Monday, November 2, 2015

Una, Himachal Pradesh, India


Una, located in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, Una is a mesmerizing town and an amazing scenic place to visit.  It is one of the twelve districts of Himachal Pradesh, which was dissociated from the Hoshiarpur District of Punjab in 1972.  Nestled beautifully at the base of the Shivalik ranges, it shares its boundary with Bilaspur, Kangra, Hamirpur and Hoshiarpur of Punjab.  Una houses a fort, a historical fort and is believed to be the paternal home of Guru Nanak, the first guru of the Sikhs.

Una is a perfect place for nature lovers and a must visit place for those fond of scenic beauty.  Una is full of mesmerizing sceneries and spots to relax and unwind.  The picturesque view of the hills and its beauty is really enchanting.  The city has been acknowledged as a major industrial center and has become a passage town for visitors going to the renowned city of Dharamshala or places such as Kullu, Jwalamukhi, Manali and Mcleodganj.  Una is also noted as being “The Land of the Gods“.  Here are some pictures of my recent holiday in Una.






Saturday, October 10, 2015

Kowloon, Hong Kong


Kowloon is quite the place for shoppers.  There are numerous high-end name brand stores around the Tsim Sha Tsui end of the Kowloon peninsula, while busy and fascinating street markets feature at the Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok areas at the other end of Nathan RoadKowloon is the shoppers paradise.

The Kowloon Waterfront offers splendid views of the Hong Kong island shore and skyline.  This is the best place to experience the classic view of Hong Kong, and nobody on their first trip here should miss out on strolling along this gorgeous waterfront.

Start at the Star Ferry terminal, and begin your walk by inspecting the historic clock tower which is all that remains of a railway station that once took colonial officials back to London via the Trans-Siberian railway.  Upon arrival at the Star Ferry terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, visitors can not help but be impressed by the enormous cruise liners parked in the heart of the city.


Thursday, September 10, 2015

Tokyo & Kyoto, Japan


When it comes to the things to do in Japan, most travelers have a list of major sights, shrines, parks, gardens, restaurants, and museums to explore, but Japan's unique culture is an attraction in itself and simply being immersed into the unfamiliar is the best experience of all.  Upon getting lost frequently, no set planned agenda, it was an awesome experience to see the culture and the extremely humble Japanese people.  It was difficult to get around because of the English is far and few, but the humbleness of the people when asking for help was incredible, as they tried to help with their minimum English as much as possible.

I stayed in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's downtown areas.  I like it for just wandering around and people-watching.   There are lots of shopping and nightlife and a big park called Shinjuku Gyoen that’s cool to stroll through.

Don't miss Meiji Shrine.  Meiji Jingu is one of the Japan's most popular shrines . In the first days of the New Year, the shrine regularly welcomes more than three million visitors for the year's first prayers, more than any other shrine or temple in the country.

The shrine is surrounded by a forest that covers an area of 700,000 square-meters, which consists of 120,000 trees of 365 different species, a forest within a city.  Take a stroll through Yoyogi Park, which is adjacent to Meiji Shrine.  Yogi Park has a variety of landscapes, from lawns with ponds and fountains, to flower gardens, to shady forest groves. From Shinjuku take the JR Yamanote Line direct to  Harajuku Station.

If you have time and to expand outside of Tokyo, then go to Kyoto.  It is noted for traditions and temples.  It is charming with lots of parks also.  I loved Kyoto much better then Tokyo, as it has a more wholesome feel to it.

If you don't know, Japan has a strict no drug policy, and you will be sent to jail if you are found with any, then kicked out the country and not let back in.  This includes pharmaceutical drugs that are prescribed by your doctor and over the counter drugs.  So check with the Japanese Embassy and email them about your prescription medications or any medications, if it is allowed in the country and how much.

The last thing you want when you arrive for your vacation is a search by customs and they find drugs that are not allowed and you are set behind bars and then kicked out of Japan.  This is a serious matter in Japan and not to be taken lightly.  Here is an email to send your inquiry.  They are fast at replies, so better be safe then sorry; yakkan@mhlw.go.jp.


Sunday, April 12, 2015

Delhi, Mumbai, Coimbatore, India

Yet another trip to India !  I am really addicted to the atmosphere in India.  It is like one big family. Nothing like the USA at all.  I feel socially alive whenever I come to India.  It ignites this flame inside of my soul and I awake from some coma.  I love how all the people and animals are everywhere. People are helping other strangers with please and are happy to do so.

Whenever I need to awaken my spirit or rejuvenate my mind, I just jump on that big bird and fly to India.  Literally and metaphorically I am flying.  The feeling I get whenever I come to India is one where I feel complete; body, soul, and mind.  I am so fortunate that I can come to India as frequently as I do.  Without India in my life, I can not exist.  India is the air I breathe, that keeps me alive. India is like one big conglomerate of different species, engaging and interacting with everyone like a universal family :-)




Thursday, January 15, 2015

Amritsar, Punjab, India



Amritsar, Punjab was one of the best experiences and times I have had in IndiaAmritsar, home to the Golden Temple, is one of the most ancient and intriguing cities of India.  This is home to the Sikh Community and the gateway to Punjab.  I was overwhelmed as I entered in the Golden Temple.  The beauty of this temple was astonishing and a spiritual heaven.  I could not believe all the people, it was jammed-pack, and I could see why.  This is a definite must when you come to India.  

After seeing the Golden Temple I headed on over to The Wagah Border.  A quick overview of The Border.  The Wagah Border lies between Amritsar in India and Lahore in Pakistan.  The 1947 partition of India and Pakistan led to the marking of a long white line that defines the Wagah Border between the two neighbors, separated by two heavy gates on either side.

It is home to the Radcliffe Line, which is the demarcation between India and Pakistan and was drawn during the partition of India in 1947.  The lowering of the flags ceremony, a daily military practice by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers since 1959.  This astounding ceremony takes place every evening before sunset.

The Wagah Border attracts crowds in record-breaking numbers.  Shouts of patriotism, to the powerful show put up by the BSF and Pakistan Rangers, is a gripping experience.  The show starts off with the playing of patriotic songs and remembering the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the country.  The crowd cheers on by calling out ‘Jai Hind’ and ‘Vande Mataram’, reciprocated with cries of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ from the opposite side.  The military marching throughout the show was completely awe-inspiring.  I have attached below from my You Tube, a video I made from this trip to India.

Unforgettable !!!  The Indian patriotic feeling was so overwhelming for me that I became so emotional and cried so much because I love India so much, My Motherland.  The best show I have ever seen in my life.  Wow, what a day, totally unforgettable.  JAI HIND... HINDUSTAN ZINDABAD... HINDUSTAN ZINDABAD ... HINDUSTAN ZINDABAD !!!