submission. By the way the visa (at Rs 8300 for 6 months) was marginally cheaper this year.<br />
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Travel - Air tickets were marginally cheaper this year too. <a href="http://www.jetairways.com/">JetAirways</a> was what I chose to fly - not out of choice; but because it offered the best deal.<br />
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For internal travel; there were many friends who suggested that I rent a car. I decided against it for a couple of reasons. Rules and Luggage. Traffic violations can be quite punishing and one may end up with a huge fine bill on the credit card by the end of the trip. With more than 4 to 5 bags; a small car was definitely out of question. Parking fees and finding places to park was another deterrent. But the truth is that I hate driving on a holiday. Much rather be driven around and take in as much of the scenery while keeping awake. The option then was low cost air carriers or bus or train. I was in no mood to book and prepay non refundable fares the low cost carriers that flew from far flung airfields - to reach them was often more expensive than the flight itself. Trains and buses much nicer. Unlike India; train and bus travel is relaxed, comfortable, clean with seats generally being always available. The time from origin to destination often the same as air travel - when time to reach airport is added on.<br />
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Did I say train travel was cheap? No it's not - normally. So the first thing one does is by a British Railpass. Actually NO; you don't. For travel within the UK; simply sign up for a "family and friends" <a href="http://www.railcard.co.uk/">railcard</a>. It costs GBP 30 and can be purchased online or at a train station prior to the days of actual travel. RailCard can get discounts from 40% to 60% depending on the time and number of travelers. My trip for 2 adults and 2 children cost GBP 190 (Second Class) in total for my route London-Windermere-Blackpool-Manchester-London. I booked a day in advance and picked up the tickets at the station from the prepaid ticket machines. The second trick is to book on <a href="http://www.thetrainline.com/">www.thetrainline.com</a> - better fares than <a href="http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/">www.nationalrail.co.uk</a>. Just download the app and book the trains at will. On the weekends; the seats can be upgraded to first class for a flat fee of GBP 15 per adult and GBP 5 per child. I did that and the kids were thrilled to travel in better style.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nationalexpress.com/">National Express </a>runs clean and comfortable busses and one may want to consider this mode of transport too - specially if the travel time is an hour or so.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQMsaNcp318XPL0JXsdO1DUXTeUXQroNKmtrRPU3JA9fp4KTMH4Knv_T0aARQ9FcghjhpGgnUU_h1KovVNTTm1ERFXYcmOFNH8jMWn2H8GA1RQSfpud5NDwNtJc2CKGHpN-XyVLcsNg/s1600/11642073_10153414618287288_305361137_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQMsaNcp318XPL0JXsdO1DUXTeUXQroNKmtrRPU3JA9fp4KTMH4Knv_T0aARQ9FcghjhpGgnUU_h1KovVNTTm1ERFXYcmOFNH8jMWn2H8GA1RQSfpud5NDwNtJc2CKGHpN-XyVLcsNg/s200/11642073_10153414618287288_305361137_o.jpg" width="181" /></a>Local travel - I was quite tempted to hire a car for my stay at the Lake District. But; my <a href="http://www.golakes.co.uk/">research</a> told me otherwise. The entire region is well served by buses and a car can be given a miss. Blackpool; well is quite compact and a car is unnecessary there too. By the way; if you do use bus no 12 in Blackpool - it offers a GBP 6 discount on the Pleasure Beach ticket. Too bad I did not read it till after my visit. Manchester is a walking city - but plenty of inexpensive motorized options for the lazy or tired ones. London with a family can be quite expensive when it comes to local travel; specially with the cost of the day travelcard being upped to GBP 10+ for zone 1 & 2. Oystercards (no difference between local and visitor cards) are good but when 4 persons travel by bus or underground; the cost ends up as much as a cab. Well; no secret then that I used the <a href="http://www.uber.com/">Uber</a> app as much as the soles of my shoes. Good drivers - good cars - no regrets.<br />
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Now about where we went.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKeiRZNWMfXPvlV6LHcJttwQw4zArIssjloVAiKbW0MW0lMEpZ-tKMDzkJ93YFYXl856XDUT1j-HQGRU2QfTmPr11r90vsbqLsM7ejeV6fS0MfiDdK7jOPX7HhFYB-qlJgVMLlwtelQ/s1600/11541511_10153399814937288_29922818_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKeiRZNWMfXPvlV6LHcJttwQw4zArIssjloVAiKbW0MW0lMEpZ-tKMDzkJ93YFYXl856XDUT1j-HQGRU2QfTmPr11r90vsbqLsM7ejeV6fS0MfiDdK7jOPX7HhFYB-qlJgVMLlwtelQ/s200/11541511_10153399814937288_29922818_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZeWNdRBvaYGczgbZgyBQK5p11QqWZNqzc1lVdNiChdoOx58a9luRQrLHPbI8uhMM06nij5e5yCnVKuDJj-I_t8Xp8dmDv-rp3ofbK-4CdGYnYDtaHWDRRGcaq6VDPZZXoAaawegRKw/s1600/11428131_10153400407662288_695979127_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZeWNdRBvaYGczgbZgyBQK5p11QqWZNqzc1lVdNiChdoOx58a9luRQrLHPbI8uhMM06nij5e5yCnVKuDJj-I_t8Xp8dmDv-rp3ofbK-4CdGYnYDtaHWDRRGcaq6VDPZZXoAaawegRKw/s200/11428131_10153400407662288_695979127_o.jpg" width="150" /></a>The <a href="http://www.golakes.com/">Lake District</a> is actually a very large area and one can spend from a couple of days to a couple of weeks exploring this area. I regret having booked here for only 3 nights. May to August is generally high season and hotels do charge a lot more than the value they offer. No big brands here but some fine owner run B&Bs; Boutique Spa Hotels and Inns. Most have a prepay policy with stiff cancellation terms. Those that do not are generally priced higher too. The other issue is that of number of occupants per room. I found a decent B&B called "Lonsdale House" at a decent price that allowed free cancellation up to a week before stay on <a href="http://www.booking.com/">www.booking.com </a>. Problem. A family room would allow 2 adults and 2 children under 5. I checked with the B&B directly and I was told my kids (13 & 15) were welcome. Moral of the story - check when in doubt - rules quite flexible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM8222QAJwpFOSxS0Aw20Xc3N8jgCO5tULqfSxrQRN-XWLn98HKKsJX99TrPu-J1_Tfb9J8usLNIB9mLwqgQj52gRlMX3mG0dX7AQR4jMBnT1cBPB3wHKzboZdJElKRW7IE5nV9ZdRQ/s1600/11537768_10153402767767288_101343310_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM8222QAJwpFOSxS0Aw20Xc3N8jgCO5tULqfSxrQRN-XWLn98HKKsJX99TrPu-J1_Tfb9J8usLNIB9mLwqgQj52gRlMX3mG0dX7AQR4jMBnT1cBPB3wHKzboZdJElKRW7IE5nV9ZdRQ/s200/11537768_10153402767767288_101343310_o.jpg" width="194" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhc5-x4Sg2zMw2sly5VwAwXfOdWRMlyoTAeMYhVfJ0wYtXUviPQCzJq0S585A667a-HJoE7bome5_h8utTYJ5r5e7B2ooWvHQ2d9qSSC-LQ2DVxK125s7QOos8Rx3FX3RNxI7fQIkow/s1600/11347660_10153398543967288_1109893557_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhc5-x4Sg2zMw2sly5VwAwXfOdWRMlyoTAeMYhVfJ0wYtXUviPQCzJq0S585A667a-HJoE7bome5_h8utTYJ5r5e7B2ooWvHQ2d9qSSC-LQ2DVxK125s7QOos8Rx3FX3RNxI7fQIkow/s200/11347660_10153398543967288_1109893557_o.jpg" width="150" /></a>Our journey on <a href="http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/">Virgin</a> train from London Euston to Oxenholme and Transpinnine Express from there to Windermere train station took about 4 hours. We got a cab to <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.in/members-citypage/Umski/g190820">Lonsdale house </a>(GBP5) in the town of Bowness on Windermere (BOW). Windermere station is well connected to Kendal, Ambleside, Grasmere, and Keswick by a frequent bus service.So really no real need to worry about getting from here to anywhere in the Lake District region. The family explorer and boat bus passes for GBP 25 and GBP 32 are real value; and as I said earlier - did not need a car. The first day; or what was left of it was spent exploring BOW. Leisurely walk to the lake; exploring quaint shops; having a coffee and dessert at a hotel that offered fabulous views of the lake; and taking in the beauty of the town. Next day; took a <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.in/members-citypage/Umski/g190820">lake cruise</a> from BOW to Ambleside and from there took a bus to the beautiful little village of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.in/members-citypage/Umski/g186324">Grasmere</a> - the home of poet Wordsworth. Just looking around; I could tell that the place would bring out the artist in me. Day 3; and the exploration moved further North to Keswick and lake Buttermere. The air is fresh and the body becomes is energized to embrace activity. I wish we could have stayed in this region for a few days more to enjoy it more completely. Eating out - plenty of options - including Indian, Chinese and Thai.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMww-xnwRin5Ua0HHvb_xEfRfZZCUmFvrtLdIy1F93wzHb5zrDPlvvx97bVCHGAPn9tBfBGA5Ziuh7dBZbfl4rEDPO-T_kq2lkJZlinYZEk6tBHfkfFpZE75WyI4XLcwncvtDrlBMPtw/s1600/11255303_10153404918657288_879144272_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMww-xnwRin5Ua0HHvb_xEfRfZZCUmFvrtLdIy1F93wzHb5zrDPlvvx97bVCHGAPn9tBfBGA5Ziuh7dBZbfl4rEDPO-T_kq2lkJZlinYZEk6tBHfkfFpZE75WyI4XLcwncvtDrlBMPtw/s200/11255303_10153404918657288_879144272_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Si1P6sKEPcbZbNypn1itLsNsoLLGNv9LBP1NTYuIhY3F9F7O5tEDWLPK19SHKvyUiwYzQHKM1gHkcvOGnnQ8yqZQllM8EWAEsymsBYhhB7biN0f31ZMzm67Hr2nW7PrNuwfZ91oqqQ/s1600/11537759_10153407197522288_1633354144_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Si1P6sKEPcbZbNypn1itLsNsoLLGNv9LBP1NTYuIhY3F9F7O5tEDWLPK19SHKvyUiwYzQHKM1gHkcvOGnnQ8yqZQllM8EWAEsymsBYhhB7biN0f31ZMzm67Hr2nW7PrNuwfZ91oqqQ/s200/11537759_10153407197522288_1633354144_o.jpg" width="150" /></a>Next on our list came Blackpool. had heard so much about it as a mini Vegas. Nowhere close - but not bad either. But, the teens had their adrenaline fix planned in the City and so we were here. The sea did not look very pretty nor was there anyone on the beach. Maybe it had to do with the weather. Fortunately; the day we arrived it was nice and sunny and with the forecast predicting gloomy and rain the next day; we had no choice but to dump our bags at the Hilton and make our way to Pleasure Beach. It can now call itself a theme park having added the Nickelodeon section. Otherwise it is an all and out ride park for any age group. From tame to nerve testing - it has it all. A family pass costs about GBP 100 if booked online and GBP 120 at the gate (with the Bus No. 12 discount). It was money well spent. Must have covered 10 + rides in under 4 hours and by the end of the day were exhausted. There is a Blackpool day travel pass and is quite economical. All that a tourist wants is on the 2 mile strip and there is again no real need for a car or taxi. The next day; as predicted by the weather app was a write off. My son went into sulk mode as his trial flight (in a single engine plane where he could man the controls for a while) was cancelled. My wife was delighted as there was nothing else to do but shop.<br />
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<a href="https://i1.wp.com/www.vivablackpool.com/wp-content/uploads/header11.jpg?resize=350%2C200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://i1.wp.com/www.vivablackpool.com/wp-content/uploads/header11.jpg?resize=350%2C200" width="200" /></a>Blackpool is also known for penny arcades, casinos, cabarets, faux celebrity shows and plays. One can do as much or as little and same goes with the spend. What I liked about the City was that it relies a lot on green power. I could see massive wind farms out in the sea and I kind of wished that some of the coastal cities in India could adopt such a model too. We stayed here for 2 nights and I thought one would have been enough. But then, it was the bad weather talking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i2.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article9522360.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/JS66790682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article9522360.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/JS66790682.jpg" height="143" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor Swift <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/115127180576325634003" target="_blank">+Manchester Arena</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Manchester came next. I had visited this City some 20 years back and was not impressed. But, I had some work here; my son a Man U fan; my daughter wanted to catch the Taylor Swift concert; and my wife wanted a day out at the outlet mall called "Cheshire Oaks". To justify my own visit; I decided we could take off to the Peak District for a day and enjoy the natural beauty and history of the English Moorlands. I was pleasantly surprised to be proved wrong. The city won my heart with its historic and modern buildings, museums and galleries, superb restaurants and bars, its own Chinatown and theater district, and friendly people - so passionate about the City they live in and the two football teams housed there. Sadly there was too much to do with too little time. I could easily have spent a few more days here. In fact, I may just make this City my base for UK on my next visit in stead of London. Within 2 and a half hours or less; one can reach London, Cardiff , Glasgow, Edinburgh by car or train; and to any part of Europe by plane.<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11655160_10153422486847288_2071362889_n.jpg?oh=45729d7f5bc9052d3aaaa20c39325583&oe=5597A2BD&__gda__=1435999212_1e9256439a9bad7274e46f57bd3c687f" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11655160_10153422486847288_2071362889_n.jpg?oh=45729d7f5bc9052d3aaaa20c39325583&oe=5597A2BD&__gda__=1435999212_1e9256439a9bad7274e46f57bd3c687f" width="150" /></a><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11210306_10153398552972288_1163533016_n.jpg?oh=aeb616ca87ebe38fd2a25612abf35b3a&oe=559799F1&__gda__=1436009376_b99c6547df73e4ff8f9f922e36530f5f" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11210306_10153398552972288_1163533016_n.jpg?oh=aeb616ca87ebe38fd2a25612abf35b3a&oe=559799F1&__gda__=1436009376_b99c6547df73e4ff8f9f922e36530f5f" width="150" /></a>Back in London after a glorious 10 days up North; I wanted the spirit of experiences to continue and the next few days were devoted to visiting some nice eateries like <a href="https://www.zomato.com/chezumez">Novikov and Chiltern Firehouse;</a> attending a musical at Dury lane - the spectacular "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"; getting my son to fulfill his dream of <a href="http://ukflighttraining.com/index.html">flying a plane</a>. 15 days were gone even before I realized it. Boring? You must be kidding. It was fun. There are so many things to do in the UK and yet for most the trip starts and ends in London.<br />
<br />
Well; it was time to return. my final tip on VAT Refunds. First; finish all your shopping and do the VAT refund tax invoices on the last day. Second; I suspect that the refund process being run by Travelex (post customs declaration) is a possible mini scam. The counter agents know that the passengers are in a rush and force them to accept cash refunds in dollars and their own home currencies converting the amount in pounds at a very poor rate. I was offered USD 640 for GBP 438 at a rate of 1.46 as against the bank rate of 1.56. I asked them for GBP and i was told that it would take some 30 minutes to arrange it. No choice but to accept the dollars. My reviews on the hotels I stayed at and the places where we dined are listed on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.in/members/Umski">tripavisor</a> and <a href="https://www.zomato.com/chezumez">zomato</a>.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-17081775804427838742015-04-24T01:48:00.001-07:002015-04-24T01:48:50.214-07:00Go Goa GambleOur boy's club met for our monthly dinner meet; and over dinner, the discussion moved to the best poker player in the group. Soon the discussion veered that our next meet should include a cards session. I was not enthused one bit as I do not play cards nor did I have any reason to pick this form of entertainment now. "How about going to Goa for a casino weekend?" said one of our member; a serious gambler as we came to understand. "Except for the air tickets - everything on the house". There were mummers of dissent as we could not allow him to foot the entire bill; even if it was thrown as bait to agree to the trip. "No! I am not paying. The casino is". Aah! of course, our friend the "great gambler" would be invited with open arms with his entourage at the Casino's hotel at their cost based on the fact that he played big; won big; and lost even bigger. the house always wins. <br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/v/t34.0-12/11118284_10153246380822288_569560146_n.jpg?oh=4f8e69f27a9c28cc17a6865faed08107&oe=553C8B1C&__gda__=1429971319_5ed2627a94a0d8f4e3ad427659e7454e" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/v/t34.0-12/11118284_10153246380822288_569560146_n.jpg?oh=4f8e69f27a9c28cc17a6865faed08107&oe=553C8B1C&__gda__=1429971319_5ed2627a94a0d8f4e3ad427659e7454e" width="240" /></a>Unappealing as gambling was; Goa remains my favourite Indian holiday destination, and the location of the hotel - right on Goa's Baga beach .... an offer i could not refuse. Trip planned - the boys landed in Goa at what I call the oldest looking new international airport. An hour's journey later we were at La Calypso hotel and escorted to our villa suites. The sound of "villa suites" is so rich; but really, these are clean and simple (not luxurious) over sized cottage rooms with decent bathrooms that have been built close to the beach under the provision of "temporary structure". But; who stays in the room in Goa anyway? Lunch at the beach shack and our gambler friend was in full form dishing out large denomination currency notes as tips to the waiting staff to ensure super personalized service. The head chef decided to sweat it out in the kitchen himself to please this special guest and his friends. He is a regular at this hotel and has built quite a reputation for himself. <br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/v/t34.0-12/11117551_10153246299787288_2123999969_n.jpg?oh=67c9990dee02d3f90a136e496e09317e&oe=553C8D69&__gda__=1430046577_7f9d0892edd3c81da5339e66f99026c0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/v/t34.0-12/11117551_10153246299787288_2123999969_n.jpg?oh=67c9990dee02d3f90a136e496e09317e&oe=553C8D69&__gda__=1430046577_7f9d0892edd3c81da5339e66f99026c0" width="320" /></a><br />
It was hot and muggy; it was mid April and expected; but none of it mattered. Goa has this strange effect on people. Sit by the beach, hear the waves, drink whatever, eat whatever and dream whatever; it is as close to paradise as one can get. At 5 pm; we got off our lunch table and crawled back to our rooms for a Goan nap - to revive us for the long night ahead. We gathered back at the shack for a round of drinks and light eats at 8pm and were off to the Casino boat by 10. takes 30 minutes from Baga to the Panjim (Main City) jetty from where feeder boats transfer the players to the casino of choice anchored in the river Mandovi. In our case - it was Casino Pride I & II. <br />
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<a href="http://www.readg2.com/Vol8Issue1/images/promotion-nov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://www.readg2.com/Vol8Issue1/images/promotion-nov.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.bestgoacasino.com/images/cpride/IMG_4710_800x533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://photos.wikimapia.org/p/00/02/84/72/26_big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.bestgoacasino.com/images/cpride/IMG_4710_800x533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://www.bestgoacasino.com/images/cpride/IMG_4710_800x533.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="155" src="http://photos.wikimapia.org/p/00/02/84/72/26_big.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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Our friend suggested we go to Pride II first. We just nodded - he was the boss. There is an entry ticket which includes a meal on board. Pride II is hosted on M.V. Boa Sorte; a inland river cruiser that will remind you of an elegant Mississippi paddle boat. (I did some research and found out that the boat was built in 1991 in Florida). Gaudy on the inside; showing a fair bit of wear from lack of attentive maintenance; it looked like we had stepped into a film set of the sixties. What was lacking was the period character that could have been incorporated with the look and feel of the boat giving it an inside outside theme. Pride II wore a quiet look with not too many people on board. Again; being April; was expected. Our friend said that this boat attracted the high rollers so is generally less crowded and the players of better class. What I figured later is that this boat serves better food than its sister boat and those in the know come here more for feeding their bellies than emptying their pockets at the high stake tables. No choice; the crowd was at Pride I; and so we moved to the sister boat M V Pride of Goa which looked older and on entry even less maintained. It was crowded though with several people exercising their hands on the automated "one arm bandit" machines or at the roulette wheel or at whatever the gambling tables are called. We of course were escorted straight to the VIP room reserved for big games; could not be among the riffraff for sure. I am not being mean. the people on the lower deck looked like refined escaped convicts as there is not much of a dress or grooming code adhered. Money from any hand smells the same I suppose. I thought that the VIP room would have people dressed smartly - even if it meant jeans and collared tees. But; new money in India seems to have come to a different sort; and why not? I may have been dressed right but the players there had enough chips on the table to give me a complex. There were people there from as far as Assam and Tamil Nadu wagering big money and our great gambler friend was not an exception in that room. The VIP room bar is well stocked with expensive booze and organizes service of light eats at the table. But I was in no mood to partake in that feast as I observed my friends playing with other players and loosing to them big time. Considering myself as bad luck for them - moved out to the buffet area where there was a raunchy dance show every 15 minutes. I was surprised to see that there were kids allowed into a Casino boat. Anyway; I took a tour of the boat and ate a very unappetizing buffet and learnt a wee bit of poker (observation) till my friends were broke. The croupiers and floor managers were all well dressed as is customary but the customary suits and attire somehow was a misfit on them - kind of funny as it kind of looked out of character.<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11100463_10153248320142288_766309775_n.jpg?oh=e5fc968ed2b556e2493ede5e0ba1b9d5&oe=553C9209&__gda__=1430039485_9a53ab77db588b95f0793f647d8c8d4e" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11100463_10153248320142288_766309775_n.jpg?oh=e5fc968ed2b556e2493ede5e0ba1b9d5&oe=553C9209&__gda__=1430039485_9a53ab77db588b95f0793f647d8c8d4e" width="150" /></a>Goa has some <a href="http://www.indiamike.com/india/goa-f23/the-seven-casino-boats-of-goa-t102953/">7 gambling boat</a>s on the Mandovi river. One of them was owned by a Minister from Haryana and shut down soon after his arrest for a raping an employee of his. From September 2015; the casino boats have been asked to move out of the Mandovi river and <a href="http://www.navhindtimes.in/casino-boats-may-move-mandovi-will-go-arabian-sea/">relocate</a> to either the Vasco bay or operate in the Arabian sea. The most professional and best looking boats happen to be owned by the Deltin group.<br />
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11116203_10153246372972288_331889043_n.jpg?oh=a7fcffa08dee696ce18d1eefae984bd6&oe=553BB360&__gda__=1429975124_bed166b2f87e1cc2d1c950a5d8e0dca8" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11116203_10153246372972288_331889043_n.jpg?oh=a7fcffa08dee696ce18d1eefae984bd6&oe=553BB360&__gda__=1429975124_bed166b2f87e1cc2d1c950a5d8e0dca8" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11160544_10153249556677288_898358646_n.jpg?oh=0ca419a68c4fe089c959e680516ceb65&oe=553C712B&__gda__=1430036639_beb3a3d4e68a6b515b4bea9fae687095" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11160544_10153249556677288_898358646_n.jpg?oh=0ca419a68c4fe089c959e680516ceb65&oe=553C712B&__gda__=1430036639_beb3a3d4e68a6b515b4bea9fae687095" width="150" /></a>Back at the hotel at 3am; the group decided to move into the on site slot machine and electronic gambling zone. (Live gambling happens only on the boats) and we were there till 5 am. Wanting to make the most of our trip; the boys were at the breakfast table by 10am; ready for a Thai massage next door at noon; having a beach side lunch with cocktails by 2pm; and all excited to party the night away by 10 pm all over again. No casino - but at the famed beach clubs of the North. Goa used to be a seasonal destination until a few years back. Now it's virtually busy round the year; thanks to the Indian travelers and more important the Indian gamblers. The Rouble hit Russians are now visible in lesser numbers. Hopefully the tourists driven away by their presence will now return. It's good to have a diversified tourist market; but for now the Baga Rd. looks like a back alley of Moscow with all the cafes sporting their menus in English and Russian. My gambler friend turns to us and says. how about our next group meet in Moscow?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-24689030728091722852015-04-16T00:42:00.003-07:002015-04-16T01:39:11.944-07:00All Classes are not Equal - Seat Fight<br />
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<h2 class="opbandit" data-opbandit-author="Marisa Garcia" data-opbandit-taxonomy="Skift Originals" id="post-headline" style="background-color: white; color: #211f1f; display: inline; font-family: Adelle, 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 2.25em; font-weight: 100; line-height: 1.25em; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; width: 308.03125px;">
The Seat That Erases the Line Between Business Class and First Class</h2>
<img alt="Two FUSIO seats." src="http://skift.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/FUSIO_150119_F_1_pdf__page_6_of_6_.png" /><br />
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<br />
http://skift.com/2015/04/15/the-seat-that-erases-the-line-between-business-class-and-first-class/#1<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In economy you are a sardine. </span></h2>
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<a href="http://atwonline.com/site-files/atwonline.com/files/imagecache/galleryformatter_slide_penton/gallery_images/resized%20A380%2011%20abreast%20%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="resized A380 11 abreast 2.jpg" border="0" src="http://atwonline.com/site-files/atwonline.com/files/imagecache/galleryformatter_slide_penton/gallery_images/resized%20A380%2011%20abreast%20%202.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #e6e6e6; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The 11 abreast economy cabin seating configuration revealed by Airbus at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany April 14-16, 2015. Front row seats are Geven Piuma seats; back row are Zodiac Z300s. There have been no commitments for this configuration so far, but Airbus says it is in talks with some A380 operators. Photo by Karen Walker</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Thompson Cozy Suite is an innovative way to cram more passengers into economy, but comfortably." src="http://airchive.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMG_20140409_123721687.jpg" height="112" width="200" /><span style="background-color: #f1f5f8; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21.0599994659424px; text-align: center;">The Thompson Cozy Suite is an innovative way to cram more passengers into economy, but comfortably. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 21.0599994659424px;">http://airwaysnews.com/blog/2014/04/14/aircraft-interiors-expo-2014-wrap-up/</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 21.0599994659424px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 21.0599994659424px;">Premium Economy the new Business Class</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 21.0599994659424px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<img src="http://s3files.core77.com/blog/images/2012/06/0expairseat02.jpg" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Actually makes sense in an A380</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.core77.com/posts/22731/experimental-seating-designs-for-airplane-cabins-22731</span></div>
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<img src="http://s3files.core77.com/blog/images/2012/06/0expairseat04.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">MOST PRACTICAL </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">eCONOMY SEATS</span></div>
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<img src="http://www.businesstraveller.com/files/News-images/Air-New-Zealand/ANZ-economy-flat2.jpg" /></div>
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http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/crystal-cabin-awards-announced</div>
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<b>Good idea to wear an adult diaper if flying economy given that number of seats in that class are increasing and ratio of passenger to toilets going down. </b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-62692726793972193342015-03-31T05:03:00.002-07:002015-03-31T22:21:13.438-07:00An airline called Vistara (Flight check BOM AMD BOM) <div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5voj1lRa7AYaht77RYffhtfA9xGDSzSF9d3RXeyGMgPUB5Gy2n1rqF5o7pwgqQ853vhyphenhyphen-X1jtYp3Niw15Lnhxz6u4N5ScSg9H0hEM0xrr0Zuys_PVMGmYgR6-sUas1JYghB6fM4clJg/s1600/11082865_10153192688972288_2040822574_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5voj1lRa7AYaht77RYffhtfA9xGDSzSF9d3RXeyGMgPUB5Gy2n1rqF5o7pwgqQ853vhyphenhyphen-X1jtYp3Niw15Lnhxz6u4N5ScSg9H0hEM0xrr0Zuys_PVMGmYgR6-sUas1JYghB6fM4clJg/s1600/11082865_10153192688972288_2040822574_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's been a couple of months since this
airline took to the Indian skies; a joint venture between the </span><span style="color: #262626;">Tata Group and
Singapore Airlines. I heard mixed reviews from "OK - it's new" to
"the new best thing to happen in Indian aviation ". As Buddha kind of said; second hand knowledge or experience equals zero - I had to
experience to gauge for myself. </span><span style="color: #262626;">Would it match the high standards of "Kingfisher" service?
When it had started and for quite a few years thereafter; Kingfisher was my
absolute favourite. With that thought, ticket booked for the BOM AMD BOM sector
- a short 1 hour flight. Vistara sells itself as a premium full service carrier, but pricing is quite competitive as yet. Its flight code is UK.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRZlUuIZ-5qed-QD6P7OZUJqQpRkyN6lX4k3iHBmsdoWRJZ5xDyHiMPCA4U-4J1jjdZfgJ01qE4Bgxpo02_FoYjqksALUXq8hC4YbFYgfRX8DjhXHcV234RjRVpDc59OSEAV_RitTVw/s1600/10966942_10153192689427288_1400537554_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRZlUuIZ-5qed-QD6P7OZUJqQpRkyN6lX4k3iHBmsdoWRJZ5xDyHiMPCA4U-4J1jjdZfgJ01qE4Bgxpo02_FoYjqksALUXq8hC4YbFYgfRX8DjhXHcV234RjRVpDc59OSEAV_RitTVw/s1600/10966942_10153192689427288_1400537554_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It uses the Mumbai's GVK-CSIA terminal T2 (at Sahar) as it's operating base</span><span style="color: #262626;">. </span><span style="color: #262626;">For now; it's the only private domestic carrier operating to Indian destinations from this terminal - all others use Terminal T1 at Santa Cruz. </span><span style="color: #262626;">Closer to my office I thought and so much better compared to terminal
T1 - even after all the improvements there. In my mind, T2 is one of the best terminals
found anywhere in the world and proud that it beats the IGI Delhi
terminal T3 in look - feel - fit- finish. </span><span style="color: #262626;">Check-in and baggage drop happens at the
Departure level and security check a level below. Counters are well manned but
did not experience the process on account of the well constructed user friendly web-check in on
its site <a href="http://www.airvistara.com/">www.airvistara.com </a>. Web-check-in starts 48hrs before flight and is open to all classes. Good thing is that you can block your seat right at the time of buying the ticket. Baggage allowance 15kgs - Grrr. </span><span style="color: #262626;">By year end 2015; once the entire terminal and additional gates are ready; most domestic carriers flying
out of T1 will shift to T2 and the airport looks ready to receive the hordes of domestic passengers. Vistara being a Tata company must have had the advantage of using T2 first thanks to its partner GVK - the operator of the Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. <a href="http://www.csia.in/">www.csia.in</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha49Nu12kxHQcHctgWrBxQ6iqWWc3uMoYlO_N0SGuQp6vls2YpJhQb0Ujq_QuHCoXNt5w1O56dsalcf0aDibxoJg_VOI8hAcg2Ct2MolSRjpJqmbjOvjzQTRAgK370rPuO-5m28qX5uw/s1600/IMG_20150326_145144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha49Nu12kxHQcHctgWrBxQ6iqWWc3uMoYlO_N0SGuQp6vls2YpJhQb0Ujq_QuHCoXNt5w1O56dsalcf0aDibxoJg_VOI8hAcg2Ct2MolSRjpJqmbjOvjzQTRAgK370rPuO-5m28qX5uw/s1600/IMG_20150326_145144.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0JEisBWcAkr6ZyYOmZ2c61VrKGeaCQBOPngz_xMjjAnPHnIBKpufxd9wV8wd96Vdnij86wehswwamBNGGBsu-3EdsKdjDZFKwcy87XWThGvVOJPX2a-OnEchq9aMznGbqlT4DEVp9A/s1600/IMG_20150326_145135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0JEisBWcAkr6ZyYOmZ2c61VrKGeaCQBOPngz_xMjjAnPHnIBKpufxd9wV8wd96Vdnij86wehswwamBNGGBsu-3EdsKdjDZFKwcy87XWThGvVOJPX2a-OnEchq9aMznGbqlT4DEVp9A/s1600/IMG_20150326_145135.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">T<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">he gate management is pretty good and boarding very organized. The aircraft - the latest generation airbus A320 (with sharklets) smells new and feels new. Obviously cleaning very good. Arranged in 3 class configuration: Business 2-2 (16 seats); Premium Economy 3-3 (36 seats); Economy 3-3 (96 seats) total seating 148 seats is what I would assume. The only difference between premium and regular economy seems to be the seat pitch. The pitch is quite generous in economy class too - much better than Jet and Indigo. Toilets were spotless. The cabin crew looks smart in the purple attire and seem to have been well trained. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyIZhpBsNJX7RaODiYwLmzwaZKShIdABLiQb5O6QBQaVBlEAnQxddp7F2wZumNo3r9q5Z5SKPTNgFCYdVoRZHRiVm0h0S4A4P46c1dHhMC5zb4AkocWVxGXTn7KGZd5eNrVorv3E2qQ/s1600/IMG_20150326_155318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyIZhpBsNJX7RaODiYwLmzwaZKShIdABLiQb5O6QBQaVBlEAnQxddp7F2wZumNo3r9q5Z5SKPTNgFCYdVoRZHRiVm0h0S4A4P46c1dHhMC5zb4AkocWVxGXTn7KGZd5eNrVorv3E2qQ/s1600/IMG_20150326_155318.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Flight takes off on time and lands at Ahmedabad on time too. Grouse if any - the food pack. Not that I was offended by the purple box or the plastic cutlery - which may be prompted by principles of recycling, hygiene and eliminating the use of water for cleaning trays and whatever. But, I really thought the food provided by Taj-Sats (another Tata-SIA JV) sucked. The dessert tasted totally synthetic reminding me of some pineapple flavoured vitamin tonic I used to have growing up. No hot (or cold)beverage served in economy. Maybe on account of flight duration. Bottled water is served before take off and along with meals; but if you want more just ask. My second complaint is the training of the ground staff at Ahmedabad airport - the lady making announcements had no clue what she was saying. She mixed up flight numbers (there were 2 Vistara departures happening within minutes of each other); called evening morning and her tone was a reminder of railway announcements. I tweeted all this to <a href="https://twitter.com/airvistara">@airvistara</a> just to see how the airline would react. No reaction. Indigo and Jet score over Vistara here. In flight magazine - not too impressed; but it's new. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Load factor BOM AMD for a 3.25pm flight barely 30% overall with just 1 or 2 seats in both business and premium econony occupied. AMD BOM 5.25pm flight 55% load factor with about 90% of passengers in economy. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Returning back to Mumbai T2 - exit the aero -bridge and walk right to the luggage pick up area.Baggage carousel number announced on board. The terminal does have one drawback though. If you are being picked up by your own transport, then it has to pay a hefty parking fee even if it has entered the terminal for a couple of minutes. But what the heck. It's a small price to pay for the brilliant infrastructure created for an almost hassle free experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #262626;">Some 45 years ago; Air India was owned by the Tatas and it was rated as one of the finest in the world. Singapore Airlines (SIA); a fledgling start up at that time sought inspiration and training from Air India. The Air India of today is not a patch of what it was under the Tata flag while SIA has established itself as a </span><span style="color: #262626;">hallmark in the aviation circles. Some 12 years back; Tata along with SIA made a bid to buy back the airline from the government of India - and failed. I would say providential that it did fail because it has now got a fresh start with Vistara to groom a world class airline that India can be proud of. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-81092256448788656262015-01-29T02:08:00.001-08:002015-01-29T21:17:55.207-08:00Dubai Diary 22nd to 25th Jan 2015I was to visit Dubai over New Years; but a situation at home changed my plans. I had the ticket and visa so I thought of taking advantage of the long Republic Day weekend to unwind in the playground of the rich and famous. Feels nice to say it. :)<br />
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Having used it quite a bit from the time it has opened; <a href="http://www.csia.in/">Mumbai's International Airport - the GVK CSIA T2 </a>has earned my respect as one of the best in the world - from a passenger's point of view. Honestly, Dubai's Terminal 1 looked haggard in comparison now. (Yes it is being renovated, but Mumbai now scores over it in immigration clearance (both ways) as well as providing amenities, duty free, dining and other such facilities. I thought that arriving back from Dubai would be a painful experience with customs. But, with baggage screening of check-in luggage being done by Customs prior to it being put on the belt; every person does not have to endure the X-ray check process and one can reach from craft to car in 40 mins or less.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsb_n1ivvuA9vH0G346IRhJnJJGz7RMywKjaXtxT4o-ZldfsSEKK5CRUNecdp1bNQrTKR2XaTR_K0TV03GYZVmKIc5pttJ4Wda2bjEEuTfBgqsm8gCmUiYSFUbHp_uJqXsCKkOE8Q1Cg/s1600/IMG_20150122_090311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsb_n1ivvuA9vH0G346IRhJnJJGz7RMywKjaXtxT4o-ZldfsSEKK5CRUNecdp1bNQrTKR2XaTR_K0TV03GYZVmKIc5pttJ4Wda2bjEEuTfBgqsm8gCmUiYSFUbHp_uJqXsCKkOE8Q1Cg/s1600/IMG_20150122_090311.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>I am not so happy about an institution that I once admired. It is dropping its brand equity, craft and service quality standards. Jet Airways. It was a pleasure to fly it once upon a time and now getting to be a pain - at least on short haul routes - be it domestic or international. After it's acquisition by Etihad; one would have thought that the fortunes of the airline would get much better - specially flying to its new step-home base in the UAE. But, that's not the case even though the airline has decided to drop the "Konnect" tag and fly as a premium full service airline. The 737-800 I flew happens to retain the old "Konnect" configuration and my knees were jammed against the seat in front. I am not a 6 foot + guy and if I cannot fit then I pity guys taller than me. Introducing meals back is fine as long as what is served is good. It was better to pay and buy rather than eat the (sorry for saying this) "crap" that is dished out as part of the meal offering. Check in was slow and was being blamed on the system. In-flight service was not bad though. I can't tell if it was the "Athiti Devo Bhavo" (Guest is God) principle or "white is right" that got Caucasian passengers better service?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJucdCS8SZC9DBAgkiQZ_bat7Z68hrgs-cbyp9VqvxL8M02zzsxa1Q54-eqBQMts6l95K6_Q_CHxAlXR_i7Qp3ZXBYBm47T-XOyiGdwHP71hmqC4YJ88UqQ16tjQYxxvVzQVp8ntrEUg/s1600/10950215_10153053100282288_932651602_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJucdCS8SZC9DBAgkiQZ_bat7Z68hrgs-cbyp9VqvxL8M02zzsxa1Q54-eqBQMts6l95K6_Q_CHxAlXR_i7Qp3ZXBYBm47T-XOyiGdwHP71hmqC4YJ88UqQ16tjQYxxvVzQVp8ntrEUg/s1600/10950215_10153053100282288_932651602_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
Now this is not a Jet Airways problem alone. I have seen this happen one too many times. How do people get to carry two (virtual) suitcases into the cabin? Refer to the attached image of an over sized person with supposedly a cabin size conforming bag and a laptop bag. This man must have hit at least 2 or 3 people in the face with his bags while trying to reach his seat. Leave alone the nuisance he caused trying to force his bags in the cabin hold. I now am in complete agreement with Ryanair's baggage policy that enforces a strict cabin bag size on board. The other matter I cannot understand is that of cell phone use on board. Is it really a danger if the phone is <b>not</b> kept on "flight" mode? Apparently not; cause if it was, then airlines would have not allowed them on board in the first place knowing well that 50% of the idiots getting on board want to show off their voice and phones to fellow passengers even after being told that "all electronic devices should be switched off or kept in flight mode". I think people have figured that out that there is no penalty to disobey the instruction and do not bother to switch off the phone's connectivity when asked to. I am predicting serious "air-rage" days in times to come when use of phone is allowed in flight. Loud mouth passengers yacking incessantly on phone up in the air will certainly get into fights with co passengers trying to shut them up. <br />
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Dubai Airport - the taxi rank is quite organized. All taxis charge a flat AED 25 as starting fare. The premium black limos run the meter at twice the regular cab rate. But the driver will disclose the approximate fare if you ask before stepping in. Trust me, they won't take you for a "ride". The Cabbies in Dubai are generally quite honest and won't intentionally take you the long way home. At times, the roads are such that it resembles a taxiway leading to a runway - not the least distant path. What I would have liked to see is the driver name and taxi details being displayed along with a bar code like in Singapore to make sure that taxis remain safe and honest in times to come.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZPrz-IjOi-gxwpQI-ySfNb_eFOx7Sxll7-Ky0LxBLIfQnpE5vPhNmTv9WYV9iC1w17teQg13Wjr7hVKGIN4ngVMZ1zSEyj0NcJIY_WVfRlRWiaVtuCZgY2noiyrQdTTjFwOYln9prQ/s1600/10947241_10155154922710182_1277420624647222388_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZPrz-IjOi-gxwpQI-ySfNb_eFOx7Sxll7-Ky0LxBLIfQnpE5vPhNmTv9WYV9iC1w17teQg13Wjr7hVKGIN4ngVMZ1zSEyj0NcJIY_WVfRlRWiaVtuCZgY2noiyrQdTTjFwOYln9prQ/s1600/10947241_10155154922710182_1277420624647222388_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
If a not so great looking person with money can be surgically crafted into a piece of work then why should Dubai - a desert-dom not look great and desire the best - including growing roses in its Miracle Garden? <span style="text-align: center;">From what I hear it's not going to be all roses for foreigners in time to come as the Emirate is considering imposition of a small income tax. But until it does; enjoy the best things that money can buy. Happiness is relative and while some may be happy blowing away hard earned (or hardly earned as the may be); it is not the first thing that comes to my mind while walking around in a Dubai Mall. One needs to be a geographically sound navigator to read the mall maps as each mall is larger than the other. Dubai does set the standards for big, bigger, biggest and the benchmark is breached each year. Besides my pockets getting lighter; I too must have lost a couple of pounds walking and carrying bags. For me it was an expensive gym experience. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9XRIKL_RZwms6Wjg2nw_7c95vmNtBn6WYOOE_tOnLyHg0fn6aROTidVJqPYod4NeT9dz53DJjjGQAHfZbkE0P9DAH2x-hZ1Qq0shiemU0ZRwtRANumrOZtqer64jtRPjJkw3D8ecZA/s1600/10941765_10153053100587288_2058891073_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9XRIKL_RZwms6Wjg2nw_7c95vmNtBn6WYOOE_tOnLyHg0fn6aROTidVJqPYod4NeT9dz53DJjjGQAHfZbkE0P9DAH2x-hZ1Qq0shiemU0ZRwtRANumrOZtqer64jtRPjJkw3D8ecZA/s1600/10941765_10153053100587288_2058891073_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>The pain was much needed as Dubai has plenty of sinful places to eat and entertain. There was no way I was going to miss an opportunity to eat at the <a href="http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/menu/">Cheesecake Factory</a>" or "<a href="https://www.zomato.com/dubai/uno-chicago-grill-dubai-mall">Uno Chicago Grill</a>" to get a taste of nostalgia of my days back in the US of A. Thanks to Facebook; had a mini school reunion at "<a href="http://www.dxbmarine.com/dining-entertainment/loca/">Loca</a>" a nice little Mexican place which serves authentic mex and tex mex food. The Chef's from Mexico. On a Friday; it runs a brunch and if that's not what you like then go after 4pm. The food and drinks are actually very good. Actually; some of these places offer better value for money experience then the exclusive "branded" ones. Had what I call good but not great experiences at "<a href="http://cle-dubai.com/">Cle</a>" and "<a href="http://www.pacha.ae/">Pacha Ibiza Dubai</a>". Both are now on the "must visit" list for Dubai so how could I skip them? The former; has the backing of Michelin Stared Chef Greg Malouf and the latter an off-spring of the famous parent in Ibiza. Both left me wondering if a visit was worth my time and money or, are they just meant to be an outlet for splurging and being seen with and as the "happening" people? I call such places the "less for more" experiences. While both are certainly not experiences that I would have missed had I not visited; it was good to visit them from my personal education point of view in terms of how concepts are evolving in the food and beverage space. New concepts give way to newer; and then there is the "<a href="http://www.wafigourmet.com/">Wafi</a>" gourmet. It's been around for I don't know how many years - untouched by time - in the way it looks and what it serves. There are many eateries that claim to serve the best Arabic food, but at Wafi Gourmet you can't go wrong. Maybe it's the temptation of the dates, backlavas, olives, salads, fresh produce, dry fruits that are laid out carelessly as display get the stomach hyper active or maybe it's the fragrance of the kebabs being grilled. It's magic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RFlsd-k1QwHBphP7mhJNIAV-QhqkTA6XOR1xeWNB683CsojQor9RdaMldJAZ-YLS8PoDNRqo1LxkUs-kMakh84-QUhj9GyI2Keeroe1JMubhGyAlG1nUd2o4JUy86T1KcddODuCWrA/s1600/10937322_10153052043862288_1722700462_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RFlsd-k1QwHBphP7mhJNIAV-QhqkTA6XOR1xeWNB683CsojQor9RdaMldJAZ-YLS8PoDNRqo1LxkUs-kMakh84-QUhj9GyI2Keeroe1JMubhGyAlG1nUd2o4JUy86T1KcddODuCWrA/s1600/10937322_10153052043862288_1722700462_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Finally, one of the best experiences in Dubai is one that can be had for free. A walk on the beach. It was something that I could have done each day during my stay. The beach I visited is kind of man-made but I am not complaining. The 5 shades of ocean blue kissing the silver sands was nothing short of delight. I turned around 360 degrees and saw the towering Burj Khalifa piercing the sky in the distance, as well as the Burj Dubai resembling a massive sail boat in the sea. So much to visit and so little time. Great I will leave what I did not visit for my next visit "Inshallah". <br />
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I was back in India on the 25th; could not miss the Republic Day Parade telecast on 26th morning. For the first time in its 66 years as a Republic; the President of the USA was being honored as the Chief Guest. Or it was the first time a President of the USA accepted to attend it. It just shows that India is no longer a nation that can be given symbolic importance. Dubai was wonderful; but then could, not agree more that "Sare Jahan se Accha - Yeh Hindustan Humara" (Better than the whole world - Is this India of mine). Yes that's what the parade band was playing as the brilliance of India marched by.<br />
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P.S. My reviews on some of the places I visited are on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.in/members/Umski#CITY_TILES">tripadvisor.com</a>.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-57553400357404435912015-01-12T02:06:00.001-08:002015-01-12T02:07:31.412-08:00Flight Check - BOM KUL on Malindo Air"Never heard of it" said my wife, when I told her I was headed to Kuala Lumpur on Malindo Air. "Are you sure it's safe?" asked with a degree of paranoia prompted by the ill fate being meted out to airlines born in Malaysia. I told her it's a new airline that flies new aircraft, and that safety is an issue that plagues all airlines today. <br />
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Malindo Air; born in 2013 out of wedlock between Lion Air of Indonesia and NADI of Malaysia operates to more stations in India than its other Malaysian sisters. It website says that it offers "<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.malindoair.com/about"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">low air fare with premium in-flight services included. That means your baggage allowance and in-flight entertainment are taken care of. Fuss-free and no hidden costs</span></a>." </span>The fare was not exactly low; but then, the cost of traveling to an Air Asia destination within India or flying with the national carrier direct to KL from Mumbai worked out to the same or more. Effectively, Malindo was the cheapest option to fly BOM-KUL direct on the chosen dates.<br />
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Check in at Mumbai CSIA terminal T2 was stress free. There was no debate about the size or weight of my carry on luggage (though I am sure I conformed to both); nor that of any other passenger in the queue. Airline allows 20kgs plus hand bag(s). Not much of a line either as the aircraft; a Boeing 727-900ER is configured to carry some 160 passengers in a twin (business [12seats] and economy) configuration. Flight time out of Mumbai is good - 2240 hours - not many international flights at that time and most domestic operators have also landed much of their fleet by then as well. Flight arrived 15 minutes late affecting boarding by the same. Not much delay in leaving the gate and taking off after that.<br />
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Aircraft had been cleaned well and looked in good condition. Inflight crew looked young but well trained. There were no blankets kept on the seat and to get one - the passenger had to hand over the boarding card. (On the return leg this procedure was not followed). The blanket material and size was not great though it came sealed in a pack. The seats installed in economy are designed for domestic operations or flights of less than a couple of hours. A seat with proper head and lumber support with a bit more cushioning would have helped enduring a 5+ hour flight. Pitch is decent though. The business class too had seats that resemble premium economy (or old business class seats) on most long haul carriers. Inflight entertainment was limited and was not really useful if you had not carried your own head set. Should have read the website before travel. But, by the time we took off (2320 hours) I had nothing but sleep on my mind. A light dinner was served minutes after aircraft reached its final altitude. It was spartan airline quality meal that does not require me to spend many words to qualify it. Water (500ml) is the only beverage that comes with the meal followed by tea or coffee. A passenger ahead of me asked for beer and was told not available on board. He said that he could see it being served in business class. Was informed that yes it's available up front. So he asked again how he could get it. A witty answer followed that told him book business class next time. (This again is not the norm. On the way back a drink trolley was rolled on a pay for the drink basis). Maybe it's a good idea not to serve alcohol (paid or unpaid) on certain sectors based on time of flight and passenger nationality. I may sound racist here but it takes just one uncontrolled idiot to spoil the flight for the rest. <br />
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Rest of the flight was uneventful. Bathrooms were kept generally clean - maybe the effect of "Swach Bharat Abhiyan" that Indians are now paying attention to their loo habits. Flight load - virtually full going into KL and 70% load on the way back. <br />
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Landed nearly on time at 7 am (despite the delay in Mumbai). Airline is a resident of KLIA2 - the low cost airline terminal. Luggage is on the belt by the time the passenger clears immigration. It was not as efficient on the way in; but then the immigration desks at Mumbai airport have become much better with the new procedures in place. <br />
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My rating - 3 on 5. Would I fly it again. It's not my choice for travel but I will not balk if I am asked to fly it again. <br />
<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-50051987461294065152015-01-05T00:01:00.003-08:002015-01-14T23:27:33.689-08:00Minor Passenger - Major ViewsThe phone rang. My daughter's name popped up and I knew flight 9W535 had landed at CSIA-Mumbai. "Dad, I never want to fly this airline again". Hey! no Hi Dad! How are you Dad? She just sounded seriously annoyed. My son then got on the phone and said "Dad, this airline is worse than a budget airline". Now I was seriously amused. Both of them had nothing better to say to me, but rant about the airline - after flying in from Dubai post their mini vacation 5 days away from both parents. For my daughter of 12 years 8 months and son 14 years and 7 months; this was the return leg of their first international flight as unaccompanied passengers.<br />
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Rewind - the family had planned to spend New Year's in Dubai and I booked the seats on Jet Airways in September of 2014. A medical emergency threw a spanner in the works. My kids were disappointed that the trip would be called off; but my sister in law volunteered to look after them in Dubai. So, my wife and I decided to send the children as unaccompanied passengers. Since all four of us were on the same PNR; I had to get the same split. "Sir, since your daughter and son are both above 12 years we cannot accept them as unaccompanied minors" is what the call center rep told me when I called to get the PNR split. So, the task now was to convince my wife to travel with them or they could not go; and she was adamant not to travel. My son; who had heard the conversation with the call center agent and with my wife comes back to me after 15 minutes and says "Dad, that guy was wrong. See here it says both of us can travel as 'young passengers' as per the airline website and we can avail of the unaccompanied passenger facility". I took that link (<a href="http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/ProductAndServices/UnaccompaniedMinors.aspx">http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/ProductAndServices/UnaccompaniedMinors.aspx</a>) and sent it to my travel agent; who in turn took up the matter with the airline's sales office; who in turn split the PNR and entered a remark that both children will travel as unaccompanied "young passengers" under the supervision of the airline's ground staff and crew. My Travel Agent asked the Sales Agent why did we get a different view from the call center? She said that it must be some new kid who is not aware of process. Huh! new kid? So, instead of helping out a passenger the call center cadet was actually doing the opposite because of a lack of training or whatever?<br />
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Back - "What was the problem dear?" I asked my daughter. "Dad, had we not requested a non-veg meal?" I nodded. "They said they ran out of non-veg food. Then, the TV did not work for most of the flight. When we asked the crew they said we will attend to it and each time we reminded them they gave us a dirty stare." My son jumped in "Dad we wanted to fly Jet because it is supposed to be the best Indian airline - right? If there was no food selection of choice and no entertainment on board then we may as well have flown Indigo - at least their crew behaves better with kids. We should ask them for compensation" "Yes, and Dad, please tweet what happened to us right now. Let the airline know that just because we are kids it cannot treat us unfairly. Someone yelled at the crew in the aircraft and got the selection she wanted and we who had booked our meal did not. Not fair" was the follow up by my daughter. These were strong statements. The angst in them made them forget that the ground staff at both Dubai and Mumbai treated them with care; which I reminded them of after they finished their snack and coffee at Starbucks. Yes, they did not eat on board, and I did send out a tweet with the feedback.<br />
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A friend of mine had just returned from Dubai a couple of days back; and he too had traveled on Jet Airways. He too was not in a mood to shower any compliments on the airline either. "Sad; it is heading the Air-India way - from pride of the Indian skies down into the pits. Can't blame the inflight crew really. The planes are showing their age and many of them are still configured as per the JetLite model (Budget) though the airline says it's back to it's one brand basics (<a href="http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/AboutUs/OnebrandJetAirways.aspx">http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/AboutUs/OnebrandJetAirways.aspx</a>). Half the stuff that comes in the meal tray is unhealthy and most of it will end up as unconsumed rubbish. Can you believe that the bar was so ill provided for on an international sector? I don't know where they select their wines from?" were his views and they kind of got reinforced by what my kids had to say about it. <br />
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Well, this is not a blog to bad mouth Jet Airways. For me, it's my first choice of flying within India and shall remain until I find the next full service airline that can better it. The point I am trying to make is that passengers of any age are no longer in an accepting mood and will vent one way or another. With kids getting more and more tech savvy; news of bad experiences will fly faster than the planes flown by airlines and that is no minor matter anymore. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">(P.S.) The airline offered to credit my account with 2500 miles as compensation which was declined; not in the pursuit of more - but the fact that the compensation was not directed to or impacting the passengers really aggrieved. </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-46535950174483769582014-10-27T22:38:00.001-07:002014-10-27T22:38:30.402-07:00The Aggrieved Indian Air PassengerI read an article recently that said:<br />
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"Air Passengers Association of India questions 'non-existent' low fares offered by airlines"</h1>
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<a href="http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-10-26/news/55446722_1_low-fares-dgca-air-passengers-association">http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-10-26/news/55446722_1_low-fares-dgca-air-passengers-association</a></div>
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Obviously; this issue must be an outcome of the numerous fare wars that the domestic airlines have fought with each other the last couple of months. APAI's contentions based on consumer (passenger) complaints are quite serious ranging from non-existent seats on the super low fares announced to a near cartelization between the airlines based on the similarity of offers and validity period of the same. One cannot say if the entry of "AirAsia India" really did create such an impact with a fleet of less than 6 aircrafts for all the domestic airlines (including the loss making ones) to drastically drop fares; or is this a move by them to ensure that such carriers catch a tailwind back home from where they came. But then airlines have never been "Fair" fighters to begin with when it comes to "Fares". </div>
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My minute exposure to the aviation industry via the hospitality industry tells me that the extreme low fares do exist. What the airlines don't advertise are the number of seats available at that price. The Revenue-Yield Management system is set to ensure a hockey stick curve up on fares with every seat per flight sold based on the traffic attracted - and yet the passenger always gets the satisfaction of buying a seat at a 10% - 15% cheaper than the normal expected rate. It is called IMPULSE buying and we all know it that it's the oldest trick in the book applied to sell any product or service and not just airline tickets. Recently on-line shopping sites got into trouble with off line retailers for selling goods at a price point cheaper than the manufacturer's sale price to the market. It's an acceptable gamble for a seller who treats this limited loss as marketing and promotion cost for customer acquisition. Does it bring about loyalty? I doubt it - as the competition has increased drastically and the buyer is now on a constant look out for the best deal. Everything comes at a price and most of these deals come with a list of caveats attached that at most times the consumer is no better off than buying at normal prices. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the Cartel bit;
everyone knows that there is something called industrial espionage. The idea
always is to be a bit and not far better than your competitor keeping room to
up the ante as required. So, while it does look like a cartel in operation
(which may well be the case); it's quite possible that the war strategy is not
as secret as it's supposed to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Despite the contentions; it is thanks to watch
dog agencies like APAI and nodal agencies like the DGCA that air passenger in India are still better off as compared to flyers in other often developed nations when it comes
to budget and full service carriers. For one getting a free cup of water, free check in baggage
allowance, free seating assignment and many such services would not have been
possible otherwise. Airlines world over are increasingly inconveniencing
passengers in the name of low fares and security and it’s good to have a
grievance airing forum. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">What I cannot understand however is that the biggest abuser of passenger rights in India is none other than our
own national carrier "Air India" and yet no amount of moaning or groaning by passengers or APAI or DGCA for that matter have any effect on the way the airline operates. It has fallen a lot from the
days when it was truly and proudly a “palace in the skies” (yes even economy),
with its high service and aircraft maintenance standards to becoming nothing more than a drain
on the tax payer offering shoddy service and flying an ill maintained fleet. If the Indian tax payers did some math, the loss the airline incurs
in a year would be equal to buying each of them a round trip fare from Mumbai
to Delhi at the least. This loss would have been forgiven had the carrier been
the epitome of global quality standards making India stand proud of its
national carrier; sadly, the airline has one of the worst records where it
comes to treatment of passengers – many of them the very ones who fund the
airline’s inefficiency. The faster this airline is handed over to a private
player the better would this airline’s long term future be. National interest
has to rise above politics and bettering this airline’s attitude and
profitability would certainly be a part of good governance that our new PM
talks about. It has had enough time to perform through patience, several cash and
capital infusions made by successive governments at the cost of the tax payers – now it is time that this airline learns
to fly profitably or perish. Until the government wakes up to this reality the
Indian passenger will have to contend with a bad “free lunch” for an 8 hour delay by this
airline as suitable compensation. The days of grief for the Indian passenger
are far from over. APAI may indeed call itself the "Aggrieved Passengers Association of India".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Mumbai/1000-stranded-for-hours-as-Air-India-flights-delayed/articleshow/44952713.cms">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Mumbai/<b><span style="font-size: large;">1000-stranded-for-hours-as-Air-India-flights-delayed</span></b>/articleshow/44952713.cms</a><br />
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<a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Passengers-get-unruly-as-AI-flight-delayed-by-8-hrs/articleshow/44943088.cms">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/<b><span style="font-size: large;">Passengers-get-unruly-as-AI-flight-delayed-by-8-hrs</span></b>/articleshow/44943088.cms</a><br />
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<a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...Air-India-insures-grounded-planes.../4479...">Cash-strapped Air India insures grounded planes for $1 million each...</a></h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-7596567181338530122014-09-18T22:56:00.002-07:002014-09-18T23:31:00.981-07:00Turning Paradise to HellThe Thai Prime Minister's recent faux pas on "Wearing Bikinis" (with reference to the murder of British tourists in Thailand) was all over the world press. He stated that tourist in Bikinis specially the good looking ones are making themselves vulnerable to attack; and that tourists should keep in mind the sensitivities of the locals while dressing up. The debate that followed - was he suggesting that women with less than model bodies can wear sexy swimwear and those with bodies to show off should restrain themselves? I think the whole point was missed:<br />
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First; that he is an army man and not a politically correct trained politician; and possibly his way of expressing himself is in line with how he would address and correct his troops. His intent was right only the way he said it was wrong. Second; two tourists were murdered and they were not the first; and I am sure that attire had not much to do with it.<br />
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There has been a steady rise in the "bloody" crime rate (against westerners) in Thailand with the increase of tourists attracted by its fame for "sex drugs and rock and roll" as much as it beauty and beaches.<br />
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A few months back; a minister in Goa demanded a ban on bikinis citing that it goes against the Indian culture. Goa too is facing a very similar situation to Thailand where several tourists (mostly westerners) have been raped and killed. Most of them have been connected to the various drug mafia factions that have now taken control of much of the tourist belt as is happening in Thailand or Bali or any tourist destination in the world. The ask by the minister became a point of ridicule on social media when Indians (not foreigners) posted images of the erotic temple statues in Kahujrao and pictures from the "kama sutra" with tag lines stating - Is this not Indian Culture?<br />
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I think this whole "culture" sensitivity is a farce. Foreigners visit a place to have fun. Not that they cannot do it in their own countries; but the might of their stronger currency and the overall warmth of the Asian nations in temperature and people is certainly an alluring magnet. While most of Asian upbringing is based on dignity - modesty - chastity; secretly the openness of the west is every Asian's desire. I am sure that those very men who shout about the corruption caused by western influences would be the very ones caught in the liberal red light zones in Europe. Locals may hate the behaviour of tourists but in many places the "dollars" they bring run local houses to prosperity. Take away the tourism and kill the local economy.<br />
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There is really no culturally correct tourism. Every tourist is not expected to understand the local sensitivity and there is need for locals to educate themselves about tourist sensitivities. In Bali, unknowing tourists (both men and women) visit temples in shorts and they are asked to wrap a sarong. Yes someone makes money in renting sarongs but no one seems to get offended. If local politics are so concerned about the culture; then let them go after the biggest enemy of any culture - drugs. I find it hard to believe that drug mafias can set up shop without the blessing of the local protectors (politicians and police). A taxi driver in Goa once warned me not to enter a street at night saying that it was what local call "gang street". I looked on my left and saw the local police station right at that junction.<br />
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Well to put it in biblical perspective - it took one apple to turn paradise into hell; and in today's time its the several bad apples within our own societies that have turned our tourist paradises into hell. In a world where there are Countries that lash people for expressing happiness - let's not kill those who are just seeking out some fun.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-11723437494076456042014-09-12T03:25:00.000-07:002014-09-16T22:41:22.442-07:00Flying Comfortable & Relaxed <br />
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Following up on my blog on seat discomfort and Airbus's attempt to create saddle seats, there is a new development. Yes Airbus strikes yet again. In an attempt to make a uncomfortable, stressful and intolerable flight desirable to the passenger; it has patented a seat with a VR (Virtual Reality) helmet that in a way partially hypnotizes your senses away from all that is bothering on a flight like crying babies, badly behaved co passengers, lack of legroom, possibly no recline, tight seats, no entertainment or reading material, bad food (if at all served), and the list can go on.<br />
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The intentions may all be right but then if the flight or craft is not designed with real passenger comfort in mind; then, everything on the plane can break down except the VR helmet cause if it does then all hell may break loose on the aircraft.<br />
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Think of it; airlines can stop serving free booze, limit a passenger's need to take loo breaks, hit on the stewards (any sex), offer almost no choice in entertainment, have no cases of air sickness, and possibly even air-rage. I smell profit.<br />
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Thank God my travel days are waning now. It is frightening what an airline could do if permitted to mandatorily force passengers to keep the head gear on as soon as the doors are secured until they let the passengers out again. Influence loyalty, spends, likes, dislikes, and what not. Of course this is just guess work and the head gear may be a few years away and may not be cheap for airlines to implement. But if airlines weigh the cost of carrying 250 persons on saddles with such VR helmets that take away the pain as against just 160 on the same craft using normal seats - then that may not be just a thought anymore.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-89323125466488968262014-09-01T06:11:00.001-07:002015-08-09T22:55:49.949-07:00Seat FightA few days back, I read about a mid air fight between two passengers where the flight had to be force landed post a diversion. Reason; the passenger in front wanted to recline the seat and the passenger at the rear was being inconvenienced. Both were fare paying customers and right in their own way - the front person had the right to recline as much as the seat allowed and the person at the rear did not want crushed knees. (There are gadgets called "knee defenders" available that prevent the front seat from reclining to their capacity and apparently after this incident they are now banned on aircrafts). The culprit then has to be the airline for installing seats with such a low pitch (the distance between 2 seats) and allowing it to recline. The airline being a low cost one justifies that it has to maximize the number of seats on board to justify the low fare. But I have seen even full service carriers adopting the same pitch in economy as many low cost carriers to pack in a few more business class seats up front. I have travelled on one budget carrier where the seats do not (thankfully) recline in any row based on the low pitch in all its standardized aircrafts.<br />
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Airlines state that the passengers have a choice and know fully well what they are contracting when buying a ticket. True. But the airlines have taken this game a bit too far where there is very little difference left between the low cost budget and full service airlines - be it fare or offering. I refuse to fly a limited service budget airline on any route greater than 90 minutes be it international or domestic. Just not worth it anymore to play the "extras" game for a net saving of 20% or less with all the negative caveats and stress of baggage weight, size, food, water, number of washrooms on board, etc. At times these airlines end up costing more than the full service full fare airlines based on the rigid unfriendly attitude of airline staff in permitting a non conforming bag on board or the over priced extras you buy on board. It's now become more or less a norm not to allow a cain bag weighing more than 7 kgs and conform to the 55-40-20 size including wheels and handle. Most hand bags weigh about a kilo - that leaves 6kgs to take on board. So the passenger is forced to buy bag weight or travel with very little personal effects. Lotions, deo, foam, gels and all the other potential bomb making items we call toiletries have to be in less than 100ml packs or they go into check-in bags (cost). Some airlines have learnt the lesson and are easing up but for most customer is on the bottom of their agenda.<br />
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I have read articles on how seat manufacturers are seeing these incidents as an opportunity to rehaul design to make seats more passenger friendly with the new lesser pitch being adopted. Airline seats are by and large quite expensive and even if available; most airlines will not readily replace them based on the overhaul costs. Then again, airlines are being called greedy (like in the article pasted below). Could be, but with most airlines losing money this allegation may not entirely be correct. Airlines counter by saying that high fuel cost, impost, charges and taxes by airports and landing authorities are forcing out profits; and as a result the airlines are being pushed to their limits to collect revenues from whatever possible sources - even at the cost of passenger comfort,safety and satisfaction.<br />
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An airline used to have the tagline "Fly the friendly skies". That was many years back when flying was fun. Today, I go into a depression at the very thought of taking a flight. Flying is no longer what it used to be and all the constituents that make up air travel are blaming each other for the mess.<br />
While the blame game is on - the seat fights will only keep growing as humans genetically have started becoming taller and fatter while the net area occupied per seat is getting smaller by the day. This form of passive hijack by ordinary passengers will soon be a norm rather than an exception. Surprisingly, no one seems to care.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 2.8rem;">Air Travel Is Becoming Inhumane, And It Won’t Change As Long As Airlines Remain Greedy </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://elitedaily.com/news/world/air-travel-is-stressful/734026/">http://elitedaily.com/news/world/air-travel-is-stressful/734026/</a></span></h1>
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AIRBUS WANTS BICYCLE-STYLE AIRPLANE SEATS, WHICH BEATS THE "STANDING-ROOM" ALTERNATIVE</h1>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.bustle.com/articles/31559-airbus-wants-bicycle-style-airplane-seats-which-beats-the-standing-room-alternative">http://www.bustle.com/articles/31559-airbus-wants-bicycle-style-airplane-seats-which-beats-the-standing-room-alternative</a></span></h1>
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<h2 class="opbandit" data-opbandit-author="Rafat Ali" data-opbandit-taxonomy="Skift Originals" id="post-headline" style="background-color: white; color: #211f1f; display: inline; font-family: Adelle, 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 2.25em; font-weight: 100; line-height: 1.25em; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; width: 308.03125px;">
Majority of Americans Are Against Using Knee Defenders on Airline Flights </h2>
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<span style="color: #211f1f; font-family: Adelle, Lucida Grande, Lucida Sans Unicode, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 45px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://skift.com/2014/09/02/majority-of-americans-are-against-using-knee-defenders-on-airline-flights/">http://skift.com/2014/09/02/majority-of-americans-are-against-using-knee-defenders-on-airline-flights/</a></span></span></span><img src="http://skift.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/survey-fibwdcnkbz5lm-question-1-5.png" /></div>
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<a href="http://skift.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/BE-Aerospace-Knee-Rescue-Seat-Adjustment-Diagram2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 2.25em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knee Rescue Seat adjustment diagram." border="0" height="113" src="http://skift.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/BE-Aerospace-Knee-Rescue-Seat-Adjustment-Diagram2.png" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://skift.com/2015/08/06/we-found-the-smart-aircraft-seat-that-could-spare-millions-of-passengers-knees/?utm_campaign=Daily+Newsletter&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=21171831&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gVoALJ-e0XmwL4x_2q7TwazKdvHroFmWxJFlq6OcexSZYtwEgpgLvmoCLJTw9DB3hj2nNdByn_tkP5oW5L3tRXFswFw&_hsmi=21171831#1">We Found the Smart Aircraft Seat that Could Spare Millions of Passengers’ Knees</a> </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Marisa Garcia, Skift</span></div>
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<a href="http://twitter.com/designerjet" style="color: #3691ce; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">@designerjet</span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-85797606612351564922014-06-20T04:38:00.002-07:002014-06-20T04:49:18.647-07:00Budget travel to LondonLOL - title - can it be true? My initial plan for the summer of two zero one four was to visit Bali (Indonesia) and throw in a couple of days in Singapore and possibly Vietnam to get a well rounded dose of fun for everyone in my family. Beaches, shopping, amusement parks, natural wonders, history,great food, great hotels; what more can one ask for?<br />
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"Why are we doing Asia again?" I was asked by my united family. "It's hot in summer and the places are so boring" I was told. Well, kids can only kid; and my wife behaves like one when holidays are the topic of discussion. "So where do you want to go?". Prompt came the reply "London - just London if nowhere else close by".<br />
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London can be a great idea, except; 15 days. To my mind its too long, boring and super expensive. It's hard to fight the family - specially on subjects like holiday. So, no choice but to change the mindset. The English weather strangely appeals to my entire family; and yes, I would truly not mind a holiday in ol blighty. It took away the task of being too nomadic traveling from place to place. It's not just the capital of UK but of the whole world; and while it may sound like spending too many days there, at the end of it, it's just not enough. I did have a budget in mind and informed my kingdom that we would have to cut on style and expenses for a well measured holiday there. "Put us in a no star hotel, and we don't mind economy class either - just make sure we are on a decent airline" is what I heard back.<br />
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There was a time when I could fit my whole family in a room. Now, the children are young adults and having them in the same room is impractical unless the room is 30m2+. As it is - one room in Central London is expensive; two; gulp. Of course there are apartments, but then the good ones are not cheap either and the net saving is barely 15%. Visas; the Brit visa is a near Rs 9000 per head for just 6 months. Airfare; the cheaper fares on good airlines are all non refundable. Shopping; the daughter has now become a consultant to mother and between the two of them my wallet would lose weight very fast. Boy, was I in trouble.<br />
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Fortune favours the brave, and it did favour me. I got a relatively good price on Virgin and I booked 2 rooms at the Tune hotel (<a href="http://www.tunehotels.com/">www.tunehotels.com</a>). Split my stay at two of their properties; that is, at Liverpool st. and King's Cross at an average of GBP 120 a night (in total) inclusive of air-conditioning et all. I knew the rooms were small - but then - it's better than what the family was prepared to cut back to. I develop budget hotels but when it comes to my holidays I love luxury. I don't care much where I stay when on work - but holidays- I don't know. Anyway, I did not have a choice - unless I was prepared to loosen my wallet more (like let it tear) - had to stay in good affordable accommodation in Central London; else, stay a bit further away - which too was not acceptable to us all.<br />
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So a budget holiday it would have to be. Would it be fun - let's see. Summary of my experiences:<br />
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1. Visas: The visa process is run by VFS and the latest change is that forms have to be filled online ( <a href="http://vfsglobal.co.uk/india/">http://vfsglobal.co.uk/india/</a> ). Which meant; could do it directly without the help of a travel agent. UK is pretty good about somethings like not insisting on producing air tickets, mediclaim etc. With a filing fee of nearly Rs 9000 for a 6 month short visit visa, the applicant better be serious about visiting. When it comes to the visa costs, I say "I love America". Single fee with the visa term decided based on risk. So also Canada. I think UK should follow suit too unless the pricing for longer duration is intentional to keep the numbers low. It should however have a special deal on family visas. Filing the form online was easy but time consuming. The appointment with VFS straight forward. Got there at the designated time and was let in on time too. With the holiday rush and requirement for presence of all applicants for biometrics registration; we got our turn 4 hours later. VFS charges an obscene amount for sending a SMS and/ or courier to intimate you on your application and deliver it by courier. I avoided the extra charges as I asked and was told that the applicant is informed by email on when to pick up the passports.<br />
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2. Airport to hotel: Repeat visitors familiar with London transport know that it has one of the most expensive - yet finest public transport system in the world. I was travelling with wife and 2 kids and my extended family included 7 pieces of luggage in tow. Train or Tube - not practical. Booked a mini cab. Cost - a bit cheaper than if would have travelled by train - with the convenience of an airport to hotel drop. Estate car that could load all of us comfortably from Heathrow to Liverpool St. - GBP 56 (<a href="http://www.airporttaxis-uk.co.uk/London-City/qqto.htm">http://www.airporttaxis-uk.co.uk/London-City/qqto.htm</a>l) Got a quote - filled a form - paid by card. Got a call back from OTS (to India) to confirm the booking and verify the details. Comforting. By the time I got to London, I had the driver's number and cab details. Was greeted at the airport by a friendly Somalian; owner of a very nice Mercedes Van (much larger than the estate I had booked). I did use OTS again and will certainly recommend it.<br />
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3. Travel within the City: Black cabs are great - I love them - but only at night when there is no traffic. Daytime; I love to use the bus rather than the underground. If you are going to make only 3 - 4 trips a day in Zone 1; then use the Oyster card for an adult and Child travelcard (zone 1 to 6) for an under 15. Under 11 - no ticket on bus or underground required if traveling with an Oyster card or day travelcard holder. While traveling on the underground, the Oyster card is billed on basis of stations travelled measured by entry and exit point; the bus has a single fare however much the distance (as long as it's in the same bus). Bus fares are much cheaper than the tube - but the trick is to find a bus that takes you exactly where you want so that you don't have to change it. Assure you not difficult. Would use the day off peak travelcard otherwise.( <a href="https://account.tfl.gov.uk/oyster">https://account.tfl.gov.uk/oyster</a> ) London is a fab place to walk despite its willyweather and we did take some seriously long treks inside the City.<br />
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4. Travel out of the City: National Express or bus services are more economical than trains for sure. Children travel half price, or at times even lower. With the net, it's very easy to figure out the costs. On the train too; there are discounts if traveling as a family or with one more adult. Cost cutting requires a bit of research.<br />
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(Take a break from London and visit any of these day visit or more towns Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Windsor, Brighton ( <a href="http://www.londontourist.org/trips.htm">http://www.londontourist.org/trips.htm</a>l ) Or if shopping excites you then nothing like a visit to<u> </u> <a href="http://www.bicestervillage.com/">http://www.bicestervillage.com</a>/ <span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">Designer Outlet.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;"> </span><br />
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5. Food: None of us in the family are great fans of true blue fast food and we did not visit any such eatery in all of 15 days there. Most eateries will average out between GBP 10 and 15 per head including beer/wine or soft drink. Ask for the Kid menus - most places have one. Wagamama, Yo Sushi, Itsu for Japanese; Maroush for Lebanese; Dishoom for Indian (with a twist); Busabathai for Thai; Cabana for Brazilian; Royal China for Chinese - were easily our favourites. I quite like the coffee and atmosphere at Costa Coffee; but Starbucks "rocks and rules" all over the world. On my daughter's must have list - Lola Cupcakes <a href="http://www.lolas-kitchen.co.uk/">http://www.lolas-kitchen.co.uk</a>/ . Yes, they were very good. And on mine - a nice salt beef on rye sandwich with a slice of pickle chased with Earl Grey tea at the Selfridges. A trip to London would never be complete without a visit to a Pub and they are quite economical. Honestly; I am not so much into expensive "see-food" and there are several places in London where GBP 100 a head is just the starting off menu. I am sure its great tasting food and an experience; but its something I would not miss except maybe visiting a Gordon Ramsay restaurant (my online teacher for making great food). Eating at the food stalls at the Spitalfields market or Brick Lane is an experience and so easy on the pocket. It's so nice to sit outside early evening for some coffee and crepes; or an English high tea. As I write, I am drooling at the thought of the scones I had with clotted cream and fresh strawberry jam.<br />
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6. Stay: There was a time when lesser than a 3 star hotel was unthinkable. Nowadays, stars really don't matter but reviews on the likes of tripadvisor do. There are plenty of budget options ranging from CitizenM on one (higher) end of the budget spectrum to Premier Inn and easyHotel at the other. Tune, Formule, Ibis and a host of other brands fall somewhere in between. Rooms are small (12 - 16 m2) and service is limited. But there are some expensive many star hotels in london offering maybe 50% more space at 500% higher rates and service that you could frankly forget. What I got at Tune were 2 rooms; 1 with a queen bed and 1 twin. Both rooms adjoining each other (not interconnected). The beds were comfortable, linen and towels quality clean. Space to park large luggage under the beds. We still lived out of bags by making our cabin bags as the wardrobe (Inconvenient) - but then these rooms were not designed for long stay. Bathrooms were small and the shower area really small. But it was clean with Villeroy & Boch fittings. Toiletries were really very good. TV, Aircon, daily towel change, wifi come at a price. I took the pack. It had a tuck shop by the reception that sold hot and cold beverages and small packed eats. Well located with plenty of breakfast and dining options within a 100m radius. It took a day for us all to get used to the rooms and the hotel; after which, neither the size or service were discussed as inconvenience. I still love luxury hotels and would not stay elsewhere at a resort destination; but in a city like London a Tune worked for us just fine. Going a step further in my adventure to be even more budget minded - I would attempt staying at one of the branded designer hostels that have started popping up all over Europe. <br />
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7. Attractions: They can cost a small fortune as entry to most tourist traps are pricey. Each person has their own wish list while traveling and while one may believe that I am "Uncle Scrooge" my own opinion is that I am a value seeker. Fortunately, there are lots of things to do in London for free or next to nothing. Spend half a day each at the Hyde Park, Regents Park and Kensington Park (Diana Memorial). Paddle boat in the serpentine (GBP 12 per adult for 30mins) or cycle around the park (GBP 3 per hour) or just laze on the lawns. Several galleries and museums have no admission fee. Then there are markets, concerts, street plays and performances all for free. ( http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/free-london ). Movies are expensive, concerts and plays even more. But the quality of the venues, auditoriums and shows so high that its every penny worth it. The earliest and last birds catch the worm in London when it comes to the best priced (affordable) tickets and there are several licensed ticket vendors around the city from where one can check a pick them up from. For a day of sightseeing; just buy the travelcard and go from place to place atop the London red buses. Beats even the hop-on hop-off bus in terms of price. ( <a href="http://www.londonforfree.net/outdoors/bustour/bustour.shtm">http://www.londonforfree.net/outdoors/bustour/bustour.shtm</a>l ). If you are a fan of cricket, go for a game to the Lords or Oval. The tickets are not that pricey. Historic and modern architecture, fancy cars, window shopping, nicely dressed people, watching hundreds of nationalities sharing space with you is just so WOW.<br />
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Point is one can do as much or as little in London; and either way you will feel that your holiday and money have evaporated in no time.<br />
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My final bill for 15 days (I will keep the shopping aside):<br />
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a. Airfare for 4 - GBP 2100 (all adult fare)<br />
b. Hotel - GBP 1800 (2 rooms)<br />
c. Food - GBP 1350<br />
d. Travel -GBP 300 (including trip to-fro airport)<br />
e. Sightseeing, concert, attractions, movies - GBP 500<br />
f. Misc GBP 100 (phone card, adapters and other such things)<br />
g. Weather - Free<br />
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Total - GBP 6,150 or 410 a day.<br />
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No bad I guess considering that a good 4 star hotel/apartment alone would have set me back by GBP 250 or more. <br />
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<b>Some tips for the uninitiated:</b><br />
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- London tap water is safe for drinking and unless you find the taste unappealing; ask for tap water at restaurants and refill your water bottles. Buying bottled water is a waste of money and in any case your tea coffee, lemonade are all made with tap water.<br />
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- Many take away eateries run a happy hour just before closing time (hint) which actually happens to be dinner time for most Indians.<br />
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- Luxury brands don't announce "sale" and "deals"; but most have it all year round. Ask for marked downs or promotions - else you will never know.<br />
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- Don't get VAT invoicing done until you are sure that you have reached an end of your shopping spree. The handling fee per VAT invoice is quite substantial so try and make just one for each outlet.<br />
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- There is no difference in price between a regular and visitor Oyster Card. So don't get rushed into buying one overseas. Children between 11 and 15 can travel free on London transport by getting a Junior Oyster ID card. Make sure you do that 3 weeks ahead of visiting. There is a fee of GBP 10 but every penny worth it if your stay exceeds greater than 4 days.<br />
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- Discounted concert and theatre tickets can be booked on ticketmaster ( <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/">http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk</a>/ ) with an option to pick them up at the venue.<br />
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- Prepaid SIMs. I have stopped using Matrix as they work out quite expensive. Pick up a "Lebera" SIM. Beats the rest in rates and calls from lebara to lebara numbers are free. <a href="http://www.lebara.co.uk/">http://www.lebara.co.uk/</a><br />
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- Lastly; do not convert. You will have a terrible holiday if you do. Go by the bread index of conversion if you still feel like it. On my bread index - GBP 1 = INR 20<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-83561057374512396592014-06-10T03:14:00.000-07:002014-06-10T21:46:09.538-07:00Baggage and RyanairHow do I define Ryanair? A low cost limited service airline that offers you great fares in Europe and scares the hell out of you on permissible baggage that you can carry along with you and other such fees.<br />
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Accepting the balance that great fares comes with greater penalties I booked Ryanair from Stansted to Cork and from Dublin to Gatwick. My experience:<br />
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The booking process is fairly uncomplicated and it does have an informative uncluttered site. Did you know that Ryanair allows<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">"</span><span style="background-color: yellow;">PRE-FLIGHT CHANGES</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">24 Hour Grace Period for Minor Booking Errrors</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Customers who book directly on the Ryanair.com website have a 24 hour grace period from the time of original booking, to correct any minor errors (i.e. spelling of names, incorrect routings/dates) made in their original booking.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Please <a href="http://www.ryanair.com/en/questions/contacting-customer-service" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3498db; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">contact Reservations</a> where we will be happy to assist you."</span></div>
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Honestly I did not know it and I think all carriers selling tickets online should follow this example if they are not doing so already. I have lost a small fortune in ticket cancellations on account of date corrections, name corrections, and minor mistakes as the airline would not allow any changes once the booking was made.<br />
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I was travelling on a holiday and obviously could not do away with luggage. Ryanair baggage rules state:<br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">CABIN BAGGAGE</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">One cabin bag per passenger* weighing up to 10kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm,</span><span style="background-color: lime;"> plus 1 small bag up to 35 x 20 x 20 cms.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Due to cabin space limitations only 90 cabin bags (55 x 40 x 20 cms) can be carried in the cabin, </span><span style="background-color: lime;">any remainder will be carried free of charge in the aircraft hold.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: lime;">Oversized cabin baggage will be refused at the boarding gate</span><span style="background-color: yellow;">, or where available, placed in the hold of the aircraft for a fee of £50/€50 (fee subject to VAT on domestic flights at applicable government rates).</span><span style="background-color: lime;"> If you are unsure, check at the Bag Drop desk before going through security.</span></div>
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The cabin baggage weight allowance is more generous than the 7kg rule set by most other low cost carriers and permitting a decent size second bag is quite a plus. But; a very stern 55x40x20 rule started me and scared me in the face.<br />
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How was I and my family going to pack clothes and personal effects for 5 days in what is a traditional overnighter size bag? I had no choice but to book an extra bag, and I opted for a 20kg allowance for GBP 20. I checked all the cabin size bags I had at home and each one was a bit here or there in terms of size as compared to the Ryanair standard. None violated the 55cm and 40cm rule; but all of them were a tad over 20cm. I did a bit of reading on the net and was put at ease by some reviews that basically said that while size does matter; the airline will allow modest variations as long as it does not hit the eye as being too far out. <span style="background-color: lime;">Do note that the 55cm length includes the handles and wheels as well.</span><br />
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I was staying at the Tune Hotel Liverpool st. and had researched my travel options from there to Stansted airport. The hotel is actually a fab option as it too follows the same principles of a budget/low cost limited service carrier; that is, great basic prices with pay for the add-ons. The location is a plus as it is barely 300mts away from Liverpool st. station/underground/national express/london bus.<br />
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I had never flown out of Stansted before and was quite looking forward to experiencing an airport that is not as crowded as Heathrow. Taxi is obviously the most expensive option; but when there are 4 passengers - I wondered if taking the train or bus made any sense. Guess it does. National Express A9 cost me GBP 20 and the Stansted Express train from liverpool station would cost me almost as much as children pay half price and the adult fare is GBP 8. Took about an hour to get there - no trouble at all.<br />
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Another rule to remember with Ryanair is "Print your boarding card on A4 sheet paper on your own". There is a heavy price to pay for getting it printed at the airport. I had to proceed to baggage drop for two reasons - first, drop the check in luggage; second, get my visa and passport checked. Thank God that people respect queues in the West and despite a bit of a haphazard start; organized queues start taking shape at some point. My check in bag weighed 20.5kgs. The ground agent tagged it and sent it on the conveyor. Relief. Documents checked; boarding card stamped; then off to clear security and on to boarding gate. I checked all my off-size bags at one of the numerous sizing boxes near the check in area. They all cleared the test as none were filled to their seams. But then, there was this lingering tick of getting past the boarding staff.<br />
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Once I reached the gate, I was pretty sure that I would not be bothered as the other passengers in the queue had equally unconforming bags; and better still, loaded to max limit I suppose. The baggage bins inside the 737-800 can accommodate any standard cabin size bag and has not been designed specifically for the set size. I think the pressure put on the site is there with the express purpose of either selling bags or maybe making sure that passengers don't abuse the cabin bag allowance. I am all for it if it is to promote the latter practise as I hate sharing space with passengers who virtually carry the equivalent of a full size luggage bag inside the cabin in some form or the other inconveniencing fellow travellers.<br />
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On the way back from Dublin, the experience was no different; but for the fact that my check in bag weighed 21.5kg. The ground agent suggested that I reduce some weight else there would be a penalty of 10 Euros. I obliged and transferred about a kg to my cabin bag and that was fine with the handling staff.<br />
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I enjoyed my overall experience with Ryanair. It's not a flying monster as some would have us believe but a well thought of operation. I would think the extra charges are a way of deterring passengers from jumping out of the rule box to ensure the efficiency of the operations process. Yes it does make money from those who do jump the rules; but then, why not?<br />
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The aircrafts were clean despite a 20 minute turnaround; the staff polite if not friendly; and it even allowed passengers to carry their own food and drinks on board. Add to it a near on time schedule and I am a satisfied customer.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052882398714802749.post-45396844886310066552014-06-10T01:30:00.000-07:002014-06-10T21:53:29.359-07:00IntroductionI travel a lot; and would love to share some of my stories, insights, and learnings that I have gathered along the way. My mini blogs on hotels and restaurants I have visited are listed on Tripadvisor.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04007943720727180339noreply@blogger.com0