Showing posts with label travelogue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travelogue. Show all posts

Wednesday, 13 November 2013

Zoned Out

Its 14/11/13 1.00 o’clock in the afternoon | I am in the office, listening to “Moves Like Jagger”


Juggling, sorting my way through tons of excels listing Telcom Spends data, I’ve got a hell lot to do today, so I shall come back once I have something interesting enough to talk about. Meanwhile all those who are travelling in winters, check out my post on must keeps for winter travel called “7Keeps for WinterTravel - {China Calling }" 

 

Winter Fashion and Accessories

Maybe I should write about how to dress up for Office in winters.


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Saturday, 9 November 2013

The People Who Must Travel

Here is a list of 5 Kinds of People who I feel, must travel:

It’s rather interesting that I’ve never met anyone who minds travelling. Some prefer a little less of it while some just want more and more of it; some like it with all the pomp and show while others prefer the rugged roads.  All in all, everybody likes to travel.

{ Date: 9th Nov'13. It’s 11.46 am on a Sunday noon and I am at my parents’ home. Just hogged on a full veg, cumber and paneer sandwich made desi style along with a mug of ginger tea, courtesy the super awesome mom.

It’s rather a blissful Saturday noon after a complete week of workouts (my abs hurt when I cough), effort to help a couple of dear friends, little bit of digital marketing for bread and butter, too much stress on how to promote my own blog and social media pages, little love and piggy bank full of hugs and kisses by bon-bon, brother and my love.}

There are many who are not able to travel because of reasons that I do understand but fail to relate with. In my mind, everyone should make an effort to travel, plan or unplanned beacuse for every 4 times you decide to take a trip, you will end up going at least once. That’s a 25% success rate (not bad eh!)

I beleive all should travel. But of all, here are the few who MUST travel.

1.     People in their 20s: Travel gives a foundation that is so strong that it lets you build your entire life on it. Even if you return all broke, shattered with everything lost on a crazy trip, you will remember it. It will inspire you during the times when you least expect it to.



2.     Single People: When you travel, your chances of getting a good partner (for life or otherwise) increase many fold. The interaction with people from different backgrounds, with different thought processes and cultures gives you clarity about the ideal man or wife with whom you are likely to be the most sane while being completely insane.


 {I got my guy, because I travelled. Inspired by my traveler’s aura (or so he says), he started travelling and then we travelled together and then one fine day we decided to be together. :D }

And if nothing else, it will make you look ‘Awesome’ to everyone around and that’s a nice enough tag to own.

3.     People falling in love or considering to get married: Want to get a good glimpse of the surprises lined up for you if you decide to be with a person your friends, relatives or parents have picked for you? May I suggest a couple of weeks, long trip with a bunch of mixed gender friends to a completely alien place with that person? Keep an open yet observant mind and see the true personality of everyone, especially of the potential partner, unfold.




Caution: Any life effecting decision must be taken after the suggested trip.

Note: Better if you go to a place where the cultures don’t match, ideologies are different and where there are good chances for both of you to be out of your comfort zones. You both will get a fair idea about the comfort quotient that you both will share in the most trying and uncomfortable times.

4.     Girls and especially girls: Go! Go! Go! Get out of the house, out of the shadow of the family, the protection of your father, brother and husband, from the insecurities in the heads of the women of your family.  Be on your own if your other friends are not allowed or willing to travel. What will astonish you is the new born respect and admiration that you’ll see for yourself in the eyes of others. It’s my bet that you will be proud of yourself.

 { I still remember my drive to El-Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt amidst the heated revolution of 2012 and feel proud to have seen their independence history being formed with never ending queues of people lined up to vote on the very first day of the first Egyptian Prime Minister’s election. }  

On travelling you’ll either learn to adapt to the situations that might not always be ideal or righteous or to voice your opinion against them in whatever subtle/ strong way you see fit. Travelling will help you develop a perspective, a point of view that will enable you to tell right from wrong.


Further, the more we girls go out the lesser we will be stared upon as a museum piece walking out in the open when all (according to the society), we should be doing is staying in enclosed tiny section of the ultra-protected premise.

If I may say it without upsetting the cultural leaders, sadhus and men and even women of our society; go out in jeans, shorts; go out in skirts and whatever you want. Go out without the veils or hijabs, wear anything you want and step out. Just Step Out! without lowering your sight.

5.     People with Dogs: Travel to know how it feels to be back to the purest form of selfless love. Travel to straighten out your aching and tired limbs with this love on the most comfortable bed in the entire world, i.e. your own bed.

It’s a different high to be back from an exhilarating trip.


Who according to you, must travel? Share your thoughts; I’d like to read them.

      Until the next trip


      -Rakshita

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Sunday, 13 October 2013

{ Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug } – Spa Review

Continued from the previous post

Spa at the Radisson Blu, Alibaug resort is called Mandara Spa. A colleague and I did a booking at the spa for leg and foot message and head, neck and shoulder message respectively. We wanted it to be a rewinding session after a long day at presentations, so we booked the evening slot.

To start with, it started at not such a pleasant note. It didn’t smell of SPA. What happened to a spa appealing tothe olfactory nerve?

Walkway to Mandara spa
Walkway to Mandara spa
Directions at  Radisson Blu Resort
Directions at Radisson Blu Resort
Water at Radisson Blu Resort
Water at Radisson Blu Resort
Next, my colleague wanted a male masseuse for her foot message, but in spite of confirming her, Spa allotted her a female masseuse (no big issue). Then, in the message room, the cloth on the head rest smelled foul.
Spa at Radisson Blu Resort
Spa at Radisson Blu Resort
Further, the masseuse was rude and despite of constant request, pressure stayed inconsistent and varied from extremely light to intense and almost unbearable (maybe, she is in training). What’s next? My masseuse went for a rigorous head message, which felt more like a balding session than a relaxing session (beginning of a nightmare!)  
Details at Radisson Blu Resort and Spa
Details at Radisson Blu Resort and Spa

Later: She applied body lotion on my ‘FACE’ for the face message. I should be thankful for I was given a free face message, but a girl got to complain when it starts to itch and burn.  {Tip: if you got to give something complimentary, make sure that if it’s not helpful, it at least shouldn’t be detrimental}

Radisson Blu Resort and SpaRadisson Blu Resort and Spa
{Caution: Free things are not good, exercise caution when getting lured into availing ‘that’ extra service}

To top it all, after 5 minutes of sauna, steamer goes off and a masseuse shouts weather we will take long. Seriously! She turned it back on, on my request but I was completely turned off and was pushed to an edge by now. On complaining at the reception, they did waive off the charges, but it sure wasn't enough to keep me from writing about the bad experience we had.
Radisson Blu Resort and Spa
Radisson Blu Resort and Spa

Do share if you also had any such experiences. 

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Thursday, 10 October 2013

7 keeps for winter travel - { China Calling }

November is almost here, do you have any trips planned this winter? Ski or maybe a simple snow play somewhere in the highlands?

I am planning to travel this winter, I haven’t yet zeroed down on the destination yet, but China is on my radar. Considering its incredibly low temperatures during Dec – Jan time, it’s an ambitious decision. So if at all I zero down on it, I’d prefer to have all my basics in place. I always try to travel light (after all, it’s me who has to carry and drag all the weight around), but here are the must haves that I’ve decided to carry no matter how heavy my bags get.

Here goes the list of my 7 items for winter travel:

1.     Layer, layer, layer: Carry good thermal wear and lots of basics for layering. It works best and can save you even in the harshest of winters. {Firsthand experience: During one of the trips to Europe, I visited Mt. Titilis. As stupid as it might sound, I took out all my woolen wear to reduce baggage weight and didn’t have even a single sweater, woolen jacket or a scarf. To avoid the chill of the Alps from running down my spine to every bone of my body, all I did was layer up in my basics. I wore T-shirts one on top of another and topped off with a cotton blazer. Popped a couple of cod liver oil capsules and I was all fit and active like an elf on the North Pole.}

Layering - Winter Fashion
Layering - Winter Fashion
first and third from left: DKNY Fall RTW 2013 collection & Phillip Lim Fall RTW 2013 | Image courtesy: Style.com
Second and last images are from Pinterest

2. Big fat jackets: Leather jackets with fur lining go a long way to keep you all warmed up. For places like Beijing, a down coat can come in handy as a protection against the chilliness. 
Big Fat Jackets - Winter Fashion
Big Fat Jackets - Winter Fashion
Left and center images are from Pinterest 
Right most Image from 10 Crosby Derek Lam Fall RTW 2013 collection| Image courtesy: Style.com

3.       Slouchy woolen sweater with a belt: It’s so chic, comfortable and warm even without a jacket. Try on some cashmere wool and you shall not need a bonfire.
Slouchy Sweater
Slouchy Sweaters - Winter Fashion
Left: Alexander Wang Fall 2013 collection| Image courtesy: Style.com'  
Center and right images are from Pinterest

4.       A good trench: One trench coat can go a long way to save life and yet look chic. I am already digging these short pastel colored trench coats, though I wonder how warm will these be.

Pastel colored Trench Coats
Pastel colored Trench Coats
Image courtesy: Pinterest

Check out this gorgeous user generated collage of trench coats http://artofthetrench.com/ on an app by Burberry? 
Art of Trench
Art of Trench
5. Shoes: I am not a big fan of Uggs however I know many, who look equally stunning in Uggs as they look in 6 inch heels. I’d rather stick with comfortable, yet smart selection of calf length boots from the likes of Hush Puppies and Steve Madden, a great option to go with jeans, trench coats and dresses alike.
Winter Boots - Hush Puppies and Steve Madden
Winter Boots - Hush Puppies and Steve Madden

6. Accessories: Scarves, woolen socks, leg warmers, gloves and caps. I love woolen nech rings/warmers, got one last winter from Germany. They feel and look great and are a must have this winter on any trip to the winter lands.

Winter Accessories
Winter Accessories
Image courtesy: Pinterest

All indivisual images are on my Pinterest board: {Winter Fashion} 

7. And a good pairs of denims. No trip with complete without JEANS

Apart from all the fashion and clothing must haves during the winter travel, I have listed a few to do things below. Hope you find them handy and helpful, let me know your thoughts either way.

-     No matter how cold, always carry a water bottle to keep you hydrated

-     Moisturizer and sunscreen to avoid chapped, dry skin and sunburns

-     Explore the winter food. I am not sure if I’ll get any vegetarian food options in china, so if I don’t get anything fancy, I’ll try to stick with tea and hot clear soups with vegetables + some fried eggs on a slice of bread to go with it.

-     A comfortable small cross body sling bag (not a tote) with sufficient space, to keep cash, travelers checks, passport and camera.

-     Keep a woolen scarf handy. Instead of keeping it in a carry bag, I prefer keeping it close to me, tied snuggly on my sling bag.

-    For evenings carry a warm LBD in the length that suits, team it up with leggings, maybe a statement necklace, good pair of 4 inch heels and a trench coat to finish off the look.

-     Be warm inside J If possible have two capsules every morning to avoid any and all cold problems, sneezing, whizzing and going crazy on a trip that you planned to enjoy. If you eat sea food, salmon is a great option that will keep you cozy in winters.
Cod liver oil capsules
Cod liver oil capsules
Check out all these indivisual images on my Pinterest board: {Winter Fashion} 

Until the next trip
- Rakshita

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Monday, 30 September 2013

The Dreamy Edition - Maldivian Escapade with Sun, Tan, Beaches, Green Apples & Free Flowing Drinks

The Maldivian Escapade 
The Dreamland
The Dreamland
You know you are about to witness something magical when the plane glides through the beautiful formation of clouds to reveal ring like sea formations called Atolls…
Ariel View of Maldivian Atolls
Ariel View of Maldivian Atolls
{ Before I go about describing the magical feeling called Maldives, please note that this blog will be all about indulgence and happiness and day dreams and how it makes you feel utterly blessed by the end of it all. Hence, I’ve refrained from keeping it technical without any to-dos and don’ts list.}
 … As the plane glides down the sky, the brilliance of blue underneath makes you wonder if it is all you see or is there something more mystical waiting for you. You remember the delicate, angelic beauty of jelly fish and then within a flash you are under the sea swimming amongst them, trying to reach out but refrain as to not harm them. You see the exuberance of bright red and orange corals with a hidden purple octopus, sitting snuggly right in the middle of the coral garden. And then you look up, you look up to the shining sea; you see a big whale shark is out for the evening swim and it is right above your head. You try and try to swim, swim really fast to touch it. And just when you are this close to touch it, just then the captain of the plane announces your landing.
Sigh! The magic has shown its glimpse and has left me wanting more out of this trip.
Male, Maldives
Male, Maldives
We land in Male and after checkout as we head towards the gates, we see a guy holding our hotel placard with our names on it. As we commence our trip, one thing that stands out is the crystal clear light and dark blue waters till the horizon.
Hotel arranged for a speed boat for our pickup. It’s a bumpy and fast ride to the resort as speed boat gushes at a blazing fast speed tearing across the calm water between various Maldivian atolls. On our ride to the resort, we saw small birds, coming in and out of the sea for (what we guessed), fishing for food. On a closer look, there were many of them.
“Wait a minute, are these birds?”
“They do have small wings. OMG! These are not birds, these are small flying fishes” And there wasn’t just a handful of them, but a big group who one after another, sometimes together were jumping and flying  in and out of the sea.
Our boat slowed down and driver asked us if we liked Dolphins. We walked towards the deck as we saw a dolphin swimming right in front of our boat. Within 10 secs or something there was an entire school of dolphins all around us. With our mouth open wide in sheer awe, we were immersed in the moment so much so that it didn’t strike us to take our gadgets out to capture the moment.
Quick Note: If you are staying in South Male, travel time with a speed boat from Airport to any resort is between 30 minutes – 1 hour.
Day 1: We stayed at Holiday Inn Kandooma Resort, read its detailed review here: http://gypsyflyblog.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/kandooma-maldives-review/
Kandooma Resort, Maldives
Kandooma Resort, Maldives
Day 2&3 - Anantara: We reached Anantara where its staff clad in all white, welcomed us. Standing right at the entrance, against the backdrop of sophisticated beach resort and palm trees, they bowed and assisted us to the reception and then to our rooms.
A great example of excellent hospitality, Anantara welcomed us with refreshing welcome drinks while we waited at the reception. It’s in no doubt, one of the best places to stay in Maldives. After relaxing and easing out, we headed to the pool next to the main restaurant and bar.
Outdoor Restaurant at Anantara
Outdoor Restaurant at Anantara
There it was! The Oh so WOW moment! Infinity pool overlooking the serene blue ocean waters with a hammock in middle of the sea, it was indeed the love at first site. Dropping the idea of early lunch we headed to the pool for a quick swim which turned out to be approx. 2 hours long. 
Infinity Pool at Anantara
Infinity Pool at Anantara
In the infinity pool were the high stools for guests to enjoy drinks and food while chilling in the pool and as expected, we gulped down our share of drinks.
Pool side assistance for apple lovers (not the iApple, but apple, the fruit) like me included a bountiful tray with a bottle of water for hydration after swim in the sun, two green apples, one pear and one fresh hand towel. Bliss! 
Welcome drinks and other beverages at Maldives
Welcome drinks and other beverages at Maldives
Food: I prefer vegetarian food; hence always try to scout for some delicious vegetarian delicacies to keep me satiated on trips. Without any surprise, restaurants at Anantara offer great mix of all types of food and cuisines. We devoured one of the best Vietnamese rolls along with the pizza that was heavenly, Cappuccino after swim and some simple well-made pasta with green olives and sundried tomatoes in arrabbiata sauce. Rest of the day included more food, drinks and sun bathing.
Welcome Drinks & Other Beverages at Maldives
Welcome Drinks & Other Beverages at Maldives
Water sports: Little bit of snorkeling with a bit of trying to touch medium size silver fishes leaves you all exhausted and that’s when beach chairs outside villa come in handy. Pristine blue waters with different light and dark shades of blue and hammock in the middle of the sea makes it all worthwhile and leaves you with nothing more to be asked for.
Quick Note: Snorkeling kit is free for the guests. There are no water scooters available.  
Scuba: Next day instead of taking scuba diving course at any of the resorts, we took a speedboat to a small local island called Maafushi. A Padi certified professional scuba diving course for 2 day in a village will cost anywhere between INR 10,000 – 15000 vs. 30,000 – 35,000 at any resort.
Unfortunately, after 1 day of scuba, I couldn’t complete the course as I was all exhausted playing mermaid in the sea because of which I caught Hypothermia and fever on the main diving day. I was very disappointed considering the fact that I spent almost entire evening of the previous day in the training session and almost all night reading the Diving book (Yes, I was laughed at and was called a geek). Did the sad part last long? No ways, it gave me the opportunity to indulge, eat, drink and go for spa.
Later in the day, we kept the dinner light. I had veg. clear soup with tones of pepper and garlic along with raw papaya salad. End of the day included some chilled white wine and gazing at the setting sun.   
Sunset in Maldives
Sunset in Maldives
 Water Villa: I will say nothing and will leave you with the pictures to imagine how dreamy it was for us.  
Water Villas at Anantara
Water Villas at Anantara
Sunset View from Water Villa
Sunset view from our Water Villa
If you are still reading this post, thanks for being with me (and hats off to you). To sum it all up, this trip was a sheer warm indulgence. 
* In addition to the luxurious, dreamy part of the trip described above, there was bit more realistic side to the next couple of days. Shall leave it for a later post. 

Cheers! 

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