tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47079082290742288712024-03-19T14:18:44.272+05:30This is me...:)Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-74405718707032427832018-07-10T13:31:00.002+05:302018-07-12T19:49:45.885+05:30With Messi at Camp Nou<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Have you ever lived with friends who go to bed at 6pm and wake up at 1am in the mid-night, to religiously watch the English Premiere league football matches? Were you ever a victim of their mid-night alarms?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">I always wondered what made these frenetic zombies burn the midnight oil to watch those stupid football matches. I never understand the madness behind shouting loud every time the ball approaches the goalpost. Out of nowhere, even I become a big fan of football only once in four years during the world cup. Even if my favorite team wins the football world cup, it is difficult to extract even a muted celebration out of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">When I was planning a trip to Barcelona, I called the zombie alias Satyanarayan to check the things to do. Ever busy Satyanarayan took a long break from his office meetings and successfully persuaded me to reserve a ticket for a football match. It is Barcelona Vs Getafe La Liga match at Camp Nou stadium, the Europe’s largest football stadium with a capacity of nearly one lakh. I got a seat in the fifth row from the bottom for just 80 euros. It is because Messi and Neymar were not expected to play this match as they have a tougher opponent, Arsenal, waiting for them in the next two days. When Barcelona’s coach has confirmed the participation of Messi and Neymar, the ticket sales soared to 125 euros, for a seat in the top most rows.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">For my first ever football match, I bought a Messi jersey (T-shirt) designed for that particular Barcelona (Barca) season. As I wore the Messi jersey and entered the stadium, all the Messi and Barca fans gave me high fives and free hugs. It was a wonderful feeling to get connected to strangers from other countries </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">just</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">with a Messi T-shirt. Most of these fans seem to be tourists who came to watch Messi. As the match started, the crowd went wild chanting Messi.. Messi. A seat in the fifth row made me feel running with the players fighting for the ball. Even before the spectators get settled in their seats, the stadium roared to a goal in the 8</span><sup style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> minute itself. At 17 minutes 14 seconds, a section of fans chanted "independence", a tradition marking the 1714 Siege of Barcelona by Spain's King Felipe V. During the half-time, I came to know about the significance of those chants for Catalan independence, which shook the Europe a year later.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Suddenly, one lakh spectators at the packed Camp Nou stadium started a Mexican wave. Audience who were part of the rising wave, shouted loudly for a few moments. I also stood up waving my hands in the air and shouted loudly as the wave approached me and watched the wave move around the stadium in a circle as I sat. To be part of one lakh people repeating the Mexican wave for around ten minutes is one of the most memorable experiences in my life.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='480' height='399' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz4GVvn-Ce8AFVYIIrNGsvh5XRvLDTg-F2nyrwFPHAJZKGEjJwY0vbvRCvu-FuL6ZYbOmnqlR1EgHDvJD9X4g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">During the second half, Messi stood a couple of meters from my seat. Along with other fans, I tried to poke Messi but was unable to affect his concentration. To watch Messi move with the ball and tackle five to six rival players and still pass the ball to his team mates is a real treat to watch. Fortunately, Messi made a goal and assisted three goals in this match. Every time, the ball comes near the goal post, I was one of the first spectators to get up and shout loud with my hands up. I believe that the electrifying atmosphere and crazy Messi fans’ enthusiasm rubbed off on me. I thank my zombie friend Satyanarayan for this experience.</span></div>
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-9516470533419948302017-11-26T22:04:00.000+05:302017-11-26T22:27:48.628+05:30A beautiful bike ride in Holland!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Cycling was my passion during my
college days. In fact, my friends used to call me ‘Jet’ because of the way I
ride the bicycle. Netherlands (In German, Neider = lower, land = country) is unarguably
the best place to ride a bicycle. If you still want to argue, let me take you
through my dream ride.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Colourful tulips, at its’ full bloom,
in the second half of April attracted me to Keukenhof tulip gardens. After getting
drenched in the beauty of splendid tulips at ‘The Garden of Europe’, I wanted
to return to Amsterdam. Unexpectedly, a large number of orange bicycles grabbed
my attention. I approached the stall and choose to take a ride through one of
the three available routes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">A separate one-way tar road for the bicycles
with green grass on either side of the road made my eye balls go big. But, my
eyes were on stalk when I noticed the yellow and white flowers in the green grass
along the road. The end of such a beautiful path took me to a canal and a pond
on either side of the road. If the white lotus flowers surrounded by the large green
leaves in the pond look stunning, the swans around the flowers just made my jaw
drop. I took a break to admire the beauty. When I resumed my ride, the sight of
numerous bridges connecting each house across the canal only filled my eyes
with more admiration towards the manmade nature.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The list of disbeliefs continued to
follow my ride when I came across an old wooden bridge with no barriers. The
bridge opened my path to acres of bright coloured tulips fields separated by small
canals. If the sight of such a beautiful view can be described as ethereal, a
ride in the fields amidst colourful tulips just fails my words to describe the
experience. I took another break to spend more time in the tulip fields and experience
the heavenly moments. A further ride for two miles took me to a dark path that
resembles a thick forest. With an eerie ambience and no biker in sight, only my
thoughts of fear tried to break the deafening silence. At the end of the tunnel
comes the light; at the end of the dark path comes a new field of tulips.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">I took a diversion from the usual path
and rode towards the smaller villages nearby. A small village welcomed me with
a large field of red and yellow flowers. I parked my orange bicycle and ran into
the field as my joy knew no bounds. A further ride into the village took me by
the biggest surprise. There are at least 30 floats (a decorated platform behind
the truck) getting ready for an annual flower parade. Each float has a
different theme (such as angry birds, Thailand, EU, fashion, etc.) and was
decorated gorgeously with beautiful flowers. A 20 kilometer return trip to
Keukenhof only made my heart heavy, with plenty of memories.</span><br />
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-36473767755656723912017-08-30T05:09:00.000+05:302017-11-26T22:07:16.820+05:30Spanish La Tomatina Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">'La Tomatina' is a tomato fight
festival that takes place every year on the last Wednesday of August in Spain,
only for an hour (11am to 12 noon). For the first time, when I read about this
unique festival, I dreamt of playing with tomatoes. For the second time, when I
saw this experience in 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' movie, my nascent dream kicked
this experience to the top of my bucket list. I moved to Europe in 2015 and I
knew that it is just a matter of time before I live my dream. While planning to
attend 'La Tomatina' festival, I was skeptical whether I should club this with
my crazy solo trips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Whom should I play with?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Do I really enjoy playing alone?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">All those doubts took a back seat as my
strong desire to attend the festival triumphed. I reached the venue in Bunol
(Spain) and forced my way through the crowd. I managed to get near the pole
position where the tomato trucks start. While the road was covered with a sea
of crazy souls, the houses along the road were covered with long plastic covers
hanging from the second floor. Being pushed in all the directions amidst 20,000
people, I could only see the glaring sun through my tomatina goggles. Villagers
watching the festival from the top of their buildings occasionally sprinkled
water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">As the first truck of tomatoes started
coming towards us, the crowd went berserk and threw the glasses with bear, in
the air. We were pushed towards the walls to make the way for the truck. As the
truck passed by, a few people on the truck threw tomatoes on us. I caught a
couple of tomatoes and started staring at the crowd. Various groups started
playing with their friends by crushing tomatoes against each other. I got the
tomatoes in my hands but I was puzzled thinking why did I come alone all the
way to Spain and suffer this embarrassment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Now, a second truck of tomatoes went
past through me. I saw the crowd enjoying by lifting their girl friends on
their shoulders or crushing the tomatoes on their friends' faces. I rested hands
on my waist and cursed my decision to come alone. A heavy smack on my head jolted
me and I found a few tomatoes crushed against my head. When I turned around, a
beautiful girl was laughing at me. I was polite and tried to explain her that
she mistook my identity. She banged a few more tomatoes on my head. Enraged by
this, I tried to crush a couple of tomatoes against her face. Meanwhile,
another guy smacked a few tomatoes against my face. I left the girl and started
chasing the guy. Another person came from behind and crushed a few more
tomatoes on my head. I completely lost track of what was happening around me.
Am I the "Bond 007" targeted by enemies in this festival? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">As my thoughts disappeared, a third
truck of tomatoes went past us. As soon as I got the tomatoes in my hand, I squeezed
those and smacked against the heads and faces of the people surrounding me. Others
took their turn to paint me red with the juice of ripe tomatoes. Eventually, we
formed into two groups and started squashing tomatoes at each other. In five to
ten minutes, I have a big group of friends and foes to fight with tomatoes. I
raised my decibel levels and made my presence felt while playing with tomatoes.
The more you shout, the more you get hit with tomatoes. I simply loved it! What
followed was "Madness"! All I remember was that a few more trucks
passed by and we shouted, jumped and danced in the tomato juice. When I posed
for a photo, all my friends joined me and jumped on top of me. Fortunately, my bones
are strong enough. All of us slept on the road and even went for a swim in the
tomato juice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">A formal introduction and a customary
photo session followed in the tomato swimming pools. A witty Australian friend
started kidding "I squashed whatever came to my hand". My biggest
embarrassment took a node dive and turned out to be one of the most memorable
experiences to cherish.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Please find the album for this experience at:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">https://www.facebook.com/jayanth.suravarapu/media_set?set=a.10154026213267865.1073741867.597222864&type=3</span><br />
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-30359228336144463262017-05-01T23:18:00.000+05:302017-11-26T22:09:00.435+05:30Second Cultural Shock in Italy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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to discuss. During my second month in Germany, I have planned a trip to Rome.
In Munich airport, while I was standing to check in </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">my baggage</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">, I came across
a beautiful girl who resembles that of a model from the fashion world. I
glanced at her intermittently and smiled within myself. Suddenly, her eyeballs
grabbed my attention and she also responded with a smile. My joy knew no bounds
and I could feel my heart flying high with new born wings. I started praying
God to place me next to her seat in the flight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">But, God has no heart. She was placed many rows behind me in the plane. God is not to be
blamed completely either because I have an exceptional track record when it
comes to such scenarios. Whenever I take a train, the whole compartment is full
of men and elders. Taking a flight will ensure the same in the rows
around me. I used to comfort myself thinking that I am destiny's child. Throughout my journey to
Rome, I cursed God and myself for my bad luck. When we reached Rome, I waited
for her at baggage carousel in the pretext of picking my baggage. She came and
stood at a distance waiting to pick her suitcase. To everyone's surprise, the
flight officials announced that our luggage is coming by the next flight and we
have to wait for an hour at the baggage carousel. I felt that an unexpected
twist in this story is created by God to give me a chance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">God has a beautiful heart and he bestows
opportunities to the right people! Now, it is my turn to grab this opportunity.
Without wasting my time, I gathered the courage and slowly moved towards her to
introduce myself. When I lifted my head, I was taken by a big surprise. I saw
another equally beautiful girl beside her and both of them compete
fiercely with each other for the best model in a fashion show. Oh my God!
How did I miss the second girl? Attempting to judge between those two girls, I
was puzzled to conclude whom I should talk to. It has become the decision of my
life at that point. After a brief thought, I decided to go with my first crush
and walked towards her. I could see the twinkle in her eyes as I approached towards
her. I thought that she is unable to forget my first smile. As I increased the
pace of my footsteps both the beautiful girls hugged and started kissing each
other. This glance gave me a big jolt and my mouth and eyes were wide open without my knowledge. The new born wings of my flying heart were chopped off mercilessly. I told myself
"How can they do this? Both are very beautiful, yet..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">God is cruel! Unable to come out of
the shock, I still moved towards them. As I got a closer view of them, I
reduced the pace of my footsteps and slowly moved past them. As I took ten
steps beyond the girls, I heard a conversation and stopped by. A guy spoke to
the second guy "Both the girls are extremely beautiful and can get any guy
on this earth. How on earth can they do this? They are really mad." On hearing
this, my lips moved wide with a slight smile. I felt that he spoke my mind. The second guy answered "Shut up! It is their choice. You do not
have any right to comment on their private life." His response reverberated
through my ears and I came to terms with this fact that each person has the
right to make his/her own decision. Who am I to intrude into their private life
or personal decisions?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Since then, I preferred not to discuss or
create opinions about others' personal lives. This experience helped me stop
gossip about others and respect each individual with varied diversity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-27567003957660085052017-03-20T03:29:00.005+05:302017-03-20T03:31:03.124+05:30I regret ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvit0F845EoDQK7Sve7JR7VSk7GRqay3rPWB2C1vOm2iZyOFKaM_2w5mfKyw-aTY6PhyphenhyphenZ9jGtwGiCHGnvokKwzE1u0V6Jp4P-rtZIX4QlbVXeY1o-lKjhXA0mmI01GkXwjo_OkZ7bHT3fK/s1600/fallas12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvit0F845EoDQK7Sve7JR7VSk7GRqay3rPWB2C1vOm2iZyOFKaM_2w5mfKyw-aTY6PhyphenhyphenZ9jGtwGiCHGnvokKwzE1u0V6Jp4P-rtZIX4QlbVXeY1o-lKjhXA0mmI01GkXwjo_OkZ7bHT3fK/s400/fallas12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Imagine a helpless man
fighting against a ferocious bull in a closed ring (arena). Yes, you heard it
right!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘Spanish Bull Fight’! Every
time I hear these words, I get goosebumps. I am always amazed at the skill of a
man challenging an arrogant bull that can kill him anytime. I never saw any
video of a bull fight and always wanted to visit the bullring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Spring announced the arrival
of bullfights paving my way to Spain. Valencia, a beautiful city in Eastern
Spain, greeted me warmly with crowded streets and hustling crowds. Valencia is decorated
with beautiful and exotic structures at every street to celebrate Las Fallas, a
popular festival in Spain. Valencians are dressed in traditional Spanish outfits,
outside the stadium named ‘Plaza de Toros de Valencia’, excited me to enjoy the
bull fight. The bullring, with hundreds of spectators, reminded me of the Roman
Colosseum brought to life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> A few guys dressed in
dazzling costumes, with bright colors, came to the middle of the bull ring.
Those guys are called matadors who possess exceptional skills to fight with
bulls. The spectators are yet to settle down in their seats and the noise ruled
the stadium. A whistle blew to signal the start of the fight. A momentary silence
followed the whistle sound with bated breaths of spectators waiting for the
bull. All matadors ran outside the ring and only one matador remained in the
middle of the ring. A hefty 1800-pound (800kg) ferocious bull entered the arena
running towards the lonely matador. The bellowing bull with loud noise stopped
in front of the matador who was holding a red cloth. The bull saw the red
cloth, got agitated and started kicking the ground with its feet. It aimed the
horns towards the matador and jumped towards him pulling all its weight at once.
The matador escaped the bulls’ horns and showed the red cloth again to the bull.
The matador repeatedly deceived the bull and escaped from its horns. The
thought of human triumph against the mighty bull gave a sudden rush of blood to
my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> All of a sudden, the stadium
was reverberated with a loud cry of the bull. I realized that the matador
inserted a sharp spike into the bull’s flesh and it cried in pain. Matador held
his hands high with victory sign and got soaked in a resounding applause from
the crowd. The bull was in pain and ready to take vengeance and jumped towards
the matador again. The bull missed him and he inserted another sharp spike into
its flesh. I expected the bull to lift the matador with its horns and throw him
to 30 feet outside the ring. But, I was puzzled and could not understand why
the bull was unable to combat. I took a close look at the fight again for a few
more minutes. Then, I was shocked to realize that the bull is trying to hit the
moving cloth and not the matador standing in front of it. The bull could have
killed the matador but the innocent creature stood in front of him waiting for
the execution. As the supposed fight came to an end, the matador inserted a
sword in the bull’s head and it tumbled and died in a flash without any noise.
But, the bull’s cry recoiled in my ears and passed the pain to my heart. The
dead bull’s corpse was dragged outside the arena and the view was piteous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Another heavy bull entered
the ring and met the same fate. Without my knowledge, tears popped around my
eyeballs at the sight of the pseudo fight. Bigger and stronger bulls are
expected to enter the ring for execution but I could not sit there anymore and
left the bullring with regret. Even though humans try to kill those bulls, those
bulls endure the pain, pardon humans and show the so called humanity to humans.
I agree that evading the bulls’ horns is no fun for matadors. But, is it fair?
Is it fun? Give a thought! I request everyone to skip a bull fight and protest
the gruesome display of humans killing animals for fun. Besides, I even started
preferring vegetarian or vegan diet since then.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-74849967748245761232016-12-05T03:54:00.001+05:302016-12-05T16:01:56.235+05:30Setting the ramp on fire in Paris!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0njts-k1f6IIq0bwIjnZzUgeNgvvW27NRIPOfn3WME28I6UL8QwA0S9EmHAarH1RQqguSGE19P9fnddHjusKRVHlFapRsSOc3-aAC4_WAylUk8p7kc6tsaawywTcAMPxSNgYxUViRtcQ/s1600/Fashion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0njts-k1f6IIq0bwIjnZzUgeNgvvW27NRIPOfn3WME28I6UL8QwA0S9EmHAarH1RQqguSGE19P9fnddHjusKRVHlFapRsSOc3-aAC4_WAylUk8p7kc6tsaawywTcAMPxSNgYxUViRtcQ/s400/Fashion2.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During my college days,
fashion shows used to take place during 'OASIS' cultural festival at 2am. We used
to stand till the wee hours and get tired just to get a glance of the show. So,
‘Attending a fashion show’ was never in my wish list. But, I got a chance to
reserve a seat for a fashion show that is free of cost with limited seats of 30.
I reached the venue in Paris, 30 minutes before the show began. I glanced at a brochure
and came to know that the show is conducted to promote the most luxurious
brands in the world as shown below:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alexander
Wang, Rag & Bone, Diane Von Furstenberg, Burberry, COS, Zadig &
Voltaire, Red Valentino, Armani, See By Chloe, Claudie Pierlot, Etienne
Deroeux, Nina Ricci, IRO, Louis Vuitton, Sonia Rykiel, Kenzo, Delpozo, Manoush,
Tara Jarmon, Mary Katrantzou, Isabel Marant Etoile<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> A momentary thought popped up in my mind
“how about sitting at the end of the ramp where models stay for a while and
turn”. Immediately, I rushed towards the entrance only to be stopped by a
well-polished gentleman clad in a designer suit. He said “Wait! You have to reserve a seat to attend
this show”. I replied “I already reserved one”. To command more respect from
him I said “I am a software engineer from India”. Immediately he pointed his
index finger towards the exit and uttered with a sharp voice “Go and sit there.
I will call you when the show begins.” His gestures made me feel really bad. While coming back, I could only hold my head down but the not the ideas in my
brain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> To look funky, I wrapped a posh scarf
around my neck. I went up to him again and said “I have an appointment with
your Manager”. He raised his eyebrows out of surprise and said “Excuse me!” Out
of nowhere, a middle-aged French lady appeared in front of us and interrupted
our conversation. The gentleman pointed his index finger at me and asked that lady, “He says that he has an
appointment with you. Is it correct?” I never expected my ploy to backfire in a
span of few seconds. I was dumbstruck and gazed at her, waiting for her
response. She replied “No. I don’t have any appointments now”. Before the
gentleman kicked me out, I raised my hand and my voice saying “Wait! I can
explain”. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">French people seem to be good listeners. She asked me to come forward
and introduce myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I introduced myself as, “I am an ‘international
travel writer’ from India. I am travelling throughout Europe and writing an
article to describe each country based on a unique aspect. I choose your
fashion show to write an article and describe about France.” I showed my blog in my
mobile. My blog has some good posts on various experiences across each country in Europe and this
made my task easier. She replied “I am sorry. You must reserve a seat
beforehand for this show.” I said “I have already reserved a seat for this
show. But, I want to sit at the end of the ramp where models stop by and turn
so that I can have a good experience and bring out a better article.” She said “I am sorry! Those are VIP
seats and reserved only for VIPs.” However, I insisted, in an authoritative
tone, that I get the VIP seat to produce a better article. She asked me to wait
for a couple of minutes so that she can check with the Director of the show.
She came back and said “You are lucky! For today’s show, we don’t have any
VIPs. So, you are our VIP.” She escorted me to the VIP seat and asked me to
stay comfortable. My feeling at that moment was beyond comfortable. With an air
of proudness and excitement around me, I had no words to describe that feeling.
I was unable to digest that I could get a VIP seat with a convincing
conversation in less than 5 minutes. I thought “No! This is not enough! I want
something more!” But, beyond this privilege, I can only think of a walk on the ramp
show with international models. As soon as the thought came up in my mind, I
stood up and rushed my feet towards that Manager who escorted me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I
gathered all my courage to ask, “I want to walk on the ramp with those models.”
It really took me nearly four times to utter these words as I am unable to
digest myself walking on the ramp with those international models. Her first reaction was
“Whatttttt?” as if she got a 1000W electric shock. She asked me “Are you a
model?” My response was “No”. She asked again, “Have you done this before?”
Again, my response was the same, “No”. She shook her head in disapproval and requested
me to go and take my seat. Her reaction only made my intent stronger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> My eyes turned towards that hollow chamber
where the Director sits and waited for her to come outside. After five minutes,
the Director came out and I ran towards her and introduced myself as an
‘International travel writer’. I came across this fancy profession
(International travel writer) just a week ago, but I never expected that it
would elevate my image gigantically. She approved my credentials upon showing
my blog to her. She said “Yes. I heard about you. Please go and take the VIP
seat and enjoy the show. You are our only VIP today.” I replied “Thank you.
But, I want to walk on the ramp with those models.” Her response was also
similar “Whatttt! Are you a model?” This time, I handled the conversation
smoothly and confidently. I said “No. I am not a model. But, if I walk on the
ramp with those models, I will get the real feel and can bring out a really
good article.” She explained that models are already trained for this 30 minute
show and she cannot disturb the sequence by introducing me. I requested her to
think again so that it would help me get a really good article, to describe
about France through this fashion show. As the nation’s pride is at stake, she
took a deep thought and asked me to wait for a couple of minutes. She came back
saying, “Good news! I spoke to the models and they agreed to walk with you on
the ramp towards the end of the show.” My excitement knew no bounds after
hearing this. While coming back to my VIP seat, my slow motion Rajinikanth walk
gathered the attention of many eyeballs of the audience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> When I started thinking of my walk with the
models, my imagination went blank because I don’t know how to walk on a ramp as
I have never done it before. Again, I rushed to the Director and expressed my
concern. She obliged and assured me to be comfortable and arranged a mock ramp
walk with a model. She suggested that my posture is stiff and asked me to stay
relaxed. After a second mock walk, she approved my posture. I went back to my
seat with some confidence. Audience kept watching my anxiousness during my round
trips to the hollow chamber. I rushed to the Director again and asked her “Do
you think that I can do this?” She said “You look cool and confident. That’s
what a model needs. We believe that you can do it.” My energy levels went
manifold. I felt that I was blessed with the strength of 1000 elephants. While
I adorned the VIP seat, models started to walk on the ramp and exhibited the
apparel of the famous designer brands. When models stop by and exhibit apparel,
it appeared as if they are walking the ramp to impress me. I did not realize that
the audience is noticing this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> And the big moment has come! The Director
signaled me to join the models. A model came forward and held my hand aptly so
that I can express myself during the walk. As soon as I started walking, the
audience gave a loud applause and it lasted throughout my walk. I thought that
the loud applause from the audience was to the fashion show organizers, for
allowing a normal person like me to walk with the international models. I was
grateful for the audience for their kind gesture. Once again, I recollected the
names of those most luxurious international brands, which I am promoting in
this show. Tears almost rolled behind my eyeballs and my cheeks bulged with
pride and happiness. Those 30 seconds are the most memorable moments of all my
Europe trips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> After completing the ramp walk, I moved
towards the VIP seat to collect my knapsack. To my consternation, I was
thwarted by the audience. Everyone started applauding me, “We liked your
designs”, “We like the color combinations that you used”, “We liked your
contemporary taste”, “All your designs are amazing”. It took me a while to
understand that the audience had mistaken my identity for that of a fashion
designer, because of my chequered blazer and scarf. Now, I understood that the
audience applauded my walk thinking that I am a fashion designer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Looking at my uneasiness and confused
state, one among the audience asked me, “Are you a fashion designer?” As I was
not prepared for such an unexpected question, I unintentionally responded “Yes…
Kind of...” Everyone started murmuring “Kind of..” Now, I got into the skin of
the fashion designer and responded loudly “Excuse me! I have to catch a flight
now as I have to organize another fashion show in Germany. Whoever has taken my
pictures or videos, please take my mail id and send it across to <a href="mailto:jet706@gmail.com"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">jet706@gmail.com</span></a>. Thank you everyone.” In
no time, I collected my knapsack and left that room. The gentleman, who stopped
me before the event, opened the door for me with his mouth wide open. I held
all my excitement and bewildered laughs till I came out of that venue and vented
out everything at once like a crazy soul. The audience might have gone back to
their home and would have told their friends that they met a busy fashion
designer. After a week, I even received the video of my ramp walk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-1548115834340687622016-10-23T23:25:00.002+05:302017-11-26T22:10:06.912+05:30Night camp in a Jordan desert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever been to night
camping? Think again! How about in a desert? Sounds exciting and adventurous,
right! Even I was quite excited with this idea during my Jordan trip. Being a
solo traveler, the only option that I am left with is to book a package tour but that
idea didn’t quite excite me. Therefore, I looked for friends in
Jordan to plan an impromptu night camping. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I was fortunate to meet a couple of adventurous guys who came from Dubai. All three of us met for the first time in our lives and we don’t know each other. But, they also liked the idea of night camping in a
desert. In no time, we contacted a few camps in Wadirum and finalized one to
arrange a private tour for only three of us. We reached Wadirum with starving tummies
around 9 pm. A land cruiser arranged by the private tour took us into the
desert. Even though the driver assured that it was a desert, all we could see
is a couple of cruising car lights immersed in darkness. Another couple of lights followed our car and we started looking
at each other with growing suspicion. Our driver cleared the air explaining that the other couple of lights following our car
belong to a French lady who is supposed to arrange campfire and dinner for us.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> On reaching the destination,
we were thoroughly disappointed as the surroundings were loomed by darkness. Our
driver lit a few candles and set up campfire inside a half broken cave. The French
lady told us that she would prepare a delicious chicken biryani. Our reaction
was “NO! Do you know how a chicken biryani tastes?” She smiled and asked us to
trust her. Meanwhile, we rested on the mattresses in the cave and gazed at the
clear sky full of stars. We identified the constellations and started to count
the stars. It was fun and the last time I remember such an experience was
during my childhood. We are becoming so busy in our lives that we are unable to
enjoy such experiences. It was very cold in the desert at night and the
campfire between our mattresses was a wonderful idea. The warmth from rubbing
our hands and exposing our body to the fire was really comforting. We picked the
drinks of our choice and started to introduce ourselves. We spoke, argued and
debated on a wide variety of topics in a short time. After an hour, the French
lady served us the most delicious chicken biryani I ever ate outside India. We thanked
her and asked her what a French lady is doing in Jordan deserts in her mid-forties.
She said that she is exploring life by travelling to various places and taking
up different jobs in each country. She has been working as a volunteer in
Jordan to organize private desert tours for tourists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> After dinner, we resumed our
conversation for another hour or so. It felt like a dream. Night camping in a
desert, camp fire in a cave, dinner with candle lights, a few melodies, drinks of
our choice, frank opinions on the most idiotic topics on earth, non-sense arguments
with new friends, clear skies and millions of stars falling on us. Since then,
whenever I hear about night camping, this experience comes quickly passing a tickling
sensation to my memory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-2375493444920699022016-08-13T05:32:00.002+05:302016-09-03T17:54:43.454+05:30Barcelona! You stole my heart... and my wallet too!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As the saying goes “Barcelona is a bachelor’s heaven”, I am very
much excited on this 5-day trip with many suggestions from friends who already
visited this place. On the first day of my trip, I walked through the beautiful neighborhoods of Barcelona and also </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.5333px;">visited Barceloneta beach</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.15pt;">. A serene walk
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> An old man in his
fifties came up to me with a visiting card and inquired for an address. I had a
good laugh in my heart as this is my first day in Barcelona and someone chose
me to guide him. Even though my hands are full with a back sack and a bag, I
showed him the way with google maps in my mobile. I expected him to show
gratitude in his eyes but he showed all his 32 teeth with a big smile. He asked
me whether I am interested in salsa dance at that pub for which he inquired the
address. In this process, he lifted his legs and rubbed some dirt on my
trousers. Witnessing his spurious behavior, I denied his request and moved
towards Barceloneta beach. I walked alone in the beach and enjoyed the sound of
waves in the middle of bustling city. After an hour, I was shell-shocked to
sense my empty pockets. After checking my back sack thoroughly, I confirmed
that I lost my beautiful ‘Hi-Design’ wallet. My wallet contains my EU residence
permit, health insurance, driving license, debit and credit cards from Germany
and India, and some cash. While I bent to clean my trousers, that old man stole
my wallet. Huh! He chose me to cheat and not to guide him. My first reaction
was that I looked at the sky and closed my eyes tightly with a big laugh.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.15pt;"> For the first time in
my life, I was stranded in the streets of an unknown city in a foreign land with
no money in hand. Only one question ran through my mind repeatedly. “What are
my strengths that can get me out of this situation?” At once, I briskly walked
for four kilometers to reach ‘St Christopher Inn’ hostel. I looked for a German
in the hostel who can speak to customer care officials to block my cards. The
hostel management reacted quickly and identified two beautiful German girls who
were playing ‘Blind Date’ in the hostel. I greeted them in German language and
explained my situation to them in English. After knowing my situation, they
walked out of that game and extended their help unconditionally. Those German
girls spoke to ‘Deutsche Bank’ customer care officials and ensured that my cards are
blocked and also requested to issue new cards. Simultaneously, I got an
internet connection and blocked my debit and credit cards from Indian banks. Later,
I asked the German girls to lend me some money and I immediately returned the
money through my '</span><span style="line-height: 21.5333px;">Deutsche</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.15pt;"> Bank' online account. In just an hour, I got the
situation under control because of the helping nature of those German girls. I
also realized that my strengths are to keep my head cool under pressure and focus
on tasks at hand. This experience pushed me to react confidently to unexpected critical situations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> The next day, I
gave a police complaint and filed an FIR to get a new EU residence permit. I was
surprised by the long queue of people who came to file FIR as they lost their
belongings. When I explained the whole incident to my friends after this trip,
they started saying “Oh! This is the first tip that we should have given.
Beware of wallet snatchers in Barcelona!”</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-79409490649223002252016-07-24T19:31:00.002+05:302016-10-23T23:46:11.593+05:30Death-defying experience in Trolltunga Hike<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I saw
this Trolltunga picture sometime back, I thought that this is definitely not my cup of tea because of its dangerous position to pose for a picture. While planning
my Norway trip, I read a few articles about Trolltunga
hike that explained </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">how amateurs attempted this hike and</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> struggled. Having completed a 40 kilometer hike in India (Kudremukh), I
convinced myself out of pride that, this hike is for experts like me and included
it in my itinerary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> In Odda town, I met three more guys in Trolltunga hotel and made friends. One of them got a car that helped us reach the base of
Trolltunga hike the next day. The hiking sticks at the base camp lured me to
change my plan from ‘Classic’ to ‘22 kilometer Winter’ hike. Little did I know
that I’m prepared only to pose for the pictures but not for the hike! Ten of us
started with a steep one kilometer hike through dense vegetation and moved to a
mushy terrain scattered with ice and melted water. With a couple of breaks, we
moved towards mountains completely covered with thick ice. Under this thick
ice, one can hear the noise of melted water flowing. Out of fear, I took steps
slowly and was left behind by the group. Despite being cautious, one wrong step
broke the ice under my foot and I slipped into the water under the ice.
Fortunately, I got hold of a rock nearby and saved myself despite losing my
goggles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Our guide approached me and suggested
that I turn back as it is going to get more dangerous ahead and the group has
to wait for me at every break. It kicked my ego like hell. I thought “Whom are
you speaking to? I completed a 40 kilometer hike and this is a mere 22 km hike”.
I gathered all my energy and started leading the group literally by running in
the ice. When I ran towards an area where ice was clean, I was quickly warned
by my guide. He shouted that I’m running on a frozen pond and stand a chance of
drowning in the ice. Later, I took as many as 20 wrong steps and fell in the
ice every time and got up. My guide noticed my struggle, appreciated my efforts
and suggested me to follow him. Actually, he threatened me to follow him but I
interpreted it as a suggestion to make myself comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Suddenly it started raining cats and
dogs and the temperature dropped further. I would say that ‘real feel’ is ‘freezing
cold’. My idiotic casual shoes added more misery and I literally experienced walking
on the ice with bare foot. On my way, I met a few hikers who were unable to
tolerate the cold weather and cried that they may die there. I gave some energy
bars and motivated them to return. The scariest part of the hike was to walk through
a narrow path in the middle of a slanted ice mountain. We held our breath with
the help of hiking sticks during this phase.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You might think that we forget all the
pain after seeing the most beautiful views from Trolltunga. No, not at all! After
removing the jacket and gloves, I gathered all my courage to stand on
Trolltunga and posed for pictures. When I came back to wear jacket, I am unable
to even hold it as my hands were frozen. Other hikers rushed towards me and
helped me wear gloves and jacket. Looking at my shoes and superman T-shirt, our
guide shouted in surprise “How did you manage to come so far with these shoes?
You must be a Superman!” At that moment, I wanted to give him a slap and all the
bad words in this world for not warning me at the start of the hike. But, I
could only show him my teeth acknowledging him for calling me a Superman! In no
time, I started running back in the ice to generate some heat in my feet to
survive in that cold weather. Then, I realized that the amateurs they are
referring to in the articles mentioned in my first paragraph was about people
like me! Damn!</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tips:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1) You need a guide till the end of May as paths are not clear. From mid of June, you don't need a guide.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2) </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">Take thermals and rain coat based on weather prediction. W</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ear hiking shoes and take enough food.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3) Reserve hotels/hostels early as there is limited </span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">accommodation</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> in Odda.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You can find my travel experience through some adventurous pictures with description in the link below:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">https://www.facebook.com/jayanth.suravarapu/media_set?set=a.10153874932332865.1073741861.597222864&type=3</span></span></div>
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com90tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-77399435792939639372016-07-04T00:33:00.003+05:302016-10-23T23:45:18.847+05:30The city that inspired me to travel...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have you ever been inspired by a place?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you get an opportunity to travel to one place,
what is the place that you would choose?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before coming to Europe, my
answer to this question was ‘Rome’. In 2005, I read a novel named ‘Angels and
Demons’ by Dan Brown. His description of Rome and Vatican excited me so much
that I frequently dreamt of roaming in the roads of Rome and churches of
Vatican. Finally, the day has come to live my unfulfilled travel dream through
my third trip to Rome. I have spent many days reading about the history,
economy and culture of Italy and Rome.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> After landing in ‘Leonardo da Vinci’
airport, I took a metro to the Roma Termini (Central) and dumped my backpack in
a hostel. In no time, my eyes, feet and heart started searching for an
engineering marvel called ‘Colosseum’. When I lifted my head up to see the Colosseum,
all I can remember is, a wave of energy that passed from my brain to my body. If
the concept of reincarnation exists, I might be a Roman solider or someone who
died in the arena fighting with a lion or a gargantuan foreign creature. Ah! How
many human generations has it seen since B.C ? How many exotic wild animals
visited this place? How many warriors and animals died in this arena fighting
for their life? Sometimes, I feel that history is not just about kingdoms and wars, but about the feelings of human beings across various cultures. I missed a
trip to dungeons and it calls for another trip to Rome </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">J</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> On the second day, I went to Vatican on
foot amidst stunning statues and churches with exceptional architecture. A view
of St. Peter’s Basilica thwarted my walk and I found myself to be in the middle
of St Peter’s square. The great ‘Michelangelo’ was one of the painters of this
masterpiece, St Peter’s Basilica from the 16<sup>th</sup> century! The top of
St Peter’s Basilica’s takes you to one of the most stunning views in the world.
For the first time in my life, I admired art after visiting Vatican Museums. I
was overwhelmed by the beauty of frescoes especially ‘The Last Judgement’ and ‘The
Creation of Adam’ by Michelangelo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> On the third day, I visited all the
Museums in Rome and Vatican to ensure that I get the feel of the churches
described in ‘Angels and Demons’ novel. Each church is decorated in a unique
fashion and has a history of its own. I made sure that I read the history of
each church in Wikipedia upon visiting it. Ensure that you satiate your
taste buds with Italian food such
as Pizza, pasta and lasagna. Of course, your trip will not be complete without a scoop of Italian gelato. My best moment of the trip was to watch a few
Europeans dressed in saris and dhotis dancing to the tunes of Hindi songs at Spanish
square. Rome is a visual feast to anyone and will really enjoy more if one
reads the history before a visit.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Major tourist attractions in Rome are:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Colosseum</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trevi Fountain</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">St Peter's Basilica</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">St Peter's square</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Vatican Museums</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sistine Chapel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Roman forum</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Pantheon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Piazza Navona</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Spanish steps</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">TIP:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Free entry to
all the attractions in Rome and Pompei on every first Sunday of the month. Buy
a 3-day or 4-day ROMA pass to save money.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-23774008415449597632016-06-10T02:37:00.003+05:302018-07-10T18:05:28.533+05:30My first cultural shock in Prague trip…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many of my female European
colleagues used to bug me to describe my cultural shock on my first abroad trip
to Germany. I know what they wanted to hear from me and I used to say I never
experienced cultural shock. To embarrass me further, they ask me how I felt
about the display of affection in public places. I said that ‘it is common
these days in every part of the world’ to which their eyebrows went up in
surprise. Little did I know that I’m getting ready for my first cultural shock
in my second trip to Prague.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Within 10 days of my solo trip to Vienna,
another long weekend opened the doors to Prague with a sunny weather forecast.
From this trip onwards, I started following the weather forecast closely while
planning my trips. I reserved a wonderful hostel for 10 euros per night and
travelled through blablacar that got me another good deal. It took me around 4
hours to reach Prague from Munich. Next morning, I took local currency (Czech
crown) from ATM and visited the nearby tourist information center. A girl from
US approached me and asked me to join 'Free Walking Tour'. The word
"free" motivated me enough to join her who introduced me to a group.
That tour introduced us to all the major tourist attractions in Prague with a
commentary about the history, kingdoms, world war, civil war, political
situation, economy and culture. It was a wonderful tour and at the end of it we
need to pay for the guide’s service if we consider the tour worth paying.
Later, I tasted Czech cuisine (a few rolls) and visited John Lennon wall. In
the evening I met a few more enthusiastic blokes who said that Prague has a
great night life. I joined them and hopped to different clubs and pubs, which
have free entry, listening to the music and dancing with them. It was quite an
experience and fun as I never hopped around the pubs before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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While I was coming back to hostel in the mid-night, a guy stopped
me and invited me to a club that has an entry fee of 20 euros. I laughed at him
and said that he got the wrong person as I won’t spend even a penny on these
clubs/pubs. He was persistent and wanted me to have a look for a couple of
minutes and then decide. He escorted me for a quick visit to a club for free
and I thought that it is just like any other pub/club. But, it felt like another
dark world. There were many big halls inside the club. Each hall has a podium
and many tables and decorated with a different theme. The employees of that
club are busy entertaining the guests on the podium and also on the tables. The
guy who escorted me walked very quickly and I had to capture everything at a
quick glance. While following him, there was a time when I wanted to have a
second glance and turned my head back sharply to almost 180 degrees keeping my
mouth and eyes wide open. After a quick visit to the club, we came outside and
that guy noticed my shell-shocked expressions. He smiled and said that it is
time to pay 20 euros and enjoy the ambience. Then I had to change my facial
expressions to suit disappointment and said that it is below par and not up to
my standards. He argued for a long time that it is the best club in Prague and
finally gave up after realizing that I’m not ready to spend even a penny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unable to come out of that shock, I trudged in that lane and was interrupted by
another guy. He escorted me to the club in front of him saying that it is free
of cost and I need to pay only for the drinks. As I’m a teetotaler, I had a
smile inside my heart and followed him. He asked me to sit at a table with 5
chairs. There are already 4 guests busy watching the entertainment around. Two
of the guests seem to be a newly married couple from an Asian country and the
other two are American girls visiting Europe. I had mixed emotions flowing
through my body. I am embarrassed to turn my head to get a glimpse of the
entertainment around, uncomfortable sitting with the girls on that table at
such a place and excited to pinch myself and realize which part of the world am
I in. To get rid of nervousness, I initiated a quick talk with two girls sitting
beside me. After a couple of minutes, I could not sit there for any longer and
walked quickly towards my hostel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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This was my first cultural shock for many reasons. Firstly, I always thought
that pubs and clubs are only to drink and dance. Secondly, I always used to
think that only men go to such places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>Charles
Bridge<br />
Old town square<br />
Prague Castle<br />
Museums inside castle<br />
Astronomical clock<br />
Synagogues<br />
Dancing House<br />
Powder Tower<br />
Petrin Lookout tower<br />
David Cerny Babies<br />
John Lennon wall</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/jayanth.suravarapu/media_set?set=a.10152995730827865.1073741831.597222864&type=3">https://www.facebook.com/jayanth.suravarapu/media_set?set=a.10152995730827865.1073741831.597222864&type=3</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p>
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<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-63421703044370305392016-06-01T02:04:00.003+05:302022-09-16T03:55:12.582+05:30Travel... as long as you can.. as far as you can..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Who knows! I may forget the
names of the places that I have travelled to. So, I listed down those 29 countries and 160 places (excluding India).
<br />
<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">United States:</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">California - San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Folsom, Bay Area (San Jose, Sunnyvale, Fremont, Palo Alto, Newark, Fremont, Dublin, Saratoga, Los Gatos, etc.)</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Washington - Seattle Area (Redmond, Bellevue, Sammamish, Crystal Mountain - Mount Rainier, Lake Tipsoo, Whidbey Island, Bothell)</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Texas - Austin</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Germany:</span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Nuremburg, Koln, Dusseldorf, Wolfsburg, Frankfurt,
Ober Ramstadt, Magdeburg, Braunschweig, Soltau, Ingolstadt, Dachau,
Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Castle, Oberammergau, Wustermark, Metzingen,
Wernigerode, Gifforn, Forchheim, Schwerin, Hanau, Herzogenaurach</span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><br /></span>
UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland):<br />
London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Stonehenge, Bath, Warwick, Malmesbury, Oxford, Reading, Birmingham, Nottingham, Gloucester, Bourton-on-the-water (Cotswold), Blenheim Palace, Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, Dark Hedges, Glynde, Banstead, Lewes, Buxton, Wetton (Peak District), Boswinger, Mevagisse, Bodinnick, Polruan, Hucknall</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Switzerland:</span></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Interlaken, Jungfrau, Grindelwald, Zermatt, Gornergrat, Matterhorn
Glacier Paradise, Lucerne, Mount Rigi, Weggis, St. Gallen, Appanzel, Gais, Brienz</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Italy:</span></span></span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Rome,
Venice, Milan, Florence, Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Siena, Pisa, Monterosso,
Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore (Cinque Terre)</span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><br /></span>
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">Spain:</span></span><br />
Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Bunol, Seville, Ronda, Cordoba, Malaga<br />
<br />
Portugal:<br />
Lisbon, Sintra<br />
<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Greece:<br />
Athens, Fira, Akrotiri, Pirgos (Santorini island)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Turkey:</span></span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Istanbul,
Cappadocia, Goreme, Avanos, Kayamakli, Derinkuyu, Zelvis</span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><br /></span>
Russia:<br />
Saint Petersburg<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Jordan:</span></span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Amman,
Jerash, Madaba, Mount Nebo, Shoubak, Petra/Wadi Musi, Wadi Rum, Aqaba</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Netherlands:</span></span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Amsterdam,
Zaanse Schans, Madurodam, Rotterdam, Keukenhof, Noordwijkerhaut,
Steenwijk, Giethoorn, Eindhoven</span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Belgium:</span></span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Brussels,
Bruges, Antwerpen</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">France:<br />
Paris, Chamonix, Ville-la-Grand</span></span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Austria:</span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Vienna, Innsbruck, Swarovski kristallwelten</span><br />
<br />
Czech Republic:<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Prague</span><br />
<span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;"><br /></span>
Norway:<br />
Bergen, Flam, Otternes, Voss, Odda, Skjeggedal, Trolltunga<span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;"></span><br />
<br />
Denmark:<br />
Copenhagen<br />
<br />
Sweden:<br />
Stockholm<br />
<br />
Finland:<br />
Helsinki<br />
<br />
Estonia:<br />
Tallin<br />
<br />
Latvia:<br />
Riga<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><br /></span>
Croatia:<br />
Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><br /></span>
Serbia:<br />
Belgrade<br />
<br />
Bosnia & Herzegovina:<br />
Bijeljina (Stanišići Ethno Village)<br />
<br />
Slovenia:<br />
Lake Bled, Ljubljana<br /><br />
Liechtenstein:<br />
Vaduz<br />
<br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Vatican:</span><br />
<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">Vatican city</span><br />
<br />
Thailand:<br />
Bangkok <br />
<br />
<br />
In India:<br />
Here is the list of places that
I visited in India before coming to Germany.<br />
<br />
North India:<br />
Delhi, Jaipur, Pilani, Shimla,
Kullu, Manali, Manikaran, Srinagar, Kargil, Leh, Ladhak region, Pangyong lake,
Nubra Valley, Amritsar, Wagah border, Patna, Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi,
Saranath, Pune, Shiridi, Shani singanpur, Mumbai, Goa, Sasaram, Barun,
Dehri-on-sone<br />
<br />
South India:<br />
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
Chennai, Kancheepuram, Kanipakam, Bangalore, Mysore, Dandeli, Gokarna, Belur,
Halebedu, Sravan Belgola, Udipi, Murudeshwar, Shimoga, Salem, Yercaud, Jog
falls, Shivanasamudra falls, Mekedaatu falls, Kudremukh trek, Savandurga trek,
Anthargange trek, Ramnagara, Nandi hills, Talakadu<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p>There
are many other places that I have been to but unable to recollect now<o:p></o:p>.<br />
<br /></div>
Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-73402359360762424352016-03-09T02:42:00.000+05:302016-10-23T23:43:58.040+05:30Solo Backpacking Experience to Vienna<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I never understood how
someone can get motivated enough to travel alone, till I set out on my first
trip in Germany. My idea of travel was to go out with a group of 6-8 friends
and have fun with them. An unexpected solo trip to Vienna not only changed my
view of travel but also redefined the way I think, plan and perceive things
around me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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It's a 4-day weekend and my lazy bones already ate up half a day, in
contemplating how to enjoy. An impulsive force stimulated me to search for the
locations nearby Munich. My crazy decibels said "Come on! Come
on Jet! Go! Go!". In less than a minute, I finalized Vienna as I
liked its pronunciation . I inquired a friend about the transport and
came to know that blablacar is a good option. Through blablacar, I
contacted a person who said that he will be at my hotel in 10 minutes. I
stuffed my backpack with a few clothes, whatever my hand can catch, and rushed
downstairs. I got into the car with 3 more guys from different countries. Here
comes my biggest puzzle. Where do I stay in Vienna? What places should I visit
in Vienna?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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A quick chat in the car and a google search provided some pointers. I booked a
hostel through my mobile and contacted 'Tourist Information Center' as soon as
I landed in Vienna. I was surprised to see the whole Vienna assembling to
attend Philharmonic music performance. I quickly joined those souls and got
drenched in music. For the rest of my trip, I was mesmerized by the architecture
of the buildings, the sculptures and statues in the middle of
the roads, and the historic places, cafes and bakeries that Mozart and Hitler
preferred to spend their time at. In hostels, I
met different blokes from various countries, roamed around with them,
attended operas, tasted local cuisines and danced with the crowd in
Vienna's summer festival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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My solo trip to Vienna turned out to be the most exciting trip. In a solo trip,
you can decide on where to go and how much time to spend without looking for
others' consent. You spend more time to understand the history and culture of
the place which can alter your views and this is the main purpose of
travel. I have learnt a lot in this trip in terms of the challenges it has
thrown, the decisions I made and the experiences I relished. In short, it just
showed me who I am without much introspection. I sincerely recommend that you
take a solo trip to get close to your soul. Trust me! You will love it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-40455956028507648262016-03-04T02:37:00.002+05:302016-10-23T23:57:12.928+05:30How to travel affordably in Europe ?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yd_nJTzaXETh5UAd7a4p-r7t37Y8AdEAE1SONS0flhqaZ3QrLX-e93J34VSicQLcML9X6d227f9vo2BruGY2P7ZPAK5K1kSfTPotgwPiSrLOoHoU4slZd0YXvJQVMnNKq8VXT3ilE37u/s1600/Travel_In_Europe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yd_nJTzaXETh5UAd7a4p-r7t37Y8AdEAE1SONS0flhqaZ3QrLX-e93J34VSicQLcML9X6d227f9vo2BruGY2P7ZPAK5K1kSfTPotgwPiSrLOoHoU4slZd0YXvJQVMnNKq8VXT3ilE37u/s320/Travel_In_Europe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have travelled across many
countries in Europe over the last one year. Euro trip is a dream for many. It
is very beautiful, yet expensive. I found a way out to travel affordably in
Europe. I hope that my post would help fellow travellers/explorers who are
looking forward to travel in Europe, affordably.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finalize
Destination:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When? : April - October for
Euro trip. October-March for Aurora Borealis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Weather: Check weather
forecast. Make sure it is not rainy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Festivals: European cities
are full of life during festivals. A trip during unique festivals is fun and
adventurous (La Tomatino, Oktoberfest, Battles of the Oranges, Haro Wine
festival, Bullrun, Bullfight).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Best
Travel fare:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Plan: Plan 2-3 months in
advance to get the best fare<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Public Holidays: Tickets
cost a fortune during public holidays<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Best fare: If dates are
finalized, search in goeuro.com and skyscanner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
If dates are not finalized check the fares in
Ryanair, blablacar,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Flixbus/Postbus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Airport-City: Avoid odd
hours to get better transport from airport-city and vice versa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Commute: Each city has a
different travel plan. Try to take a 3 or 4 day pass that covers tourist attractions
and travel within the city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Reserve
Accommodation:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Free: Stay with
friends/relatives, Couchsurfing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paid: Hostel Bookers,
Airbnb, Booking.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Where?: Center of the city -
Nightlife is awesome in the center of the city and usally many tourist attractions
are in the middle of the city<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Before you travel, read
about the country, its culture, history of the place, tourist attractions,
currency and visa process.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have many more suggestions
to make your vacation, a wonderful outing. Shoot a mail to jet706@gmail.com for
any tips/queries related to travel within Europe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-25499216677642961852016-02-10T04:13:00.002+05:302016-10-23T23:53:33.269+05:30Funny (German) Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My first abroad trip has set
a big platform for unlimited funny experiences. My friend Ramana, alias
annayya, received me in Hamburg and taught me basic etiquette of Germany. I
stood in awe of him after knowing the way he mastered German language by
reading complex topics and novels over the last five years. When Ramana took me
out, he read all the hoardings in German language loudly to ensure that I
notice his proficiency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> After two days, I had to
travel from Hamburg to Wolfsburg. Everything is written in German and most of
the people speak only German language. So, here comes my biggest challenge as I
need to travel by three different trains. Very worried about my situation,
Ramana accompanied me to the railway station (Bahnhof). A scrolling at the
platform (Gleis) and an announcement in German language greeted us to which he
paid utmost attention. He looked at me with a big smile and asked me whether I
understood the announcement. With impending gratitude in my eyes, I responded
that I must have got panicked and had to run after people without him. With
immense pride in his eyes, Ramana said that the train was delayed by 10
minutes. The last time I saw such pride in his eyes was during his engagement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Even after waiting for 20
more minutes, the train has not arrived. Ramana tracked the train's location
and spoke to the railway authorities fluently in German language. He came back
with his hands on his head and requested me whether I can stay back in Hamburg
for that night. My curious and shocked eyes stared at him to know the reason.
It seems that the announcement and scrolling were provided to inform that the
train will come to 10th platform. Ramana assumed/understood that the train is
delayed by 10 minutes. He said that if a person like me with 5 years of
experience in German language faces this kind of situation, then what is the
plight of people like you? In no time, I thanked him for his concern and got
into the next available train.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-36166708025346495162014-02-10T22:44:00.002+05:302016-10-23T23:58:23.707+05:30A date with Kudremukh in Western Ghats<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F115149590645155392618%2Falbumid%2F5978848535044837873%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="400" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/picasaweb.googleusercontent.com/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600"></embed>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Never was I so desperate for
a break! Recently, I had been to the most beautiful trek (40 kilometers) in
Karnataka, The Kudremukh. My friend Swamy and I joined a bunch of enthusiastic
bachelors with whom we had unlimited fun throughout the trip through GHAC.<br />
<br />
We started at 6 pm in Hyderabad and reached Udipi town by morning 7 am. Later,
11 of us hired a 20-seater to Balagal village. Our co-ordinator, Giri, came up
with a couple of games through which all of us were introduced to one another.
The real fun started there with the ‘Mafia’ game in which we stereotyped each
person. On our way, we visited Hanumangundi water falls. Later, some of us sat
on the top of a 20-seater through the ghat roads and had an adventurous journey
until the police caught us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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After reaching Balagal village, we started our initial 8 kilometers trek amidst
leeches at 4pm and reached Kudremukh base camp in two hours. All of us applied
salt andneem oil with extra pair of socks surrounding polythene covers to
protect ourselves from leech bites. At base camp, we spent around half an hour
to identify leech bites on our skin and visitedthe Somawathi water falls
nearby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
On day two, we started our exciting and adventurous trek from the base camp to
Kudremukh peak at 6 am. The drizzle welcomed us to enjoy the scenic beauty of
the trek. As we passed through the lush green vegetation, we noticed peacocks
and Samba deer from a distance. Many small streams of fresh water on our way
added more beauty to our trek. Oh My God! The clouds occasionally touched us
and condensed to water. That feeling was simply awesome! The green mountains
played hide and seek with the help of fog and created another master piece to
the trek. Our journey from a muddy road to gravel uphill, from the grasslands
to an uninhabited forest with fallen trees, from the slippery rocks to a fresh
water steams was like a beautiful dream. Adventure awaited us in the form of
leeches, mossy rocks and steep edges of the hill. On our way, we shared our
food and water with our friends to unload our backpacks. We also shared a few
packets of salt to get rid of leeches on our shoes and legs. Finally, it took
us 4 and a half hours to reach the mighty and beautiful Kudremukh peak. All of
us held our shoulders together and shouted with boisterous enthusiasm and moved
in a circle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Later, we trekked down 12 kilometres to the base camp in another 4 hours as it
was very slippery throughout due to heavy rain. After reaching the base camp,
we found that 8 of the 11 guys were bitten by leeches despite the heavy
protective measures that we took. Later, we took bath after reaching the base
camp and started walking another 8 kilometers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is definitely the most
beautiful trek I had ever been to. Along with this trek, we also visited the
Malpe beach in Udipi and the Lord Shiva temple in Murudeshwar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-52029022121019535662014-02-10T22:16:00.001+05:302016-10-23T23:59:48.274+05:30Jet’s Jaaazzzzzz…. Need I say more?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lazy Bones... me..:)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Firstly, thanks to my
friends, teammates, colleagues and relatives who bore with me during my car
research for the best urban car on hyderabad roads. After a six-month car
research, I couldn’t find even a single hatchback or sedan matching Jazz’s
standards or style. So, I went ahead and reserved one when the petrol price was
at an all time high of 82 Rs/liter while every other new car owner was
desperately craving for a diesel (45 Rs/liter) car. Whoever asks me “Kitana
dethi hai?” I suggest that they better use public transport.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Honda Jazz’s review:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pros:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ultra smooth engine,
Smashing looks (at least on Hyderabad roads) with futuristic design, Best in
quality Music and air-condition, Trendy dashboard and magic seats, Spacious
interiors, Safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cons:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mileage (when compared with
that of diesel cars), The most expensive petrol hatch in India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My experiences:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I drove my car to my
apartment on the first day, a couple of guys came to me and introduced
themselves and asked more about me, praising the car as well. Since then, my
car’s huge head turner appeal made me feel proud almost every day before
passersby. Recently, a software engineer on a two-wheeler admired my car at a
crowded JNTU traffic signal and praised me with his gestures while everyone
around envied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After 2 years... it makes me
feel good for making the right decision... You know what!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now petrol price is 79/- and
Diesel price is 60/- ... hehe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
</div>
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-38150535232663154932012-11-26T00:01:00.001+05:302016-10-24T00:00:55.321+05:3010K run... Get... Set... Start...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you got registered for
10K run?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How are you practicing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is your Bib number?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Should we go by car or
train?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These questions have been
part of my daily discussions with my friends and colleagues for the last couple
of weeks. Finally, the D-day has arrived. I got up at 4.30 am and woke my
friends Manoj, Rajesh and Bob up. We went to Hi-tech city railway station,
parked our car and took a train at 5.50 am. We reached ‘Necklace Road’ station
at 6.10 am. A five minute stroll took us down to the starting point of 10K run.
The race started at 6.40 am when film actor and union minister Mr. Chiranjeevi flagged-off
the event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Around 8500 participants
turned up for the event. Water and other refreshments were served every 100
metres. ‘Gangnam Style’ music stalls in between kept the
runners energetic. With the policemen and ambulances around, runners
were safe and secure. I finished running 10 kilometers in 63 minutes, four
minutes more than my personal best. I ran the first 5 kilometers in
32 minutes and the next 5 kilometers in 31 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At the end, I received a
medal for finishing 10 kilometers run and also got some refreshments.
Neither did I develop any sprain in my legs nor did I feel tired throughout the
day. A few trial runs of 10kms, 7kms and 7kms in that order for the last one
week helped me prepare well for this 10K run. Besides, 10K run was very well
organized. Thanks to my friend Swetha for informing me about this event. I also
made sure that a few of my enthusiastic friends and colleagues participate in
this event and run for Aashayein Foundation. This foundation aims to promote
child education.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-62406283459493214432011-10-20T23:35:00.005+05:302016-10-24T00:03:55.809+05:30Ramanagara Trek – Bouldering, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Chimney Climbing and Trekking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As Dusshera approached, I planned to make the festival a little
different this time. As a member of Bangalore Mountaineering Club, I chose to
trek with my friends Shravan and Gowtham. I went to Ramanagara, where SHOLAY
movie was shot. Ramanagara is 60km to the south-west of Bangalore. A group of
10 started at 6.30am and reached Ramanagara at 8am after having breakfast on
our way. Our coach came on time with the climbing equipment and taught us the
basics of and styles in rock climbing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> We started ‘Bouldering’ in which we have to
use the grip in our hands and legs to climb the boulders. After climbing two
such boulders, the coach gave some tips for advanced rock climbing using ‘Top
Roping’ style. With the help of grooves in the rock, we anchored our hands and
legs. Simultaneously, we pushed our body up by balancing our weight towards the
rock. A few of us slipped and suffered bruises on our hands. Later, we ascended
a steep rock cliff and performed ‘Rappelling’. We descended down the rock face
using a rope. Though, it was scary at the edge of the cliff, Dandeli rappelling
experience helped me gather courage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> After
Rappelling, we had our lunch in Ramanagara at 1pm. Then, we came back to face
the toughest challenge in the trip, ‘Chimney Climbing’. We had to climb a rock
cleft with vertical slides 25 feet high. Earlier, all of us were scared to
climb up as a slip from the top would result in a serious injury or even death.
A 10-year old boy showed us the way by climbing it with great difficulty. With
this inspiration, I climbed it very fast in less than 3 minutes. But I was
scared to death after finding that, a guy half my weight is supporting me from
the top of the cleft, in case of any emergency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, we took nearby hill
steps and reached a beautiful temple. We further ascended through a dangerous
steep and had a fabulous view of Ramanagara town. We took rest on top of the
hill for an hour and moved back to Bangalore by 6pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-70829275811187114102011-10-10T14:49:00.039+05:302016-10-24T00:07:43.987+05:30A weekend trip with my family<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I took my family to Shivanasamudra, Mysore, Halebidu and Belur for a two
day trip. I contacted Sri Vinayaka Tours with the help of ‘Just Dial’ and got a
very good cab deal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We started at 8am and reached
Shivanasamudra, which is around 130 kilometers to the west of Banagalore, at
10.30am. As the Cauvery river flow was full due to rains, it was a real treat
to watch Shivanasamudra. We enjoyed the waterfalls for an hour and drove
towards Mysore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">We halted at Srirangapatna and visited Shri Ranganathaswamy temple. This
temple was built 1200 years ago and the idol of Shri Maha Vishnu is in resting
position. Then we visited Dariya Daulat bagh, the summer palace of Tipu Sultan
built in 1784. This palace is made up of wood and stands tall even after more
than 200 years. Then, we visited Ranganathittu Bird sanctuary but were
disappointed to hear that it was closed due to Cauvery floods.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKgfw1DRg8BK9VNd-frUSKPnec3y1c4CRI5Ed5BPnz9NNoJZncRQUcQXPnYFh74anmkIFY8Jo2i_qTXByN95OtU2n-iaa8HTKssBm5mLYbFq2KGaehbwnCN3ZpKaV0muoqEzpcVxZASNd/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKgfw1DRg8BK9VNd-frUSKPnec3y1c4CRI5Ed5BPnz9NNoJZncRQUcQXPnYFh74anmkIFY8Jo2i_qTXByN95OtU2n-iaa8HTKssBm5mLYbFq2KGaehbwnCN3ZpKaV0muoqEzpcVxZASNd/s320/3.jpg" width="270" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUe5O4WsDi9Vm_o5RPXr8Jj4VPyd_s5T2DT8daFlYzJ9PokuYjDvZ-ldfxlkS3owU4gG3OyI0uhu6r142Skl2sB2SxW-PFiVK9tPjw3hcpiGUBF7um_V4T0eysITm1EhWCFK3WrE-LbYBN/s1600/Cham.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/AVvXsEiUe5O4WsDi9Vm_o5RPXr8Jj4VPyd_s5T2DT8daFlYzJ9PokuYjDvZ-ldfxlkS3owU4gG3OyI0uhu6r142Skl2sB2SxW-PFiVK9tPjw3hcpiGUBF7um_V4T0eysITm1EhWCFK3WrE-LbYBN/s1600/Cham.jpg" /></a><br />
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Later, we went to Chamundi hills and visited Chamundeshwari temple. My
nephew enjoyed a lot playing with monkeys near the temple. We rushed to Tipu
Sultan’s palace in Mysore and reached at 5pm. The palace will be closed at
5.30pm and cameras will not be allowed inside the palace. By the time we leave
our cameras in our car and went back, the palace gates were closed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Afterwards, we went to Mysore gardens while it was
raining. We managed to attend a Musical Fountain, the main attraction at Mysore
gardens. It was incredible to watch both the musical foundation and the crowd
dancing to the tunes. We stayed that night at Mysore itself as planned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The next day morning, we
visited the Royal Mysore palace. We should remove our foot wear before entering
the palace. I was amazed watching at the work done in durbar halls.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-_QmHtsGrXCaKRqFMIW9B67HyqdHgbl_U5YR39_IeFlpb1On1FWwLuRJbXO4kj0Fq2ExmWQDH6Tu0QVKnSrg7uzdDOw_hxn_rlpckKI_xtfIhDTyRQeJPccPi_wC5wL5dPvqWHCbjr6V/s1600/Palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-_QmHtsGrXCaKRqFMIW9B67HyqdHgbl_U5YR39_IeFlpb1On1FWwLuRJbXO4kj0Fq2ExmWQDH6Tu0QVKnSrg7uzdDOw_hxn_rlpckKI_xtfIhDTyRQeJPccPi_wC5wL5dPvqWHCbjr6V/s320/Palace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then, we drove to Hoysaleswara
temple that was built around 900 years ago in Halebidu. Though many sculptures
were destructed by many invaders, the remains are still splendid.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJh9QRdAjhAT-P-mTxIboMZKzju59WgJgNiR0KDRG8u2APJ3mIJO5iUGiP4KyLpkkGY4YlLrvrXvB1mGUPtt3FRCxzblVvUN3AiJYJt0kJnc6O0FRSF0HZM2WJIUIeJPuzvMB_EzMFrIw/s1600/general-view-of-the-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJh9QRdAjhAT-P-mTxIboMZKzju59WgJgNiR0KDRG8u2APJ3mIJO5iUGiP4KyLpkkGY4YlLrvrXvB1mGUPtt3FRCxzblVvUN3AiJYJt0kJnc6O0FRSF0HZM2WJIUIeJPuzvMB_EzMFrIw/s320/general-view-of-the-temple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We proceeded to Chennakesava
temple, another masterpiece in Belur town. I loved the temple’s architecture
and the inscriptions. Most of the sculptures are carved by “Amarshilpi
Jakkana”. A legend says that people of Belur town protected this temple from
the invaders by covering the entire temple with sand.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1hQmholfydKa6pF2Id0aqq-bPZg6Jh367MT1VIr0V9d7yQYnWHyFFqglL7seRUGnkpNSaCu9Ex0m5RRTBTaqk1_R0vWVRjm-ffy0n4g5xzsw4PhsbPQOEGe_gT61lpJFxq7331ziYLGp/s1600/belur_temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1hQmholfydKa6pF2Id0aqq-bPZg6Jh367MT1VIr0V9d7yQYnWHyFFqglL7seRUGnkpNSaCu9Ex0m5RRTBTaqk1_R0vWVRjm-ffy0n4g5xzsw4PhsbPQOEGe_gT61lpJFxq7331ziYLGp/s320/belur_temple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, we came back to
Bangalore at 10pm on the second day.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-41228932715183511322011-10-07T15:31:00.020+05:302016-10-24T00:12:07.350+05:30Bangalore City Trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My sister’s family and my
mother visited Bangalore in the first week of September. During that time, I
took them to Bangalore sight seeing trip. Karnataka State Tourism Development
Corporation (KSTDC) conducts one-day Bangalore sight seeing trip. This post
will help people who plan to visit the major tourist spots in Bangalore. I
reserved the tickets through the following site:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.karnatakaholidays.net/city_holidays_new_bangalore.htm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqoJ5EFyNff3wm5GjqWPDPMCZIHped7FZncMaUK9jafqfVqEMaI4688WkJczueVdID6adyER0xRqx-R5rXyIjSDmm0wfrYdZmGUUjfQsVOpi6uMZF9UDS1I7_3Xa3E1vsE0P0JKo1v0w2/s1600/ISCKON.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/AVvXsEhuqoJ5EFyNff3wm5GjqWPDPMCZIHped7FZncMaUK9jafqfVqEMaI4688WkJczueVdID6adyER0xRqx-R5rXyIjSDmm0wfrYdZmGUUjfQsVOpi6uMZF9UDS1I7_3Xa3E1vsE0P0JKo1v0w2/s320/ISCKON.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We started from Koramangala
at 6.30am and reached Badami house near Corporation circle. All the tourist
buses to different destinations start from Badami house. Our bus started at
7.15am with 12 tourists. A guide explained us Bangalore statistics in detail.
The statistics include the number of two-wheelers and four-wheelers, average
salary and the history of the city. Meanwhile, we reached the beautiful ISKON
temple. We visited the Lord Krishna’s temple and also had our breakfast at
ISKON canteen itself. We also bought different varieties of prasadam.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Later, we visited Anjaneya
temple, which is nearby ISKON and located in a residential area. The 22 feet
deity of Anjaneya is carved out of a single granite stone. Shri Maha Lakshmi’s
temple is adjacent to this temple. Then, we headed to Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple,
which is the last temple in the list.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjtXq6_1jw_thfkkFt0CqxvbFIOQbYCmfY-pSoBivN93J4LJbbPbSbU1Nu3f_4lK5LgOwXcFE5PHuCHfov-zzhqpXk0vDCI8smamhDGZ5BWJedYhC8b4L645k70ocSy6N5mOnU01fky0N/s1600/Raja.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/AVvXsEjmjtXq6_1jw_thfkkFt0CqxvbFIOQbYCmfY-pSoBivN93J4LJbbPbSbU1Nu3f_4lK5LgOwXcFE5PHuCHfov-zzhqpXk0vDCI8smamhDGZ5BWJedYhC8b4L645k70ocSy6N5mOnU01fky0N/s320/Raja.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByxS0IRpAZ_w1-xF1kf7sbHmVxOvF5ZHXb5wF2Y4_vk9XUcvLra6rpfTDhqU_npWX53UtBoWlth_qJuJKTBhBHoGpm-CBnN9a-SRvHWlKnM_uKofFN7j7-vT3vo0_3gLcOJ1ywhZOL6Iv/s1600/Anjaneya.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/AVvXsEhByxS0IRpAZ_w1-xF1kf7sbHmVxOvF5ZHXb5wF2Y4_vk9XUcvLra6rpfTDhqU_npWX53UtBoWlth_qJuJKTBhBHoGpm-CBnN9a-SRvHWlKnM_uKofFN7j7-vT3vo0_3gLcOJ1ywhZOL6Iv/s200/Anjaneya.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The best part of the tour
began at Banneerghatta National Park, which is 22 kilometers to the south of
Bangalore. We purchased tickets worth 160/- each for a jungle safari. We
travelled in an iron grilled mini bus that took us into the forest. Initially,
we saw deers, a herd of bison and crocodiles. Later the bus took us to bear,
lion and tiger safaris. In each safari, animals will be kept in an area
surrounded by electrified fence. Iron grilled bus travelled in that area amidst
the animals. My nephew was really excited at watching the animals and even
invited those to get into our bus. After the safaris, we visited different
animals in the zoo in a hurry to catch our bus. Though it was amazing, I felt
that we should dedicate half a day to Banneergatta National Park.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnWuhEzG1JX1_3fNcGtX9r3Sv2cLR_NZY3gg16DOvJ9YeQ5Q5QWl4IXMBCjtjAs4czv-Bq-gWCZ7yfI51NL8ob8W6ZYKf2Xgmcc3LiWanh9lYqewewgfq1kNi0z7Bw58NoF0DLn8plxsY/s1600/Tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnWuhEzG1JX1_3fNcGtX9r3Sv2cLR_NZY3gg16DOvJ9YeQ5Q5QWl4IXMBCjtjAs4czv-Bq-gWCZ7yfI51NL8ob8W6ZYKf2Xgmcc3LiWanh9lYqewewgfq1kNi0z7Bw58NoF0DLn8plxsY/s200/Tiger.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvjR_HOAWQHHNWaCY9AsG6cws20hkaViSosi4NVgbm0eVziTSsUyLeiFEiOx1TUmNYIZI7U9xeMebRF6-BAoxQjrnxjTt1UgcuMKJQtpz-LdRQJMJmtcgdd20w9St57t3y4JRTsyVWHeT/s1600/Bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvjR_HOAWQHHNWaCY9AsG6cws20hkaViSosi4NVgbm0eVziTSsUyLeiFEiOx1TUmNYIZI7U9xeMebRF6-BAoxQjrnxjTt1UgcuMKJQtpz-LdRQJMJmtcgdd20w9St57t3y4JRTsyVWHeT/s200/Bear.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2F2RtXfGTCOyGKHHoNKNMzuhLMmSGeNYh3nVOSdq2vLW80axfTA3EWdxDURTxjg-ACdDsJAlNrwlhYbiWZ2lP0Rr1WPNSL_Jomq1U_QKZSVdb9OpwJxce3yiRmHIWpNhOih8sq6tJlvR/s1600/Lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2F2RtXfGTCOyGKHHoNKNMzuhLMmSGeNYh3nVOSdq2vLW80axfTA3EWdxDURTxjg-ACdDsJAlNrwlhYbiWZ2lP0Rr1WPNSL_Jomq1U_QKZSVdb9OpwJxce3yiRmHIWpNhOih8sq6tJlvR/s320/Lion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We had our breakfast on our
way back to Bangalore. The guide took us to ‘Mysore Resham Udyog’ where we
found clothes and artifacts that are expensive. Later, he took us to an art
museum in which we weren’t much interested. An art aficionado would love to
visit this place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We proceeded to Jawaharlal Nehru planetarium where we
played in the adjoining park. The shows start at 4.30pm and 5.30pm. We choose
4.30pm show. The sky show was fantastic covering the galaxy, stars and planets.
Though we were very excited looking at the sky show, many of us felt asleep out
of tiredness. After this show at 5.30pm, none of us are interested in watching
Musical fountain. So, we opted out and came back to home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, I would say KSTDC
organized a very good trip. But, given a chance I would take a private vehicle
and visit ISKON temple and Bannergatta National Park only.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-24452908102096007622011-09-30T18:49:00.004+05:302016-10-24T00:13:53.958+05:30Unable to see files and folders in pen drive<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently, I went to Cyber
café to scan a document. When I came back, I noticed the folders and files in
my pen drive became invisible. Then, I followed the steps shown below to retrieve
my files and folders:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Plug the USB to your CPU or
laptop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Step 1:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you did not format your
USB, check whether folders are hidden. In browser, go to 'Tools' ->
Folder Options.. -> ‘View’ tab -> Advanced Settings ->
Files and Folders -> Hidden files and folders -> Check the radio
button ‘Show hidden files and folders’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1rZHezTjA1J609W3TgxsSENvi4igLyqMhoI3VbnuPrE9wqxjDyiJ5aJ3YyOmej-np3HDcylnH1mKDDveIOxaY_fj7YKiI2O1NPNRaeug13l_o74iZflJXNgb9Cm4MN4OTG0E_G7JAXmn/s1600/folders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1rZHezTjA1J609W3TgxsSENvi4igLyqMhoI3VbnuPrE9wqxjDyiJ5aJ3YyOmej-np3HDcylnH1mKDDveIOxaY_fj7YKiI2O1NPNRaeug13l_o74iZflJXNgb9Cm4MN4OTG0E_G7JAXmn/s320/folders.jpg" width="258" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Step 2:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Go to Start -> Run
-> type ‘cmd’ and click ‘OK’. A command prompt will pop up. If the pen
drive is G:\ drive, type the following command as shown below:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">attrib -h -r -s /s /d g:\*.*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKUBoE6hjd3QWsxbISNkmuvSRkhDRdRsa4WV_k0hcBNJmpAVVwLKFPorwJ3VkUzmsnVPGk05bvXj_g0nLxthCvdGWPWCso3PSy13M913TbnSAIcQ0HTPVbdNLSx5pnwUsAf9JwmH8r92e/s1600/cmd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKUBoE6hjd3QWsxbISNkmuvSRkhDRdRsa4WV_k0hcBNJmpAVVwLKFPorwJ3VkUzmsnVPGk05bvXj_g0nLxthCvdGWPWCso3PSy13M913TbnSAIcQ0HTPVbdNLSx5pnwUsAf9JwmH8r92e/s320/cmd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, you can see your files
and folders back in your pen drive.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-29404523886344368392011-09-29T17:07:00.006+05:302016-10-24T00:17:15.159+05:30Enrolling slum children in schools...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2011 is so far so good as there are many moments to pen down. During
this summer, I engaged myself in Aashayein Foundation’s flagship program Bache
Man Ka Sachche (BMKS). BMKS program identifies underprivileged children in
slums and enrolls them to schools with a measurable scholarship. Here is how I
did it along with a bunch of 30 active volunteers.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8CWh2HNlx_6_qIHfZc_mO5XguXDEQMX36zgBOu_TYBFCe3VQOYpaSkFkjWSaSA9oyPz0bnUk4_whdZLhNemZSyh280A4NwFw1L8fzy801NLKh2z9IvynzFt3vJG9JSHB-dMS5V2zHo1H/s1600/Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8CWh2HNlx_6_qIHfZc_mO5XguXDEQMX36zgBOu_TYBFCe3VQOYpaSkFkjWSaSA9oyPz0bnUk4_whdZLhNemZSyh280A4NwFw1L8fzy801NLKh2z9IvynzFt3vJG9JSHB-dMS5V2zHo1H/s320/Before.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Firstly, we identified four slums to find underprivileged children. We trained
volunteers to approach each family and judge the family condition on certain
parameters. While identifying kids, we noticed that some kids never went to
school, some were drop-outs to join labor and some wanted to get educated in
private schools rather than Government schools. We appreciated the efforts of
the parents to bring up their children and provide good education. In some
cases, I was really blown away by the efforts of the parents to educate their
children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Secondly, we analyzed the family condition and conducted a test for the
children. Through this test, we identified bright children who couldn’t pursue
their education and also those who wanted to get educated in private schools.
In a bid to make the parents responsible, we conducted a session to help them
understand the value of education. Thus, we granted scholarships to the bright
children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Finally, we convinced school officials to enroll the children and also paid the
students' scholarship amount. During this process, we received valuable inputs
from the school officials about the performance of the students and the
behavior of the parents. We documented the details of the children for our
future reference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii22v704IPDCGYADnL4n9HNGtUZWlEaDrbBUl-rtstyq8Pz7ZJMJEeBuLXrK8LQUkTEUEEOc0v2ROyzFIeGW5Ey95129jons1uMl9XLiYqyXnwAm-fRJSCP_dWFmubME8OM1TdJy7GmDiY/s1600/After1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii22v704IPDCGYADnL4n9HNGtUZWlEaDrbBUl-rtstyq8Pz7ZJMJEeBuLXrK8LQUkTEUEEOc0v2ROyzFIeGW5Ey95129jons1uMl9XLiYqyXnwAm-fRJSCP_dWFmubME8OM1TdJy7GmDiY/s320/After1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">At last, we enrolled 300 underprivileged slum children to schools.
Though it took us four months of exhaustive effort, the difference that we made
gave me immense satisfaction. Over a period of four years, I could enroll 600 children from slums to Government and Government aided schools.</span></div>
</div>
Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-34181827635743270732011-01-13T01:23:00.006+05:302016-10-24T00:18:35.623+05:30Whaaaaat a Surprise!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was 3pm when I received a
call from Kirti.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kirti: Hey dude.. Wassup?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jayanth: Nothing much dude..
Same old story… work.. apps.. search..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kirti: Any progress in any
of these?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jayanth: Nopes… By the way,
what are your plans for Pongal?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kirti: No plans. How about
you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jayanth: Oh! I want to go to
Kakinada. But one and a half month back, the train ticket status was W/L 289. I
may go home, if I get a bus ticket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kirti: Oh! Is it? But you
don’t travel by bus. Right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jayanth: Yeah! I don’t want
to. But there is no other option. I want to be there with my family for Pongal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(The conversation went on
for a minute)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kirti: OK Dude.. Take care.
Enjoy Pongal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I
received a mail with a Kingfisher airlines ticket to Visakhapatnam. Oh Boy! It
took me by a big surprise… When I find it difficult to get even a bus ticket, a
flight ticket was booked on my name without my knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Later, I called Kirti who
confirmed that he want to surprise me and want me to spend time with my family
during Pongal. I said that I was really surprised but he should have informed
me prior to booking the ticket as Visakhapatnam is 3 hours from my town,
Kakinada. This conversation continued for 2 more minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kirti: OK Dude.. Happy
Journey. Enjoy Pongal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, I received two mails.
One is about cancellation of ticket to Visakhapatnam and another about booking
a new ticket to Rajahmundry. Now, I don’t have words for the next one hour. For
sure, this is the biggest surprise to me in the last two years. Let's see what
surprises 2011 has in store for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I wanted to return the money
to Kirti. But, after knowing that the cost of the ticket is a whopping 10K
rupees, I thought “OK. Let it be a surprise :) Thank you Kirti... You made my
day..:D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707908229074228871.post-22915483255166261932011-01-02T00:53:00.005+05:302016-10-24T00:20:46.157+05:30Difference in Newyear Celebrations! 2011 & 1991<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">31st December, 2010…
9pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh! God! I’m already a little late to the party. I started to the venue in a
hurry. Oh! boy! How can I forget that today is 31st? ‘Baskin Robbins’ offers
31% discount on every 31st. In no time, I ‘swallowed’ my favorite dessert, a 3
scoop banana split. When I reached the venue, my friends already started
playing Poker. When I am done with learning the rules of Poker, my friends winded
up the game and proceeded to a private party. Some of us had our dinner while
others had the starters and drinks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> After a while, we welcomed 2011 with a nice cake rubbing the cream against each
other. Meanwhile, everyone was busy wishing their family and friends. It took
us a while to settle down and start the latcha/baat session. The topics were
really interesting. It started from ‘how each of them met his/her spouse’ to
‘some silly affairs/crushes’ and ‘the so called youth icons’ (the bachelors’)
requirements of a bride’. Finally, it all ended at 4am but not before we pledge
our resolutions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Resolutions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Jayanth - Not to take
non-vegetarian food in 2011. Plan things and act. Don't react.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Puppy - Start a new
company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Gora - Find a
compatible girl friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Satti - Join gym
and be fit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I couldn’t sleep as my
thoughts rolled back to 31st December, 1990… 9pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I screamed at my mom, who was preparing a sweet for us. “I’ll get
you all the sweets on this earth. Please! please! Please! For Heavens’ sake…
start the rangoli in front of our house. Our new year rangoli should be the
best in our street”. I requested my grandmother and my tenants to stop watching
doordarshan program and help my mom draw the best rangoli. I kept myself busy
sorting out the greeting cards of film stars for my close friends and of
flowers for my relatives and teachers. After finishing rangoli, we stuck
ourselves to the television.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> When the clock struck 12, I was completely in an excited state shouting “Good
Bye.. 1990. Welcome 1991.” I could wish only my family members and my neighbors
and eagerly waited for the greeting cards from my relatives. I ran outside and
not only wished everyone who is crossing my house but also asked them to
comment on the rangoli in front of my house. The joy of celebrating new-year at
that tender age was a different experience. No parties, no poker, no ice-cream,
no cake, no mobiles, no resolutions… Still I had a great new year celebration
with my family members and those memories are still fresh…</span><br />
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Jethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389676587766615104noreply@blogger.com8