Monthly Archives: March 2014

Mountains on my mind!

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Himalayas, India, Adventure, Travel, Indian Mountains, Mountaineers, Trekking

This weekend watched Eight Below! Again! As fabulous as the story and the movie is, I always fall in love with the majestic mountains, snow and beauty that encapsulates these terrains. From the time the Himalayan bug has bit me, I always think of spinning my heels and look for an opportune moment to climb various mountains across the Himalayan terrain. Of course, other than that I would always love to explore mountains across the world. Considering that we’re planning a trip to Japan this year, Mt. Fiji certainly is on my mind for that trip. But yes, Himalayas can’t be ever forgotten, no matter what. Despite the crazy mad schedules I’ll have this year, working on a lot of things besides just writing, I intent to climb a few mountains across the country and the world!

It’s been around 5 years that I’ve been enjoying my escapades into the virility of the beauty of the snow, the magnificence of the young peaks across the country’s finest and most enjoyable views. Mountains and adventure in the mountains is something I cannot miss, come what may! Adventure is something I always seek to find. The pleasure of scaling great heights, the view encapsulating a different world across a different horizon, waking up in the valley of wilderness and listening to the sky whisper so close to your ears every time you’re out there cannot be matched with absolutely anything. Having said that, one of the best things about mountaineering is the absolutely close connection you have with a place that’s not only close to your heart but also very strongly attached to your soul. I feel that if there was a higher purpose to my life, (pun intended)  it has something to do with the madness these mountains offer to the enchanting, aching soul of mine.

No matter what, every time I’m out in these mountains, they speak to me in minuscule whispers, they talk to me about their mysterious existence and they connect with me on a different level in each and every different place that I go to. They have a different language for each and every person they meet and no matter what their message is, it always gets you right in your heart. Touches you deep down in the bottom of your delirious happy place that you probably go back to being that child you were when you knew nothing but joy and sweet happiness. Now that the summer has come, most places in the Himalayas will soon open up and a lot of enthusiastic mountaineers will pack their gear and head out to meet their respective mountains. I don’t know if I will be going to Himalayas anytime soon this year, but I certainly know that destiny will bring me close to the place I call second home. While I wait for that call, I’ll certainly look towards reliving some treasured memories in this terrain through some of my old blogs about Himalayas

P.S: Speaking of the mountains, I’d like to plug in something interesting for adventure lovers. One of my good friends, Debolin Sen is a High Altitude Himalayan Traveler and has been walking and climbing the Himalayas for over 10 years. In fact this year, he was at the Everest Summit too. Just like me, in fact, more than me,  he loves his mountains and is heavily addicted to adventure. He’s doing something to understand the mindsets which drives participation in the adventure industry in India.

He’s running the Adventure Survey ™, possibly India’s first to find out your views and take on Adventure. Would love it if you guys can take this survey by clicking on the link below. Would be of great help to my friend. Thanks guys and stay tuned for more travel travails across the world.

Click here to take the Adventure Survey ™

You Only Live Once – Why Families Should Choose Fun-Loving Florida

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Florida has long been a favorite vacation destination for families around the world. Every summer, thousands of fun-and-sun-seeking families  book flights to Florida to enjoy the best of the state. What brings them to the Sunshine State?

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Here are just a few reasons why Florida is the place to be this summer.

Welcome to the Sunny State

Warm and welcoming, the climate in Florida is very agreeable to lots of people. They don’t call it the Sunshine State for no reason! Yes, there’s always the chance of rain, of course, but visitors will be pleasantly surprised about how good the weather can be over there.

Bring All Your Family!

We all agree that family is important. It’s also very important in Florida, where thousands of family-oriented activities and attractions have been created to appeal to children (and adults) of all ages. From the educational, such as the exhibits at SeaWorld in Orlando, to hair-raising fun of the many rides and attractions at places such as Universal Studios, no family member will prefer to just stand and watch everyone else have all the fun. Florida has something for everyone.

Life’s a Beach (and a few Everglades!)

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While a lot of the fun in Florida is undoubtedly man-made, the state’s more natural attractions also hold a lot of appeal. The weather in Florida is so good that it’s given birth to a huge beach culture. The world’s tanning addicts and sun worshipers can also be found each day lounging on Florida’s coastline, including on the South Beach in Miami. It’s not just the beaches that offer visitors somewhere to look around, but also the seas surrounding Florida. Families will be spoilt for choice as whether to pick the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico to explore. Who knows, they may even find some buried treasure in one of the shipwrecks that can be found just off the coast of Florida.

Elsewhere, the Everglades is home to wildlife and local plants , and visitors can choose to explore the untouched side of Florida’s swamp lands, where they’ll also encounter different species of turtle and exotic birds — but watch out for those alligators! You can book day trips via an air-boat tour company to the Everglades.

There’s so much to do on holiday in Florida, so don’t just while away your days there on the beach, relaxing as this may be. Check out what you and your children can do during your time in the state and see what you can discover.

Top things to do in Italy

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Truth be told, a short description of Italy probably isn’t necessary for you. For one thing, Italy is too big and varied to accurately describe it in a few sentences. Plus, chances are you’ve already got a good idea of the country’s wonders else you won’t be here on this travel blog. So if you are thinking about a holiday to Italy, here are some must see destinations, from the well-known to what’s off the beaten track.

Colosseum

When in Rome

The capital of Italy is so filled with activities and sites, it can be a bit overwhelming. There is of course the Coliseum, where gladiators and slaves battled thousands of years ago. It’s both a magnificent display of architecture and a reminder of the depths of human behaviour. Another site well worth a visit is the Vatican. While you’re probably not going to meet the pope, you can still see the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s frescoes or wander through St. Peter’s Basilica. Of course, you could always just gorge yourself on some world famous gelato, with vendors lining seemingly every street.

The countryside of Umbria

Situated in the centre of Italy, Umbria is the only region that does not border a coastline or a surrounding country. Relatively unknown to tourists, what separates this region from its peers is the pure, unadulterated beauty of its landscapes. The countryside views are scenes straight from a postcard; the type of scenery that makes you sit back and reflect on how blessed you are to be able to experience it first-hand.

See the Amalfi Coast

Stretching along the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is an extraordinarily scenic coastline in Southern Italy. A bus ride through this 50 km stretch will offer some of the most breath-taking views you’ve ever seen. Be prepared for an adrenaline rush, as a 150 meter drop into the sparkling blue ocean awaits the inattentive driver. Along the way are charming little towns, but be aware that these are usually overrun with tourists. The real thrill is the drive along the coast.

Traveling and accommodation tips

Lodging prices vary sensibly depending on the area and quality. You shouldn’t expect to pay less than 30 euros per night, with hotels in high tourist areas usually more expensive than that. If you do decide to look for hotels in Rome, you’ll have a better chance of getting a deal because of the high amount of lodging around the area.

As far as traveling goes, Italy has an efficient public transportation system. Getting from city to city is easy, whether by train or bus. Buses will be the cheapest, but they’ll also be the most uncomfortable and take the longest. Trains on the other hand are much more comfortable. The fastest, their Eurostar line, will cost 40 to 100 euros. The best deal is a slower regional train, which will set you back anywhere between 5 and 10 euros. So now, the question is, what are you going to go see?