01 Jan

Burj Al Arab from Jumeira Beach

Dubai – Like no other

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After spending 17 hours on the Emirates flight, we finally arrived in Dubai. Fortunately, our time at the airport wasn’t spent in long lines allowing us to get out and meet our driver. He took us to our hotel (Novotel, Al Barsha) where we were greeted with a delightful buffet breakfast. We filled our plates full of foods from all the continents, and feasted in preparation for our big day ahead.

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Nostalgic Chronicle of Tirumala-Tirupati (Lord Balaji Darshan)

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It is maintained as one of the safest and tidiest Hindu temples in the world. Tirumala is under control of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam i.e. TTD trust formed by AP government.
Many devotees go to Tirumala from Tirupati by Footpath way through steps.
We reached Tirumala and as we were feeling hungry we spotted the counter where free Upma prasad was given to devotees. We relished the hot Upma and felt satiated.

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The magic of Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi

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We were back to Varanasi around 2 PM. Our driver dropped us near Thatheri Bazar as we wanted to explore the area on foot ourselves. Bronze and brass products especially ornaments are sold here. Another purpose for coming to this market to enjoy the “Ram Bhandar” which is quite famous for amazing Poori, Sabzi and kachori.

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Kolkata sightseeing and Gangasagar

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We enjoyed a lot during our stay in IIM JOKA. After having yummy dinner in JOKA mess we explored the JOKA campus on foot. It was lush green area all. Campus is having 7 Lakes which symbolize seven of the most legendary professors of the institute.

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Ethereal North East: Trip to Guwahati, Shillong and Cherrapunji

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We woke up early next morning as per our itinerary with excitement to experience some of the grandest waterfalls of the region. We started by witnessing the famous Elephant Falls in Shillong, The falls which is locally called “Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew” or three step falls, was coined “Elephant falls” by the British due to the rock on the left side that resembled an elephant.

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Deep-winter Trek to Mt. Kedarkantha

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From far, we might resemble a black sinuous snake creeping on the white snows of Mt. Kedarkantha. A few meters from the peak, the sun breaks out of the Gangothri ranges painting the climbers face with morning light. Exhaustion and fear gives way to relief and when you sit down on the slabs of rocks that form the summit there’s even elation. We have done it! We have scaled a peak!

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Experiencing the temple town of Puri, Oddisha

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Then panda took us to Anand Bazar area of temple and went away to collect Mahaprasad for us. It was offered to each of us on pattals i.e banana leaves. A huge variety was there but I think children will not like this as it consists of rice, daal and several other items most of which is not liked by children. At last we were offered Rabri, which was very tasty indeed and satisfied our taste buds.

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C2C – Chennai to Canada (from 30ºC to -5ºC)

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We then stood in a custom queue for Visitors. There were two lines one for Permanent Residence and another for Visitors. Custom officer checked our passport and Visa and guided us to another hall. Inside the hall, it was a long queue. When our turn came lady officer asked us to sit at the waiting area inside hall. She has started checking our documents. She took almost an hour to check our documents. We then proceeded to baggage claim area. As soon as we entered in baggage claim area, we saw  number of porters standing with trollies.4 Bags 10$, above 4 bags, each bag 3$.We came in baggage claim area and none of the conveyor was displaying our flight number. We rushed to BA counter, but there was no staff at the counter. We were unable to find any co passengers also at the airport. We were searching bags all over the baggage claim area. Near one belt conveyor we found few bags. When we went there we saw our bags. We quickly started collecting our bags. One from one corner,   second from another corner, third from some other place etc. While collecting we thought definitely the other  2 handbags which we had deposited afterwards   must be missing , but luckily we found those two bags. Now counting started 1, 2,3….One bag is missing. To our surprise the bag which had all Kitchen items specially (Rolling pin and board for Chapati) and groceries was missing. We were then searching  BA staff  so that we can inform about our missing bag. There was no BA staff at the airport. Then we saw a lady coming towards baggage area and she was BA staff. We informed her. She asked us to fill up the form about missing baggage and ensured that they will search the bag and will let us know the status within 24 hrs. We then decided to hire porter as it was not easy for us to carry 10 bags in 2 trollies.

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