TURKISH MOSAIC LAMPS


            
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                                                                   SOUTH AFRICA CREATIVE ART


                                
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                                                            BANGLADESH,VIETNAM,BELARUS         


                                                     
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                  LET'S TOGETHER MAKE WORLD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE AND TRAVEL!

The True Blue Maldives and The Appreciation



Watch the video to know about my Maldivian Escapade And How To Do On A Budget

Thanks for the overwhelming response on Maldives.After reading my posts and going through the true blue pictures of Maldives,many of my friends have planned Maldives as their honeymoon destination.Many of my friends who are privileged to be single are considering Maldives as their next excursion.It feels so good to know,that I am helpful in some way or the other.

For all previous posts on Maldives : All About Maldives

A Little About Male,Maldives


A well-ordered life is like climbing a tower; the view halfway up is better than the view from the base, and it steadily becomes finer as the horizon expands. 



How about being part of Battleship board game LIVE !A series of coast guard ship and vessel lined up in Maldives.

Male was never in our to do list but it was as if we were destined to be in Male.And you ask me why?The reason was simple.Ferries do not ply to Maafushi on Fridays.Friday is the prayer day in Male,and everything opens after the prayers are over,that is after the lunch hours or 2 pm.Until then the roads bear a near about deserted look.Initially reading the reviews online,we thought it would be a waste,as on Internet its been told that Male in Maldives is just good enough for a half a day stopover.Not true.Male is a beautiful walk able town,and if you know where to go and what to see,you will love Male for its originality and of course food.Male also has several islands around which can be reached in 15 Rufiyaa by local ferries,perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of the main Male town.

Here are few facts you should know about Male,Maldives:


1)Male,Maldives is a conservative city.

Definitely not the bikini wearing destination.In fact the whole city has kept their tradition and religion alive in modest dressing sense.

As a traveler in Male : It's best to avoid revealing clothes when in the main town.Though it wouldn't grab eyeballs,it would certainly make you feel out of place or slightly uncomfortable.Shorts,short skirts,and everything else is acceptable yet very few people wear them in Male main town.Bikinis are prohibited and sheer transparent clothes should be avoided.However that shouldn't stop you from basking in the sun.Most of the resorts have private beach islands as an excursion where bikinis are normal.In Maafushi,you can wear shorts and your frilly vacation dresses.

2)Ferries do not ply on most sectors on Friday in Maldives

As a traveler in Male : Please keep in mind that the airport ferry would be available all time all days.However the ferries that connect islands do not run on Fridays.So no Male-Maafushi(3pm) island transfer on Fridays.The ferries for islands are available from Villingly Ferry Terminal which is at the opposite end from the airport ferry terminal.

3)People are friendly but be aware of over friendliness at main commercial street near the fish market in Male,Maldives

As a traveler in Male : Maldives survives on tourism and the locals are very well aware of the fact.The people of Maldives are very simple,helpful and sweet.You can ask for help,and you wouldn't be cheated.But keep in mind at the stretch of fish market or the commercial hub there would be folks who would genuinely show fake interests in your country and you and would direct you to their choice of shops or restaurants and will get commission in exchange.So yes,if you can make out the difference between over friendliness and friendliness you will be game.It's not that difficult to identify the friendships for gain.

4)Everything in Maldives would have an extra 10% service charge,6% GST and $ 8 per person per night as Bed Tax.

As a traveler in Male : For the first timer,its very important to note that your stay will have an extra 10% + 6% + $8 ppn over the base rate.Any food and activity will also have an extra of 10% + 6% over the base rate.

5)Every place in Male,Maldives is walk-able


I have an existential map. It has 'You are here' written all over it. 

As a traveler in Male : Taxis are easily available and you will be charged Rufiyaa 20 for each trip, no matter where you go in Male’. You could always take the easier option and walk: anywhere in Male’ is reachable in 10 minutes.Male’ is most famous for its scooties and mopeds, the fastest way to get around for locals.Right at the tourist jetty is the Male map,you can easily identify the places and start walking.

6)Maldives for tan

As a traveler in Male : It's best to apply and reapply your sunscreen as many times as possible in Maldives.The sun is sharp,and makes you tan considerably even if you are out for just 10-15 minutes in the sun.

Here are a few cut down cost tips you should follow before planning a trip to Maldives


1)Accumulate loyalty points/Fly by cheapest Air : Look out for deals and more flight deals.The newly launched Spicejet is going to start from Nov 29 to Male with the starting fare of 5k. This could be your cheapest bet.Another could be,if you have had availed Srilankan airlines for your decent priced trip to
Colombo,you can redeem your miles..You can also look for Srilankan Airlines offers for your trip to Maldives.For us it costed us 16k per person return.Sadly there were no offers on our dates.But as I said,Maldives is going to be the hottest destination in next 1 year with raining cheapest fares on all airlines.So watch out for best deals.


2)Identify a resort or an agent : A resort price might look cheap and tempting at first glance,but its best to know the total fare(including base fares + taxes) before you book the accommodation. Do not be overwhelmed with the base fare price.Remember you might have an extra $8ppn + 10% + 6% to add on.Sometimes,the packages online are cheaper,look for makemytrip.com or expedia.com or yatra.com or air asia packages for special offers and deals.

3)Transfer cost from Airport to Resort : Suppose you booked the resort,but it charges you for airport transfers,you would soon find out that the charges are generally expensive(150$ or 50$ pp for a speedboat transfer).In that case it is best to book your resort in the island which has local ferry service and would cost as little as $1-$2 pp.

4)Volunteer In Maldives:Another great way to experience the 'Real' Maldives is to participate in a volunteer program. Volunteer Maldives is a well established pay to volunteer company registered in the Maldives and organises volunteer placements around the country, which are on the local Maldivian islands.   The company is very well connected, and often can arrange visits to tourist islands for their volunteers at just a fraction of the price normally paid!Watch Neha Dixit From NDTV as she volunteers in Maldives for her stay Neha Dixit Resort Hopping in Maldives

5)Be in Male for at least 2 days : Most of the packages have a direct transfer from airport to the resort island.However,it is best to spend at least 2 days in the capital city Male which is well worth a place for different cuisines.It is also one of the best places to walk around.

6)If possible,bring your own snorkel gear/dive gear : If you have it,get it to avoid unnecessary expenditure.

7)Plan in low season : July - Nov is considered low season,its best to plan your trip during that time.The rates would be less,and you would be able to see more.

Language And Religion in Maldives




Dhivehi is the official language of the country (it has its own script) and Islam is the official religion. The Maldives restrict religious freedom: open practice of any other religion than Islam is forbidden and liable to prosecution (although if you’re going to spend time on a resort island, that shouldn’t be a concern). English is widely spoken.Hindi is well understood.In Dhivehi,

Magu = Market
Gaoli = Gali or a Narrow Street

Here's how to learn Dhivehi : Learn Dhivehi

Kaani Lodge Male Maldives : Our Stay






When we reached the other side of the Male tourist Jetty,we were unsure where to go next to reach Kaani Lodge.So we inquired the guard at the sea house cafe and he very sweetly said to us "let me take you there".That's the best part about being in Maldives,people are friendly,helpful and honest. Kaani lodge is
a walk to the Kaani Gaoli,just 5-10 minutes walk from the main Jetty.The lodge is very basic,we were a little unfortunate to have our rooms at the 4th floor.With no lift in the building it was an exercise of 2 days.The breakfast is served at the top floor.It's best to book your rooms in the first floor,but then you would have to climb 4 floors for the breakfast.There were many foreigners in Kaani Lodge,the receptionist was from Bangladesh and a very humble person to talk to.Really not recommended in case luxury is in your mind.We did a short survey around Male and every other place was costlier than Kaani lodge.Do let us know in case you find anything more cheaper.

It costed us $78 all inclusive for 2 days 1 night double bedroom,including taxes & breakfast in total for 2 people.So per person cost $78/2 = $39

We did an early check out the next day but we kept the luggage with the gentlemen at Kaani Lodge,as our ferry timing was 3 pm.

Where To Eat In Male

Traditional meal in the Maldives consists of rice and garudhiya (fish soup), with fish, chilli, lemon and onion. Curries are also used instead of garudhiya.Fish paste known as rihaakuru is also a fine side dish. Alternately, roshi (chapati) and mas huni (made of grated coconut, fish, lemon and onions) are a popular dish. Fried yams are also widely eaten. Sweet dishes include custard,bodibaiy (rice mixed with sugar) and fruits such as bananas, mangoes and papayas.

Alcoholic beverages and pork are prohibited by Law and only found in tourist resorts and liveaboards for tourist consumption.



Fried Banana Fritters With Icecream at SHC.Variety's the very spice of life that gives it all its flavor

Sea House Cafe , Male - Maldives : One of the best restaurants in town,very affordable and beautifully set.The menus contains pizza to sandwiches to full meals. Very popular and a great place to meet friends.Our best pick in Male.We simply loved the young feel and the food.

Seagull Café , Male - Maldives :One of the most pleasant and popular places, the Seagull boasts a delightfully shaded outdoor eating area and a delicious American-style menu with a kicking club sandwich. There’s also a rightly popular gelataria attached,serving up the city’s best ice cream.

Lemon Grass Cafe, Male - Maldives :The best and affordable chicken salad and biryanis.

Illy , Male - Maldives: The best Maldivian breakfast.I loved the specially made chilly pickle ans the chatni to go with the breakfast.The noodles were also great to have.

Symphony , Male - Maldives : The menu is comprehensive and the Indian cuisine is especially good. This has one of the best vegetarian selections in town.

Shell Beans, Male - Maldives: Expensive Italian coffee house serving wide variety of coffee and desserts.One cup of Cappuccino costs US $1.5 (18 Maldivian Ruffiya).

Movenpick , Male - Maldives : Movenpick in Maale offers swiss premium ice creams, specialty coffee and desserts. Ice cream is a bit expensive costing around 25 Ruffiya ( $2 appox) per scoop.

Down Town Cafe, Male - Maldives: Down Town Cafe is located in a narrow street inside commercial area. Their menu is huge. Local, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Continental, Italian, Mexican and other international cusine is available. You may come here for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts or short eats. Many young people and business men come to Down Town cafe to enjoy their delicious food. Banana shake- 15 Ruffiya (Appox $1) , fresh pineapple -12 Ruffiya ( $ 1). Nasi Gorang (traditional Indonesian / Malaysian dish) - 30 Ruffiya ( $ 2.5) Chinese fried chicken noodles - 20 Ruffiya ( $ 1.5 appox)

Marriyad Restaurant, Male - Maldives :This is the only restaurant at the airport. expect to pay from $7 upwards. We had fried rice here $7 and fried noodles at $9.. taste wise, quite good. Most of the people waiting for their flight will be sitting here to watch the tv. You can just sit and watch tv without buying anything.

Aqua , Male - Maldives: In case the Marriyad Restaurant is closed at the Airport,you can try Maldivian breakfast at Aqua which is right outside the Airport.The food is a little expensive as per Maldivian food cost $11 for breakfast.

Dawn Cafe , Male - Maldives:This is one of the bigger teashops in the area, and it’s near the fish market. You can get a brilliant meal here. Try it on Friday afternoon when people come in after going to the mosque.

South Beach , Male - Maldives :Another popular place convenient for the airport ferry, this friendly hangout serves up delicious ‘short eats’ from dawn until well into the night.

Raanbaa , Male - Maldives:The huge menus encompass everything from tasty red cuttlefish curry to chicken chimichangas and it certainly is one of the biggest restaurents in Male with a tree house like structure.However,I found the food to be little oily than the regular hotel food.Saffron Café & Kitchen:Best for international food such as beef fajitas, nasi goreng and fish curry and for a quick lunch, and the set breakfast (Rf30-40).

Irudhashu Hotaa , Male - Maldives Short eat place nearby  Henveiru football field. The spicy fish curries and selection of hedhikaa are delicious.

Royal garden café, Male - Maldives: The menu is a combination of Italian, Indonesian, American and Indian cuisines.

Sala Thai,, Male - Maldives : The menu is equally enticing, with a huge choice of soups, noodles and curries

Thai Wok, Male - Maldives:The Thai food is excellent and authentic

Tomorrow we take you to tourist places in Male,share the authentic recipe of Tuna maashuni and travel to our very lovely Maafushi island.Till then Happy reading :)

How To Get There?

Patna-The capital City Of Bihar is a little more than an overnight journey by train from Delhi.

Watch me  as I take you through interiors of the unexplored Bihar,watch in youtube for better video clarity.






Why Bihar?

I believe over the years it is the most critized state in India.The reasons we all know or seem to know.The reason which is true yet not so true.The reason which is in our subconscious mind.The reason truly covered in my previous post

The Being Bihari Conversation

Today we discover the reason beyond what you might have thought of and give you insight on some positive sides of the coin.

But let me take a small quiz before we start,all you got to do is rate on the basis of your answers 1-10..1 being highest,10 lowest.

1)Do you think Bihar is Safe to Travel?
2)Do you think Bihar has anything worth looking at?
3)Do you think it can progress the way other states have?
4)What is the condition of girls in Bihar?
5)Bihar and Adventure sports,possible?

Dicey,its quite obvious to know that most of us have the same backward image we have had in our mind since long..and why so?

Because we are too hesitant to accept a change,a change so substantial that even I was surprised.

Bihar Tourism : How Many Takers?

It'my experience working in firms,talking to people that made me think one word Bihar and the people are off.Off to their own wonderland of negatives.When I was working in an adventure firm,I requested my senior to grant me permission to visit the Bihar Road Show,which he said to me would be of no use.

And it was true.It was of no use.The program started,the pictures clicked on some local dance sequence,the whos who invited,but nobody was really interested in promoting Bihar. Sad to say ,not even the tourism folks.

Don't you think its sad?

Patna - Nalanda 


Nalanda, a renowned ancient university in Bihar state of India founded in 5th century AD is 55 kms away from Patna.Nalanda International University (also known as University of Nalanda or Nalanda University) is the name of a proposed university in Nalanda, Bihar, India.

Adventure and Bihar?Rajgir is the first place in India to have started the single seated rope way long back.Is it scary?That's for you to decide,for me it was just another whirlwind where we sang aloud in thrill.Wish we could jump off.

Dona is a small village nestled some 125 kms away from the main city Patna.Named after Dronacharya,the village is worth visiting.Unlike what people might think of next,the roads to every place from Patna have been build upon in recent years.So yes,there are no more pot holes,no more narrow roads.Taxis charge 15 Rs/per km on rent from Patna.

In Between the Journey

Some people reach the destination,we believe in living the destination.When we started from Patna,we had three specific places in mind,Rajgir Nalanda and Dona.And while returning back we had planned Bodh Gaya the only famous and truly marketed place in Bihar.

With a hope that sparked a journey of curiosity,we were not sure what would be ahead.We started with the same set of fear as you would have thought of cows on road,pot holes,not even electricity.We were prepared.But unlike what we had thought of,we were pampered.




Lines of sugarcane juice stalls along the fields of sugarcane were on both sides of the road.It felt good and thirsty.We all excited with a live sugarcane juice in front,stopped our car for our very first break.When the gentlemen was busy preparing the sugarcane juice for us,we played in the sugarcane fields for the first time,as if it was ours.



Next was a break and a place we have never heard of nor seen.It so happened on the way to Nalanda via Bihar Sharif.Rocks with white color on both sides and a road.Clean as hell. We asked the driver what is the place, he said there's a garden on top.We had no time to drive to the top,so we clicked as many pictures as we could at the location which was so unknown yet beautiful.





Next was Nalanda,a university in ruins.A big one at that.It will take more than 3-4 hours to cover the whole periphery.Very popular with international tourists,the Nalanda University is one of the major attractions in Bihar.A series of excavations lay ahead.A series of surprises lay ahead.


Since it is frequented by international tourists due to importance to Buddhists,the place is maintained to the core.There are announcements on directions and how tos. There are instruction boards everywhere.




Next was supposed to be Rajgir.In between we stopped for biting on a sweet delicacy known as Khaja which we get in  a place called Silao near Rajgir.The fresh Khaja melted in our mouth and we had several sweetened as well as non sweetened Khaja along the way.

Rashi Narang gets candid with Ankionthemove about her initiative 'Heads Up For Tails' and the journey  so far......!!!




A Little About Rashi Narang

Ms. Rashi Narang is an entrepreneur with an online boutique pet store called 'Heads Up For Tails'- the only one of its kind in India offering unique, fun and fashionable merchandise like dog collars and leashes, cosy beds, some awesome pet accessories, fashionable dog apparel, and even stuff for pet lovers.They have more than 500 products to choose from.

Your Journey In Brief

I’ve always had dogs, and loved all animals! In 2006 I moved back from overseas after working in the corporate world. I really wanted to do something more fun and creative. It was my dog- Sara’s first birthday, and I went out looking for something special for her. I was dismayed by the products and the quality of the pet stores in Delhi and that’s when the idea of starting an upscale brand with quality products for our pets came to me.

I researched the market, materials, products and vendors for a year before I launched Heads Up For Tails and there has been no looking back since then!

What were the problems that you faced in the initial stages of the project and how did you overcome them? 

It was awfully difficult to set up, run and manage a small business by myself, without enough funds. I had no previous experience in manufacturing or in retail and it has been a steep learning curve! I’ve had lots of hard days, made mistakes and learnt from them- but I must admit- I’ve enjoyed the journey.

There are so many other lines of business. Your idea is comparatively new. What was the reaction of your family and friends when you told them about this business idea? Were they supportive?

There was definitely an element of surprise and shock when I first talked about my idea. For the longest time, it was a joke amongst family, friends, and even customers who would confuse the products for baby stuff! But at the same time, everyone in the family was extremely supportive- especially my husband, without whom I wouldn’t have been able to grow my venture!

Which is your best-selling product and which is your favorite design?

Our best sellers depend on the season- but overall our customers love our collection of dog beds. We make sure that our dog beds look nice in your home. We also customize dog beds and furniture to go with your home furnishing!

Pet Industry is still in its nascent stage. How far have you come? And, what is left to achieve yet?

Yes, the pet industry is definitely still at a very nascent stage. It is not yet well organized. There is a long, long way to go- which is the exciting thing! We’ve established ourselves as India’s first and only luxury brand for pets. There’s loads to be done though- develop new products, have more points of sale, grow our online store etc!

Anki S Thanks Rashi Narang for the candid chat.

“We've come a long way. Power dressing now is designed to let the woman inside us come through.” -Donna Karen


What is Avirate'?

Derived from Sanskrit and indicative of the very epitome of sensuality, Avirate is a creation of Timex & Fergasam Group.Chitrangda Singh the new ambassador of Star in Style dons a chic and sexy Avirate outfit.

 Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.-Coco Channel


It was a night filled with celebrations and more celebrations.Being selected as a runners up in Avirate Real Women Contest Bangalore,I was invited to an event of fun filled gala.I was excited,as excited as every other kid in the candy store. Afterall I am a lady and clothes make me go weak in my knees.I may not even buy them,but the touch feel color and everything else takes me to a different world al together.



If Uncle Scrooge had those gold coins to make his heart flutter every time for me it has to be clothes.I love them,and I cant resist them.Period.

Just then,A pretty lady in her very pretty white and black dress,was in the Avirate launch.We have had met before,yes it was in a black dog event.I wanted to ask on how her experience shopping in the shop that offers "high street sensuality" was and this is what she says..


Ankionthemove interviews Angela Carson





..And I was right.It wasn't just me falling in love with the collection.It wasn't the models who made it look sensual.It has to be the fabric,the design the pattern,very ideal for the post parties after work/cocktail parties.

Being sensual can be sweetly seductive if done the right way,the Avirate lingerie collection is just that.So next time if you are struggling to be the perfect visual dessert for your sweet someone,or the perfect cocktail dress,think not once,not twice,this place is just for you.


Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style.-John Fairchild

Visit My Style Blog For Events On Style And Fashion: http://style.ankionthemove.com/

Where in India?


International Store Locations:

Flagship Store – Bengaluru, India (Now Open)
# 589,
12th Main,
Indirangar,
Bengaluru 560 038.
India

Retail Stores:

Phoenix Market City Bengaluru
# G40 (Ground Floor),
Phoenix Market City Mall,
Whitefield,Mahadevpura,
Bangalore - 560048.
India

Tel: 0091 8067266196

Email: info@aviratefashion.com
Store hours: 10 AM to 9 PM


The Collection - UB City (Now Open)
# 114, 1st Floor
Vittal Mallya Road,
Bangalore - 560001.
India

Tel: 0091 080-41557555

Email: info@aviratefashion.com
Store hours: 10:30 AM to 9 PM


Phoenix Market City mall
#F43, 1st Floor,
Velachari Road,
Chennai
India

Email: info@aviratefashion.com
Store hours: 10:30 AM to 9 PM


ICC Tech Park
# 5, Senapati Bapat Road,
Pune
India

Email: info@aviratefashion.com
Store hours: 10:30 AM to 9 PM

When you are travelling alone,a 34 hour train journey can be mentally and physically draining,specially when I have been doing it every month for past 4 months.It was one of those journeys which prompted me refresh my head cap to discover my roots.A middle aged gentlemen in Media,2 popes from church,2 simpletons and me.It wasn't one of those same age groups train journey and people were reluctant to speak to each other.I felt a dire need to introduce myself to create a candid conversation among st the passengers.It all started with

A(Media person from Bihar):Where are you from?

[ It has to start,no matter where you are this question is what makes you different and most of the times decides on your being on which side of the ball game are you in.People connect on same language,sometimes same rituals,same cultures,sometimes accent.Some cultures hit high notes on superiority factors,others are looked down upon.How far have we reached mentally?India is biased.The states which are shown well-off in the media are indeed well off,the states which are not shown so well off are considered poor illiterate uneducated less modern.The fact is however,India can't alone develop on one state.The media has to revise facts which are not still updated,not even on google. Probably they never will be. Cauz as a country we know,

Sad stories make headlines,good stories are part of editorial.]

Back to the conversation

A:Where are you from?

Me:Living throughout the country,originally from Bihar

[It guess it was his same pinch moment,the sparkle in his eyes almost meeting mine only to soon fade in an unexplained silence].

A:You don't have that...accent.

Me:Excuse me!

A turning to other passengers,now in a little less interested in me,where are you from?

B(pope):Karnataka

C(others):Karnataka

D(others):Karnataka

So now we have 3 Karnatakas,2 Biharis.We now start our most immature virtual conversation which can make all of us to think or rethink when we say "we all are equal"

[I consider myself more Indian but a excited look on A's face made me choose over my state than the rest of the country]

It was interesting to note a certain biased opinion of people thereafter.I didn't even say a word,just mere observation was enough.Satire sometimes can be humiliating. Exaggeration sometimes can be untrue.Many a times I have seen people rave about their state "No Mr.Until you have done or contributed even a 1 % in either way to develop your state or think about its well being,nobody just qualifies being born.And it's good that your state is doing well,but that doesn't give you the right to belittle other states.In just a matter of second or choice of god,you could have been born in any part of the country to the most illiterate parents or the most affluent ones.Respect it and Think about it"



A,B,C were too busy appreciating the progress their state has achieved so far while they didn't leave a single stone upturned to prove how Biharis lag behind  based on the facts by Media.Mr A. almost rose to clarify how he was treated like an outsider in interiors of Maharasthra. In another of my candid conversation in train,a Delhi guy almost mentally raped a women to prove how great Delhi is and how she should be proud to travel first time to the most cleanest( :/) ,progressive and fashionably sound state of India.Can't you see it all over?If you haven't faced this so far,you must be born in those lucky affluent states of India.I have full faith and sympathy with the whole of north east.What wrong have they done?As far as I know they are people who are very pure at heart.But see the recent Bangalore melodrama,we are born with a racism in our blood.Forget India and Pakistan,we ourselves have a feeling of being inferior or superior.

In my recent visit to Maldives,a russian lady very innocently told me "Oh..I love Indians..they are so beautiful,lively..bollywood,Shah Rukh Khan".And while we still struggle to manage our images in our own country!

The most biased public opinions so far I have heard...

Baniyas are Kanjoos
Jats are "Ask the people of Gurgaon!You would get the answer"
Punjabis do balle balle on every occasion(Thanks Bollywood!)
Kashmiris are Muslims(How does it even matter!)
Biharis are most backward and notorious criminals(Seems like Rowdy Rathore was from Bihar)
North Eastern people are Chinkis
Kannadigas are nice people
Chennaihites don't help other state people

Of late a lady told me

Armymen are "well the word is literally too sexist to be written in public"

It's rather funny to see people use all their mental algebra to generalize facts about the whole community either based on their own personal experiences or by word of bad media mouth.It's disturbing,It's irritating but it's true.

"I am from Bihar. Never lived there.I am neither too proud,nor not so proud.I am OK with me being from wherever.But I have faced several remarks my whole school life,however innocent or stupid that may be.My parents are very open minded,they never argued me on my choice of either a guy or a career or my friends.I consider myself lucky to have traveled throughout the country and I respect every state and religion.I know in some ways or the other,every state has contributed to my being grown up.I have my folks in Army,and they are not definitely what the lady told me,even if lets say I use spoof cameras,they are not!"

But Mr. A was too adamant to know where I belong to,may be he wanted to reconfirm my state level existence on the basis of what I was wearing or my accent.Or he just wanted to conclude.

A:You are not connected to your roots,you are not a true bihari. Are your parents connected?

[For good or bad,I avoid telling my state name for the very same reason to not either start a lalloo land conversation or how much I need to prove to be one of those true Bihari]

Me:Well for that,I don't care.I love India,and I don't have time to have conversation like these.

A:But you know you must be connected to your roots[Whatever that Meant]

C:wee hee :).She stays in Bangalore,She is a Bangalore-an.

A:Bihar
C:Karnataka
A & C:Repeat

Me:My parents are from Bihar. I have lived all over.I am going to Delhi,staying in Bangalore.Clear enough?

A:So what do you do?

Me:I write about travel and adventure.

A & C:Almost shocked,you are married[100th time that is,people emphasize on the phase being married to stress it to an extent you would feel a sudden pity inside and that is when you remember oh he was nice,he was charming,my college crush,my school crush and then you hit the reality real hard and you say that's ok,he loves me..so what!],
travelling alone[I remember Jab we Met Dialogs most then],
lady[How bechari..I guess I need bodygaurds now],
a bihari[people don't relate to biharis being adventurous,it has to be someone from Punjab or Delhi or Bangalore],
adventure[Ok..not engineering,not doctor,adventure???]

A:How educated are you?

Me:BE (Comp Sc).

A: ..and still doing adventure.Weird choice..Almost laughs off.

Me:I didn't know how to react

A[in the most concerned tone ever]:You know this Jumping Off is a risky business.You should be doing something more safe.People in my entire family has never done something like that,neither I think it's a good career option.Winks you know as a Bihari an advice from an elder brother[brother ehhh..]

C:You should manage home.Do you know families who have ladies as their housewives are more happy?

Me:No,I don't think so.Well I am on a mission to Delhi this time.

A & C:And that is..

Me:My brother just made a plan to discover the(roots) together to capture the new evovled Bihar

A:Really[Finally Mr. A got some connect]

C:That's a waste of time.The land has nothing.

In the next episode,we bust the negative myths of the most critized Bihar.Mind you the journey is going to transform your image about the people and the place and the scope of adventure in Bihar

I know I am lagging 3 destinations on my blog.2 marriages ahead,2 camps ahead,and many many blogposts ahead.

Mussorrie-Will be completed by Dec.
Maldives-Is a high priority.My comp crashed,sent for replacement.As soon as I get it back and I install my video edit software,Maldives is the first one to go live.
Bihar-In next 10 days
Eurotrip-The detailed plan would be published by start of december.
Bangalore Meetup:December

For All Previous Posts on Maldives: All About Maldives

Maldives was love at first sight.I had never been to a place so beautiful before.They say love makes one go gaga and no matter how many words I write here,the feeling remains in my heart.It's been 3 days already I left Maldives,and yet if I ever get a chance to revisit it again I would jump and be as excited as every other teenager in love for the first time.



                                                       Waiting For My Ferry At The Airport Jetty

"The golden shimmer of the sea right from the airport jetty to the spicy Maldivian food at my platter,waking up to a beautiful local island just to see how the color of sea was 'today' or lazing around in a small private island of few meters with transparent water all around me,dancing with the locals on music that made me do so,or just wondering on the upper ship deck 'Why was it for just 5 days,why do things have to end?'.Maldives is a place you would love to be at forever or may be more."


How To Reach Maldives?

It's easy.We took a comfortable Srilankan AirLines Night Flight From
Bangalore -> Colombo
Colombo -> Male(Ibrahim Nasir International Airport)


Ibrahim Nasir International Airport The Perfect Landing/Takeoff


                   With Travel Comes Great Food!Me and The 2 Cups Of Belgian Chocolates

Landing in Maldives is a surreal experience.Take off is unique.It's best to plan Male in a way you could view either landing or takeoff at daytime.The plane runs parallel to sea,landing almost makes you feel it would just run in the water.A few minutes before landing is an awesome sight of small little islands spread over turquoise water.The sight you wouldn't want to miss.

Since we had taken a night flight for landing,and a day flight for takeoff we still managed to view the islands from top down.Sometimes we stared at the perfect landing from the Male town afar,we knew we missed it!


Maldives has Ibrahim Nasir International Airport at Hulhule Island which is a ferry away from the Male Mainland!Interesting isn't it?



You need to show your prebooking for your duration of stay in Male to the

or

You need to show your account balance/sufficient funds in such a way that it covers a minimum Maldivian daily expenditure for your duration of stay.

Tip:Maldives is not a place where you can do an impromptu visit.Maldives survives on tourism,so it's best to pre-book your stay than search for it at the last moment.The minimum Maldivian daily expenditure comes to be on the higher end,so why not just book your stay,and make immigration a little easier and cheaper on your pocket too!


Places We Did                 Places We Stayed
Male                                       Kaani Lodge
Maafushi                              Holiday Lodge


The Maldivian Night




Since we had our check in the morning at our hotel,we had no choice but to stay at the airport the half night.Outside the airport arrival lounge are a series of chairs with tables and TV.You can spend as many hours you would want to.Just outside the airport is the restaurant called Aqua and air taxi booking counter.Air taxis are very expensive,if you can afford it..it's simply the best experience.Aqua was where we had our first Maldivian Breakfast(Maashuni Tuna Roshi) for 11$.The food is awesome,though it is expensive at the airport as per general Maldivian food cost.



Just then the small lights on the airport jetty started reflecting beautifully with the sunrise.In next 15 minutes,I saw a transition of sea from light golden,to blue golden to turquoise. It was a beautiful sight.


The Airport Ferry Maldives

Going to Male Mainland is simple.Outside the airport is the ferry jetty.Local ferries ply every half an hour from the airport to the Male Mainland and costs around 1$ or 10 Rufiyaa. All you got to do is,hop into one of those ferries,make your space,keep your luggage and be comfortable.You need not pay at the counter anywhere,the pay is collected on board.

Next,we discuss the stay, expenses,our experience,what to what not to,and discover the hidden treasures of Male,interview a few random people and unwind at the sea cafe.The video is still in edit stage.This is a short glimpse or a raw footage,to show how clear the water was:



Diwali is just around the corner.Today was a super exciting day for me,when my first article got published in Hindustan Times..it's a certain high to see your name in print,and I feel good already!
Ankita_Sinha_Top_10_Things_To_In_Diwali

A month ago,it was a challenge to do Maldives,one of the most expensive countries in the world as a backpacker.A flight booking and a hotel reservation is all I had.With almost nil information on internet on how to,I'm glad that we did what I had dreamt of since long.

 LIVE BLOGGING FROM MALDIVES



Can Maldives be done in a backpacker's/budget way?

The answer is "Yes"

Is Maldives only for honeymooners?

"No".No doubt Maldives is romantic,you would either fall in love with the country or your partner.

Are resorts the only option of stay in Maldives?

"No".2 years back,it was the only option.Now things have changed,more and more people like to explore Maldives the way locals do.

Is Maldives expensive?



                                Me,swimming in the sea.Some experiences just come for free.

"Yes" it is,from everything starting from the taxi,to the food to your stay,unless you keep an eye on your budget,it might just go beyond what you might have thought of.

People of Maldives?

People are very friendly,caring and genuine,both men and women.

Best For?

Maldives is best for water sports,diving snorkeling water skiing,surfing.The water is crystal clear,and you can spot fishes and corals even on the shore!!

The Sea Food is..

The sea-food is awesome.Maldives is best way to outgrow the typical smelly sea food we are accustomed with.Most of the dishes are prepared with fish,though the spicyness and taste is so rich that you would want to have fish every day and every night.

What if I am a vegetarian?

Even if you are a vegetarian or a chicken lover,Maldivians prepare their food with love.The 5 days in Maldives gave us the best gastronomical experience of a lifetime.

The Music is?



Maldivians are friendly people.We danced all night with them.Guess the hindi song they danced and sang especially for us[Hint: Watch the video]


If you get a chance,dance to the local fast thumpy music the way we did.It's like our own bhangra but very fast,the music is catchy!

The Myth About Maldives?

Maldives is not the bikini destination we know of.Unless of course you stay at resorts or go on a excursion to a nearby picnic island from your local island.Most of the local islands where we stayed had no bikini rule.So yes,if budget is on your mind..keep other things the way people like it!

The No Alcohol glitch?

In Maldives,sale or consumption or import of alcohol is prohibited.There are better things to do see and drink in Maldives.And while you come back,its best to get one of the those duty free liquor from the airport departure gates,they have awesome collection!

Best Season To Go Maldives?

Is off-season during the “rainy” season which is June/July to Oct/Nov for best rates.

The currency of Maldives?  

Is Rufiyaa. US Dollar is accepted everywhere.The best way is to exchange the currency from the currency exchange counters in Indian Rupee to Dollars,but preferably not from the airports.The conversion charges are high.

Once you have sufficient dollars its best to exchange it to Maldivian Rufiyaa from the currency exchange counter at the Maldive airport and keep the receipt,so that when you come back you can exchange Rufiyaa to dollar. It is important to keep the receipt and reconfirm at the counter for the counter exchange of currencies.

What we did was split our expenses in such a way that we had half the amount as dollars for hotel,reservation etc) and half the amount as Maldivian Rufiyaa(for food,ferry,water sports)

You can also keep US dollars for all your expenses in Maldives,but it comes out to be little costly in terms of daily expenses.

1 Maldivian rufiyaa(MVR) = 3.5198 Indian rupees(INR)
1 USD = 54.1783 INR
1 USD = 15.3200 MVR

FOR ALL INFORMATION ON MALDIVES VISIT: MALDIVES OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Coming up:Maldives
Video on Maldives
On How We Did It
The Interesting Recipes

                         “May night continue to fall upon the orchestra of Maldivian dawn"


               “When we're connected to others, we become better people.” -At Maldives



 “I heard silence,silence infinite as the bottom of the ocean.Silence that makes Maldives exotic"



“Eat Food.Try Maldivian Delights or Learn From Them" "Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air,with Maldives and ME!"