Around The World

Play Dough Ganapati

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:27:33 PDT

Excitement has no end. I had fair idea of preparing Ganapati Idol from Play Dough in my mind for a long time. While buying the Play dough from Forum Value Mall, Whitefield, I had no idea, that i will be celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in great pomp. Immediately after reaching home, I stayed awake till night 2 o clock to prepare the idol.

Later came challenge of preparing the Decoration. I browsed the Whitefile Market next weekend to find Thermacol. However was not able to find one. Came back home with some coloured paper sheets and Bunch of plastic coffee cups. The newly baught Laptop Tables Cartons which were going to turn into the waste got converted in to Decoration material.

Couple of pillars, Dome with Kalash on it and plastic coffee cups converted our final Ganapati Decoration Theme.
This followed by full packed lunch theme with Modaks, potato vege, tomato sar, green peas curry, koshimbir, chutney and last but not the least set of 21 Modaks.
All said and done, 11 sets of 21 Durvas and some flowers completed our offerings to Lord Ganesha with seasoning of Prayers.
Ideas kept on pouring in my mind to make it a special day for us. Thanks a lot Dear Ganapati Bappa...Three cheers to you..Ganapati Bappa Morya......

Koln, Germany

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 00:30:00 PDT

Koln is one of the main cities of Germany, Europe. It is fourth largest city in Germany.

I made a one day trip to Koln from Kamlint Fort, Gemrany.

Few attractions in Koln are

Koln Cathedral or Dome

Koln Museum - I skipped the visit of Musueum as i was not intrested in it.

Koln Chocolate Museum

Koln Rhine River Ferry Ride - Its good idea in Summer to visit the Koln River Ride along with your near and dear ones. Since I was all alone, I skipped the River Ride.

Koln Wine Fest

Other then these, I roamed on streets of Koln. Viewed some old historic buildings. And had lunch break sitting on the bank of river Rhine.

Atomium

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:30:01 PST

Atomium, Brussels, Belgium, is one of the famous modern sculpture in Europe and world. The strcture was built in 1958 for Burssels World Fair. It was supposed to be removed after six months but the structure still stands tall due to its popularity. Now it is one of the major attractions in Brussels. There are nine spheres which connect to each other so that the sturcture resembles magnified Iorn Atomic Crystal.
There is entrance fee for entering the Atomium.
If it is combined with the Mini Europe Parks ticket then it turns out to be cheaper deal. There are elevators which take u to the topmost sphere, where an observatory is maintained for the visitors. One can view the entire Brussels city from the Observatory. Descend to ground floor is using escalators built in side the tubes conencting the spheres. There are some exhibits displayed for the visitors in intermidiate spheres for the visitors.

Mini Europe, Brussels

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:30:00 PST

Mini Europe Park, Brussels, Belgium is an park located at the foot of the Atomium. The Park hosts miniature forms of famous monuments of European Union countries. The size of these monuments is drastically reduced to such and extent that I was able to stand in front of the Londons Big Ben.

Pictures of this place speak more then what words can do.

Also if one buys combined ticket of Atomium and Mini Europe then it turns out to be cheaper. I was not aware of this fact as Brussels was one of my unplanned trips abroad and I had not done research before visiting place. Luckily I traced the Mini Europe park from the binoculars of the Atomiums Gallery and then landed up in the park.

Chocolate Museum, Koln

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:30:00 PST

Being die-hard cholocate fan, Chocolate Museum in Koln, Germany was one of the must attraction in my Koln to do list. It is situated on the banks of the river Koln. There is an entrance fee for this museum which you need to buy at the entrance.

The museum shows whole history of chocolates. It also has a chocolate preparation machine which acutally vends chocolates at the end of its supplier belt. The whole set up is separated with a glass wall and the visitors can view it.

There a three meter high chocolate fountain which oozes out liquid chocolate from the golden cones. The museum employees dip wafers in the liquid chocolate from the fountain and offer it to the visitors.

There is also room filled with old collection of wall clocks from Germany.

Rheinberg Orsoy Germany

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:30:00 PST

On one weekend, I visited neighbouring small village Rheinberg, Orsoy, in Germany. The village is on the banks of River Rhein and is a weekend gate away for locals during summer.

One can just sit on the banks of the River front and enjoy the view along with some snack and drinks. There are many Cafes around this tourist attraction place.

I also took the ferry across the River Rhine. The Ferry takes you to the other bank where one can feed some gooses. Since it was my first visit in Germany. I was all excited about the ferry trip and feeding those huge Gooses. Later on I had hearty laugh, on others when I saw them doing the same for the first time. I also took pictures with flock of sheeps grazing in the grass meadow.

On the other bank of the river there was Coal Mine hosting its huge chimneys.
There is a market place (i.e. Markt Platz) in the heart of the village. The market place hosts weekend market, where local people buy locally grown vegetables, fruits, candles, domestic stuff, etc.

Lake Palace Udaipur

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:30:00 PST

The Lake Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India popularly known as Taj Lake Palace. It is actually a Palace built by Maharaja of Udiapur. It is located on natural island in the Lake Pichola, Udiapur and is constructed with white marble stone. It is one of the most photographed historic monunment of India. The Palace is now converted to a hotel and operates under Indias most popular brand Taj Hotels. Like all other Rajasthani Palaces, it features many courtyards, terraces, fountains and gardens. The tourist reach the destination with help of the jetty which operates from the City Palace.
Being an expensive affair, we just managed to capture a glimpse of it from the top of the City Palace Udaipur.

Kumbha Mahal, Chittorghar

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 00:30:00 PST

Kumbha Mahal ruins stand still welcoming you near the entrance of the Chittorghar Fort, Rajasthan. Palace is named after Maharana Kumbha who made serveral alterations and additions to the existing Palace. The Palace is approached by two Gateways to the East - Badi Pol and Triploia. These gates leads into open space to the south of the palace and to darikhana. A small doorway to the back of the darikhana gives access to main appartments, the Surya Gokhra, Zanana Mahal, Kanwar Pade ka Mahal, other residential structures and open courts. Build of dressed stone, the exterior walls have decoration. It includes sculptured bands serving as string course and large flower head bosses.
From the windows and doors of the Kumbha Mahal, one can get glimpse of the Chittorghar Fortress Walls.

Rani Padmini Mahal, Chittorghar

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:30:00 PST

Rani Padmini Mahal is the residence of Rani Padmini the Queen of Chittorghar. She was wife of King Rawal Ratan Singh. The Mahal which is mentioned in the famous historic epic, still exists in the Chittorghar Fort and is major attraction for tourist.

It is belived that Rani Padmini was epitome of beauty. One of the main intentions of Alauddin Khilji, Ruler from Turkey, to attack Chittorghar was pechant for Rani Padminis beauty.

His attempts to capture the Fort of Chittorghar were futile. Then he sent word to Rani Padminis husband Ratan Singh to meet her and he regards her as his sister. On being persuaded by her husband, Rani Padmini agreed Alauddin to see her in mirror. On seeing her, Allaudin decided to secure Rani Padmini for himself. He later kidnapped her husband and attacked the Fort.

When there was no way out, Rani Padmini committed divine sucide, called as Jauhar. A huge pyre was lit and the Queen followed in. Later all women jumped into same fire to save themselves from the lustful army waiting outside the fort.

Video Of Rani Padmini Mahal Chittorghar, Fort

Ganesh - Lord of Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 00:30:00 PST

Ganesha or Ganapati, is know as Lord of Lords by Hindus. He is one of the deities best know and widely worshipped by the Hindus. As the folk lore says, Lord Ganapati is worshipped first before begining any activity or event by the Hindus.

Ganaptis bithday is celebrated on Chaturthi (4th Day ) of the hindu month Bhardrapath.

It is commonly called as Ganesh Chaturthi.

This festival is celebrated in big pomp Maharastra. Being Maharastrian, we have been celebrating it for many years in our family. In recent years, it is celebrated at my cousins home in Pune. This is a big event for our family and in todays hectic life an excuse for all of us to meet at one place. :)

The Ganapati Idol is baught from the shops from local market on previous day. These shops usually spring up like mushrooms in the local market area to catter to the festivals requirement.

The Idol is braught home by head of the family with the Idols face facing towards him.

Next day the Ganapti is installed in a special seat decorated specially for him. This is known as Ganapati Sthapana.

After the sthapana, puja and mantras are recieted by all family memebers.

This chanting of pujas and prayers every morning and night goes on for next 5 days.

On the fifth day, Ganapati Visarjan takes place. The lords idol is immersed in water body.

Vijay Stambh

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:30:00 PST

Vijay Stambh or the Tower of Victory at Chittorghar, Rajasthan, India is one of the major attractions in the Chittorghar Fort. It was built by Rana Kumbha to celebrate his victory. The tower is build with Red sand stone and White Marble. It has many images of Hindu God and Godesses, Musicians carved on the exterior and interior of the tower. You can gimick in a snap as holding the Vijay Stambh towers top in your hand by an easy Camera trick.

The Tower stands 9 stories tall. The visitors are allowed to reach the top of the tower by climbing the internal steps circumferencing the tower internally. Towards your way to the top of the Tower terrace, one can get magnificient view of the Fort Chittorghar and City of Chittor.

Vijay Stambh Tower:

Interior of Vijay Stambh Tower :

Gaumukh Reservior, Chittorghar Fort

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 00:30:00 PST

Gaumukh Reservior is one of the water bodies available on the Chittorghar Fort, Rajasthan, India. As the name suggest the water source is a spring which oozes out of the face of Cow. There is a Shiva Temple next to the Gaumukh (Cows Mouth). One has to climb down the steps towards the reservior and walk inside the temple to view the Gaumukh.

The reservior water provides source of water for lots of pigeons around. You can site people throwing peanuts and rice flakes to the fish in the reservior. The Reservior offers magnificient view from top. This view is available from the backyard of Meera Temple. The fortess walls surround one side of the reservior. Walking along the fortress walls near the reservior is prohibitted to avoid accidents amongst the visitors.
Gaumukh Reservior Video 1:

Gaumukh Reservior Video 2:

Chittorgarh Fort

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 00:30:00 PST

Chittorgarh Fort is main attraction in the city of Chittor, Rajasthan, India. The major attractions are:

Vijay Stambh
Kirti Stambh
Gaumukh Reservior
Rani Padmini Mahal
Rana Kumbh Palace
Fateh Prakash Palace Museum
Several Gates or Pols
Temples(Kalikamata temple, Jain Temple, Meera Temple, etc)

The fort is pride of Rajasthan and attracts maximum number of tourists after the City Palace Fort in Udaipur. The Fort hosts loads of Rajput history and is classic example of Rajasthani architechture.

How to reach Chittorghar Fort:

Chittor city is about 2 hrs drive from Udaipur City. We were based in Udaipur and planned day trip to Chittorghar Fort. We booked Cab from Udaipur city which would take us around Chittorghar fort. The Chittorgarh fort lies at the top of Hill. If one reaches Chittor City by local mode of transport like bus or train, then they have to take local vehicle(cab, rickshaw, motor cycle ride) to the top of the hill.

It will take you about day to visit the fort and the major attractions in the fort.

Chittorghar Fort Video

Empire State Building, NY

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 00:30:00 PST

Empire State Building, NY, USA is currently and has been one of the tallest building in the New York State and world for many years. It had shifted to second rank after completion of the World Trade Center Building. However after the destruction of the World Trade Center Building on 11 September 2001, it once again became the tallest building in New York.
Observation Deck:
The Empire State Building has an observatory on the 86th Floor. There is a huge Queue to get tickets of the Observation deck. Same Queue is followed towards the Observation deck. If you can spare more bucks, you can buy express passes to surpass the long Queue. One has to change two elevators to reach the observation Deck.
View from the Observatory:
The Observatory offers 360 degrees view of New York Skyline. Some of the major attractions to be spotted from the Deck are:

The crown of the Chrysler Building

Macys Square
Grand Central Park, etc

Toysrus Times Square NY

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:30:00 PDT

The Multistoried Toysrus Shop at Times Square New York, USA stands tall in midst of the bustling and crowded streets of Times Square. This shop not only attracts kids but also the adult tourist on the Times Square. The shop hosts Ferries Wheel, Jurasic Park Diansour, Chrysler Building replica, Barbie houses section etc.

If not shopping this place will certainly attract you for the various attractions hosted by it.

Last but not the least it gives you option of decent toilets on the Times Square Newyork.

Animal Encounter - 7

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:30:01 PDT

Squirrels belong to a large family of small or medium sized rodents. I visited the Arboretum garden in Nottingham, UK, just before leaving UK for good. And I hastly managed to get a video of squirrel in the garden where nature and wildlife is preserved. Since I had a wierd thought in mind that I will not be able to spot squirrels in Mumbais dense concrete forest. However, my notion about squirrels was wrong. During pregnancy I was on bedrest and was able to study squirrels behaviour from Goregaons flat in Mumbai. There was a squirrel residing on the Coconut tree in the courtyard of Ganesh Nagar, Goregaon, Mumbai. This squirrel collected coconut flower tentacles to build its nest. Due to my delicate condition, I was not able to film this animal encounter.

Gudi Padwa Celebrations

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:30:00 PDT

Gudi Padwa is a Marathi name of Hindu holy day/festival. It marks the begining of the Hindu New Year. Gudi Padwa is celebrated in big pomp by the local school at Ganesh Nagar Ganpati Mandir, Goregaon, Mumbai. I happened to witness these celebrations while at my mothers place in year 2009.
There was a band of Legim players who marched from the school towards the temple along with music band. The teachers and school kids, who were dressed up in various Maharashtrian traditional dress, participated in the procession. The whole idea of the procession is to create awareness of the rich Indian tradition amongst the school kids.

Chatsworth House Cafeteria

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:30:00 PDT

On the left handside of the Chatsworth house is a cafeteria which used to be stable for the animals of the house. There still exists some horses in this part of the the House.

In mordern days this place is used by some shops to sell some goodies, food items and cafeteria.

In olden times, it was used as stable to park the horses and carts of house.

There still exists a fountain in midst of this stable which was source of drinking water for the horses parked in the stable.

Chatswoth House

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 00:30:01 PDT

Chatsworth House is a huge countryside house at Chatsworth, Derbyshire. It is must see tourist attraction for all the Jane Austin Fans while visiting Peak District in UK. This is the place where Mr Darcy and Elizabeth send their summer vacation together in the Film 'Pride and Prejudice'. Same house was used in the movie 'The Dutchess'.

The house is surrounded by huge garden famously known as Chatsworth Garden and the famous Cascade fountain. One should plan a full day trip to visit the Chattsworth house and the garden. The garden closes one hour for the visitors and later does the Chatsworth House. So ideally one should first visit the Garden and then enter the House. Like all other famous houses, there are few rooms of the Chatsworth House which are available for visitors.

Near the Exit of the Chatsworth House, there is an exibition which hosts some charaters of the movie Pride and Prejudice.

Central Park, NY

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:30:00 PDT

We wrapped up our first day on New York, USA at Grand Central Park. It is a huge Public Park in midst of Manhattan City. It covers around square mile of the Manhattan. Once you enter the park you get lost in midst of lush green leaves and you completely forget that you are walking in heart of the busy Manhattan city. Its good idea to have a summer day picnic in Central Park.

The Park has a few lakes and big reservior. One can spot the New York Skyline over the horizon of the Central Park Reservoir. Since we entered the park in evening, we were tierd and decided to cover few part of it and took exit. The Central Park Reservoir, Chinese house and China Garden were some of the parts of the Central Park which we explored.

Saint Patricks Cathedral

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 00:30:00 PDT

Saint Patricks Cathedral is located in Midtown Manhattan, New York, USA. It was constructed in New York in 1800 and is constructed in Gothic style. Since we had not visited many catherdrals before it the cathedrals architecture did attracted us.

We entered the cathedral and prayed at the Altar. Since, it was allowed to take snaps inside the cathedral we took some snaps and moved on to our next New York cities tourist destination.

Rockefeller Center

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:30:01 PDT

Rockefeller Center in New York, USA is complex of few commercial buildings in Midtown Manhattan. The Rockefeller Center is named after the Rockefeller family who leased the space in 1930s and built these building complex.
The Rockefeller Plaza is one of the most famous buildings in Manhattan and snap with this giant is must in your New York Trip

The Rockefeller Center Art is the heart of the tourist attraction in this complex. It hosts statue of Prometheus (Greek God) in the center of the courtyard.

Animal Encouter - 6

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 00:30:00 PDT

Patiance pays and thats truely said while filming wildlife. After few trials, I was able to capture the flight of sea eagle at the Cardiff Bay, Wales, UK.
While walking along the Cardiff Bay's Barrage, we were able to see a lot of sea birds. Sea Eagle being one of them. I tried to capture the flight of the Sea Eagle, thinking its an easy task. Everytime the bird used to fly when my camera memory stick was exhauseted. After a few trials, I was able to predict when the Sea Eagle is going to take its next flight.
Video of Sea Eagle's Flight

Atlantic City

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:30:00 PDT

Atlantic City,New Jersy, USA is famous for its Casinos and gambling taking place within those casinos. A visit to one of these casinos can change your life and luck both forever. One can become millionaire or road side beggar after gambling in those Casinos. For more details about the Casinos please visit this site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Atlantic_City_casinos

We visited Atlantic City with Abhis parents in July 2006. It was one night trip to these Atlantic City. Prime intention was to visit the casinos and not gambling. We took a map of all the casinos at information desk at entrance and then entered the Caesar Casino first. I am strictly against gambling, still we paid 5 USD and tried our luck on one of the machines. Photography is strictly prohibitted in the core area where gambling takes palce. Unknowing this fact we took one snap, pretending to play on these machines.

Times Square, NY

noreply@blogger.com (Meghana M) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:30:00 PDT

Times Square, New York, USA is one of the most sorted out places in the world. It is one of the must see tourist attraction. Although just a busy busttling street, it is full of sign boards and shops. The Sign Boards hoarded on top of all the buildings being the major attraction of this street. Its worth visiting the times square at day and night time both, just to enjoy the Sign boards lit alight. This place is also filled up with lot of other weird activities to attract tourist like skating, tall cycle ride, etc.