MYSTIFYING MANALI

I, Rajeswari and Rohit travelled Manali via Delhi and Amritsar. Got blessings from Akshardham temple, Delhi and Golden temple, Amritsar. Manali is mystifying and refreshing. Skiing, Paragliding, White water rafting are definite attractions. Too much north Indian food is a problem for our belly. Rohit and Rajeswari enjoyed white water rafting. Mathura and Agra is a bonus.......not much to write about Agra Enjoyed..

Wah...Taj.......

Taj...One of the eight wonders of the world...It was an excellent experience. Honored to be there with my mentor..KVB and Dr Anand Bhargav

Hai Senorita.......

Wow, Spanish country side- as usual european, Castles- like Harry Potter's Hogwarts, People- unusually friendly. Sports loving country- Foot ball (Oops..Futbol) is just another cell in the blood. Adventure sports and fantastic. I love Spain Bhargav

On top of the World

Nepal- truly on top of the world. I cant believe my luck that I could see the Mt Everest peak!!!
Gouri shankar mountain is stunningly beautiful. Most importantly, the small aircraft carrying about 16 passengers did not dissapoint us. All of us had window seat for better and closer shot of Mt Everest. It was an exhilirating experience for all of us.
A rare opportunity to visit President's palace in Nepal and called on none other than the President himself. He is a very humble person.
Visited the country side in Nepal and the ultimate Pashupathinatn temple.
Ah....What a delightfully fascinating visit!!

Lovely Lonavla

Hello,

Every bit of landscape in India thrills us. Every place has a history and history is created in every place in India.

Friends,

This time around I had been to Mumbai with family. Rohit enjoyed the streamer ride to Elephanta caves. That was thrilling. "Taj" - a symbol of India and Indian hospitality proudly standing on the Gateway, as if it is meant to welcome all the visitors. Remembering the attack on Taj last 26/11 suddenly sent chill in the spine. But it is also a symbol of perseverance and tolerance that Indian culture is all about. Our cultural fabric is like Mahatma Gandhi's cotton "dhoti", which simply permeates and evaporates, unlike the quality of plastic that is exhibited else where.

Siddhi vinayaka and Mahalakshmi - a must visit in Mumbai, of course Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple is Mumbai's modern paradise for worshippers.

Visit to Mumbai was preceded by a visit to Triambakeshwar and Shirdi. Rajeswari enjoyed the pilgrimage and the drive to Mumbai all the way from Shirdi.

Finally we flew back to Hyderabad.

Great journey.

Sweden

Travelling from Copenhagen to Malmo, Sweden was an exhilirating experience, just when my train crossed the bridge over sea. Helping kids in Malmo to decorate the Christmas tree was exciting. Swedish Kroner is used as local currency and even Danish Krones are accepted. Strangely Euros are not accepted.

Good place.

BELGIUM CHOCOLATES

Imagine going to Paradise Restaurent in Hyderabad and not having Biriyani. Imgine going to a Chinese restaurent and looking for dishes other than noodles. Imagine going to Pizza Hut- not for Pizzas and McDonalds- not for Burgers..!!

Very hard to imagine.

Going to Belgium and ignoring chocolates is as much a crime.

Just have to buy a ticket for 9.20 Euros and can hop in and hop out of any train or a Bus for a whole day. Visit "Brussels line" bus and can catch the glimpse of the the ancient and modern Belgium.

It is woderful to be in Brussels during Christmas season. So many chocolates. Colourful lights and chilled weather.

Great place

INDONESIA

Idols of "Lord Krishna" and "Arjuna" on a Chariot in the midst of a trafiic island, "Ganesha"- Symbol of a University, Ganesha Bank, "Garuda Airlines", "Mandiri Bank" does signify that this could be a Hindu country. With more than 90% Muslim population, these names are quite uncommon. This is Indonesia !

Surprised !! I was also surprised.

Bhagavad Gita replica (Krishna and Arjuna with Chariot) may not find a place in modern India. We, Indians may take oath on Gita in any Indian courts, but we will never dare set up such a replica in any traffic island in any part of the country. With above 80% Hindu population, our politicians would not dare confront minorities to set up such a replica which signifies Hindu sentiments.

Many other countries also installed typical hindu religious sysmbols. For examples-In the midst of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, the huge “Samudra Manthana” would leave anyone spellbound.

Jakarta city aesthetically resembles Bangkok.
Culturally, Indonesia resembles India; Religiously an Islamic nation; politically, resembles Turkey and people all the way-Indonesian.

“Queens”- Indian restaurant in the northern Jakarta is a good hangout.

One of my blog readers commented that Indonesia is beautiful, why don’t you visit…. I must say- Yes, it is indeed beautiful. I am told Hindu populated Bali Island is a favorite tourist destination. Sanskrit is the language used in of the Northern Sumatra province.

I haven’t seen many Americans following our culture, dress and eating habits. On the contrary, we ape western style and habits. I am a proud Indian. However, if we can’t respect our culture, social systems and religion, then we do not have any authority to speak against our political leaders who are currently encashing our ever growing irresponsibility.

LEH

Leh is an exotic place, situated above 9000 ft MSL and its airport boasts of being on the highest in the world. As if that is not enough! It also has the highest motorable road in the world at 18380 ft height on Khar-dung-la pass.

A small shiva temple on the Khar-dung-la is really magnificent.

Visited Indus river and the Sindhu darshan ghat. Thipsey monastry near Leh is almost 700 year old. It is in a quiet and serene place overlooking Indus river (Sindhu river). A school for Buddhist monks has the touch of ethnicity, given the kind of surroundings and seclusion.

I am the second person after my father-in-law to be at Khar-dung-la and Leh.

Must see place. But visit during April / May only.

Bhargav

BAHRAIN and KUWAIT

Bahrain and Kuwait, the most richest among gulf nations. Orthodox Islamists and contemporary business. Oil rich country and fat rich Shiekhs. Traditional values and modern lifestyle. Kuwait is known more recently due to Iraq's invasion.

I love these countries for its people having the best business acumen and best of hospitality.

Lots of mallus are there all around Bahrain and Kuwait.

Bhargav

OOTY

Ooty with family last June was a wonderful trip. Rohit, myself and Rajeswari stayed at our HBI Guest House (our official Guest House) and Shiva served us some wonderful south Indian food. We went to Botanical gardens, 9 miles and many other places in Ooty. Later we went to Mysore through Madhumalai forest. We saw elephants, deers etc. Saw Brundavan Gardens, Tipu Sultan samadhi and Ranganadhaswamy temple. Visited Lalbagh gardens in Bangalore and Nandi temple. Went to Gometeswara temple and finally shopping at Bangalore's Kids Kemp and Kemp Fort.

Enjoyed a lot

Bhargav

Germany

Engineer's mecca, trustworthy cars, efficient technology and large landscapes. All in Germany. Travelled Frankfurt and Munich, but stayed for a very short period. Could not see much in the cities.

Bhargav

Bhutan- The hidden kingdom

The hidden kingdom, The land of peaceful dragon or sleeping dragon- Bhutan.
His Royal Highness King Jigme S Wangchuk celebrated 25th year of coronation at Thimphu in the year 2000. On this occassion, for the first time, King declared cable TV channels open for public. Till then, Bhutanese people by and large were not aware of TV.

To clean his country from a possible mess, King asked all the expats to vacate who were illegally residing in the country. Who ever paid land tax w.e.f. year 1957 can stay in Bhutan, rest have to vacate. In the process all Indians were almost driven out of the country, who later settled in Jaigaon. All the roads in the country were built by Border Roads Organisation. Indian Army jointly operates with Bhutanese Army. 175 km drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu is really exhilirating.

As per Bhuatnese tradition courtship is allowed before marriage. Bhutanese women wear "Kera and Thega" and men wear national dress "Go". This dress is so peculiar that it has the largest pocket in the world. Famous "Go" pocket found its place in the Guiness Book of World records.

Situated in the lap of Himalayas, Bhutan has the best scenic beauty and fresh water and vegetables.

Now Bhutan is the youngest democracy in the world.

Bhargav

Pearl Harbour- Doha

Qatar- a small country with population less than Hyderabad city and situated just in the middle of Arabian gulf. Hence, it is called the pearl among gulf countries.

Doha round of GATT talks, Doha Asian games, Doha Middle East games, so on and so forth are some of the famous names associated with Doha. Nice place to spent some time.

Bhargav

Srilanka

The land of Ravana and Ram Sethu.

It is believed that the "Gandhamardhan Mountain" (as per Puranas, Lord Hanuman uprooted this mountain from Himalayas to save the life of Lord Lakshmana)is about 100km north of Colombo. Now there is a beautiful Garden in that spot and is maintained by Srilankan Government. There are lots of fruits in the garden and you can just eat as much as you can. However, no one is allowed to carry those friuts outside!

There is still a place where Sita was actually kept under custody.

Just if you are looking for a nice holiday-Visit Kandy. Nice tea gardens and good hill station. This is just an extension of Kerala. Get a Gingibeer (Ginger drink) - enjoy the taste. It is available everywhere in Srilanka.

I went to one Buddhist Pagoda just near to Taj Samudra Hotel.

Worth visiting.

Bhargav

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Hashemite- means happy.

Jordan is in the midst of middle East. It has no natural resources and agriculture. But, the economy is better than other neighboring countries such as Iraq, Palestine, Syria etc. King Abdullah and Queen Rania are most modern, well educated and the country is not as fanatic as other Islamic nations.

My favourite hotel is Hotel Jerusalam.

Bhargav

Damascus-Syria

Damascus is an ancient city. I am told that it is about 10000 years old. Syria borders Iraq in the east, Jordan in south, Israel and Lebanon in West and Turkey in North. Damascus looks like our Kolkata or Delhi. Windows have shutters. GFTO (General Foreign Trade Organization) is the only authorised agency which imports from needle to aircrafts.

I found "Alibaba and 40 theives" restaurent very much amusing. It is in the basement of a shopping complex and the settings of the restaurent is narrating the story of alibaba.

Black Coffee and flavoured Tea are served almost every hour. People have inclination for french style and threfore Egypt and Syria get along well.

A 700 year old mosque and 1000 year old shopping complex are good places to visit. Lots of apple and olive orchards in the northern part of Syria. Syria is self sufficient with Oil and gas. 60 Syrian pounds make one USD.

Bhargav

Thai- Royale

I think I visited this country most number of times. Get an 'on-arrival' visa and enter into the country for 15 days. I just took a cab outside the airport and went to my favourite place-'Rembrant towers' in Sukhumvit, Soy (Street in Thai) No.12. Serviced apartments, costing $ 100 USd appx per night. Bang opposite Rembrant, "Komala Vilas" hotel is there offering a host of excellent south indian dishes, expensive though!

Country side of Thailand is as conservative as any Indian village. Thai dance is beautiful and expressive. Their dance forms are based on Ramayana. Thai script is more closer to Sanskrit. Most Thais are either Hindus or Buddhists. Even a buddhist pagoda would sport Lord Vishnu mounted on garuda vahana and Ganapati.

Royal Palace is worth visiting. King Bhumibol (Rama XI) is the current King of Thailand. Thailand is still a monarchy and just recently King completed 60 years of coronation.

The most enjoyable moment is to see the floating market and dining in "Pricess Phariah" luxury cruise on the Phariah river. The 3 hour ride with buffet dinner costs just over 1000 THB per person.

Thai- the most hospitable and beautiful people. I love Thai food as well. It is slightly spicy.

Bhargav

BonSai- Vietnam

Vietnam, the BonSai country. From grass to trees- everything looks Bonsai.

I thought Chinese eats "everything that moves", but Vietnamese, Cambods are a step ahead.

If you are walking on the road and find stinking smell, it means pork is being cooked in some house. if you get a good aroma, as if sweets are cooked, you are wrong, it means dog meat is cooked in some house.

Vietnamese people suffer from poverty and many are tempted to relocate themselves to greener pastures such as Thailand, China and Philippines. Visited Hanoi and Ho-Chi-Ming City. Best Indian joint in Ho-Chi-Ming is "Saigon India" and then "Tandoor".
Both are near the cathedral and GPO.

I found many Indians settled in Vietnam are married to Vietnamese girls.

Bhargav

Filipino- Philippines

Philippines is in its transition. Most modern in its outlook such as Americans and most traditional inside such as Thais. Ria, one of our Associates proudly says, she is 1/4 American, 1/4 Filipino, 1/4 Chinese and 1/4 Spanish. I asked how?

Her father is half American and half Chinese and mother is Half Spanish and Half Filipino. So, she is 1/4th of everything.

This is Philippines. I saw a great number of single mothers and even greater number of men as transvestites.

White sand beaches, cock fighting pits. Can you believe, you have to pay $12 USD to just get an entry ticket for a cock fighting pit. Big money. More than $ 500 mio USD is generated through cock fighting in the country annually. Incredible.

I met Her Excellency Macapagal Orroyo, President of Philippines in New Delhi. Our MD signed a MOU with one Filipino company in her presence. She announced relaxation on some visa procedures for Indians, entering into Philippines.

"Bombay" restaurent at Makati, "Queens" at the outskirts of Makati are my favourite Indian joints. There is a good Indian restaurent in "The Peninsula", but it is expensive.

There are a little over 5000 islands in Philippines. Some islands dissapear during rainy season. Mindanao is the most beautiful of all places in Philippines.

Bhargav

My parents in Singapore

I decided that Singapore would be the best place to send my parents on their maiden foreign trip. On 9th Apr 08, both of them left for Singapore.

They thoroughly enjoyed the place. Vijay is a fantastic host, so is Bindu, Nikhita and Nishita. They saw Dolphins, Bird park and many shopping places.

I feel delighted to see my parents so happy with so many fond memories.

They returned from Singapore on 16th Apr 08.

Bhargav

Enchanting Singapore

Singapore is a clean and no-nonsense city I had ever seen. Right from Changi International airport to Raffles place, every thing appears as if it is owned by a fastidious land lord. I had an enjoyable time with Vijay, Bindu, Nishita and Nikhita.

People dont cook food in Singapore. Entire family goes out to the nearest joint for dining. What a family. Indians do not get house for rent easily because they cook and spoil the walls and kitchen. However, "Upma Pesarattu" prepared by Bindu was a pleasant surprise.

Mustafa and Prumal temple are must visit places in Singapore, at least for Indians.

Nice holiday spot.

Bhargav

Tashkent- Uzbekistan

We all remember Tashkent for wrong reason. Mr Lal Bahadur Sastry, former Prime Minister of India breathed last in this very place. There are many theories to that. I would not like to put it in my blog.

Nice cool place. One of the cheapest place among all CIS countries. I met with a Sardar, brought up in Afghanistan, doing business in UK and Uzbekistan. He owns a hotel in Tashkent. Rooms available from $ 6 USD per night to $ 60 USD per night.

Samarkand, another city in Uzbekistan was the gate way to Europe in the medieval period. Horse meat cooked in Pulao style is the favourite among Uzbeks.

Lot of Gold mines in Uzbekistan. But totally controlled by the Government.

Bhargav

China

I have the habit of collecting "Cultural stamps", Coins and Notes and "Caps" from each country that I visit. I collected Beijing 2008 Olympics Cap in Beijing in the year 2007 itself. China prepared for Olympics much in advance. My greatest regret is that I could not see "The Great Wall". Next time better luck.

Roads are excellent. I can get the best Pizzas from Pizza hut and find out Taj Mahal Hotel in the central part of Beijing.

1 USD is about 7 Yuans. I had been to the shopping complex to find a good jacket. Beijing was 2 degrees and even Mongolia was -27 degrees. One lady in a shop told me that the jacket, which I selected was about 900 Yuans. I bargained hard and got it for 160 Yuans. Incredible!!

This is China for you.

Bhargav

Kenya- The Land of MASAI MARA

Kenya is the most well connected place in East Africa and in fact Kenya Airways is quite impressive. Kenyans also speak Swaheli like Tanzanians. However, unlike Tanzanians, most of the Kenyans speak English as well. "Masai Mara" are a tribe in Red clothes, one of the the most feircest tribes and are seen around Kilimanjaro. Masai counts their wealth in terms of number of cattle they have, not in terms of Bank balance. They are nomads and dressed uniquely with lot of spears, arrows all over the body.

I saw a poster in Nairobi airport and even Kilimanjaro airport, which reads like this:

"If Hollywood can make a big fortune out of Africa, Why can't we?"

Oh! so many Indian joints in Nairobi. Hotel Hilton is a good place for stop over.

Bhargav

African Safari

Safari- means "journey" in Swaheli language.

I had the rare opportunity to visit Ngongongare trial and Arusha national park bordering Kenya and Tanzania.

We were peeping outside the window from the right side of our SUV to see the Zebras and in the meanwhile one giant Giraffe was peeing at our window from the left side, just near to me. The most magnificent moment is when a Giraffe refused to give way and obstructed our path in the mid of the forest. Our guide told us that we should not disturb animals. We have to wait till the Giraffe clears path on its own. No honking and no hooting.

I quote him saying "This is animal kingdom. A Cheetah can climb on your SUV and a rhino can chase you. A black and white macaque can stare at you and a lion care less. You are in the animal kingdom and you are at their disposal." We got out of our SUV to catch a glimpse of two horned Rhinos on the giant crater. Giant crater, according to Tanzanians is another wonder of the world.

Enjoyed a lot.

Bhargav

TANZANIA- Land of Swaheli

Kenyans are market savvy. They speak English and hijacked all the tourists, whereas Tanzanians speak Swaheli and tourists are less in Tanzania compared to Kenya.

"Hakuna Matata", remember the famous dialogue by a wild boar character played in Walt Disney's - "Lion King". Hakuna Matata in Swaheli means- "NO PROBLEM". "Zambo" means - "Hai / Hello". "Simba" means lion. "Ashantey" means Thank You. "Karibu" means Welcome. "Tembo" means Elephant.

Gwamba tribe are very powerful and I met with one Mr Gesso Bajuta, who got his entire face pierced with needles. Just fashion or just tradition!!

"Spectrum restaurant" offering Gujrathi thali is situated in the middle of Dar-es Salam, capital of Tanzania. In entire East Africa, I never felt out of place. I met with so many Indians and savoured the best of Indian recipies.

Arusha is just 50 km drive from Kilimanjaro. Nice cool place surrounded by national wild life reserves.


Bhargav