All Aboard the Aqua Princess: A Mediterranean Cruise

It is 4pm on a clear Mumbai evening. I am just about to head out from work for a swim, when my dear friend Amazon delivers a package. I shove it into my bag, where it is snug between my swim suit and sun glasses; I head out in a jiffy to catch a rickshaw. In the rickshaw, I carefully unwrap the brown paper and sit back in awe to unveil the azure Mediterranean Sea in All Aboard, Kiran Manral’s latest bestseller.  With a promise of romance and more importantly - travel, I finish my swim, grab a sun bed and snuggle into the story.

How to Plan a Holiday for an Indian Family

Has it been a while since you gave up trying to plan a family vacation because of how painful it can get? But my learnings from all the trips I have travelled to so far tell me that travelling with family can be quite magical. The memories you make with your sibling on a train ride to the Lake District or with Mom on a walking tour or with Dad while he flew off on his parachute for a jump – those are the memories that keep you strong when the going gets tough. Read on as I reveal my secrets for a memorable family holiday.

Udaipur with My Family

A family vacation without arguments or fights, without at least one person threatening to cancel or the other over enthusiastic to go? Sounds familiar? This 4 day vacation to Udaipur was one of my family's first successful one without any unpleasant encounters. Read on to know the secret of this successful family vacation. 

  

The Audio Compass Story

Imagine you are new to a city, are confused about how best to explore it. You might have seen a lot of images, videos before you got there. But at the site, on the streets there is no where for you to know where to head. Enter Audio Compass, a travel tech start up that solves this problem. Read on for their story.

Winter Road Trip to Switzerland

At a press conference yesterday held by Switzerland Tourism, I was excited to hear about the launch of the ‘Grand Tour of Switzerland’ – a 1600km road trip that combines all of Switzerland’s best touristic and nature highlights, in one scenic journey. The tour can be done from different gateways like Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lugano etc and can be split into any number of journeys.

Jet Airways New One Stop Travel Shop And More

I bought myself a range of things on the 8th of July - my birthday. What things you might ask? Well, tickets of course! And the best part Jet Airways announced an up to 50% off on 7th night; it was a sign.

Slow, Solo Travels Through The Greek Islands

View image | gettyimages.com

If the journey of Odysseus back to his home after the victorious Trojan War was anything to go by, a journey to present day Greece is for sure going to be full of life. Attracted by a rich history and azure landscapes, Vikas, an engineer and entrepreneur shares a page from his Travel Diaries here as he undertook a three-week journey ferrying through the islands of Greece, climbing the mountains of central lands, and swimming in the blue of the Aegean Sea. If not an Odyssey itself, it sure is an account of unexplored Greece that you must read.

Travel Souvenirs – The World Through My Eyes

I have a small purple cabin bag. Half of it is always full. I leave the other half for all the souvenirs I bring back for friends and family. It could be a Double Decker Red Bus fridge magnets from London or local imli (Tamarind) sweets from Coorg, to a show piece egg from the Vinetian in Macau to a phallus key chain for single girl friends from Bhutan! Little things to give away, I feel like I am sharing a part of my travels with everyone. But a collection of travel souvenirs! Ah, wonder why do we do that?

You know when you get back from a crazy week at work, relaxing at home and your eyes fall on that clown fish magnet you bought from Maldives on your first diving expedition there? Have you ever wanted to just sit back for a while and reminisce over those relaxing days in Bali or that high on adrenaline trek to Stok Kangri? A recent conversation with Malabika Ahuja, travel consultant in Bombay brought up this topic. Here's what she has to say.  

What do You Get to Eat in Macau - Everything

I have been a vegetarian since childhood. Food was simple back then. Mom’s haldi wala aloo sabzi and Sindhi kadhi were gorged upon with little thought of the intricate ingredients that went into its flavourful simplicity. When the mango season came, we plucked the ripest ones from the trees and sat right there in the midst of the greens. We squeezed the plump flesh until the juice inside was just the right consistency and then bit out a tiny hole at the bottom to relish the juice for hours on end. A cool nap in the shade of the tree almost always followed. Those simple vegetarian pleasures were enough back then.

Experiencing Portugal and China on a 6 day Trip to Macau

A sun kissed church. As I walk towards it’s serene presence, my feet touch the cool path of colourful mosaic tiles; I pause. I take in the sound of the church bells blending with the quiet of a lazy summer afternoon. Freshly cooked clamps with lemon zest - the fragrance wafting through the air from a Chinese restaurant nearby. I am in Coloane village - a green paradise on the southernmost tip of the Chinese special administrative region of Macau.

Politicians draw geographical borders. History has a way of overwriting them. Here in Macau, that's exactly what I see. How you might ask? Walk straight down the tarmac from Ponte no.16 to an array of local Chinese stores with an array of dried fish on sale. From here, take a slight left and your feet will touch cobbled pathways like those in Europe; with quaint cafes inviting you for a crepe or coffee. Take the next right and you will step into a garden so picturesque as if freshly plucked out from a Chinese painting. Take the roundabout from there and head to Senado Square, Macau’s city center where the two cultures amalgamate with such aplomb – you might want to pause for a bit sitting by the fountain in the center of the square and just – take it all in.   

See what I mean? Macau is a prime example of this mischief. If it is physically possible to be in two places at one time – in the midst of a free flowing Portuguese culture and the enterprising and active Chinese Culture - experiencing the strong presence of the two countries, Portugal and China via exploring Macau is the closest I got to it.

Finding My Bearings

Macau peninsula, Taipa and Coloane make up the entire region of Macau. The Macau peninsula is the main land where most of the local population and the oldest Portuguese settlements, are; not to mention the oldest casinos too. Taipa is the more Chinese residential, smaller island of the region, a mere 2.5kms away. Then there is the Cotai strip where you can spend hours with your group of friends at City of Dreams and watch live shows like The Beauty and The Beast, House of Dancing Waters among others; (I was mesmerised by the set design, stage theatrics and acrobatics of  the House of dancing Waters show. it is probably one of the most expensive productions in the world; what with a raging sea with a pirate ship splashing around at one moment and transformed into a flat land the very next moment. See this Travel CNN House of Dancing Water story that showcases all the man hours that go into the making of this magical show), Shop at the never ending and glamorous stores at the Venetian, or can try your luck at the new age casinos being set up by the Las Vegas Resorts properties.

All the four regions are a 20 minute walk or 10 minute drive away from each other. This makes Macau a perfect place to just walk around with little or no need for using local transport. If you need to then a good tip is to use the Resort Buses doing the rounds taking people to the casinos and back. 

First Things First – The Outdoors

Here I am in Coloane islands - the green lung of Macau. With its long winding nature trails, gorgeous roads to cycle or run on and a relaxing beach - the perfect setting to unwind. (tip: You can drive down in just 20 minutes or take route no 25 bus to come to coloane island from Taipa.)

I came across this lovely blog post by Julienne about Hiking in Macau – Coloane Trail You might think it is just a city and a walking trail might be impossible to find. On my next trip I will make sure I keep a day or two to explore the trails she has recommended here.  

And the best part? Even in the buzzing Macau peninsula, at every kilometer there is an outdoor park with space and more for functional exercises, lovely smooth roads for running and cycling and a smattering of basketball courts (my favourite sport!) Macau you get full marks from me for being mighty outdoorsy!

After exploring Coloane Island and the village, hunger drives me to visit Fernandos Restaurant right near Hac Sa beach. A strong sense of deja vu sets in. Am I in Goa’s Mango Tree – the place to be for a perfectly sumptuous meal with a hippy culture all around? The same gingham table cloths, same colourful vibe, the high walls and ceilings adorned with visiting cards and currencies from travellers from across the globe – I feel at home. The fragrance of a fresh fish curry with stir friend veggies whets my appetite and I settle in for a leisurely lunch.

Macanese Food

Before leaving for Macau, many of my corporate-slave friends who have travelled to Hong Kong for a work trip told me, “Ah Macau is just worth a day trip. But if you are going there don’t forget to try out the Portuguese egg tarts, yumm they are.” They were so wrong about the first part as the 6 days I was there for, just flew by and I had so much more left to explore. But the egg tarts, I was intrigued about. I am not much of a foodie but here in Macau I came this close to turning into a food blogger! So much so that here’s a special post just about all the food that was tried out there. Thank God for the fully equipped gyms in all the properties I stayed and surveyed and utilised! From here a short drive away is Taipa, the sleepy European part of Macau. I had to choose my pick between getting lost in one of its quaint stores, explore Taipa’s food street or park myself at yet another lovely Cafe Litoral you cannot miss.

Visit Casinos on Day 1 or Day 5?

I know what you are thinking. “I will head to the Lisboa casino on day 1 and double the money I have for the rest of the vacation.” Ah sounds super if you visit just to gamble. But if you want to experience it all, begin with a leisurely exploration of the sights and sounds of Macau first.

‘Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities’ is a new initiative by the Macau Government Tourist Office designed to take visitors along various parts of Macau to experience, the food, culture and communities via walking tours. 

My favourites on the walking tour are the most Chinese of all of Macau's gardens is the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, trekking up to the big rock at A-ma temple, getting lost in the by lanes around the former Opium House and fireworks factory, walking from the ruins of St.Paul and getting lost in the tiny lanes (super deals for shopping here) leading to Senado Square and another route that takes you through the MGM building, the statue of the Goddess, Macau Tower and Macau Science Center.

And if you like the Hop on Hop off style famous across Europe, there is a Macau Open Top Day Bus Tour among other routes across Macau. The same company has a car rental service that you might want to look up for your private family or friend tours       

Macau Science Centre

I am not a fan of exhibition halls or history centres. But for the first time I experienced the magic of the outdoors in an indoor environment. Inside this cone of steel lies one of my favourite spaces in Macau - The Science Centre. Not only where there interactive games to test my stamina, flexibility, a basket ball court, boxing simulator, but also illusion games, the science behind magic tricks and so much more! All for me to test in real time I could easily spend an entire day here and still have more to explore. Should you choose to head to the Science centre (I strongly recommend it) keep at least 4-5 hours to explore the place if not the entire day. If you can book the Planetarium Sky Shows in advance (MOP 80) and a must must visit is all the interactive exhibits (MOP 25) Check www.msc.org.mo

Where to Stay

Macau does have one drawback. In that it has mainly exclusive 5 start properties. This means food and travelling in and around Macau is not a problem but hotels are steep. However, considering it is a destination you would visit for a reunion with friends or a quick secret get away with a special someone – luxury is Macau’s biggest USP. I experienced the exclusive offerings at Sofitel Macau, Holiday Inn Macao and Conrad at Cotai Central.

If you do want to rough it out and be in your own space I did see a lovely Cheoc Van Youth Hostel and some interesting apartments on Airbnb in Macau too. Though, do keep in mind that you will be missing out on all the pampering that Macau’s 5+ star properties have to offer. (Tip: Conrad has a special summer getaway package offer where you can save upto 45% off on hotel rates the offer is on this 31^st July, 2015. This means you might get a super deal of Rs.8000-9000 per night too)

Closing Thoughts

I haven’t travelled to Portugal. I haven’t been to China either. But now that I am back from a trip to Macau courtesy Macau Tourism, it makes me feel like I am back from both. What a fusion of the west and east Macau is and how delicately preserved both cultures are – to you all of this in one place might sound practically impossible.

So travel to Macau; let your senses experience it, come back with a broad smile from making magical memories and when you do, remember to share your stories with me. I can't wait to hear them.

    

From Travel to Fitness - My Travels in the Outdoors Continue

I started this blog back in 2007 when my romance with travel and writing was just about taking off. Since then I have met some of the most beautiful people, heard the most magical stories and experienced living - no better way to do that than travel.

Travelling also introduced me to the outdoors; I mean apart from the leisure travel to the city, countryside of a place; travelling to the forests, the meadows, the raging rivers.. I saw myself being drawn more to the elements - to the outdoors. 

Hiking has been a vital part of my passion for the outdoors since childhood but my new found love for fitness in the outdoors has taken me to another level of experiencing the outdoors. Now, it is not a sedentary jeep safari but a running trail in the forest. Not just a joy ride on a rafting trip but swimming through the currents in a crisp, cold river. And also connecting and learning from people who are in the pursuit of this - being outdoorsy.

So from here on, you will see me more on a new project I am working on. I like to call it Let's Be Outdoorsy. I hope to make it  platform for everyone who shares this passion for being fit in the outdoors. 

So how about that? How about going for a run, a swim or head out for a spin? Let's get fit the outdoorsy way - lets be Outdoorsy!

Long Weekend Holiday to Chiang Mai

Zip line adventures through the rain forest

Been thinking of a post on extended weekends since a while. How do you zero in on a long weekend holiday destination? The way air fares are going, international travel seems more pocket friendly now than travelling to say Ladakh or Kerala. Did you try driving down to Pune, Lonavala over a long weekend recently? I've done that and trust me it is quite a nightmare with the heavy traffic. So I am going to be on the look out for non traditional getaways and Chiang Mai, in the northern region of Thailand is one of them. 

Elephant Safari in Chiang Mai 

Things to see and Do

So here’s my two pence on Chiang Mai, a perfect choice for that 5 day, 4 night extended weekend getaway.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Mumbai office together with the Thai Consulate in Mumbai invited me to a Chiang Mai Night Festival in Mumbai recently where a select few travel writers were invited to a Thai cuisine workshop followed by a showcase of Chiang Mai’s attractions, hotels and resorts.

A day of sight seeing in Chiang Mai’s will take you through the Chiang Mai Zoo, zip line adventures through the rain forest, an aquarium and Night Safari with a visit to the Doi Suthep temple that overlooks the entire city.

Let's talk Adventure
If you know me, you'll know that anything to do with the word adventure in it excites me! So when I read 'Swing through the wilderness a la George of the Jungle at the many zip-lining centres in Thailand,' I sure am intrigued. Besides zip lining through the forest, riding a cycle high above the trees or slide down the trunk of massive ancient trees in Chiang Mai’s forests is also on the cards. Eagle Track, also located near Chaing

For a Lazy Day 

Ok so I am the adventure addict but I like my share of lazing around too. So engaging in a culinary lesson, or spending a day at an elephant farm will be nice. And there is now way I'd end the day without a deep tissue Thai massage. 

An adorable idea for an elegant souvenir for friends back home

Thai Tourism transported a whole experience of Chiang Mai to Mumbai from umbrella painting to cultural performances, wellness and fruit carving stations. And I got a personalised Travel Diaries little umbrella too! 

Logistics 

Chiang Mai is a short 1hr 15min flight away from Bangkok at a distance of 696 kms. Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Air Asia and orient Thai airways offer frequent daily connections. The city is also accessible by rail via a daily service that plies from Bangkok Railway Station to Chiang Mai 6 times a day. 8 hours journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by road for a road trip you may want to do or via air-conditioned buses from Bangkok Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet II Road.   

So now all that's left to do is to actually go there. Bring on a long weekend and you'll see me heading there soon. 

The Himalayan Club Brings Banff Film Festival to Mumbai

Earlier this year The Himalayan Club, Mumbai screened a series of short films selected at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. I have been attending this festival each year and am amazed by the things people do for the sheer pleasure of adventure. Heading out in to the unknown, with their basic amenities and pots and pans, just watching their lives through the screen  - the spirit of adventure is contagious. Here are some of the short films that were screened this year.  

Down the Line

 The only way through some of the world's most magical canyons and waterfalls is - down. A warning for all water babies, this can get addictive.

Into The Mind, Sherpa Cinemas

This winter sport of skiing showcased in what is one of its most breathtaking, graceful forms. The cinematography makes it seem so easy, so fluid, like a dance. Inspiring, I'd take it up in a jiffy.

North of the Sun

 Two Norwegians, their surfboards, an arctic island and a dream. The element of adventure while watching this film jumps out of the screen and seeps right through you. And if that was not enough, the two youngsters clean up tons of plastic and debris while surfing through this crazy winter adventure. I sure was hooked.

Poor Man's Heli

With a dream to explore the Belledonne Mountains, a man gets his friends and takes off on a paragliding adventure. 

The Questions We Ask

Bruce Kirkby, Canadian adventurer questions the true meaning of adventure while on an inflatable sand up paddle board. Quite impressive that is, considering i'd contemplate mainly on managing to stay on that board and not fall off!  

The Himalayan Club conducts regular talks by prominent international mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts apart from this yearly film screening. You can head to The Himalayan Club Facebook Group to be kept in the loop of upcoming events.    

(All photos courtesy Banff Films and The Himalayan Mountaineering Club.)

Travelling from Mumbai to Chiang Mai Thailand: A Photo Essay

Earlier this month, I was invited for a culinary workshop by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This is all the fun that transpired!

Khao Soi, I was eating half the dish while making it! 

Shraddha Shirodkar striking the perfect pose in the middle of the yummiest version of Khao Soi cooked that day 

Hazel Jain and I smiling ear to ear with the dish we cooked, Chef Phonganan Sirisaengphaiwan (we called him Chef Paul) approves!

Ah quite an evening this was, here with the 

These little hand painted paper umbrellas make for gorgeous souvenirs  

And while we were on the topic of food, we sampled an array of light, lip smacking, authentic Thai snacks and starters. Every little bite was a surprise and I would be surprised if you would choose to visit there just for the variety of flavours in the cuisine, I know I'd like to sample some more for sure.  

Sampling some fresh, light, colourful and appetizing starters

Dandelion Dreams in the Midi Pyrenees

#496613417 / gettyimages.com

That's what this movie was for me - dandelion dreams in the French countryside. This is not a film review. Its more my musing about an affair with France - the first country I travelled to 10 years ago when I started my travel diaries. 

Magazines and guide books quote a visit to Paris as perhaps the most recommended of all destinations to visit in Europe. But to do that is to taste just the cherry and leave the cake. The magic of the french country side, Bordeaux in the case of my first visit was spell binding. This film takes me back there, this time to the south of France. The film is shot exclusively in the Midi Pyrenees Region in Southwest France and the way it transports you to this gorgeous French countryside, you quickly want to drop everything you are doing and open a little bnb in the locale as the scenes change from one meadow to the forest to the little farmers market to a picnic spot near the river, ahh! Heaven. Like just stepping into a spring painting.  

The Hundred Foot Journey tracks the journey of the Kadam family who settle down in a small village of the Midi Pyrenees in France and open a traditional Indian restaurant just opposite a Michelin starred French restaurant.  

The film in a way has rescued France from the the glitz of its glorified capital and shows you a culinary romance with its charming countryside.

  

The cinematography oozes flavour, beautifully constructed scenes with a play of light and shadow: the way the reflection of fire burns in her (Charlotte Le Bon) face as she glares at him (Manesh Dayal)... another scene where a storm and rain are metaphors to depict the pain loved ones feel when the protagonist leaves home to conquer the culinary world; simple, simmering raw emotions.

The acting - Om Puri and Helen Merren filling seemingly trivial dialogues with their candid expressions and effortless humour; make for an adorable romance that makes me giggle in every scene.   

"Forgive the silence," says Om Puri in a scene, "seeing all this, I think my family thinks we died in the accident and now we are in heaven." a dialogue from the film that elucidates my point exactly. Cross over film some are calling it but I wouldn't call it that. No garish Bollywood songs, no silly tactics, just gorgeously created scenes of classy french cuisine, that is truly the hero in the film.

"Brakes brake for a reason."

In all my travels, be it in the little villages nestled in the Himalayas or the bustling markets in Barcelona or Munich's Viktualienmarkt, I have always shared with you my awe for local farmers markets. Admiring the fresh produce of the day, the fragrance of fresh citrus fruit of the season, the colourful flowers, the crisp greens and all that hustle and bustle; scenes of the Midi Pyrenees farmers market were precisely that - fresh, intoxicating, fascinating. 

#486966593 / gettyimages.com

And I can go on! But You must experience the magic for yourself, watch The Hundred Foot Journey it for the wanderlust and maybe the next time, make Paris but a stop over to explore the magic of the French countryside.

Note: The French Tourism Board invited me for the preview screening of The Hundred Foot Journey. I love the cinemas so I happily attended the screening and truly enjoyed it, a feel good film it is. Go see it and do tell me what you think. Cheers!       

Mario Miranda's Goa

Yes, there is a Museum dedicated to Mario Miranda. But did you know there is a fort, with not only a breath taking view of North Goa but also spacious reading rooms for you to pick up one of his famous works of art and get lost in the awesomeness of his humour.

This was by far my most favourite part of my recent visit to Goa organised by Tourism of Goa. I was given to understand that we were just visiting a fort, playing touristy in Goa. It is a gorgeous fort Reis Magos is. Beautifully restored with a breathtaking view of the sea.  

What really took my breath away was a retrospective - a collection of all Mario Miranda's work, his cartoons, his stories.

I was tempted to sit right there in the spacious gallery created with so much heart. His illustrations and caricatures about travelling across the globe, browsing through the travel stories and with that million dollar view of the sea! Aha!

A first such space I have seen restored, curated and dedicated to an artist of Indian origin in India with so much care, this I am seeing for the first time in my country. I wish this were done more often in more parts of the country, spaces displaying the history and life of artists, noted representatives of the region in the country. And the best part about is was that it was open to the public, not converted into a private product of capitalistic ambitions. Kudos to the people behind the idea and a pat on the back to those who executed the restoration of the fort and incorporating the retrospective without making any seemingly modern changes to the original structure.

In case you cannot make it to the fort but don't want to leave Goa without some of Mario Miranda's souvenirs, head to the recently launched Mario Gallery in Panjim.

Address: Mario Gallery,

Near Hindu Pharmacy,

Below Aroma Hotel,

Duarte Pacheco Road,

Panaji

Ph.No.+91 0832 2421776

(Note: This was a trip organised and sponsored by Tourism of Goa. But it truly was my most favourite part of the trip as shared here. So much so that I spent most of my money on souvenirs for friends and family back home. Quite unique presents from Goa this time around!)  

A Drive Across North Goa

The weather seems just about right for a post on road trips.

And what better than those smooth winding roads of Goa, peppered with coconut groves and rice paddy lush with the freshness of monsoons. Here's a photo essay of one such road trip I did with my besties Reddy and Shankar on one of my many exploratory trips to Goa.

North Goa is not just about Panjim, Baga or Anjuna. While scanning through a map of Goa, my eyes followed the little specs of beaches along its northern border. Cruising beyond the reaches of Calangute across the crowds of Vagator, brushing past the daze that is Morjim, finally slowing down at the quiet expanse of Querim and landing on the northern most tip of Goa at Tiracol.

Tiracol Fort is located at the mouth of the Tiracol river just a short ferry ride away from Querim beach. We drove down from Anjuna, which was approximately an hour's drive away.  

A little cafe and a gorgeous view of the beach from the fort 

Shankar enjoying the view Querim Beach from the fort 

Its beautiful the way they have restored the fort and converted it into a heritage hotel

Maintaining the classic charm of the fort, the rooms are a pleasure to live in

A classic Goan style church sits snug in the centre of the expanse that is Terecol 

It was interesting to see the class with which a fort was converted into a heritage hotel, ideally perfect for such a purpose. The rooms (I was not allowed to take pictures else would have shared them here) were astonishingly gorgeous and perfect for a honeymoon get away.

But having said that it would have been so much nicer had they created a space open for the public, albeit charging a certain sum of money. To know that only a privileged few could access its beautifully resorted spaces is quite a pity.

Also I would have liked to know the story of the fort through its walls, I am sure it witnessed and withstood many a rulers, many a celebrations and probably battles and massacres. What I missed here was hearing about its true story. 

And earlier this year when I visited Reis Magos Fort on a trip organised by Tourism of Goa, I was so happy to see a beautifully restored fort and open spaces for the general public to lounge around. It also has a retrospective about Mario Miranda. More about that in another post.

 (l-r) Shankar, Reddy, DJ 

None the less, I enjoyed a yummy caramel pudding, (not without my two friends here stealing most of it!) and that fab view of Querim beach at the cafe for visiting guests.

Now savouring the taste of the pudding and that oh so potent sea breeze... until the next road trip :)

If you have the moolah, want to go beyond the five star hotels and need a space to stay far far away from all the tourist clutter, I'd suggest you check in to Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel. I know I would!

Here's a way to reach them:
t: +91(0) 2366227631
w: www.nilaya.com/tiracol  

(Note: This was a self sponsored trip. Shankar and Reddy are my partners in crime for every trip to Goa; a lot because they are my drivers for most of these trips. And now that I drive, they are a little intimidated for the next one :D)