It was my first time in any European Country.Of course,I was a little nervous. Didn't know if my documents were in place, if I was smiling a little by mistake in the photo ,if I did the right thing applying on my own.Questions like if the visa gets rejected made me have butterflies in my stomach.

To Read Previous Post on Spain : Hola From Spain


That's the worst that can happen isn't it , after everything is planned.After doing my much intended research online,I came to a conclusion,the best way is to go for what Vfs Spain says. Vfs Spain is the most organized online site I have ever seen - they state everything starting from the documents required,to a detailed checklist which you need to fill up which ensures from your side that you have done what needs to be done plus list of authorized Travel insurance companies.

Talking of Travel Insurance.Yes,travel insurance is compulsory for travelling to Spain.You would ask me what exactly is that.Many of my friends have asked me from where to obtain it.I was in the same dilemma a few days back .At one point of time,I was so confused that I thought the amount of Euro 30,000 mentioned should be the amount my bank contains(Really ! And the thought that even if I earn my lifetime I wouldn't be able to have so much. It also made me think the ones who travel Europe must be super rich to be able to afford so.Or Honeymooners.But hey having heard of backpackers,I thought there must be something it says which I don't understand).Ignorant of insurance or how to obtain it after the recent rejections by non - compliant insurance agencies as per Schengen rules,I decided to give a call to Centrum - The place from where I get my currency exchanged - Usually.Its very convenient,the folks are very helpful too.They said they have two schemes one by Future Generalli and another by Reliance.They suggested me to go for Future Generalli. The amount euro 30,000 is for coverage of any mishaps ,illness etc happening during your travel,and it entails a meager amount of Rs 900 from our end , the rates depending on your days of travel and the scheme you choose.As per Spain Schengen,the scheme you choose should be valid for 15 more days than your days of travel,hence I chose the bracket 25-30 days of Future Generalli. You can also choose reliance travel insurance online which is easy to get.The next time travelers plan a visit to Europe, they will have to ensure that their travel insurance policy is valid. If not, their visa is likely to be cancelled at the last minute,so better choose from the valid ones mentioned on the website.

Another question which I had when I was applying for the Schengen Visa was how do we obtain a Single Entry or a Multiple Entry Visa?The visa granted is usually by the Consulate depending on your places of travel in Europe - you also have a option to choose in the Application Form(however the approval of Single or Multiple totally depends on the Consulate).As per rules,the country you apply for should be the country as your first port of entry or the country where you are travelling for maximum number of days.For me,Zurich was my first port of entry however I was spending the maximum number of Days in Spain.The rules are

• It should be the Main Destination.
• The Country related with the main purpose of travel.
• The Country with maximum period of stay.
• State of first entry.

It takes around a week to process it from Spain Mumbai Consulate(for South Region) and three weeks for Spain Delhi Embassy(North).It usually says that keep three weeks in hand before applying for visa. Vfs helps a lot when you submit the documents suggesting what are the things which are not required to what are which are required.In fact,things are so much in order,that you wouldn't require a middle man if at all.You can also consult them by phone or by interacting them in person using the inquiry facility at the venue.However,vfs doesn't grant you visa.It is a place where you submit all your documentation.


Tourist Visa : This category of visa caters for people wishing to stay in Spain for a period maximum 3 months and may be applied if the person does not have a guarantor in Spain and buys a tour in a travel agency, or make a booking of tickets and hotel.

The Tourist Visa fees is 5080 + 1693(vfs charge) + 350(courier charges)

The following documentation are required for the visa,please click here for more details

• Passport of the applicant with at least two blank pages, which should be valid for at least three months after the duration of intended stay. This document should have been issued in the last ten (10) years. Photocopy of all the pages of the present passport must be submitted./*Please note that if you have a passport which is issued for more than 10 years,you might have to apply for a new passport for the visa,some people I know have faced this issue with the current criteria of Schengen Visa*/

• Submission of all old passports is mandatory. In case if applicant has lost old passport then he/she can submit copy of complaint lodged with Police or for any other reason of not submitting it he/she can provide a covering letter mentioning the reason for the same.

• Original Application form for Schengen Visa duly filled in and signed by the applicant in blue ball point ink. 2 recent photographs (35-45 mm) of the applicant with white background must be attached in the application form(click here for Photo Specifications). The application form must be correctly filled, facilitating all the possible information requested in the form including postal address, email address and telephone number. /* The vfs has a photo booth and pictures can be easily taken when at venue ) */

• "Checklist " needs to be duly filled in by the Applicant/Travel Agent/Authorized representative and needs to submitted along with the Visa Application. 

• Sworn Declaration is mandatory to be provided along Visa Application form at the time of submission.

• Covering letter from the applicant, explaining in detail the purpose of the visit.

• For tourism purpose - 

1.  Hotel bookings for the entire duration of stay. 
2.  Travel itinerary for the entire duration of stay.
3.  Flight Bookings

That's it about the visa process,a lot of information is available online on VFS. Visas are no longer a big deal.

The Art Of Splitting Money

I wrote it in my previous posts.I write it again.Travelling can be fairly expensive if you do not know how to manage money.So usually I split the money I convert to half - half in hard cash and half in Travel Card.Travel Card saves you from carrying all the hard cash with you - its as simple as using the debit card without incurring the extra fees which otherwise if we use the debit card abroad will have to pay in shops or taxis.However checking balance with the Travel Card at any foreign atm can be an expensive affair - they usually give you online passwords to check balance and its the best way without the extra cost.It also can be a backup plan if you run out of cash,your near and dear ones can add onto your travel card.The best way to exchange money is in the city center of a place.Not Airports any day. Either change it from here or change it there.

What I learnt,yet Again!

To be easy with my luggage.After being on move from Spain to Switzerland,my bag was so heavy that I could barely carry.What I didn't know was Europe is about long walks usually.Be it walking from the hotel to be it walking in the midnight.Also,since my ticket was to Bangalore the next day,after landing in Bombay,and since Indigo permitted 15 kgs of luggage,I almost felt like a fool.After having escaped the International Airport with 20 kgs of luggage,in India was where I got stuck.So be easy with your luggage,it helps ;)

Also,carry one set of clothes and essentials in your carry on.Just in case,if your check in luggage arrives late.Carry all your electronics with you.

Your tweets are important.Much love :)


In next blog posts I take you to my candid experience with this merryland - hope you enjoy!

If you remember last time,you would recall how gaga I was for the new Dell Venue 8 .I told you its unique,its lightweight and discussed some of the interesting features which you might not know about this new product.Now again,it wasn't the end of all I said “Not just a Tablet,Not even a miniature Laptop” its more than that because its so easy to carry that you wouldn't even feel you are carrying one - it fits into your purse right in.


Now for me,Travel Videos are important - a lot of my friends ask me how do I make videos.Although making a real Travel Video with seamless sequence edits take time,there is always another option.I always used to wonder,if instead of carrying my whole laptop,if I could get a more convenient one let’s say a miniature version,which does a quick video editing,I would be more than happy.I mean recording the short snippets then would be so damn easy.

                                 Watch me through as I take you to quick Sample Video Edit

Sometimes when you are trekking on mountains,or walking on places which are very inaccessible otherwise,or a surprise party at home when you feel like recording you and your friends voice,an occasion like impromptu baby cries and smiles ;  carrying a DSLR at your arms length isn’t always that handy.

Dell Venue 8 just exactly do that - take out the burden part to a more convenient part.Apart from the front and back cameras,the video options can also be used for Video Recording purposes and even Editing.The Big HD Screen Helps a lot in viewing each frame with clarity.


 So we tried some of the options in the Video Editing app which works exactly similar to how a video editing software would on any of the laptop.If you have worked on Movie Maker,you would know the literal terms such as projects,frames,transitions,text,In and Out etc.When we choose the app “Movie Studio” it asks for a new project,we can give a new project any name.After which we can either record a video(and keep recording and adding frames) or we can import a set of videos for editing.After which we have very smooth play,forward,rewind buttons on screen which helps see if the videos are in sequence.

When we are sure they are,we can add Transitions or Title text.There are several options to choose from so this comes very handy.To top it all we have a add music button where you can add your own music to the video(either downloaded or your own music in background).And once it is done,can share it to all the Social Networks listed. Isn't that cool?

 The fact that it’s not small enough like a Smartphone and appropriate enough for video editing 
makes it an easy bet when taking interviews/ selfie recordings/and many more other stuff yet to come in further posts.

                                                            Dell Venue 8 For A Traveler


                              Every Gram counts while travelling ; Souvenir from Scotland
                                  A lightweight tablet is just the right thing to fly with!


Imagine going to a place. Imagine living that place. Imagine capturing that place. Imagine travelling alone. Imagine your desire to capture Selfie on the go (Imagine you have no friends around to do that).Imagine your thirst for adventure. Imagine a tablet that keeps you entertained, informed, and connected all at the most fluid clicks possible. Imagine not carrying your heavyweight PC on the move, Imagine carrying tons of souvenir back instead ; without worrying about the weight you get back. Small little things matter when you travel. When you travel alone, it matters more. Imagine a long flight to Canada (20 hours long), and you are stuck with the movie options terribly boring on the flight. What do you do? Sleep , Sleep and Some More Sleep. Imagine playing it on your Dell Venue ,its simple, its one - touch and there you go - your favorite movies right there on HD TouchScreen.

Indian Moms. You know how they are. They want to know everything wherever you go. They want to know if a Pizza in Italy made you plump, or the trek on the mountains made you weak. And just when you wish she was here with you, all you get to do is tap a Selfie with a nice smile and write back "Mom I am fine". Or when you travel a flea market, flash your Dell Venue and click the most adorable dress you are getting back for her. Mail Share Tweet Google+ .And you know you are in safe hands, the distance now is no longer a distance.
                                       The Dell Venue 8 is exceptionally User Friendly 
                                      One such:"Add locations to your pictures and videos"
                                       
Sometimes in a hurry when we travel, we take random shots .The shots turn out to be bizarre, blur ,tilted. With 5 MP rear camera and 2 MP front camera and apps which help make the most of the image ,the dell tablet is more than just any smartphone in the market. Relax with your favorite Android-based games, or pop it in your bag and get going.



 Click and add borders, upload to Picasa facebook  gmail  google, modify, crop, tilt ,add effects, change color settings, all this is possible. Instagraming anyone? This could be the handiest without having to use additional software. At less than 9.5mm thin, you can lay this lightweight tablet on your lap.

Imagine getting lost to find your way. Most of the interesting places I have been to are found by me which was never in the list. Most of the interesting places I know are random. Even then some places need to be known. Use Google Maps, the big screen helps you see into the depth of it in the most detail possible. Snap amazing photos with a rear facing 5MP camera or video chat like a pro with the front facing 2MP camera. When on the go, we love to stay connected. But what pity ,the roaming charges are incredibly high and so we miss on calls daily. Or the ones who  we do call, we call on Skype. Not anymore on a laptop. A laptop is bulky. Why not connect and video chat on Skype on the Dell Venue. Simple isn't it?The wifi is super quick to connect.

Take your multimedia and other files with you with up to 16GB3 of hard drive storage plus a micro SD slot for up to 32GB of additional storage. Spend more time with the tablet, the battery lasts for 8 hours.

Keep your schedule running smoothly, because travel is easy when done the right way 

"Arriba Abajo Alcentro Adentro" Sipping on our glasses of Sangria held high, we in synchronous melancholy knew Spain is a country we all have been loving to be since long . For some it was the first time, for others was the second or the third. Arriba ( glass held high),Abajo(spelt Abakho, glass held low),Al centro(touch the centers of glasses with others),Adentro(drink inside) we all excited as hell for our journey ahead was happy for the surprises to come. Spain is a country of diversity, of colorful fun loving people, of Senoritas and Senors, of varied landscapes, on the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, of the rulers from Moors to the Jewish, of cobbled street and caves and long long drives. As I tread my way to the interiors of Spain, I take you to a quick photo-essay.

Help me, if Spain is where you first fell in love with and pen down your thoughts with mine right at the comment box because your words are precious. Ole' Ole'

With love,
Anki


       One of the most photographed Street in Spain @ The White Village of Mijas(spelt Mikhas)                                                                            where donkey taxis run

Beautifully said by Mr Senthil,"Why we call Tamara the Tamara is because Tamara in Malayalam means Lotus.We want to tell people that as Lotus blooms in dirty water but still retains its beauty and freshness,in the same way the environment around us might not be all that pure but we strive to bring that natural balance in our world and be different" .Started 2 years back,this romantic Eco-friendly resort already has The Most Romantic Resort Award in India by CNBC in its kitty.


Coorg as we all know is favorites with many Bangaloreans,we love the green sloppy atmosphere Coorg offers.But imagine a place where Romance takes an cultural and Eco-friendly twist - Retaining what it is to balancing what is not without disturbing the Eco-system.Waking up to the views of shining silver oak trees(which is used for soft furniture) touching the infinite blue sky smiling down at you to find you sleeping like a baby at the balcony of a tree house.It is very very romantic indeed.



This valentines day(14th Feb 2014) was special to me.Not only did I celebrate it with learning steps on Salsa at Tamara but listening to live music,staying in a tree house,walking down the coffee plantations,learning the basics of cardamoms and spices,making my own coffee from raw beans to the final hot brew sans Chicory,painting the natural surrounding and waking up to the healthiest of South Indian Food and sleeping with the delicious deserts.

Now,its not often I am being garlanded.This resort made me feel like a queen.The welcome drink made from Coffee and Jaggery coupled with the tikka on the forehead and a garland on me made me instantly relaxed after about 4.5 hours of drive.Just then the buggy came over and I was taken to my room.The tree house was all I had dreamt of,the soft cushions waited eagerly to be embraced.What I liked the most about the room was the balcony and the all so natural ingredients used in my toiletries.The super soft hair you see in the video is the best I have ever had in years.I was tempted to buy it,and so got a chance to at the Verandah where the rich Coffee Making experience was being taught.Now I can make my own real coffee sans the adulterants.What relief!

 Not only did I make my own coffee,I also discovered that mere walking from my room to the area of food and recreation in itself was soul-soothing.Listening of chirping of birds,watching tree houses as they pass by,gentle ruffles of leaves all that is an ambiance anyone will fall in love with."When I saw you standing there " sang the band from Bangalore while the dedication from couples followed one on another.Then was live chaat and food made specially for valentines day.The hearts melt when we saw the performances,the cakes the candles the whiskies et all.


The extra activities are great fun too, specially the plantation walks well as mountain trek with Lokesh. Lokesh was previously with the army and he has great knowledge of the Eco-system and the risk associated with it.He took us on a plantation walk where he showed us the rudraksh tree,the fig,the rose wood,the cloves,the cardamoms and Kurunji Plant which blooms once in 12 years.He also told us about the Wild Cucumber in the area,which is so bitter that one can never eat but can be used with oil for medicinal purposes.

Watch the video Interview with Mr. Senthil on Tamara Coorg on when and why It was started,and his own journey from the corporate world towards the responsible eco-venture






The compound composes of Manthan Composting Unit where the Garbage is decomposed and recycled and Green House and Nursery for Vegetables and Fruits.On the other side of the mountain is the region of Kasergod from Kerala where the tribals pass through.Let's watch a couple of videos and pictures and know why Tamara! In one words,just so beautiful it is :)