Let's go on a holiday

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Stockholm, Sweden – Spring 2012

Our destiny flew us to Sweden and Norway, during the Indian summer of 2012. The Nordic countries were getting ready to welcome the spring. Our journey began from Bangalore, transit at Frankfurt, and ended at the Arlanda airport. We did not opt for package tours, but took help of the Internet to plan our own itinerary. It’s fun to explore a place at our own pace. At Arlanda, the cold freezing weather welcomed us with open arms!

From the airport, we hopped on to the Arlanda Express train and went to the Stockholm Central. From there, we took a taxi to our hotel at Sollentuna. We observed that we were driving towards the airport. Ah, the taxi driver told us that we should have hired a taxi from airport directly to Sollentuna instead of deviating to Central. The distance between Arlanda and Sollentuna is 17.7 kilometers.

We reached our hotel, the Scandic Star Sollentuna, and were pleased with the room allocated to us. This hotel is well connected to the Central and other places by the metro trains. Adjoining to the hotel is the Sollentuna Centrum shopping mall. The hotel itself is pretty with comfortable rooms. However, the rooms do not have an electric kettle, tea or coffee, or an iron board. The breakfast buffet is interesting. Vegetarians, such as I, can feast to a nice spread of breads, cheese, yogurt, milk, fruits, and salad. The dinner is à la carte with very little or no option for vegetarians, unless the chef likes you and prepares a vegetarian dish for you.

DAY 1: After we freshened, we took a train back to Stockholm, and went looking for the Tourist Information center (located at Vasagatan 14). We had purchased the Stockholm Cards online prior to our travel, and had to collect the cards from the information desk. The information center has maps and brochures along with helpful personnel who can guide you. I strongly recommend the Stockholm cards, though expensive. We bought the 72 hours card, and made best use of it. The card gives you free entry to almost all museums and free travel by public transport - buses, trams, trains, metros, and boat cruise (free with 72 hours card).

We exclaimed, “YAY YAY!”, and jumped on to the street to explore the beautiful city. We walked aimlessly to warm up before the adventures lined for us during the next few days. First impression of Stockholm was that the city was gorgeous and extremely neat. People were friendly and helpful. They also seemed to be fitness freaks; saw a lot of people walking, jogging, and cycling. Cafes and restaurants, and florists were plenty. Fast cars and bikes graced the streets. Bridges looked spectacular. Roads were perfect. Drivers actually obeyed traffic rules, and stopped for pedestrians to cross. No policemen! We also observed that the place was filled with parents taking their babies for a stroll in their prams; perhaps, to greet the spring.

We walked to the Stadshuset (Stockholm's City Hall) and Stadshusparken, and strolled in the park facing the waterfront. We walked along with waterfront of Norrmälarstrand and saw houseboats. We also ventured into the Saint Johannes Church and the surrounding areas! The City Hall is gorgeous, and from there, watching the evening sky is a memorable experience. If you visit the Hall before 17:00 hours, you can climb the tower and get a fantastic view of the city. We missed that opportunity because we were late. Our legs ached, stomachs growled, and eyes tired. We headed back to the hotel, ate dinner, and slept peacefully. What an adventurous day 1!

More photos at the following locations:

Blogs related to Nordic gardens and stores are at:

http://rake-and-spade.blogspot.in/2012/05/hageland-skajems-hagesenter-vinderen_21.html

[Note: This article is incomplete; will update it shortly.]

Regards,

Asha

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Chikmagalur - Eagle Eye Resort - A drive in the past

We have driven to Chikmagalur so many times that I have lost count. With every season, the place looks different (, mostly awesome). The roads may be the same each time we drive, but the experience is totally different. In this blog, I write about my visit to Chikmagalur a few years ago (with office friends). We drove from Bangalore to Chikmagalur; rain showers accompanied us on our journey. The weather was beautiful. The landscape was Green. The raindrops added a sense of romance. And the company was good. What more can one ask for?

Lake on the way to Chikmagalur

Mist-covered road

A village near Chikmagalur

We stayed at Eagle Eye resort, which is about 48 kilometers from Chikamagalur and about 2100 ft. above the sea level. The resort is situated at the Hoscodu Estate (130 acres). One has to drive deep into the estate to spot this resort. Tucked away in the silent valley, this resort is worth a visit. Of course, we were delighted to see the resort and the breath-taking view of the valley. I understand that the resort has undergone a few renovations and additions recently.

Estate road

We were to stay at a tree house, which is about 750 sq. ft, and has a portico, bedroom, and bathroom attached. The hammocks at the portico make one utterly lazy. Sounds exciting, isn't it? During day, the tree houses look absolutely inviting; however, during night, it's a different experience. Let me come back to that. The resort, as you already know, offers tree houses, cottages, rooms, and villas for travelers to stay. The forest wood is put to good use in cottages and furniture.

Now comes my favorite part - food! The resort serves delicious, healthy, and nutritious food. Some dishes are typical to Chikmagalur region, such as the Akki Roti, Akki Shavige, Kadabu, and dishes made from Jackfruit. Yes, non-vegetarian dishes are served too. Although the resort has an option of à la carte, they mostly serve buffet. The dining hall stands on the edge of a cliff; the view is serene. Ensure that you go for a walk to admire the orchids and other flora.

Dining hall

Cottages

Jackfruits

Orchid flowers

There is a lake in the property. Someone from the resort will accompany you to the lake. Coracles are available; a must try. The resort also arranges for treks, safari, and other activities. Ensure that you inform them earlier so that they can get permissions from forest department and make necessary arrangements. The resort has a badminton court, and guests can use it free of charge. It's located at one edge of a cliff; so don't go looking for the shuttlecock, in case it decides to glide down the cliff. At evenings, the resort arranges for drinks and snack here, and also starts a bonfire. You can dance to the music too!

Resort lake

Snow-capped?

At dawn

Now came the time when we had to go to our tree houses. Oops... The night had covered everything with a thick Black blanket. No lights to guide. The resort assistants carried a torch, and guided us to our houses. A cute dog followed. As night grew heavy, we heard beating of drums - continuous beating till morning. There were other sounds; some recognizable, some not. With each sound, we woke up to greet the darkness. Why the beating of drums you ask? Oh, that's to keep the devils away. Nah... I'm kidding. That's to keep the elephants at bay. :-)

We didn't trek or use the safari service; you can imagine how lazy the group was. But what we did was to drive to Kemmanagundi. That drive was splendid. The bald hills covered with grass, the narrow roads, and the view - a divine combination. Due to rains, the road to Hebbe falls was in bad shape; we did not trek to the falls. The whole trip was to unwind and relax, rather than hop from place to place or from one activity to another. Memorable one.

For information about places to visit, see http://www.eagleeyeholidays.com/location.php.

Kemmangundi hills

Clouds

Hope you enjoy your trip to Chikmagalur and your stay at Eagle Eye resort.

Regards,

Asha

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Singapore - Sungei Buloh

Previous blogs:

Thanks to our friends for introducing us to Sungei Buloh. This is a wetland reserve - a home to several birds, animals, and insects, and exotic plants. We took a taxi to this place. When we visited it, the water had subsided, and the day was humid; weather being very different from that of Bangalore. The reserve is open from 7:30 A.M to 7:00 P.M. Only during the weekend and public holidays, the reserve has an admission fee. There are three routes that you can take inside the mangrove; each route is a different experience. Though the reserve has a cafe, please carry snacks and water.

The reserve attracts a lot of photographers (, probably, professionals), with equipment that is worth crazy amount. Because of the low tide, the roots were visible, and amazed us with their shapes. The cicadas and mud-skippers can freak you out. The turtle and fish are adorable. You can see crabs on tree trunks. If you are lucky, you can stop Smooth Otters.The monitor lizards are every where. Yes, and why not, it's their home! At the shelter, the tiles are painted with murals by students from the Commonwealth Secondary School. The paintings are lovely.

Ensure that you add this place to your list of places to visit at Singapore. With this blog, I complete the Singapore series, though there is so much more to write and share. Thanks for reading!

Regards,
Asha

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Singapore - Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Previous blogs:

Though I am not a Buddhist, I am strangely attracted to Lord Buddha. I enjoy visiting monasteries and Buddhist temples. Buddha's idols can mesmerize anyone. The peace and tranquility on His face... amazing! If I can, I would go a Buddha Trail tour with Ram. Would be awesome.

First time, we visited the Buddha Tooth Relic temple at Singapore in the evening. The temple was about to close; however, we managed to get a glimpse of the wonderful Buddha idols inside the temple. We made a second visit to this temple, and spent more than four hours admiring it. We managed to capture a few photos of the temple, and as always, stopped clicking and soaked ourselves in the beauty. What an experience!

A few instructions for people entering the temple:

If you are wearing sleeveless or low back tops, mini-skirts or *shorts, please kindly use the sarongs and shawls provided by the Temple before entering. * Knee length shorts are permitted
No pets are allowed.
No wearing of hats.
No food and drinks are allowed.
No smoking and drinking.
No dangerous goods and highly flammable material.
Please enter with footwear.
Please speak softly.
Do not leave your belongings unattended.

Main attractions are:

Roof - Orchid Garden, Prayer Wheel
Floor 4 - Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Chamber
Floor 3 - Buddhist Cultural Museum, Sacred Buddha Relics Chamber
Floor 2 - Aranya Gallery, Lotus Heart Tea House
Mezzanine - Dharma Hall, Eminent Sangha Museum, Ancestral Hall
Floor 1 - 100 Dragons Hall, Avalokitesvara Hall
Basement 1 - Dining Hall, Nagapuspa Theatre
Basement 2 and 3 - Car Park

The Temple is situated on the South Bridge Road, Chinatown. The architecture has influences of the Tang dynasty. Different colored paints are used for different parts of the temple - the red lacquer paint for the timber, green for the timber windows, and gold for the edges. The Mountain Gate is the main entrance to the temple. The Dvarapalakas guard both side of the gate. The Nagapuspa trees add a lovely Green tinge to the landscape. A few free books are available for the visitors to take home.

As I write, I'm wondering about the photos I need to share here (among the several ones). Photos may not capture the actual beauty of this place. I strongly recommend that you visit this place when you are at Singapore. We found a lot of peace at this temple. :-)

Regards,

Asha

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Singapore - Jurong Bird Park and Zoo

Previous blogs:

What else was there to see at Singapore? Hmm... Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoo. Well, we could have taken a taxi to these places but we were in a mood for some adventure. We took the Metro, and then a bus to the bird park. See the Metro Map for our route - City Hall -> Dhoby Ghaut -> Outram Park -> Jurong East -> Boon Lay. From Boon Lay, the bus dropped us off at the bird park. Was fun!

Jurong Bird Park is stunning. Be ready to walk, walk, and walk. And don't forget your camera! Ensure that you are at the park by 10:00 A.M to watch the Kings of the Skies Show at Hawk Walk, and at 11:00 A.M to watch the Birds and Buddies show at the Pool Amphi-theatre. We saw both these shows, and were they amazing!

If I have to write about all those birds and our long walks, I may take months together. Let me spare you the details, and share a few photos. For information about the park, you can visit their official website. Carry water and snacks. Take rest at regular intervals.

The Zoo is another fun place to visit. Again, be ready to walk. Plan your day such that you get to enjoy the Night Safari and dine at Indian Tandoor. At one point in time, we stopped clicking photos; began to just soak in the beautiful experience. From the Night Safari, there are buses that ply to the city; see http://www.nightsafari.com.sg/l2_t2.aspx?l2=11&l1=2&langid=1. We took the 10:30 P.M bus, got down at Orchard Road, and then took the Metro to Swissotel.

What a day that was! We were exhausted; but was fun. :-)

Next blog: http://asha-ram.blogspot.in/2012/02/singapore-buddha-tooth-relic-temple.html

Regards,
Asha

Singapore - Sentosa

Previous blogs:

From Swissotel, we hopped on to the Metro, and reached VivoCity. VivoCity lures all shopaholics. Of course, I shopped! We had brunch at Marche Restaurant. Eating here is a unique experience, which makes you want to revisit. Absolutely fresh, delicious vegetables, fruits, dishes, and breads; can't stop hogging especially on a cloudy day. :-)

Marche Entrance

Giant Christmas Tree

Beautiful Spread for Brunch

From VivoCity, we took the mono rail to Sentosa. Well, I am sure everyone becomes a child when at Sentosa. When we visited the place, the Universal Studios was still under construction.

There are several activities that can keep you occupied at Sentosa. I am sure a day isn't sufficient to see the whole of Sentosa. We saw the butterfly and insect park, merlion, tiger tower, underwater world, and watched the rain too. What was absolute fun was the segway ride! We also loved feeding the birds. We missed the Song of the Sea show; sad. Well, that gives us one more reason to visit Singapore again, isn't it?

Under water

Birds in conversation!

Butterflies showcased

Ram's hand attracting the fish

Under the water

Sentosa is a exciting place. Ensure that you carry water and snacks just to keep your energy high. If you have elders or kids, please don't let them wander away; stay close. Take short breaks between activities; no point in straining yourself on a holiday!

Regards,
Asha