Blog from the Blue

10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Traveling To Russia

2016-06-01T01:28:00.000+04:00

Our guest author Jess Signet travels to a land not much explored and uncovers the secrets of this colossal country with many lesser known attractions. If you are thinking about a maiden trip to Russia, this article will provide you the much needed helpful information from a fellow traveller. And if Russia has never appeared on your wish list, we are sure after reading this article, you’d seriously think about a trip to Russia.

Russia is an exciting and unique place for anyone to travel. Hidden for so long behind the iron curtain of the Soviet Union, western tourism still hasn’t taken this vast and impressive country into its clutch yet. Because of this, the unique and authentic experience that travellers get, without mass-crowds of foreigners, is pretty much unmatchable.

However, as soon as you get off the plane, it’s clear to see that this largely unknown part of our planet is a world away from what most travelers are used to. If you don’t do your research, you’re in for quite a surprise! Culturally, geographically and politically, this country is probably one of the most unique on earth, and arriving without the right preparation could make your traveling experience more difficult than you first anticipated.

Here’s a list of 10 things that I wish I’d known before setting off on my adventure to this wild and wonderful location.

1. You Don’t Know the Meaning of Cold

Coming from Britain, I was quite sure I had wintertime handled. You put on a thick coat, pull up your hood and spend six months of the year complaining that you wish it were summer. Unfortunately, after landing in Surgut International Airport in January, I realized the “cold” that I thought I knew so well was simply child’s play.

Reaching, and staying, well below zero during wintertime, Russia demands several jumpers, thermal underwear, hats, scarves and snow sports-quality gloves. It’s also advisable to have a back-up plan for days where the weather is too bad to go outside.

Catching up on movies, cooking a hearty meal and contacting loved ones back are all good options. Don’t underestimate this great country’s version of freezing, because getting cold, and having to stay cold, is not a particularly enjoyable experience. Note that if you’re planning to watch a fewmovies to avoid the cold when in Russia, be sure that you have a Virtual Private Network (VPN) installed, as many sites like Netflix are subject to geo-restrictions.

2. It’s Also Warm!

Fortunately, contrary to the popular and somewhat stereotyped belief, Russia can also be very warm. You have to remember that this country is huge, and whereas the northern regions are truly artic in their conditions, down south the climate is warmer than most European countries. I was astounded to discover that palm trees grow in the areas around the Black Sea, and in summer, temperatures can reach an incredible 40-43C and almost never drop below freezing in winter.

Unfortunately this means that any traveler planning to see the whole country requires a vast array of clothing options, from shorts and T-shirts to a fur-lined coat and thermal trousers!

3. Prepare to Chow Down

Perhaps unfairly, Russia is in no way known for its cuisine. Aside from the caviar, most people see Russian food as bland, heavy and generally undesirable. This could not be further from the truth! Whether you’re trying a crepe-like “Blini”, traditional beef stroganoff or a hearty “Knish” pastry, the many local delicacies are sure to delight.

This may be unfortunate news form me as I thought that the lack of tempting food would keep my budget down; however, it was well worth splurging in the local restaurants to try these mouth-watering dishes.

4. Poisonous Animals and Plants

There are many dangerous creepy-crawlies, snakes, stinging-trees and other undesirables in the vast landscape, and unfortunately, the sheer size of the country means that they vary considerably in different regions. Although there is information provided about the different species you need to be aware of when you’re over there, it’s usually in Russian, not explained very well or has pictures that leave a lot to the imagination. To avoid any nasty run-ins or trips to the local hospital, it’s definitely wise to do a bit of research and brush up on the potential dangers before you set off.

5. Journeys are Long…

As I may have mentioned previously: Russia is big! Covering an astounding 17.1 million km², you only have to look at a map to see that traveling this country is an experience unlike any other. Although most travelers have a vague awareness of this, most people also fail to consider the repercussions.

To put things into perspective, I took the famed Trans Siberian Express journey,and it was an incredible seven days long, but it had very limited facilities, particularly in the lower class sections of the train. This meant that I was travelling for a whole week continuously without even basic necessities like a shower! Because of this I had to be extremely well prepared and ready to sit on a cramped train for, literally, days on end—which wasn’t easy!

6. …and Terrifying

Not only do you have a long way to go when driving anywhere, you also have a terrifying experience to endure. The driving in Russia is terrible, erratic and a complete recipe for disaster. Things to be aware of include the complete lack of use, or respect for, speed limits and sudden and unpredictable lane changes—even in busy traffic. It’s also not uncommon for drivers to use the hard shoulder as an extra lane as I experienced on my first day in the country when in a taxi from the airport.

7. Put Away the Courtesies

British people are known for their incessant politeness and focus on manners. I soon discovered that Russia could not be at a further end of the scale from this. No matter where you come from, you’re definitely going to find Russian people to be rude until you’ve learned to understand their culture.

Russians are very straightforward and genuine. They don’t smile if they don’t need to, and please and thank yous are very rare. However, this is a simply cultural difference rather than anything else, so put away the etiquette rulebook and get stuck in!

8. Vodka is Not Like Water

There’s a very common misconception, probably inspired by the fact we know so little about them, that all Russians are Vodka-guzzling alcoholics. This is definitely not the case. Although there are many heavy drinkers in more rural areas, the cities are no more filled with alcoholics than Germany, Ireland and many other European countries. Alcohol consumption is also banned on the streets and in public places, so if you think you’re going to get away with swigging Vodka straight from the bottle while sight-seeing, then you’re sorely mistaken. I definitely recommend enjoying the drink responsibly in some of the local bars because drinking Russian vodka with the Russians is definitely an experience!

9. Prepare To Queue

There are many monuments and landmarks left over from the Soviet Union and queuing is most definitely one of them. Whether you’re trying to send letters home to loved ones at the local post office or have just nipped down to the shops for a pint of milk, you are definitely going to end up in a queue.

The Russian people are experts at this phenomenon and even better at slyly pushing in without being noticed, so if you do find yourself part of a traditional Russian queue, be sure to stand fast and not give up your place to anyone! I once found myself in a queue when a friendly local popped in front of me to start, what appeared to be, a casual chat, it took a while before I realized they’d actually just stolen my place in the queue without me even noticing!

10. Avoid the Politics

For the majority of the rest of the world, the view we have of Russian politics is, at best, ridiculous and at worst, terrifying. However, partially due to the media input and partially due to the ease of following tradition, most Russian people wholeheartedly support their political regime. Because of this, it’s advisable not to engage in discussions about it as, no matter how convincing you think you are, you’re not going to change their minds, and it’s very likely you’ll offend them in the process.

A trip to Russia will be an amazing experience no matter how much you know, but these ten things are sure to improve your time there no end! If you have any more tips that you feel should be included, then be sure to comment below.

About the author: Jess Signet is an avid traveler who recently enjoyed a fantastic trip to Russia. It’s a great country, so much to see and do and hopefully this article will help you prepare for your trip or just learn a few things about this vast country! You can catch Jess and her adventures on Twitter at: @Jessstravels

9 Best Historical Places in Dubai

2016-02-13T15:44:00.002+04:00

If you think Dubai is all about skyscrapers and man-made wonders, then this article will make you rethink. Our guest author Neha Singh flies back in time and explores the side of Dubai often overlooked by tourists. This article will surely give history lovers a compelling reason to visit Dubai.

Dubai is loved by the whole world. Its exponential growth from a small Bedouin village to the entertainment hub of the world is astonishing. But what makes it more awe- inspiring is the fact that amongst the sky high towers and ultra modern developments, Dubai still has miraculously preserved its heritage and history. The city is full of monuments and places that hold immense historical importance and offer a peek into the rich past of Dubai and UAE.
Here are the 9 best historical places in Dubai that you must visit in order to get a detailed insight into the rich cultural heritage of this amazing city.

1. The Dubai Museum

Dubai Museum

The first place that we want you to visit is obviously the Dubai Museum. But unlike many places around the world, Dubai museum is very carefully adorned with the city’s history and it literally transports us back into the time of the Bedouin era. Every possible little thing of the past is so beautifully and carefully preserved in the museum that it’s hard to comprehend the amount of pain that must’ve gone into maintaining them in such great condition. From multimedia presentation of the history of Dubai to the fishing boats and traditional ornaments, Dubai museum is a must visit for every tourist.

2. Al Fahidi Fort

Al Fahidi Fort

Located in Bur Dubai, the Al Fahidi fort is a hit amongst visitors of all age groups. Built way back in the 1700s, the fort underwent various stages of expansion and played a huge role in preventing the village from the intervention of the neighboring tribes at that time. Over the centuries, AL Fahidi fort went on to become the home of the ruler of Dubai, then a garrison and lastly a prison to house the most deadly prisoners. Today, the fort acts as a museum and has on display various artifacts from the bygone era and local antiques.

3. Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek

The creek of Dubai that divides the city in to two halves goes long back in the history. It is linked to the centuries old trading tradition of Dubai when people used to use the creek as the only way of going to trade to the other side of the city.Going back in time the creek divided the city into Bur Dubai and Diera. It was in the Bur Dubai side of the creek where the Al Maktoum dynasty emerged.

4. Bastakiya Quarters

Bastakiya Quarters

Receiving its name from the historical town of Bastak, the Bastakiya quarters were established in the early 19th century by some of the rich pearl and textile traders from Iran. The area still has merchant houses, galleries and cafes that offer a glimpse of the past era. One of the most interesting neighborhoods of Dubai, Bastakiya Quarter is a delight walk in the glorious past of Dubai.

5. Hatta

Hatta Mountains

Located in the south east outskirts of Dubai, the Hatta Mountains have been a part of Dubai since its inception. Near the Hatta mountain site, there are various attractions that offer a glimpse in to the history of Dubai such as the fort built by the Sheikh Maktoum bin Hashr Al Maktoum in the late 1800s to safeguard the city from the invaders.

6. Sheikh Saeed House

Sheikh Saeed House

The grandfather of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current ruler of Dubai Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum stayed in this house from 1912 till 1958. The house today stands proud telling the story of its splendid past. The house which was built in the year 1896 houses a very rare collection of coins, historical pictures, and some of the most important documents and stamps of UAE.

7. Abra ride

Abra Ride

One of the oldest settlements and transport systems of Dubai- Abra has been used as a mode of transport to go to the other side of the creek for centuries. The travelers between Diera and Bur Dubai once had only one mode of transportation of boats known as Abra. Today these are modern motorized taxis, but still exude the age old feel to the tourists. It is still the cheapest way to cross the Dubai creek.

8. Souqs of Dubai

Souqs of Dubai

The Souqs or the markets of Dubai dates back to centuries. One of the city’s oldest souqs are gold souk, spice souq and the textile souq. The shapes of shops may have changed with time but the souqs still offer a feel of the era gone by. These souqs are famous for their bargains and the vibrancy. One of the oldest Souqof Dubai- Nafiq Souq was once a camel market, but now has over 100 shops selling abayas and many other traditional Arabic items.

9. Heritage and Divine Villages

Heritage Village

A great place for history lovers, the heritage villages offer great insight into the traditional and cultural past of Dubai through their historical construction including wind towers. Although it was constructed in the 1990s, the purpose was to allow the tourist to take a sneak peek and experience the cherished past of Dubai. It offers demonstrations for weaving, ship building and traditional cookery as well. It is today one of the most visited places by tourists in Dubai.

Dubai has retained its old-age charm while giving a tough competition to the world in the race of modernization. But in the course of moving towards a brighter future, Dubai has preserved its roots firmly and ensured that the world gets to know about the journey of this incredible city.
Such is the craze amongst tourists to know about the history of Dubai that they specially include most of these historical places in their Dubai tour packages. The start of a fishing village that got introduced to the world through its oil discovery in the 1960s is now way ahead of its contemporaries and is gradually moving towards the title of the best tourist destination in the world.

About the Author

Neha Singh is a postgraduate in Mass Communications, who loves everything about life. Traveling is extremely close to her heart and writing came to her naturally. An avid trekker & explorer, who often takes off some time from her busy life for mountaineering. She loves meeting new people & gets attached to their culture very easily. Her ambition is to explore as many places as she can in her life. She strongly believes in Gandhian principle – “simple living high thinking”.
You can connect with her adventures on Facebook

Things I Learned After Travelling to Africa

2016-01-24T06:00:00.000+04:00

Waka Waka. This time for Africa! Our guest author Amy Mia Goldsmith takes the road less travelled and writes about her first hand experience in Africa, which will inspire you to venture into this territory with full enthusiasm

A while back, I travelled to Africa on a vacation, which turned out to be a life changing experience. What I saw and learned there changed the way I perceive life and the world as a whole. It made me re-evaluate my life priorities and the things I cherished the most at that time. After realizing the following truths, I returned from that trip as a happier woman. Read them to see if you agree with me.

1. Less is more

What Ludwig Mies van der Rohe set as a standard in architecture, could be applied to building a better life of each individual. Regardless of how contradicting it may sound, having a less cluttered life means having a more fulfilled life. Some people in Africa do not have many valuable material things, but still they appreciate life more than us, who are so obsessed about living life to the fullest, that we never stop to actually enjoy in it. That is because we have been taught the things ever since we were born. We were told that material possessions are the measure of our success in life. That they will bring us joy. But the pursuit of material things is a never-ending pursuit. We spend our lives working long hours to earn more money to buy more things. And there always something new around the corner that we do not possess, and so the game goes on and on. This chase distracts us from pursuing what really matters in life, and these are experiences.There is so much truth in the words that pursuing less material possessions actually means pursuing happiness.

2. Having a positive attitude makes everything easier and much better

Despite not having much, people in Africa seem happier and more satisfied than we, the Westerners.It’s a simple life philosophy. A positive attitude makes it easier to cope with problems. It helps you avoid worries and concerns. If you adopt optimism as a life philosophy, it will bring you constructive thoughts and motivation to change things and accomplish goals. You will always see the bright side, and expect only good outcomes. Even when you are faced with a failure, it will give you strength not to give up.

3. Patience IS a virtue

This is all the more true when travelling, and in particular when travelling across Africa. If you have not been very patient before, you will master the skill there. We are all trying to keep everything under our control at all times, and when we realize that we cannot, it brings frustration and anger. Accepting that sometimes the world has its own pace, you will learn to relax and go with the flow. Plus, you will learn to cope with whatever life throws at you.

4. Taking risks brings more opportunities than failure

Settling on the status quo is the worst habit that most people have. If you do not make changes in your life, you will never make any progress. Taking risks might get you where you have never dreamed you could get.It was a risk to invest in the unknown, but I still managed to persuade my partners to invest in Africa. Many people still unfortunately see Africa as a continent of corruption, austerity, and civil wars, with slim prospects of business growth. Africa has come a long way from a place of humanitarian disasters and social turmoil, to one of the best investment destinations. Emerging online real estate portals like the successful propertymaputo.com are a proof of that.The steady economic growth is based on ample mineral resources, vast arable land, and hard-working people.

5. Sometimes the things you dread the most are the ones that make you grow the most

There are two ways you can deal with your fears – either overcome them or make them stand in your way. I have to admit that I felt a bit anxious about my trip to Africa and at some point even thought about cancelling the whole thing off. But now I regret not doing it sooner. Fear limits your full potential, and once you realize that it is irrational and all in your mind, you will live a happier life.

Are you ready to take risks in your life?

About the author

Amy Goldsmith is a literature graduate from Melbourne. Her job allows her to travel a lot, which also happens to be one of her greatest passions. Find out more about her travels on Twitter.

Tips & Tricks for Monsoon Trekking in India

2016-01-21T01:37:00.003+04:00

The magical romance of monsoon with Mumbai has never been a deterrent to the trekking enthusiasts who take on the challenge to climb the slippery slopes of Western Ghats. Our adventure loving guest author Ankit K. J. shares some useful advice and handy tips on monsoon trekking preparedness from his own experiences. So, let's take the plunge to monsoon trekking!

Mumbai is a city with a hyperactive soul, they say. She does not sleep. Nor do the famous Mumbai rains stop her. It’s the time of the year where nature tries it’s best to dampen the spirit but fails miserably.

Monsoon is also the season when the otherwise dry Western Ghats turn lush green! The valleys surrounding the metropolis come alive with people flocking to the trails to take on the challenge of climbing slippery slopes only to rappel down a waterfall! However one thing people do not flock to is trekking preparedness. I had previously written a detailed post on trekking tips for beginners after I saw a lot of Indians not prepared for the trail - saves a lot of pain and hassle if you know the little details.

This post is about what to carry and a few tips that came in handy to me. A few essentials to carry on a monsoon trek in India!

Streams while trekking | Image source

1. Headphones/Earphones: If you are planning to do your travelling in a bus (which is usually the case if you want to reach the base where you begin a trek) and are the quiet, contemplative type, never forget to carry a decent pair of noise cancelling headphones. You'll lose less sleep and be fresh for your trek. They also have the secondary advantage of being able to play music!

2. A good pair of water shoes or sandals: The thing is that there are innumerable little streams to cross and taking shoes off and putting them on again is quite frustrating to both you and the rest of the group (who've already prepared for this eventuality). Look for shoes with a nice grip (rubber is preferable, since it slips less). Also, if possible, go for the shoes that look like an unholy (pun alert!) cross between a shoe and a sandal. These will have holes in them. To those with a sense of humour, they may also look like shoes in various stages of incompletion. Don't worry. They are designed to let the water out and dry quickly. Choose the ones that cover a maximum area of your exposed feet (so that the jungle mosquitoes have to work just a little harder). If not these, sandals always work best. Do not wear flip flops though, as they may result in your ankles twisting on rocky paths causing injuries!

Also, on a related note: do not wear these with socks or stockings.

Note: Shoes like these are what you are looking for

Waterfall on the way | Image source

3. Mosquito repellent:Self-explanatory. Forget this at your own risk. Alternatively, you may also want to wear a jacket and full length pants. There are sprays and cream that one can use. If not, there are certain hacks around getting rid of those blood-sucking tiny monsters. Usage of sage leaves in the campfire, for example, also drives them away, leaving behind a pleasant aroma around the camp.

4. Layered Clothing: This is not as obvious as it sounds. Carry a t-shirt, track-pants, an extra pair of socks and a jacket. A cap is also helpful when it’s raining with a balaclava to cover the head. And carry a few layers – you can take them off if it’s hot and put more on if it gets chilly. You can never predict the weather and the rains!

And make sure they are comfortable. As a general rule of thumb, whatever suits you while running, works here. The more waterproof your possessions are, the more comfortable you'll be at the end of the day! Try stuffing it in a polythene bag before you pack them in a bag to keep them water tight!

5. A bagpack: To carry your precious items. Find a water prof one if possible, but as described above, lining it with polythene can also do the trick. Make sure it isn't too heavy though. Also, carrying a poncho will also help in the rains.

6. Water & Sugar: Water - About 2 litres per person. Food: High energy stuff –Nuts, biscuits and granola bars. Glucose packs also help. The idea is to be prepared. You cannot trust the water on the trail, even if it looks sparkling clean. Animal/bird droppings nearby can easily pollute the water. And you do not want to become dehydrated with no water in the jungle! Light snacks do not take up space and provide much needed energy during crunch times.

7.A Camera/Phone :So that you can take pics and call for help! And wondering how to use the phone in the rains? Seal it in a thin transparent plastic bag! Thank me later.

8. Towels: This becomes more important during monsoon trekking. Carrying light, quick drying towels help immensely. This may be the sole deciding factor on whether you get a cold after the trek or not.

9. Flashlight: A small hand-cranked flashlight should do the job. This is important especially in the rains, as it tends to get dark early. You do want to lose your way while camping and trekking. If you still manage to do so though, here is a helpful post on what to do if lost on the trail!

Base Villages before Trekking | Image source

Enjoy your treks! Safety first!

About the Author: Hi, I am Ankit. I love adventures and the outdoors and am the go-to guy if you need a sparring partner in adventures or sports :) I write about my travels on AlienAdv with a mission to inspire thousands to get off the couch and get going on lifetime experiences. I share my own travel stories (in the South East Asia and internationally) and my best tips and advice on issues like road-trips, scuba-diving nuggets, surfing, sailing and paragliding. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

View from the top: A Tale of 3 cities

2015-11-15T22:55:00.001+04:00

Height – for some it is intimidating, for some it is exciting. Mankind has always been fascinated by height- to reach to the top, to climb mountains, to fly like a bird, to make tall structures and to see the world from top.

For those, the majority, who cannot jump with a parachute on, climbing up to a tall structure is the best and safest way to have a sweeping view of a city. Let’s talk about 3 epic cities and 3 such equally great man-made structures that bring alive a bird’s eye view as well as provide a peek into their history. Let’s fly to London, Paris and Dubai and talk about the structures and listen to the tales about the views underneath.

The story is about human civilisation and its endeavour to excel. It dates back to 15th century when a revolution had started in Europe. A movement called the Renaissance that changed the way we look at arts and culture. The resurgence, which started in Italia and later widened to France and rest of northern Europe witnessed cultural and socio-political elevation contributed by multifaceted talents such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. They were simultaneously architects, poets, sculptors, engineers, scientists, astronomers, inventors and had been highly influential in that era. That is the era when people started to become more sensitive to aesthetics.

Mona Lisa - a Renaissance period art by Leonardo da Vinci - is still popular among the visitors of Louvre museum, Paris

200 years hence, another revolution stormed through another part of Europe and this time it meant serious business. In a bid to transform the society from agrarian to industrial, this movement invented machines and improved methods of production. Started in Britain, industrial revolution transformed manufacturing, transportation and the world of business. The British spread its wings all over the world in search of raw materials for the industry, leading to colonisation.

An artist's depiction of Industrial Revolution

While the England was at its pinnacle of success as the most industrial, richest, innovative and most powerful nation in the world, another revolution swept through France – the French revolution. This late eighteenth century revolution not only changed the political landscape of France but also changed the world’s view on political practices. By uprooting the age old feudal system, the citizen of France demonstrated the people’s power – an inspiration for democracies and republics which gained popularity in the twentieth century.

Palace of Versailles -a living witness and focal point of French Revolution - is now a tourist point of attraction

As the century turned, the coveted title of the most industrialised nation moved to the United States. The discovery of Oil - the black gold, fuelled the growth of the world economy primarily shifting the focus to the America. With improved methods of production and use, the petroleum became the world’s driving force of growth. Later in the twentieth century, the deserted landscape of the Middle-East started to gain a complete makeover with bustling cities producing the world’s most valuable commodity in terms of industrial use.

With this historical backdrop, let us now move to the views one by one

London | The London Eye | World’s tallest observation wheel

When this rotating observation wheel with 32 capsules was built in the south bank of the river Thames, the architects never expected it to become one of world’s most visited attractions. For, it was neither considered as an architectural wonder nor a technological marvel. However this rotating wheel, which can carry approximately 800 people at a time and offers views as far as 40 kilometres, when opened for visitors in the wake of the new millennium, caught the fancy of the tourists from all over the world.

River Thames and city of London: View from London Eye

Leisurely standing at a capsule of the wheel, which moves at an unnoticed speed of 26 cm per second, it’s a pleasure to see the city of London as it slowly unfolds. The river Thames flows just below at a speed faster than the wheel and is a live witness to the thousands of years of English civilisation, the industrial revolution, the great plague, the great fire, numerous public executions, world wars and so many other events that has shaped the modern England. St Paul’s cathedral with its Renaissance inspired architecture, the palace of Westminster- the parliament house which was rebuilt after the great fire and Big Ben clock tower will not go unnoticed from the view during the 30 minutes of journey. The 360 degree view from the wheel also offers a glimpse to the historic royal palaces –the tower of London, Hampton court and Windsor castle.

150 year old Clock tower or "Big Ben" still stands firm near the Millennium Wheel

Paris | The Eiffel Tower |The most visited world wonder

A Metal beauty at the heart of renaissance inspired, fashion sensitive Paris. Named after its designer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, who is also credited with the design of another famous landmark, the statue of liberty, this is undoubtedly a symbol of romanticism and the icon of France. Built in the year 1889 to commemorate centenary to French Revolution, Eiffel tower with a height of around 1000 feet was the tallest structure in the world till the year 1930.

View of River Seine and city of Paris from the Eiffel tower

However, this metal structure hasn’t had a smooth journey over time. The advocates of French arts and culture of that time perceived it as an unsightly creation totally out of sync with French taste and raised appeal to demolish it. In fact it was almost dismantled into scrap but then they recognised the utility of the tower to transmit radio and telegraph signals. During World War I, Eiffel tower was used to intercept the radio communications of the enemies. During World War II, Hitler ordered destruction of the tower, but luckily that could not be accomplished. The tower is still standing tall with all its glory as the most stylish monument and welcoming around 7 million visitors per year.

River Seine

Time has changed, so has the taste and likes of Parisians and rest of the world. The once neglected structure is now the most prized possession of the city of Paris. What has not changed is the magnificent antiquity of French art and culture. The river Seine still flows that same way it used to in the time of French Revolution. The arc de Triomphe still boldly displays the valiance of Napoleon Bonaparte, the renaissance is still mirrored in the collection of arts of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo in the Louvre museum; Notre Dame cathedral, Les Invalides and all other Parisian architectures still living like a legend under the unmistaken shadow of the Eiffel tower.

Eiffel tower as seen from Seine

Dubai | Burj Khalifa | Height of height

Untouched by the happenings of the rest of the world, it used to be a sleepy fishing village surrounded by deserted landscape until oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi in the late twentieth century. Since then, it has been a journey of growth and progress for UAE with Dubai emerging as a commercial hub and a major port in the Middle East. It’s also been a paradise for present day designers who have created unprecedented mega structures in the heart of this desert.

Burj Khalifa, world’s tallest man-made structure with a height of 830 meters (2.7 times that of Eiffel tower), stands as a landmark at the heart of Dubai. A view from the observation deck of the tower itself tells a story of Dubai’s recent progress - on one side one can see a deserted landscape and on the other side a world class city complete with skyscrapers, busy roads and moving vehicles. The gulf of Persia can also be seen from the tower, where they have famously built the Palm Jumeira and the world island – two unique man-made islands in the shape of a palm tree and the world’s continents respectively.

Inside Dubai Mall

World’s second largest aquarium housed in the same complex and the world’s largest musical fountain just outside the tower, complement the pride of Burj Khalifa. Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most happening places in the Middle East, the commercial hub and most visited tourist place in the region.

As the time changes, the power and wealth also shifts from region to region. History tells us about how dynasties have been created and destroyed. The rich and famous does not remain so permanently. New wealth is created and new story of growth is written from time to time. And we must realize that the past is the only thing that does not change with time. A view from the top just helps us to realize this truth profoundly.

Coolest ways to get colourblind

2015-08-22T18:19:00.000+04:00

Planet Earth is full of colours. The nature decorates itself with a myriad of colours in its full bloom. But have you imagined a situation when you are overwhelmed with a particular colour, so much so that you see it everywhere as far as you can see and feel, as if you’ve gone colourblind, literally!

The guest post on my blog -World’s best Technicolor destinations provided some food for thought. Why don’t I write about some destinations which give us a colourblind like feeling without actually falling into colour blindness?

So what are you waiting for? Let’s zoom past some spectacular places where the beautiful nature makes you feel colourblind with a single colour all the way as if till infinity.

Canola Fields
Colour Yellow| Season Spring | China

It’s the season of spring at the Luoping County in Yunnan, China. The air is refreshing and the breeze is carrying with it a humming sound of bees. The flowers are in full bloom, and you are standing in front of a vast Yellow Sea. ..Yes, that’s how you would feel if you happen to visit these sprawling fields of blooming Canola flowers. The Canola or Rapeseed flowers, engulf the farmland making it appear as a virtual golden yellow sea that stretches till horizon where the yellow meets the blue. After a breathtaking view of the vast canola fields, if you close and reopen your eyes, you’d surely be flashed by yellow everywhere!

Canola fields. CC Image Courtesy: flickr.com [License]

Shibazakura, Japan
Colour Pink | Season Spring | Japan

Hitsujiyama Park, Japan. CC Image courtesy:flickr.com [license]

Pink is the colour of beauty and love. It also symbolises romanticism, and when thousands of Shibazakura flowers bloom at the foothills of mount Fuji in Japan, your heart cannot stop pounding at the beat of the mild air that sways the nearby cherry blossoms. The season is spring, which brings with it different shades of pink to decorate the Shibazakura moss phloxes and cherry trees of Japan’s Hitsujiyama Park. What more can I say than calling this pink paradise a pretty lady adorned in all sorts of ornamental buds. Here’s a word of caution – some mosses are so intense pink that it might dazzle your eyes causing colour blindness! Who knows!

View of mount Fuji from a Shibazakura garden. CC image courtesy: flickr.com [license]

Lavender Fields
Colour Purple| Season Summer | France

Lavender Fields, France. CC Image courtesy: flickr.com [license]

Come summer, when the Lavenders bloom in the fields of Provence, southeastern France, and you can do only one thing- just stand at the middle and get speechless and mesmerized at the beauty and vastness of the infinite view of the perfumed gardens. ..And maybe, when you are back to the senses, click a few photographs to capture this unforgettable view of the colour purple at its best. Rest assured that it would be a treat to all your senses.

Pamukkale
Colour White | Season Any | Turkey

Pamukkale, Turkey. CC image courtesy: flickr.com [license]

White – a colour without colours, a colour that symbolises purity and light- is the prime theme of our next landscape – Pamukkale in Denizli province of southwestern Turkey. The giant’s teeth like white terraces formed by white calcium and limestone, coupled with 17 hot springs means a rejuvenating experience to indulge in. The best time to visit is spring/ autumn as the summer is too hot and winter is too cold and snowy. So, get ready to take the plunge into a warm spring, let the sunshine sparkle on the white and be colourblind with the brilliant colourless colour.

Pamukkale, Turkey. CC image courtesy: flickr.com [license]

Aurora Borealis
Colour Green | Season Winter| Norway

Aurora Borealis. CC image courtesy: flickr.com [license]

Aurora Borealis or the northern lights as it is commonly known, is a supernatural phenomena witnessed in the land of midnight sun. When highly charged electrons from the solar wind get in touch with Earth’s magnetic field, they collide with the oxygen and nitrogen atoms of the atmosphere generating surreal lights mostly green accompanying with blue, red and purple. The lights can be best seen during winter from arctic and Antarctic. Apart from Norway, tourists also flock to Alaska, Northern Canada, Iceland and other Scandinavian countries to witness these enchanting lights.

Aurora Borealis. CC image courtesy: flickr.com [license]

Antelope Canyon
Colour Brown | Season Spring-Summer | United States of America

Antelope Canyon, USA. CC image courtesy: flick.com [license]

It’s hard to believe this geological wonder on hard brown rocks is a creation of water streams. The flow shaped walls of the Antelope canyon is primarily a result of thousands of years of flash floods that had been eroding the sandstones and sculpted such unique designs. What makes this space otherworldly is a enchanting beam of sunlight that peek through the upper opening of the canyon adding a heavenly touch to the curves and making it a true photographer’s delight . The radiating beam of light is though visible during April to September only. But the risk of flash flood, during the monsoon (July-September), cannot be ruled out.

Red Seabeach
Colour Red |Season Autumn| China

Now it’s time to get colourblind with red – intense, dark, crimson red at Panjin, China. Red sea beach, which derives the name from the red grass of Chenopodiaceae that grows in the Chinese wetland, is a complete treat to the eyes particularly for those who are passionate about the colour red. Located in the delta of Liaohe river, it’s also the world’s biggest wetland and a resting place for a number of species of migratory birds and a variety of wild animals. The green grass of this shallow sea turns red during autumn and envelopes the entire 25 km stretch with flaming red colour as if somebody had laid a royal red carpet to welcome you!

Panjin Red beach, China. CC image courtesy: flickr.com [license]

Salar de Uyuni
Colour Blue |Season Autumn (March-May) | Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia. CC image courtesy: flickr.com [license]

Also known as the world’s largest mirror, this flat salt bed with a whopping 10,500 sq. km setting, located at southwest Bolivia creates stunning reflections on it as if somebody has photoshopped the lanscape. Whenever there is a little rainfall, the bright white bed of salt turns into a gigantic mirror and starts reflecting the objects on it…And when you stand on the bright rocks, you can feel the blue sky all over – up and down beneath you. It’s a unique phenomenon on earth and the best place to see the colour blue in its all encompassing form.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia. CC image courtesy: flickr.com [license]

Fall Foliage
Colour Orange | Season Autumn | Canada/ North America

Color of fall.CC image courtesy: flickr.com [license]

It’s a magician called the season of autumn that colours the nature by painting all its trees and the entire setting turns into a blazing fair of vivid orange. It’s orange, orange and orange all the way, albeit with a lesser mix of red, yellow and purple. The autumn phenomenon of Fall Foliage can be seen in many places but the most flamboyant of all are best witnessed in the gorgeous rocky mountains and Québec (Canada), Glacier National Park, Yellow stone national park, Colorado and Vermont (USA) to name a few.

Color of fall.CC image courtesy: flickr.com [license]

Moonlit Sky
Colour Black | Season Any| All throughout the globe

Night sky. CC image courtesy: flickr.com [license]

If I had to name a new colour, it would have been the moonlit black. Yes it is our ageless sky which appears the same for rich and poor and offers the same view wherever you are on the planet. The night sky is black as hell but the heavenly sublime lights from the moon and the endless stars accentuate the beauty of the night sky into a view which is surreal, divine and simply out of the world, literally and metaphorically.

So, do you agree that sometimes it’s not that bad to get colourblind, at least fleetingly?

Cover photo is distributable under Creative Commons license

Lost in Salalah with Ali: The old man and the season of Khareef

2015-08-14T12:46:00.000+04:00

Uncertainty, dilemma, bewilderment – some people hate these words. For some others, they are the part and parcel of life. In the context to travelling, these words decide which type of traveler you are. Some people prefer to plan everything in advance and even make provisions for the probable uncertainties. Some others jump at once and start enjoying whatever comes on their way, while some weird travelers like me simply let happen whatever would happen and keep exploring at the expense of all the uncertainties and yet end up with wonderful memories.

Has it ever happened to you that you travel around a place without having any idea about where you’re heading or what lies ahead? Have you ever been guided by somebody with whom you could barely interact?

Our visit to Salalah was one of such eccentric yet memorable experience where we confided with an unknown companion and explored this beautiful dreamland on the southern peninsula of the Sultanate of Oman.

First let me introduce you to the place called Salalah. Surrounded by lush green Dhofar Mountains, Salalah is located at a distance of 1100 kilometers south of the capital city of Muscat. It’s the second largest city of the sultanate and is adjacent to Oman’s border with Yemen. Salalah is traditionally known for its Frankincense trees, which is used as an ingredient in incense and perfumes and has been one of world’s top trading destinations of this commodity during the medieval times.

Salalah in Khareef - the monsoon season

It is also one of the top tourist destinations in the gulf region. Salalah’s landscape undergoes a complete makeover during the Khareef season. It’s the monsoon season that brings lots of rainfall during the months of June to September and the hot and arid desert climate turns humid with lots of clouds on the sky and dense fogs enveloping the horizon and beyond. This is the time when wild plants and flowers adorn the mountains and the plains of Salalah and it appears to be painted in a mystifying shade of sparkling green. This is also the time when this place is crowded by tourists from all over the world – particularly from Muscat and rest of Gulf region to enjoy the short lived Khareef season in its full bloom.

Salalah in Khareef - the monsoon season

I heard so many great stories about this splendid place, its great tourist attractions and about the Khareef season but never seriously considered visiting it partially because of the long distance (12 hours by road) and mainly because of the old wives tale that Salalah’s Khareef season had nothing to offer than a green landscape and a humid climate, and it could only mesmerize the desert dwellers but not those acquainted to green landscapes. It was not to be.

It was July – mid summer and while almost whole of Middle East was under severe heat under the cruelest form of the Sun, Salalah was welcoming the clouds and the fogs. The Eid holidays were just declared and it suddenly struck our minds to take this opportunity to see Salalah. We had to think twice before taking this decision. First, it was the peak tourist season and prices were sky high. Second, holy month of Ramadan was still not over. It’s worthwhile to mention that Omanis observe fasting during the month of Ramadan. Food items are not sold openly and it’s customary for everyone including the tourists not to eat or drink publicly from dawn to dusk.

However, we had one solid reason to go for the trip – to get away from the burning heat of Muscat for a few days and after a long discussion with my wife, I went on to book the tickets the same day. The hotel prices were 2 to 3 times the normal tariff but finally we could find a hotel online at 40 Rials ($105) per night. So, we two packed our bags quickly and boarded the bus to Salalah the same night.

It was a long and tiring journey. As it was a single carriageway, we could not sleep due to the lights coming out of vehicles from the opposite side. The bus halted twice on the way for the passengers to take food. Finally it was morning and we could see gentle rays of sunshine. We were moving through a barren landscape and it was endless deserts all the way as far as we could see.

Suddenly, the Sun was encircled by a thick strand of clouds and it started to become denser and darker as we moved on. Finally, when the road turned to a slope of a hill, raindrops started pouring in all over. We peeped through the foggy windows and it was green all over. Monsoon had arrived to welcome us to Salalah, to a season called Khareef.

Salalah in Khareef - the monsoon season

By the time we reached the bus stop, the rain had subsided but the clouds were still around. An Omani taxi driver (only citizens are allowed to drive taxi) approached us.

Ad Dahariz beach – I asked the taxi driver. This is the place where our hotel was located.

He looked at me and raised 7 fingures and said –Rials.

7 Riyals was too much but we accepted. We were not in a mood to look out further.

During the short 7 minutes’ drive to the hotel, we wanted to strike a conversation with the driver but unfortunately he could comprehend little. He said something in Arabic, to which we simply smiled.

We reached hotel. The driver accompanied us to the reception and said something to the man. The receptionist translated it to us: Mr. Ali, the driver wants to know if you are interested in visiting the places in and around Salalah with him. He will start it at morning 9 and show you different places till 2:30 pm for 40 Riyals.

No way – I told myself, we will find somebody with whom we can communicate properly.

Please give us your contact number. I will call you if we require your help – I told Ali. The hotel receptionist, who claims to have elementary knowledge of Arabic, explained it to Ali. We were completely exhausted. So, we decided to retire to our hotel room and take rest for the rest of the day. I took this opportunity to browse internet and study about the must visit attractions of Salalah and finally ended up with an itinerary for next 2 days covering all the must visit attractions.

Everything was going fine but now we hit the dead end. For, there was no taxi to be found. The hotel receptionist told us that it would be really difficult to get a taxi due to the ongoing Ramadan. I used all my contacts and possible sources and finally found a man who was willing to take us with him for 60 Rial for a 3 hour sightseeing.

It was way too high, besides all our hard work of reaching Salalah would be useless for a meagre 3 hour sightseeing!

So, I used the last alternative. I called Ali.

Ali picked the phone. I introduced myself –you remember me? I was the one whom you dropped to hotel this morning….

Mafi Maloom – Ali replied and disconnected the phone. I knew the meaning of what he said. It meant-I don’t know. There was nobody to help us. Even the receptionist who translated Ali this morning left for the day. The new person didn’t know Arabic.

We were disappointed. We travelled such a long distance without any planning or preparation and now all our efforts were going to be wasted and we would have to confine ourselves to the hotel room and Dahariz beach for rest of the tour!

Dahariz Beach

We decided to wait till the next morning and then go to the city to lookout for a taxi for the tour. For the evening, we had nothing to do but to stroll around the beach, sip fresh coconut water (which is very inexpensive), and take some snaps of wild flowers and seagulls.
…
Next morning was dark and cloudy and it began to drizzle. We were taking breakfast at our hotel room when we received a call.

It was the receptionist – Good morning Sir! Your driver is waiting for you.

We were surprised. I went down and saw Ali waiting there. He smiled at me.

I greeted him and took out my itinerary from my pocket and explained him:

Look, we want to visit Wadi Darbat, Taqa, zero gravity point, Raysut falls, ............

It was of no use. Ali seemed to be completely oblivious of these places except Wadi Darbat. The receptionist also joined in to help us to communicate even though his own understanding of the language was not of very high standards.

So, thus it began. Here we were, in an unknown territory, with an unknown man, communicating with languages unknown to each other and moving ahead with an unknown itinerary.

Ali started to speak. It was difficult to understand, but we could make out some meaning from his speech. Probably he was talking about the hospitality of the Omani people, about His Majesty the Sultan and may be about the beautiful scenery of Salalah.

I tried to make best use of my body language, expressions and gestures but it all led to more confusion. Ali pointed to a large hotel on the roadside and tried to express that it was a great hotel.

Must be expensive – I told him. He looked at me seeming not to understand what I just said.

I gestured as if counting money. More money, big money- I told him by showing a high level with my hand. He turned his car and moved towards the hotel.

We were puzzled – why are we going inside? He didn’t reply. He stopped his car near the hotel entrance and pointed to an ATM.

Oh! Now I understood. My attempt to express the word ‘expensive’ by means of a gesture to count money was mistaken by him that I wanted to withdraw money from an ATM! We understood it would be for the benefit of us all not to experiment with gestures. It would only lead to more confusion.

Ali moved on, and with him we also moved on. After half an hour of drive Ali stopped his car on an isolated road and signalled us to get down from the car. It was barren land as far as we could see. We were puzzled but got out of the car. Ali pointed his fingure to something at a distance. We could see something moving towards us. Soon, it appeared bigger and bigger and finally we could recognise it. It was a hard of wild camels. There were thousands of them. It was a nice experience to see such an unbelievable number of camels crossing the road just in front of us.

Camels of Salalah

Ali then moved on again and stopped his car for a photo opportunity near the wadi Sumhuram.

After that he took us to the ruins of Khor Rori (also known as Sumhuram). It was an ancient fortified town and a port which dated back to 3rd century BC. During the heydays, this port was used for export of Frankincense to Europe, Mediterranean and India. It’s listed as part of “Land of Frankincense” as a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Sumhurum or Khor Rori a world heritage site

A Frankincense tree at the ruins of Khor Rori

Next we headed toward the Wadi Darbat – the most visited tourist attraction of Salalah. As we entered the uphill road to the Wadi, it was green all the way. Washed in rains, the green leaves were beaded with sparkling droplets of water. The cattle were grazing on the freshly grown grass and fogs were flying here and there. Nobody would believe that it’s Oman. It seemed like a dense forest of Africa!

Wadi Darbat

We spent some time at Wadi Darbat. It was difficult to walk there as the ground was slippery with rainwater pouring over wild grasses. Still I managed to run as much as I could on the grasses.

As we were coming out of Wadi Darbat, Ali called somebody and offered the phone to me to talk. It was a voice in plain English – Hi! Eid Mubarak to you. I’m Salim – Ali’s friend. My friend can only speak Arabic. So, he wants me to ask you if you are facing any problem. Are you enjoying the trip with him?

I thanked Salim and told him that Ali’d been fantastic as a guide: “Even though, we cannot communicate in words, it’s been a fabulous trip so far. Tell him that we are thankful to him for taking us to all these good places.”

I will tell Ali. He will be pleased – Salim Said.

So, where are we heading now? – I asked Salim.

Now my friend will take you to Arjaat (Ayn Razzat). You will enjoy this place. Do not hesitate to call me if you need any help. I will be available on phone in case you need any clarification with Ali.

Ayn Razzat

Ali smiled and we headed for Ayn Razzat. It’s a beautiful place with a spring water cannel, surrounded by mountains. One of the mountains had a small cave in it. The flower garden was also lovely.

The garden at Ayn Razzat

As we were leaving Ayn Razzat, I asked Ali: what’s next. He lifted both his hands up as if praying and said: Allah ho Akbar.

I understood it was Friday and it’s time for the weekly prayer in the mosque.

Ali parked his car near a mosque and went inside the mosque after showing his watch to us signalling half an hour. It was a picturesque location. So, instead of waiting in the car we explored the beautiful plains which were green with newly grown wild plants and flowers.

This is how Khareef changes the landscape of Salalah

Next we headed towards Ayn Sahalnoot. It is a natural spring surrounded by limestone formations. Kids were playing and some adults were trying a hand on climbing the hills. Another such site we had visited during our trip was Ain Garzis. It’s also natural spring popular with tourists.

Ayn Sahalnoot

After Sahalnoot, Ali steered towards a hilly road, which I would consider as one of the drives to remember. It was a green tunnel – a curvy road enveloped by lines of trees, dense and deep. It was raining heavily and we drove with lights on. It was a trip of a lifetime. We crossed the long tunnel which took about 25 minutes and came back to the plains.

Road towards the Green Tunnel

On our way back to the hotel, we stopped at Ittin. Ali halted his car near the road side. We went out of the car and tried to climb a small hill. The soil was too slippery. But when we reached to the top we realised the effort was worth taking. It was a full 360 degree view of Salalah. It was green, green and green all over, which Salalah is famous for. People flock here to see the greenery and the monsoon. It’s the well-known Khareef season that turns this place to such a paradise that it’s hard to believe to be a part of the Middle East Asia. And it’s the lesser known people like Ali who makes this place even more beautiful.

Ittin

We reached hotel at about 3 pm. I asked Ali about tomorrow’s programme. He only said: Mughsayl beach. (I will write another blogpost about our visit to Mughsayl beach as I have a lot of things to share about this natural wonder.)

We could have called Salim to get more clarification on next day’s schedule. But we didn’t. We didn’t even call Salim during our trip to Mughsayl beach the next day. We just loved the way we were exploring with Ali. We loved getting lost with Ali.
…

Ali also came to drop us at the bus stop. It was our return journey in a day bus. He parked his car in a place reserved for physically handicapped. During our tour it never got unnoticed that Ali was paralysed. He could move only one hand. But he is a master in driving, which is evident in the way he changes gears with just one hand!

With Ali

We thanked Ali. We called Salim and conveyed our gratitude. Salim advised us to buy some Frankincense before we get into the bus. Ali smiled at us and told something in Arabic. We could not understand the meaning but it was sure that he was not talking about the ATM or the hotel. It must have been some good wishes.

Some journeys are made in earth! They are made to be enjoyable by proper planning, research and expert help. We make all efforts to know in advance about the dos and don’ts and every piece of information that saves us from all the hustles and bustles.

Some other journeys are made in heaven – made out of the blue but turn out to be pleasant! It may be due to the extraordinary ability of the traveler to explore the unknown, or a companion who guides you through the path or due to sheer luck. It reminds me the song – I need to know I can be lost and not afraid.
…
So get ready for a journey where the itinerary is finalized only after it is over! Take the plunge and face the challenge of uncertainty and you will be rewarded by beautiful surprise of discovering something new.

The world’s best Technicolor destinations

2014-11-21T20:08:00.000+04:00

An exclusive guest post by:Holidaylettings – TripAdvisor

So weird, so vivid, so Photoshopped? Some landscapes are just so dramatically shaped and coloured that you can’t believe they’re real. Holiday Lettings travels round the world’s most rainbow-bright places, from strawberry lakes to yellow tulip roads.

Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, China

OK, it took some time to convince us that that this layer cake wasn’t an impressionistic painter’s masterpiece. It’s actually 6 million years’ worth of compressed rock and minerals spanning from colours of deep magenta to maroon and lemon. The impact is even more powerful during sunset when you can admire the shadows and rays of light across the formation. After rainfall, the rocks are like a blazing spectacle of kaleidoscopic colours.

You can hike some of the way around the park, or take a sightseeing car to the four viewing platforms. They’re around 8 km apart and you’ll need to allow about one hour to travel from one point to the other. The second viewing platform is the highest and the panorama is well worth the 666 steps.

Tulips fields, the Netherlands

The Netherlands have blossomed since the first tulip was planted in 1593. Every spring, red, pink, purple and orange flowers completely cover the area outside Amsterdam. The ‘roads’ of yellow blooms reputedly make it look just like a scene from the Wizard of Oz.

The best way to enjoy this landscape must be on an iconic bike ride. Routes through the picturesque fields lead you from the ancient town of Leiden to the gorgeous city of Haarlem. Visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens: its 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths fill over 32 hectares and offer you plenty of opportunities to take your own still-life picture.

Namib-NauluftPark, Namibia

No, it’s not an art installation. It’s the Namib-NaukluftPark. The tinted orange hue is due to the morning sun touching a towering dune – it makes a spectacular backdrop for the hulking camel thorn trees.

Do stay overnight in the park if you can. You can venture into the stark and striking desert terrain and walk amongst the tallest sand dunes in the world in the cool of the morning. Later, witness the breathtaking sunset before spending a blissful evening stargazing.

Lake Retba, Senegal

Photo credit: Jeff Attaway (license) via Flickr.com

It looks like a strawberry milkshake spill or the aftermath of a fuchsia dye disaster. In fact, the water’s high salt content attracts algae (dunaliella salina), which has a pigment that turns the water red. The lake is a striking contrast with the golden sand dunes and bleached mountains of salt stacked up on the shore.

When you visit the lake, you can cruise the dunes, try salt harvesting or just float effortlessly on its surface. You can also go out on the water in a vibrantly decorated wooden canoe (pirogue) to see other boats bobbing around and quaint settlements on the water’s edge.

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park

Photo credit: James St. John (license) via flickr.com

The spring’s multi-hued waters make it the ultimate real-life watercolour with a centre that fades from deep to light blue. Green algae grows along the shallow edge, and a bold strip of yellow deepens to orange around the outside before meeting a rusty red border. As the steam emerges from the water, it turns blue and green. Don’t be tempted to get in though: the spring’s water is too hot to sustain life.

Still fancy a dip of fire and ice? Try a natural hot tub in the Park’s Boiling River. Here a large, hot spring enters the Gardner River, mixing hot and cool waters so that it’s a comfortable temperature to bathe in. Soothe yourself into the warm water and soak up the natural beauty of your surroundings.

What made us cherrypick Turkey as our next destination?

2014-11-20T23:42:00.000+04:00

It’s been so long since we’ve been to somewhere far from what we know! It’s been so very long since we’ve seen the clouds from top. My down to dusk job doesn’t allow me to look beyond the numbers & stats. I know, we desperately need a break but can’t travel now due to personal commitments. But there’s nothing that stops us from planning for a getaway. It was a lazy Friday morning and we had nothing special to do. Out of boredom, we found an interesting way to talk about our next holiday destination.

It’s never easy to decide. We have so many parameters to be considered – nice weather, friendly people, rich culture, delicious food, unique landscapes, indulging adventures and so many things. Most importantly it has to be affordable and not similar to somewhere we’ve already been. After lots of arguments, brainstorming, persuasion and research, we finally zeroed in. I thought it’s worthwhile to share with you what prompted us to zero in on Turkey. Here’s why:

People and Climate: Nobody would like to spoil a holiday by negotiating and bargaining things with people. Travellers love welcome, albeit implicit –from people and the climate. Turkey would not fall short to provide that comfort. People of Turkey are like its weather – they have best of both the worlds - warmth of Asia as well as coolness of Europe, accentuated by the goodness of the Mediterranean. From oceanic to arid, from hot summers to cool winters, from snow to rain, you get to experience everything in different regions of Turkey in different times of the year. However, the best times to visit are April-May and September-November when the weather is pleasant particularly in Istanbul and Cappadocia. Likewise, the people of Turkey are multi-ethnic and multi-cultural and at the same time warm and friendly.

Affordability: The destination must suit our pockets. So, the first thing we did was to search for online air fares. Here’s what we found: Muscat to Istanbul for less than USD300. Not only it is pocket friendly, but also reachable within just 6 hours from Muscat.
If you are flying from some other country then: London to Istanbul for USD 175 (4 hours), London Gatwick to Antalya for USD 150, New York to Istanbul for USD 360 (13.5 hours), Shanghai to Istanbul for USD 470 (15 hours), and so on.

There’s a host of inland flights for travelling from one region of Turkey to another. Travelling by bus for journey within the country is yet another cheaper alternative.

Needless to say, Turkey has great hotels and resorts for both budget as well as luxury travellers. So, Turkey perfectly fitted our criteria.

Cappadocia hot balloon ride. CC image courtesy MrHicks46, flickr.com [license]

Ride a hot air balloon over Cappadocia: Go through any “x number of things to do before you die”, you will find hot balloon ride as one of the experiences to indulge in. I have never done this but always dreamt of doing it. Just imagine yourself in a hot air balloon over the stunning landscape of historic Cappadocia (a world heritage site), observing the volcanic rocks, fairy chimneys, ancient houses and temples carved into rocks and all the geological wonders. It’s definitely an experience of a lifetime!

Witness the rich heritage and architecture: The Ottoman Empire has left behind its mark which can be seen in the historic monuments. A perfect culmination of Europe, Middle East and Mediterranean, Turkish heritage and architecture can be best seen in Istanbul’s 400 years old Blue Mosque, more than 2000 years old Hagia Sofia, Ancient Greek town of Ephesus which dates back to 10th century BC, underground city of Derinkuyu which was built to hide its citizens from the invaders, ancient city of Troy made famous by Homer’s epic Iliad and so many places that offers a peep into the history of Turkey.

Hagia Sofia

Taste the delicacies: Turkish cuisine is a gastronomic delight. We had first tasted Turkish food in a Turkish Airlines flight. Also, there’s no dearth of Turkish restaurants in Muscat. Nevertheless, taking Turkish food in Turkey is something that will appeal to all the foodies. On top of my list are: a delicious Menemen breakfast, well known foods such as Kebabs, Doner, Kofte or Dolma, fresh fish stuffed with eggplant, Baklava sweet, Turkish cheese, yogurt and all the other specialities including a refreshing cup of brewing Turkish Coffee.

Baklava Sweet. CC Image Courtesy: Garrett Ziegler, flickr.com [license]

Experience the culture: If you appreciate music and dance, Turkey will never fail to score high in your list. Turkish culture has originated from its Ottoman Empire and influenced by Sufi, European and lately by the western wind. Visiting Turkey means a chance to enjoy its traditional as well as modern dance & music. Among others, traditional folk Halay dance (National dance), Hora dance, Zeybec dance and Belly dance would definitely appeal culture lovers.

Courtesy: Odil Ruzaliyev (VOA) (Voice of America) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Landscapes: Turkey is bestowed with so much natural beauty and varied landscapes that it would be hard to list down a few attractions. Yet I’ve found the following choices intriguing:

To spend leisurely time in one of the many spectacular beaches of Mediterranean, Black Sea or Aegean Sea.

To take a boat trip and visit one of the nearby islands.

Experience, the 17 hot springs of Pamukkale and swim for free in the hot waters of the natural pool formed by the white calcium – another world heritage site.

Pamukkale. CC Image courtesy: Josep Salvia i bote, flickr.com [license]

Visit Gallipoli peninsula and see the war memorials and the wild valley.

Visit one of the magnificent waterfalls such as Manavgat or Duden waterfalls.

The list is never ending.

And that’s not all. There’s so many other activities. You can stay back, relax and take a Hamam Bath. It’s a traditional Turkish spa that refreshes mind and body. If you are a shopaholic, you can get all you want from traditional items and souvenirs to modern and fashionable apparels. Istanbul is famous for carpets, ceramics, dry fruits, textiles, jewellery and handicrafts.

So, what you are waiting for? Get the backpack and head for Turkey. It will be an experience to remember beyond doubt. Do share your thoughts on Turkey or about any other place that you consider your dream destination.

Al Mazara

2014-07-19T12:37:00.000+04:00

Wadi Dayqah dam, Lake and the virgin landscape

How would you feel, if you happen to visit a pristine lake surrounded by unspoilt landscape, that too in a scorching dry country like Oman all of a sudden? Wouldn’t it be a pleasant surprise? What’s more could an explorer in Oman ask for, than a visit to Al Mazara – a hidden treasure carefully preserved by nature as a surprise gift to the visitors!

It was not so long after my beginning of life at Muscat that I started to appreciate the beauty of the sunlit naked brown mountains of the country. By that time, I just had some brief orientations of the hot rocky capital of Oman between my busy schedules and lots of surprises of the unknown land were waiting to be explored. Because, as they say Oman is not only about beaches and rocky mountains, it also offers hidden treasures for explorers and nature lovers.

It was November and the climate was beginning to become pleasant when one of my colleagues offered us a trip to Al Mazara without letting us know what it exactly is. I searched all overt Internet but couldn’t find anything. We went ahead and it turned out to be a fabulous trip both the journey and the destination. We thanked them for taking us to this little known gem of nature. Since then, we have been to this place many times. Whenever, we had a guest or a relative, we made it a point to show them this amazing place.

The Lake of Al Mazara

The views: The dam, which was built on the wadi Dayqah to generate hydroelectric power has resulted in opulence of blue water in the lake. It has also dried up the wadi. It is only when the dam releases water, the wadi gets flooded. And when this happens, people in large numbers flock to the wadi to enjoy the cool waters of the wadi.

The Lake of al Mazara

The park at Al Mazara

However, swimming and fishing are not allowed in the lake. Public are not even allowed to go near the lake. It can only be viewed from the park. For this, one needs to enter through the gate of the wadi daqah dam and drive upwards through the slopes. There is ample parking space and a restaurant near the park. The first view from the park is the large blue lake surrounded by majestic brown hills. Moving ahead, one can see the dam and walk over it to reach the view point. The view point offers all encompassing 360° view of the lake on one side and the wadi on the other. The large green vegetation under the shadow of date palm trees which decorates the bank of the wadi can also be seen from there.

Wadi Dayqah Dam

View from Wadi Dayqah Dam

The lake of al Mazara

It is also possible to reach the base of the dam. For this, one needs to come out of the park and drive downwards towards the base area. If you are lucky, you would visit this place on a day when the water is released from the dam. This is the place which offers a marvellous view of the water gushing out of the dam and one can hear the sound of water and can feel the scattering droplets of water all over body. What’s more, it even makes colourful rainbows when the sun shines on the water droplets that moisten and fill up the air that blows all over the place.

Water being released from Wadi Dayqah Dam

Rainbow formation at Wadi Dayqah Dam

In case you want to visit the wadi, you need to come out of the campus of the wadi Dayqah dam and move ahead towards the small Omani village through a narrow road. Once you reach the wadi, you need to park the car and walk down. As I said, there is nothing in the wadi unless they are releasing water on a fine day. However, there are lots to explore in the farmland where the Omani farmers grow varieties of fruits and vegetables such as papaya, banana, eggplant, etc. The farm is protected from the sunlight by a large number of date palm trees and irrigated by water cannels from the lake. I would strongly recommend you to buy some dates and other fruits from the farmers. If you are lucky you will be there in the right season and meet the right person to buy the fresh fruits.

Full flowing Wadi Dayqah

Omani farmland near Wadi Dayqah

A lot of things have been told in details about what Al Mazara could offer to you. However, it is not only this incredible place that would mesmerize you. The journey to this place is equally enchanting. So, now I must tell you about the panoramic path that leads to this place through grand mountains and imposing landscapes.

The journey: It was a Friday morning and we started from Muscat at around 9:30 am. It’s just one and a half hours drive along the ups and downs of the mountain road. Soon after, we took a left turn from the Hatat roundabout towards Al Amerat. It’s an old road which was completely destroyed during hurricane Gonu in 2007. The new road was under construction then. The new elevated road curved in the lofty mountains and connected with tall bridges was opened in the year 2013. This road offers a scenic drive and presents a breathtaking view of the valley and the mountains.

New road to Amerat

After reaching Amerat, we turned left from the 4^th roundabout towards Quriyat. It’s a wide highway surrounded by mountains. The road leads to Sur through a small town called Quriayt. The road from Quriat to Sur offers a scenic coastal drive about which I will write in another blogpost.

For now let’s steer towards the beautiful lake of Al Mazara. After driving for about 80 kilometres from Al Amerat, we would take a right turn just before reaching Quriyat and move towards Hail Al Ghaf (a new signpost “Wadi Dayqah Dam” has recently been enacted). We would then cross a wide bridge over a wadi. The wadi remains dry most of the times but it had clear signs of water flow. Whenever there is a rainfall, the wadi gets flooded with water. A few minutes after crossing the wadi, we would again turn right on the signpost Al Misfah. A few more kilometres and we then turn left on the signpost Al Mazara. We would now ascend for about about 10 kiliomers along the sloppy road and finally reach the gate of the dam.

On the way to Al Mazara

Entrance to Wadi Dayqah Dam

During the whole journey, one thing you can not escape here is the hills that come in different sizes, shapes and colours! As I said earlier,

Oman

is such a jewel of nature that will even make you enjoy the beauty of naked mountains! I do not know how and when these mountains were formed and who has painted them in so many varied colours, but the view was astounding with Black, red, pink, yellow, violet, maroon and so many unknown colours that adored the rocks of the hills. Some of them are marble stones, some looked like a stack of sand papers, some looked like iron hard and some like a brownie ice cream!

At the most I know is that a zillion years is required for formation these natural wonders. Nature takes its own course and creates marvels. Man makes endeavours to create the same wonders in a much less time. The rocks and sands of Oman have tasted time eternal. The natural spring water lake of Al Mazara from where the Wadi Dayqah originates has taken a different course with the construction of the barrier for generation of hydroelectric power.

The pristine Lake and the virgin landscape

Some more views of the Lake

The Lake and the virgin landscape

The view of the resort

View from the top - the lake of Al Mazara

The place has also changed in last 3 years. The good thing is that a small resort with a park overlooking the lake has been built. The bad thing is that access to a part of the lake has been restricted for visitors. There has also been increase in the tourists over the years and nowadays the place becomes crowded on weekends. Many Indian movies have used this place as a backdrop for filming songs. The place is gradually finding a mention in many travelogues and is becoming a must visit attraction.

Paradise Gardens of Kashmir

2014-05-31T18:19:00.001+04:00

Kashmir – a place that has been associated with Paradise since ages, a destination that has been every Indian’s dream to visit, a valley that has caught every traveller’s fascination, a backdrop that has been filmed by numerous Indian movies of the bygone days. My childhood dream of visiting this heaven on earth- mostly fuelled by the Eastman coloured Hindi movies and fascinating travel stories has been slowly fading away. Modern day Indian films too have ignored Kashmir and found many better backdrops abroad while the terrorists have found Kashmir a better place to dwell! The insurgent activities have taken a toll on the tourism industry of Kashmir and the heaven started to become a hell.

I had to cancel once my planned trip to Kashmir due to the unrest in the valley. However, things are changing and hope it will continue to change for better and the tourism in this valley will prosper in days to come.

After much planning and thinking, one fine day, we flew from Muscat to Srinagar – the capital of Kashmir. It was April 2012, a great time to visit the valley, a season when the Tulips bloom and the ice starts melting. The situation of the valley was normal and tourists, mostly Indians have packed out all the must visit sites!

The first view: As our plane was approaching Srinagar, a magnificent panorama of snow capped mountains and yellow mustard fields appeared through the flight windows. Wish I had a window seat with a high resolution camera ready in my hands! Nevertheless, I kept my eyes wide open and tried to grab as much as possible this view of heaven from the top! Certain memories do not need a camera to hold, they are imprinted on mind. This was one of such memories.

The Dal Lake: The purpose of writing this article is to tell you about the hundreds of years old magnificent gardens of Srinagar. Yet, no writing on Srinagar is complete without mentioning the Dal Lake – the jewel of Kashmir, a sprawling lake of over 25 square km right at the heart of the city. This is the lake from where river Jhelum has originated. Nagin Lake and Wullar Lake are the two other prominent lakes in the city. These lakes are almost frozen during the winter. The spring and summer are best time for tourists to enjoy the beauty of Kashmir, be it the blooming flowers, yellow mustard fields or a night stay at one of the many houseboats across the length and breadth of these lakes. It’s truly an unforgettable experience to stay on these houseboats floating over the scenic lake with a panoramic view of the mighty snow clad mountains.

Floating market at Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir

The Dal Lake is also famous for its Shikara ride – a quintessential boat ride also known as the water taxi of Kashmir. Shikara can be used to visit the floating market, the floating vegetable & flower gardens, the floating post office and the majestic gardens such as Shalimar Bagh or Nishat Bagh.

This lake has found its place in many creative works and continues to inspire the artists be it for a creative art or for a lyrical masterpiece!

Shikaras at Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir

The breathtaking view of this lake also compliments the royal gardens of Kashmir about which I’m writing in the following passages.

Shalimar Bagh: Way back in the year 1616, Mughal emperor Jahangir built this beautiful garden for his beloved wife Noor Jahan. Designed in Persian style, this garden is surrounded by Chinar trees and is full of fountains, flowers and manicured gardens. The garden has got three terraces – each one designed with a specific purpose. During the rule of the Mughals, only the first terrace – known as Diwan-e-Aam was opened to the public. The second terrace was reserved for the royal guests and aristocrats and it was called Diwan-e-Khas. The third and the highest one called Zenana or Harem was only for the king and his wives.

Shalimar Bagh. CC Image Courtesy shahbasharat https://flic.kr/p/5emPem

Nishat Bagh: This is largest of all the Mughal gardens of Kashmir. Designed by Jahangir’s broder in law Asaf Khan, this garden was built in the year 1633. Located on the eastern banks of Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, which means garden of joy, has 12 terraces, each one full with flowers, lawns and tall trees – the most impressive of which are the chinar and cypress trees.
All the terraces of Nishat Bagh have water pools coupled with fountains, the 11th one has the highest number of fountains, 25. The 12th terrace or the Zenana terrace was exclusively for the King and the royal ladies.

Nishat Bagh is at a distance of 25 km from the airport and can be reached by both road or a Shikara ride on the Dal Lake

Nishat Bagh. CC Image Courtesy mckaysavage https://flic.kr/p/6YkX4q

Chasme Shahi Garden:

Chashme Shahi Garden, Srinagar

Built in the year 1632 during the Shah Jahan rule, this one is the smallest Mughal garden of Kashmir. The garden is full with different varieties of fragrant flowers, lawns, waterfall and fountains and provides a breathtaking view of the green mountains.

The name Chashme Shahi means the royal spring and the garden is built around a spring. The water of the spring is believed to have medicinal importance. The garden is designed in Persian style and it overlooks the mighty Dal Lake on one side and the Zabarwan hills on the other.

Chashme shahi Garden, Srinagar

Char Chinar Garden :

This one is a tiny island garden located in the Dal Lake which can be reached by a Shikara boat. The name char chinar is derived from the four Chinar trees that stand across the boundary of the island as a landmark. Chinar trees grow in abundance in this region and have been a pert of Kashmiri life and tradition.

Char Chinar Garden, Srinagar

Pari Mahal:

Pari Mahal, Srinagar

Located on the slopes of Zabarwan hills, near the Chasme Shahi Garden, this charming garden was built at the ruins of a Buddhist monastery. This ancient monument is believed to be constructed for the purpose of astronomical observations by prince Dara Shukoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan in the year 1650. He named it after his wife Nadira Begum, who was also known as Pari Begum.

The garden of Pari Mahal has six terraces spreading across an area of over 7500 square meters. The gardens are watered by a nearby spring.

Tulip Garden:

Tulip Garden, Srinagar

This is a new addition to the age old tradition of Kashmiri gardens. Decorated with lines of different varieties and colours of Tulip flowers spreading across 15 hectars, this garden is a real delight to the senses. One of the most visited attractions of Srinagar, the ideal time to visit this garden is during March and April when the flowers are in full bloom. The garden was opened only a few years ago and since then it has found a place in the heart of the tourists. Tulips are very delicate flowers and can be grown only in favourable weather conditions. Kashmir is one of the very few places on earth that suits the Tulip plantation. Over 1.2 million Tulips of different varieties bloom every year here making this garden look like a colourful carpet on the foothills of Zabarwan mountains

Tulip Garden, Srinagar

Apart from these wonderful gardens and lakes, Srinagar has many other attractions - Hazratbal Mosque, Hari Parbat Fort, Shankaracharya Temple, Sri Pratap Singh Museum and so many other tourist places which I could not visit during my short stay in the city. Finally, I conclude by sharing a few advices which might be helpful if you are planning a vacation to Srinagar for the first time.

1. How to reach: Srinagar airport is well connected with the international airports in Delhi and Mumbai. Some flights also have a stopover at Jammu. The airport security is very tight and time consuming. Be prepared for it and reach the airport early while returning. Srinagar can also be reached by car from nearest railway station Jammu (258 km) and from Delhi (876 km)

2. Be aware: Keep a track of the latest happenings in the state and if you come across any news of violence or unrest in the region, do not hesitate to cancel the trip even at the last moment.

3. Be safe: Book the accommodation well in advance. The tourists are often approached by stray agents, guides or porters. Better to avoid them. Also, do not buy anything from roaming vendors who try to lure the tourists to sell their products or services.

4. Be careful: Keep your belongings safely. Never trust strangers.

5. Dealing with locals: Bargain hard. The price is often overstated to the tourists, particularly the foreigners.

6. Things to buy: Kashmir is famous for Cashmere (Pashmina) shawls. You can buy it as a souvenir or for your winter use, but only from a good store. Never buy from stray vendors. You can also consider buying carpets and saffron (kesar).

7. Nearby attractions: Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg are some of the great places to visit while you are in Srinagar. You can also plan one or two night-stays in some of these places. Kashmir is full of natural beauty. Try to enjoy it as much as possible with a well planned itinerary.

Notwithstanding the underdeveloped tourism industry of the state and incidences of violence, tourists can’t resist visiting Kashmir for its scenic beauty and the paranormal experience of heaven on earth. The beauty of Kashmir can only be felt by staying there and exploring the city at a slow pace. It’s a must visit destination for all, particularly for nature lovers. Kashmir is awe-inspiring, incredible, out of the world - I could have written more, only if I had any word left in my vocabulary.

Beaches of Oman

2014-05-01T00:49:00.001+04:00

Do all beaches look similar? If Sun, Sands and Waves are the only ingredients of a beach, they do. Then why do some beaches appeal more than the rest? What makes a beach special? Why do people flock to some particular beaches and avoid the rest of the bunch?

I still remember the sight of my life’s first beach view at Rushikonda beach of Vizag, India. Since then I’ve had many beach experiences- the most unforgettable of all these was an aerial view of Blue Bay of Mauritius on my honeymoon trip.

Fortunately, I happen to stay at Muscat, Oman, which is home to many spectacular beaches. The Gulf of Oman on the east and Arabian Sea on the south of Oman bestow some breathtaking views and plethora of aquatic life. Tourists come to this country to see dolphins, birds and green turtles and fall in love with its magnificent beaches.

Here are some of the great beaches of

Oman

I visited time and again during the last 2 and half years.

Qantab Beach:

This one is a unique beach decorated by brown rock formations. Visiting this place before noon would offer a breathtaking view of shining rocky islands reflecting the sunlight. The rocks are located right on the sea and are of different size, shape and architecture. Boating on the sea through these rocky islands is a must do activity of Qantab beach. It’s also an ideal place for swimming, snorkelling and barbequing, particularly during the evening when the weather is nice, the sea winds are around and the amber rays of the setting Sun colourise the sea surface.

Qantab is located just at a 20 minutes drive from the heart of Muscat. Not far from the beach, there is this beautiful resort of Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah. The short drive from Qantab towards this resort offers some amazing views of the sea and the rocky hills which are worth clicking for a perfect postcard of Muscat.

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah resort near Qantab Beach

Yitti Beach:

20 Kilometres from Qantab, and you are here at Yitti. Another exciting beach, much larger than Qantab. The excess sands at the beach might turn you off at the first place but the long stretch of beach offers an ideal opportunity for jogging. You can also give a try to rock climbing or a more subtle family picnic. It’s a happening place and you can choose from playing football to quad biking.

Qurum Beach:

This one is my favourite weekend pastime. What makes me come to this place again and again? May be it is the proximity to the city, or the clear sand & water, or the 3 kilometer long stretch of beach, or maybe I love relaxing on the green lawn under the shades of coconut trees! Whatever be the reason, this plain vanilla beach attracts all – natives, expats and tourists. Many big hotels which are located on this beach have made this place a roaming ground for all kinds of tourists and beach lovers.

Beach of Sur:

Sur has some of the finest exotic beaches. Being the easternmost tip of Oman, Sur has best of both the seas – Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. The rich marine life and vibrant sea have made Sur a tourists’ heaven. Turtle watching and bird watching form major tourist interests. Many beach in and around Sur such as Ras Al Hadd, Ras Al Jinz, have become famous for Green Turtles that come to this place for laying eggs at the beach. The 200 km drive from Muscat to Sur along the coastal road is also an experience to remember.

Tiwi Beach:

This beach is located along the new Sur road from Muscat to Sur. This is the place where Wadi Tiwi meets the sea. This is an oasis full of green water, trees and vegetation. The beach is filled with small stones and as such not ideal for any activity. However, it’s an ideal spot for picnic and bird watching, particularly near the wadi. The breathtaking view of the sparkling blue water and the clean beach would beckon everyone who happen to pass by the bridge over the wadi.

Al Sawadi:

Just take a barefoot walk at this beach and you will be mildly pinched by something in your feet. Look down and you will be delighted to see innumerable sea shells of myriad of colours. These seashells that decorate the shoreline of Al Sawadi beach is the result of the rich aqua life of the sea. Probably that is why this beach has become an ideal snorkelling and diving destination.

There are a number of resorts near this beach. Tourists also don’t mind to travel the distance of 110 km from Muscat to enjoy the marine life of Al Sawadi. Boats are available on hire, which can be used to visit the nearby islands. These islands are ideal for a family picnic.

Anonymous:

Finally, take a look at this tiny yet secluded beach. Located not far from Qantab beach, this romantic escape would require you to take a boat ride or to take the challenge of climbing down the rocks! There are many such unknown or lesser known beaches all around Oman that would be a delight for adventure seekers or those looking for an offbeat beach experience.

This is not an exhaustive list of the beaches of

Oman

. I am yet to visit many other great beaches of this country about which I’ve heard fascinating descriptions such as the beaches of Dhofar, Sohar and Duqm.

Now, coming back to – what makes a beach special? Based on my experience I would say – friendly local people, complimenting landscapes, nice weather, availability of recreational facilities, richness of marine life and above all great company are the perfect ingredients to make a beach getaway special. The beaches of Oman may not be part of every traveller’s wish list, but they wouldn’t disappoint one if you evaluate a beach based on these parameters. The secluded and unspoilt nature of some of the beaches would appeal one and all beyond doubt.

Wadi Bani Khalid – an Oasis in the midst of desert.

2014-03-14T19:55:00.000+04:00

Ideas for a perfect weekend in the midst of sands, mountains and wild wadis of Oman

How would you feel plunging into a natural swimming pool that is constantly replenished by fresh spring water? How about a family picnic in a cool and quite environ under the shadow of a sunkissed mountain? Is rock climbing or trekking interest you? Are you in the mood of taking a relaxed fish pedicure?

All these experiences, yes everything mentioned above coupled with a background that reminisces a perfect Arabian Desert oasis would come alive once you enter this beautiful landscape called Wadi Bani Khalid. We have been to this place twice and wouldn’t mind to be there for a third time!

...

As you travel along the old Sur road and enter the Sharqiyah region at about a distance of 200 km from Muscat, the view of rocky and dry mountains, that is very much archetypal of the Sultanate of Oman, slowly disappears into endless red sand dunes of its only desert – Wahiba Sands. Not far from this desert – may be just at a distance of 30 kilometers or so from desert town of Bidiya, there is this natural wetland we are talking about – an oasis full of greenery fed by continuous flow of natural spring waters. It’s a small village called Wadi Bani Khalid (WBK) where the farmers cultivate varieties of fruits, vegetables and crops.

The colourful road towards Wadi Bani Khalid

As you reach the dead end of the road, you need to park the car and walk for around 300 meters along the artificial water cannels that channelize spring water into farmlands. Upon crossing this narrow passage covered with tall grass and wet soil, the view of the emerald lake will welcome you. Many tourists return from this lake without noticing the signpost directing to the Mukal Cave (Muqal cave in some boards). Yes, the real thrill and fun is yet to be reached. For this, you need to trek for another 400 meters to see the natural pool, small waterfall and finally the cave.

Springwater cannels

Wadi Bani Khalid - first view

After climbing down the uneven rocks, once you reach the open area, you can engage yourself in lots of activities- you can swim across the narrow wadi carved between white rocks, dip yourself into the pool and relax lazily while a hoard of fish gently tickle your skin (fish spa is believed to be a great skin treatment as it cleans by removing the dead skin), or you can further go ahead to find the source of the spring, explore the Mukal cave and lose yourself in the wilderness of the wadi.

It’s truly a delight, a paradise not much explored. You will not find many tourists here (only if you visit during weekdays), nor has this place found a mention in many travel guides. Away from the hustles and bustles, this place will steal your heart with its calm and quite milieu and breathtaking view.

This pool is ideal for fish pedicure

How to reach:

If you like reading directions, here is a short description of the road to WBK

1. If you start from Muscat, head towards airport. Just after crossing the airport take left turn from Al Mawalah roundabout towards Nizwa. This is a dual carriageway road, route no. 15 to be precise, that leads to Nizwa.

2. After half an hour or so, you will reach the town of Fanja. Keep moving straight until you reach Bidbid. From here, take a left turn towards Ibra. This is route no. 23 and a single carriageway which means a tardy driving experience.

3. After one and half hour or so, you will reach Ibra. Keep moving straight and you will enter the Sharqiah region. Here, you will be greeted by a view of red sand dunes on both sides of the road and if you are lucky you might see hoards of camels!

4. The town near the Wahiba sands is called Bidiya. Once you cross Bidiya and travel for around 15 km, you need to look cautiously towards left for a brown signboard written Wadi Bani Khalid and Mukal Cave. Take a left turn.

5. Keep moving until you hit a T junction. Take left from here. Then take the second right turn to reach the parking. From here, you can clearly see the fertile valley and vegetation. Start walking for about 10 minutes along the cannels that irrigate the place. Here you are!

Found the directions confusing? Not a problem. Just have look at this google map:

View Larger Map

Once you reach near the place, you might find it difficult to exactly locate the place. Ask any local villager where the water pool is located. Never ask where is WBK, because the entire village is called Wadi Bani Khalid. The villager will be more than happy to guide you.

What to see and do:

Here is a list of things to see and do at WBK – arranged from low to high activity level:

#Visit the village and see the farmland, #Picnic and BBQ, #Fish Therapy, #Trekking, #Swimming, #Snorkeling, #Diving, #Rock climbing, # Exploring inside the Mukal cave.

Follow the directions in brown signboard towards the cave

Lots of things to do…! Still not tired….? Willing to do more….? Well, there are so many other things to see and do, but for this you need to come out of the wadi. Look through the itinerary section below where I’m mentioning various other activities in nearby places that you can club with your WBK adventure.

Precautions to take:

1. Once you enter the wadi, you will notice a signboard asking the tourists not to engage any local villager for porter or any other services. Still, some local children might approach you to guide you through the valley anticipating some tips. There is no need for a tourist guide unless you want to explore the inside of the cave. Nonetheless, there is no harm in offering a small tip to the young kid.

2. Never swim in the first pool. It is full of algae and fungus that might harm your skin.

Never swim here

3. Whatever activities you engage in, always be watchful. For, there is no doctor or pharmacy nearby. In case of a medical need, the nearest place to go is Sur which is at a distance of 110 km.

4. Keep water and food items with you. The nearest restaurant is at Bidiya – at a distance of 35 km. Also, don’t forget to bring a torch/flashlight in case you want to explore the cave.

5. In case of heavy rain, or even mild rain continuing for more than half an hour, leave this place immediately. Rain waters flow down from all the mountains and engulf the wadi very quickly. The whole area might get flooded in no time and eventually lead to a road block. Oman has lost many lives in floods caused by rainwater. The wadis in Oman turn very dangerous in case of rain.

Plan your itinerary for 2 days of stay at Oman:

Wadi Bani Khalid is an experience to remember, a must visit site of Oman. Still, you would like to have more fun to compensate the long drive of 7 hours (3 and half hours each side), especially if you are visiting Oman for a short duration and want to explore as much as possible in a short time. So, here is an itinerary how you can club other must visit attractions of Oman for an overnight stay:

1. Reach WBK at about 10 am in the morning. Irrespective of your choice of activity to do, you can spend at least 3 hours at this place. Thereafter head towards Wahiba sands (35 km) for Dune bashing at the desert (Remember to book a car in advance for dune bashing, or you can get one at Bidiya).

2. a) Stay overnight at a desert camp. A number of tour operators offer desert night camps. Book one in advance. Many of them offer barbeque dinner, local musical song and dance shows, camel riding etc. Spending a night at a desert camp with campfire and music will definitely remind you of the stories from Arabian nights that you might have read in your childhood.

A view of Wahiba Sands

b) In case you do not prefer to stay at a desert camp, you can head to Sur (110 km) where you can get a range of budget hotels. Choose the one you find most uncomfortable! Because you need to get up at night! People from all around the world folk here to wake up at midnight to see green turtles laying eggs on the beach. In fact there are a number of cozy resorts near Sur that specialise in turtle watching. Be careful not to disturb the turtles. Just follow your guide and have a memorable experience of watching big turtles crowding up the beach to lay eggs.

Sur bridge

3. Next morning, wake up late and enjoy the view of beautiful beaches of Sur. Visit the hanging bridge of Sur and then take the 200 km long new Sur-Muscat road (route 17) to get back to Muscat. Don’t worry, it’s a dual carriageway and takes only 2 hours to Muscat. But, the beautiful view of the sea on one side and East Hajar mountain on the other side coupled with stunning landscapes and must visit attractions wouldn’t let you reach Muscat in 2 hours!

4. Things to see and do along the new Sur Road: Lots! Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, Bimah Sinkhole, Wadi al Arbaeen, and the list go on. But I realise now my article getting too lengthy and I’m afraid I might turn you off. So, I stop here and promise to write about all the great things that could happen to you along the new Sur road in another blog article.

Other facts:

Finally I could not resist writing about some facts I found worth sharing about these places.

1. If you are not from the Middle East, you might be wondering what a Wadi is! It’s just like a river that only carries rainwater or spring water to the sea. They are mostly dry. In case of heavy rain, wadis are flooded with water from all the surrounding mountains.

2. Wadi bani Khalid is located at a mountain gorge. It is surrounded by tall steep mountains from all the sides, which means a late morning and an early evening.

3. The turn off from highway (route no. 23) to Wadi Bani Khalid crisscrosses many hills on its way. These hills are decorated in colourful stones as if someone has carelessly painted them using all possible colours available in this universe. Perhaps only a geologist can tell you the real meaning of these colours!

Coloured mountains - on the way to WBK

4. October is the peak time for turtle watching in Oman as approximately 20,000 turtles or more lay an estimated 50,000-60,000 eggs each year in the Sultanate. (Source of this information: Oman Tourism)

5. Sur is located at the conjunction of two seas – Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. Maybe due to this reason it has got some spectacular wild beaches that are a pleasure to indulge in!

A Friday Morning at Shatti Al Qurum Beach

2014-02-23T23:41:00.000+04:00

It’s a cool February Friday morning at Muscat. After a daylong unusually heavy rainfall on Thursday, the Sun has come out with all its grandeur and brightness. And we are at our typical weekend spot - Shatti Al Qurum Beach. Nothing unusual about this. But today, the sea appeared bluer, the lawn appeared greener, the sands appeared cleaner & clearer and the atmosphere appeared more vibrant. Is it because of the allure of the Sunshine or the magic of Friday the 14th February?

For me, it’s a great opportunity to snap some photographs. Grateful to nature for the lighting, backdrop and the special effects on my photographs. Wish I could spend a whole day at this place, but bad luck – there’s no toilet here! There are however, several water showers to clean off the sands after a plunge at the sea.

It’s also a top barbeque destination of Oman. People flock here for kite flying too.

I have found some amazing trees that are creating a perfect canvas with the sea at the background. Click, Click, Click.

Package Tour or Independent Travel - which one is right for you:

2014-02-19T01:03:00.002+04:00

Just wanted to share something from my experience. If it benefits someone, I would be happy. We are often confused while deciding between an all inclusive guided arranged tour and a self arranged tour. I have experienced both and given a choice and abundance of money & time, I would love to explore a place first by a package tour and then on my own.

Image courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Guided tours are great as they offer a professional orientation to a place. We benefit from their experience & expertise. On the other hand, if someone wants to dive deeper and can plan well, it’s better to explore the place on one’s own.

I wouldn’t write a big essay on pros & cons of both the styles of travelling to make you more confused. As they say, one size does not fit all, here is a short & precise checklist to find out what sort of tour style is ideal for whom.

Package/ Guided/ Group tours	Self arranged
Ideal for whom
1. Big sized families	1. Honeymooners
2. Once in a blue moon travellers	2. Regular explorers
3. Family with kids	3. Couples, group of friends, back packers
4. Travellers with tight/ fixed budget	4. Ready to spend a little more than budget.
5. You can mix-up well with strangers/ anybody.	5. You love privacy
6. You love discipline & punctuality	6. You enjoy freedom
7. You want to see the major attractions	7. Special interest travellers
8. You want to be in a comfort zone in an alien land	8. You don’t mind getting lost.
9. Exploring turbulent places.	9. Exploring a stable, peaceful country
10. You hate googling, planning and making all sorts of arrangements	10. You love planning, making arrangements and do not hate uncertainties
11. On the go	11. Relaxing
12. Looking for tried and tested.	12. Like to get off the beaten track
13. You’re on a tight schedule	13. You don’t mind changing schedule
14.Enjoy the destination	14. Enjoy the journey as well
15. Expecting gifts, goodies, discounts, complimentary offers, etc.	15. Prefer to buy yourself whatever you need.

Now start ticking whichever of the above are applicable to you. Select the side with the highest ticks.

The bottom-line – Travel agencies earn by offering economies of scale, their information edge and planning expertise. If you have time & willingness to research beforehand and love/ not afraid of exploring unknown lands, you save the travel agent commission by being your own guide.

Found this useful? Or, disagree? I would love to have your comments.


Image courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net	Image courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Gardens of Oman: Qurum Natural Park

2014-02-15T00:16:00.000+04:00

Qurum Natural Park

Right at the heart of Oman’s stony capital Muscat, there lies an oasis of green trees, endless manicured beds of flowers, water fountains, artificial water falls and large play area – suitable for the people of all age groups for relaxation. Leaving aside the hot months of the year (April to October), the rest of the year has a special package for this park – view of blooming flowers, gentle winds carrying the fragrance of flowers, sounds of chirping birds – all put together, a great treat for your senses!

Spreading over 400 acres of land at Al Qurum area of Muscat, this garden attracts a large number of visitors during winter months. Children love playing, some love jogging, some others love sitting leisurely on the soft grass. On the farthest corner of the garden, there is an artificial waterfall, the ceaseless waters of which have given rise to a small ecosystem full of green grass and wetland in the midst of desert.

This largest garden of Muscat also has a replica of an ancient Omani village showcasing the Omani lifestyle of bygone era.

Traditional Omani Village - Inside Qurum Natural Park

After a long walk encircling the garden, we got exhausted and set on a bench. I tried for Wi-Fi; it didn’t work. It works only near the entrance. We ordered tea from a café and relaxed for some time enjoying the fabulous surroundings.

When it was time for supper, we came out of the park. As of food is considered, the park has two restaurants- one is Al Maida that serves authentic Arabic food and the other is a theme restaurant called Jungle. However, we headed for City Centre mall instead which is just half a kilometre away from the park. It’s got a small food joint and some food shops. We chose one called Chowking. I could not resist mentioning two of the delicacies we had that evening – one is Chicken with Indonesian Rice and the other one - grilled vegetables with Tofu Rice. It was delectably good!

Indonesian rice with chicken

Tofu rice with vegetables

Historic Royal Palace of England: Hampton Court Palace and Garden

2014-02-12T23:03:00.000+04:00

Hampton Court Palace

If things such as history, architecture and archaeology interest you, then you can head, without a second thought, to the historic royal palaces of London. Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Banqueting House, Kew Palace and Tower of London are some of such places that offer you a peak into the history of England. If such things don’t interest you, the beautiful palace gardens would all likely to suit your senses.

Though I’m not much into history, I had some idea about King Henry VIII – I read stories about his six unsuccessful marriages, about executing his own wives by beheading them and about his majestic royal residence built way back in early 1500’s.

So, on a cloudy morning, we headed for this oldest surviving Tudor palace in England. Located at London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Greater London, in the county of Middlesex, the palace has a 60-acre riverside garden. On entering the palace, we saw some musicians dressed in Tudor inspired costumes, playing ancient music of that age. As we were exploring the inside of the palace, the live commentary about the history of this palace was being played on the audio gears provided by HRP (historic Royal Palaces) – an independent charitable trust that maintains the palace.

Tudor styled musicians - Hampton Court Palace

We walked down the history lane and explored the corridors, church, royal halls, King Henry’s state rooms and Tudor kitchens. For painting lovers, one major attraction of this palace is a series of nine paintings titled -Triumphs of Caesar, created by the Italian Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna between 1484 and 1492. Regret! Completely oblivious about paintings, we didn't care to take a snap of these paintings. We came to know about them only after coming out of the palace. Alike, we happened to heard eerie stories about the palace’s haunted halls only after leaving the place!

Inside Hampton Court Palace

After having enough of history, we turned towards the palace garden to see the blooming flowers, the famous maze, and the huge grape vine. While we were walking along the small pavements of the garden, it started to drizzle. It was cold and hungry we headed to have some warm food cooked at a Tudor kitchen! The food was a delight.

Hampton Court Palace Garden

Great Vines - Hampton Court Palace Garden

Hampton Court Palace may not be as architecturally sophisticated as the likes of Versailles Palace of France. However its garden is enchantingly beautiful and its history is as fascinating as the history of any other royal dynasty. Just a walk through this palace, offers a glimpse to the history of old

England

A drive through the English countryside

2014-02-10T17:37:00.000+04:00

We reached London two days before our scheduled packaged tour – because it was a weekend at Oman; also because we wanted to explore London on our own. On top of agenda was a drive through the beautiful countryside of England. It was no less than a fairy-tale drive through the beautiful landscape. My photos tell the rest:

It's a land we wanted to explore since our childhood. And as we were driving past the quite and ancient looking landscape, the characters from my childhood tales set at this backdrop came alive in my mind.

Longest day of my life: Flying from Muscat to Gatwick

2014-02-10T11:24:00.001+04:00

If you have read the famous epic - Around the world in eighty days, you already know this phenomenon. In our case though, it was the other way round – we were travelling from east to west making my journey from Muscat to Gatwick, London, the longest day of my life (till date).

To catch our Turkish Airways flight at 3:00 am, we reached Muscat’s Seeb Airport at 12 midnight. The flight was on time and our journey started when it was dark everywhere. We reached Bahrain in about an hour’s time and after halting there for about 45 minutes, the flight took off again. I was not at all feeling sleepy – partly because of the excitement of a long awaited holiday ahead and partly because of the LCD monitor in my front.

No, I wasn’t watching a blockbuster movie. I was staring at an interesting sight on the flight status display. It showed the image of our plane moving towards Istanbul over the globe where the left part of the world was in dark while the right part was in light! We were in dark part of the globe and moving towards the left part while the dawn was approaching us from behind. Soon, the darkness had to give in and we could see gentle rays of the Sun through the flight window. The sky was slowly turning from black to purple and then to blue and slowly the Sun welcomed us with a bright smile!

A view of Istanbul from Airport

When we reached Istanbul, it was 8:30 in the morning and the climate was cloudy. It was a long wait of almost 4 hours before we could catch the flight to London. Peeping through the airport windows to have a glance of Istanbul and window shopping at the duty free shops were the only two things we could do while waiting for the flight.

At last the wait was over and we boarded the second flight. Soon enough we were flying over Europe! It was all green beneath us when we looked down through the window and finally when we were approaching the destination, we could see hundreds of windmills over the sea. Our flight made its way through the clouds and landed at Gatwick airport at 2:30 pm.

Southbourne Guest House, Horley

We had our hotel booking with a small lodge called Southbourne near the airport. It’s a family run guesthouse; cozy and beautiful, with natural surroundings – no wonder it scored a whopping 95% in Tripadviser rating. The owner himself drove to the airport – which is just a five minutes drive, to pick us up. While we were waiting outside the airport, the Sun peeked through the clouds and it was bright all the way. The air was refreshingly cool and the surrounding was amazingly green. It was a warm welcome to us from a London summer.

We went out on our foot to browse thorough the small town. Away from the hustles and bustles, Gatwick is a nice little Picture perfect settlement on the outskirts of London. Undoubtedly, an ideal place for peaceful stay!

Gatwick, Horley

By the time we were back to the hotel, it was 7 o’clock. The Sun was still bright and shining. It was a bit unusual sight for us as the land where we belong has never seen the Sun beyond 7 in the evening even during the peak summer months. We felt sleepy as we hadn’t slept the last night; in fact we hadn’t slept since we got up the morning day before-it added up to 40 hours at a stretch. I looked at my unadjusted mobile timing – it was 10:30 pm Muscat time. We retired to bed. It was time to recapitulate an interesting fact of the day – It was a day where the dawn had to chase a long way to catch us and we had to wait a long time and went to bed without seeing the dusk!

Gatwick, Horley

The Road that led Alice through the Wonderland

2014-02-08T11:49:00.000+04:00

Although I need not rehearse the famous dialogue from the Lewis Carroll’s epic novel Alice in wonderland, this piece of my writing wouldn’t get a head start without it. So, here it goes-

(Alice, on her journey through the wonderland, confused about the directions, asks the Cheshire Cat)

“Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?

The Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.

Alice: I don't much care where.

The Cheshire Cat: Then it doesn't matter which way you go.

Alice then chooses a way out of the many confusing options and what followed that was a fabulous journey that has enthralled the people of all ages, over the ages and continues to do so.

Considering the complexities and vagaries of our life, this world is no less than a wonderland. As we grow, we try to get accustomed (or at least pretend to get accustomed) with this wonderland and we often find ourselves in a situation like Alice – baffling over which way to take and where to go.

So, which one is more important - the way or the destination?

This reminds me of my schooldays. We had to write an essay on “Aim of my Life”. The students were encouraged to write about some bright and obvious career options like – Chartered Accountants, Doctors, Engineers, Teachers, Public Administrators, Scientists, Managers, Entrepreneurs, etc., elaborating the connotations of these career options to the personal life and society at large. We were also encouraged to write some well branded catch-lines such as: ‘an aimless life is like a boat without a rudder, or a football match without a goalpost, or a car without a steering, a shop without customers, an atom bomb without any enemy, Columbus without a compass, so on and so forth. I hope none of you had escaped this exercise during your schooldays! More we use such explosive phrases, better chances of marks! Getting marks is always nice but the question here, is it ideal to call a short term career goal as aim of the life! For, by the time we achieve these career goals, we don’t even spend half of our productive life. What’s next – either live life king size aimlessly or set a new aim!

I came across this interesting survey on Life’s Aims conducted by the Dailymail (Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk) quizzing around 2000 men and women of Britain between the age 13 to 23. Although the findings would have been somewhat different if the study had a larger sample size or a different geographical location, the result still provides some interesting insights about people’s ambitions:

What’s interesting, none of them have any ambition beyond the age of 42. If we consider, average life expectancy of a developed county as 85, the ratio is even below 50%. What they are going to do in the rest half of the Life?

The question was put in a different way during a training programme on Behavioural Science. Instead of asking “what is your aim in life”, the trainer asked “what do you want from your life?”

Some common responses were:

Money and Recognition,
Peace and Tranquillity,
Family and Children
Success in Career
Balance in work and life
Happiness
Freedom to live life my way.
Friends that I can count on.
Contribution to the society
Productivity and meaningful life.

Some less common responses were:

Look young throughout my life
Dance without looking stupid
Eat whatever without gaining weight
Live in a beautiful and serene place
Solitude
Feel important to others
Live each day without regret
Have as many children as possible
A guru who would show me inner light.
Eat, drink and be merry.

The list is not exhaustive but what’s common to all the responses is that they are all related to the path of our life and not to the destination or aim. The question asked is more meaningful than bluntly asking what your aim in life is. Because, life is a beautiful yet uncertain journey and you never know what would happen the next moment. Therefore it is all the more prudent to take each day of your life as it comes and treat it as a special boon to make your life delightful and meaningful.

Each journey is special as it generally takes a larger proportion of time compared to time spent at the destination. So, don’t spoil the splendour of the journey by focusing only at the destination. If you believe you have miles to go before you sleep, you would develop sleep disorders. Enjoy the woods; you may not get it again in your way.

Remember, it only takes 5 years of study to become a Doctor, 4 years for Engineers, 3 years to graduate, 3 plus 2 years to do an MBA, 2 years to do a diploma, 4-5 years to become a CA, only a few moments to become a politician, sadhu or criminal; plus some additional years to attain proficiency in the above professions. But if you want to really live life the way you desire, the time starts now.

You don’t need any qualification or expertise to enjoy the sunshine or the raindrops. Nor there is any timeframe. You can enjoy them throughout your life. If you want to contribute to the society, you can do it all over your life. There is no deadline, no preparedness, no target, no compulsion, and no obligation to do these things. Just do it whenever you feel like at your own pace, at your own style.

So, if I were in the place of the Cheshire cat, I would have told Alice - Choose the way which you feel promising and exciting, forget about the destination and enjoy the journey. If your journey is meaningful, it does not matter even if you don’t reach any destination. Also, face the wonderland the way it is; don’t ever try to get accustomed to it. Because, if you do, it will lose its mystifying charm and no longer be called a wonderland. It will then be the same old world from where you’ve come from. Let it stay a wonderland and continue your adventurous and beautiful journey as long as you can.

Written during October 2013 for my Alumni Magazine

New year’s day 2014

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Personally I do not believe New Year’s Day as a special day with great significance in our lives. For me, it is just another day. You will be greeted by a new year 365 days hence, if you start counting time from today. So, a new year’s day could be any day of the year. Still, this day has some unseen charisma, unknown magic which fascinates people from all around the globe including those following a calendar year different from the Gregorian calendar.

Even though, this day does not carry extra hours or a better sunshine, it does give us a special feeling – a feeling of newness to start afresh. That’s why everyone eagerly waits for this day – either to celebrate the success in the year gone by or to put a full stop to the persistent failures of the bygone phase.

Although I never celebrated New Year’s Day or greeted the day with special arrangements, I have always considered it to be a milestone – a point in life to wait, look back, think and review various facets of life. As my birthday is just four days after the new year’s day, it is all the more a special occasion for me to retrospect the success and failures of my life, learn from mistakes and make new resolutions for the year ahead.

To be honest, I never made any serious resolution in my life - whenever made, never stick to it. Yet, I consider this day as an opportunity to evaluate the year 2013 – on a quick journey through my memory lane with all the good, bad and special moments of the year.

After spending a sleepless night at office doing the annual closing till 3:30 am of 1^st January 2014, while the others were celebrating the new year, I decided to relax the day at home – an excellent opportunity to switch on my time machine, rewinding it back to the beginning of 2013. So, here I am, sitting in front of my computer, completely emerged in thoughts trying to write the first ever blog of my life about my experience in the year gone by.

1. A dull beginning: New year 2013 was no exception. Spent the whole night at office doing annual closing. Slept the next day till noon and reached office only to attend the New Year lunch party. Hectic days started – doing all sorts of reporting, uninteresting discussions with external auditors, finalising the PL and Balance Sheet. By the time we published our annual results in the newspapers, it was already halfway February. Finally, a little chance to breathe.

2. Spending leisurely time at Qurum Beach: My wife joined me back from India after a month long break and we started exploring places to spend weekends. We found a new vista at the Shatti Qurum beach. This is not an exciting beach and in all likelihood wouldn’t find a place in world’s top 100 great beaches! Still, this place is special for us. On a lazy Friday or Saturday morning, we would head for this place to play with the salty water of the sea, to sit on the green lawn under the shadow of coconut trees and look at the never ending waves of the blue sea. The view of the blue waters and white sands through the coconut trees is amazing. It can only be felt by being there.

Shatti Al Qurum Beach

I’m a true sea lover at heart. I love the infiniteness and mystifying charm of the sea. If you look at the horizon, it appears to touch the sky. It carries hopes from a distant world; it connects cultures and civilizations through its unrelenting, untiring lively white waves of blue water.

3. Another favourite destination Kalbou Park: It’s a small park located at a distance of just 2 kilometres along the Cornice road from Muttrah Souqe. What makes this place special is the rhythm of the sea waves hitting the shore. It’s a favourite place among the locals. Some people come here with fishing rods to spend the day. Some others come with family for a picnic. Super fast free Wi-Fi adds an extra reason to come to the park. An ideal place to see the Sunset on the sea while relaxing on the soft green lawn, listening to your favourite music!

4. A long cherished holiday at Europe: I planned this holiday last year but could not materialise as I didn't get the leave. This year was no exception but after lots of persuasion, CEO finally agreed for an 8 days off which translated to 10 days combining the weekend. After doing lots of research on places to cover, tour operator and flight to choose, I finally drew up the plan. The 10 days were pretty hectic and everything was time bound. An independent holiday would have been more refreshing and enjoyable but overall it was a nice experience with the tour operator Thomas Cook. Everything was well planned and we could cover all the popular tourist spots of London, Paris and Switzerland. Now, I'm closing my eyes and refreshing the memories of those 10 days –tiny taxis moving through the streets of London, taste of fish & chips, view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower, small wooden houses on the bank of lake Geneva, frozen winds of mount titlis, the reverberating sound of the Rhine fall, long bus journeys through the beautiful green fields…and the list goes on.

Luvre Museum, Paris

5. The changing climate of Oman:

Oman

is known for its hot and humid climate during the summer months. But 2013 was different. The rainfall was more than average and the weather was amazingly pleasant even during the months of July and August which are otherwise unbearably hot. It was a nice opportunity for outdoor activities. We had visits to many places during the year – Nakhal Fort, Wadi Bani Khalid, Al Sawadi Beach, Wadi Bani Habib, Jabal Al Akhdar to name a few. Overall, we enjoyed the untimely clouds (though the rainfall was scarce in Muscat), cool winds and mild sunshine.

On the way - Jabal Akhdar

Exploring Oman

6. The Fish Therapy: How much does it cost to have a fish pedicure at a spa? Well, if you have some time and willingness to travel, you can get it free of cost in Oman. We have explored two such options during the year – the salty waters of Bimah Sinkhole (along the new Sur road) or the spring waters of Wadi Bani Khalid (Sharqiyah region). All you need to do is to dip your feet in the water. The small fish brigade will do the rest.

Fish Therapy

7. Trying some exciting recipes: I am a horrible cook. But I love experimenting. And sometimes, by sheer luck or by inadvertent action, I end up cooking something unique and mouth watering. One such cooking innovation of 2013 was Mexican Dum Biryani. The name sounds strange, but it is just a blend of famous Indian food Biryani cooked in an authentic dum (a cooking pot with narrow neck and wide base) using distinctive Mexican ingredients. So, I carefully chose ingredients such as Jalapeños, bell peppers, tomatillos, corns, mint and blended them in the Biryani. It’s an outcome of my research on food about which I will definitely share in my blog.

8. Hunting Pomegranates at Jabal Al Akhdar : First a piece of advice: it’s always advisable to buy a pomegranate than to pluck it from a tree. For, the one I purchased from the roadside vendors of Jabal Al Akhdar was much tastier than the one I hunted from the tree. But when I saw the endless pomegranates on the trees, I could not resist the temptation. I still remember the taste of the apple I plucked from a mountain garden of Shimla (India). Though, Jabal Al Akhdar was disappointing in terms of taste, my adventure through the uneven stones of wadi bani Habib to reach to the pomegranate trees is an experience to remember!

Pomegranate trees at Jabal Al Akhdar

9. Feeling the freezing winds of Jabal Shams: There was news in the web and on newspaper that due to extreme cold weather, the dewdrops at

Oman

’s highest peak were turning into crystals of ice. This has drawn hoards of people to the mountain cliff to feel the cold. After all, this was something to go and feel, particularly in a country where 40 degree Celsius is considered to be normal temperature. The air at the cliff was refreshing and the view of the canyon was awesome but it was not worth the effort we put in to reach there. We got completely exhausted when we reached the cliff after travelling continuously for 3 and half hours, particularly during the last 15 or so kilometres of dilapidated road along the elevated mountain range.

Jabal shams

10. Looking forward: That’s it. I have completed writing about the highlights and special moments of the year 2013. Now, it is 2014. What am I going to do in the year ahead? Well, looking forward, I'm quite inspired to up my blog and share my experiences. I love to write and love to share. And in this new beginning, I'm inspired to do what I love to do.

View of Sunrise from my belcony