Malaysia Malanga

It was 1 a.m. and after a hectic day at office, I went to sleep. But how can I sleep peacefully before checking the daily updates on my social media profile. I logged in on my phone and looked for any red mark 'notifications'. There were 10 odd updates from friends and some communities but the one which dilated my sleepy eyes was from 'Cyanide and Happiness'. I clicked on it which took me to the page having following comic strip.

I couldn't resist laughing. A day ending at a peaceful note is all what everyone wishes for and if it ends with laughter gags, what more a tired brain needs. I wished I too become Cyanide and command for 'Happiness' wishes. My body demanded rest and I succumbed to its wish. ZZzzzZZZZzzzzzz.

Soon the alarm rang. Yeah!!! it's always 'soon' when alarm buzzes. It was already eight in the clock and I needed to rush to office again. 

"Where is the yellow file, Mummaaaaa??" I cried as I packed up the bag. 

"Which one???? The old torn file???"

"Yesss.. it wasn't old. I got it just a week back from my Boss."

"Ohh!!! I had put it with the old newspapers in the store-room."

"Ahhhhh..." I almost pulled my hair and rushed downstairs.

I ransacked the store-room full of unnecessary unused items. After a thorough sight-search from left to right, I found my file lying in the rightmost nook under an old lamp. I grabbed the lamp to put it aside and pull the file underneath it. But suddenly the room filled up with smoke and before I could clear up my throat to yell for help as I assumed short-circuit has happened, a Genie appeared before me half-hanging in the air. Yes!!! just like Aladdin's first encounter with Genie. I blinked my eyes twice to assure myself. A sweet girl-Genie with her head bowed down said,"My Highness!!!! Where can I toss you high???"

I was astounded to hear her. I stammered,"Aaaare yooou , are you real???"

She laughed and said,"Yes ma'am. I'm as real as you."

"Are you really a Genie who grants three wishes?"

"No Ma'am."

"Then ???."

"I'm Jinnie who grants one major wish along with five sub-wishes."

"Whaaa--aaa--tttttttt? Sub-wish? What is it."

"Ma'am I can grant you one wish and under that wish you can ask me to fulfill five other wishes associated with the one major wish."

"Ohhh!!!! Interesting."

"What can I ask for??"

"I'm a Travel-Jinnie. I can make you visit five places - your sub-wishes,  of one country - your major wish."

"Ahha!!! Yatradoot", I chuckled.

"Hurry up ma'am. My magical power will be relinquished if you don't ask your major wish within next five minutes."

"This early! Hawww. You come with an expiry date of your powers. Strange!!! Ohk, Let me think."

"Hurry up. Offer lasts for ten more seconds."

"Malaysia!", I spurted before the deadline.

"Great!!! A nice place to visit. Now you have thirty more minutes to ask for five sub-wishes."

"You are much like my Boss. Deadlines over deadline."

The Jinnie just shrugged with a smile. 

"Stop smiling. Smiles always kills. Can I google?"

"Yes Ma'am. You can google the doodle of your sub-wishes."

I quickly took out my mobile from the pocket and googled the whole Malaysia. After a careful scrutiny of all the tourist places, I nailed down at five must-see places in Malaysia.

"Okay Jinnie. I have decided my five sub-wishes. Here is the list."

1.Cameron Highlands, Pahang

I need a break from the relentless heat and humidity of my city.I have heard that the cooler temperatures and crisp breezes of Cameron offer an instant energy boost. I want to enjoy cool air, fresh strawberries and fragrant tea in one of Malaysia’s most extensive hill stations and stay in one of the many old English-styled guest houses such as the Ye Olde Smokehouse. 

2. Perhentian Islands

From past some time I'm craving for some sun-drenched rest and relaxation. The jungle-fringed white sand beaches and crystal waters of the Perhentian Islands are the perfect spot. There are two islands—Kecil, which is smaller and has a more backpacker vibe, and Besar, which offers more choice in terms of accommodation and a better standard. I want to hit the beach with a snorkel or dive trip and wile away a few hours in a hammock as the waves crash on the sand.

3. Kek Lok Si Temple

I will also seek God's blessings in Malaysia. So I wish to visit the largest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple which stands on top of a hill. I came to know that its temple complex is filled with beautifully-landscaped gardens and sacred temples. A striking seven-tiered pagoda called The Pagoda of 1000 Buddhas – which combines Thai, Chinese and Burmese styles in one structure - houses a stunning collection of Buddha statues made from all sorts of precious materials. Also the statues of The Four Heavenly Kings, guarding the four points of the compass – North, South, West and East – with the statue of The Laughing Buddha in the middle.

4.Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur

I got to know this iconic landmark is a must-visit. I can shop at the Suria KLCC mall or enjoy a day under the sun at the KLCC Park. I wish to cross the skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors.

5. KL Bird Park

I love colorful birds. So how can I miss visiting "World's Largest Free-flight Walk-in Aviary". With more than 2,000 birds and 200 species from around the world, the KL Bird Park is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy the bird world as well as beautiful landscape.

"Okay my dear Jinnie. This is all I wish for", I declared.
"Thank-you Ma'am for choosing Malaysia. Truly Asia", the Jinnie winked.
 Lo and Behold, I'm in Malaysia!!!

¡Salud! JJJ
 

I am participating in the MalaysiaJao Blogathon Contest in association with BlogAdda.com.

Travel Smart with Skyscanner

Summer vacations are approaching and everyone in the family is day dreaming of visiting their dream city. Where grandparents wish to go spiritual, Mumma-Papa wish to explore the history and we, the youngistaan want to break free, go shopping and immerse in total fun. Browsing through the list of tourist places, we ended up at Bangkok - City of Angels, the place perfect for the entire family serving everyone's taste.

Now, begins the actual task. How to manage the trip within the budget ensuring a fun-packed journey. Google answers this question with the very smart answer Skyscanner. Skyscanner is a one-stop solution for travelers like us who have to plan everything from accommodation to destination, from flight to cabs in your dream city, all at comparative prices. This travel search site provides you with quick analysis over thousands of flights and hotels and presents before you the platter to choose your desired service.

Skyscanner is a very user interactive platform. It smartly filters your requirements and provides you with the cheapest flights and hotel deals. It charges no hidden cost and is absolutely free and easy way to plan your trip.

So, when we have zeroed in on Bangkok with Skyscanner, all we need is to pack a smart travel bag with all the essentials and get excited to visit the places we had been googling all this while.

Smart Travel Bag

1. Optimal clothes and medications

2. Passport, Boarding passes, 

3. Credit card and foreign currency.

4. Charger and other necessary electronics.

5. A nice camera to capture memories.

Bangkok Ride 

Bangkok has upheld the grandeur and glory of its illustrious past while speeding up with the modern time. Be it dazzling temples, spectacular palaces, a world-famous floating market or colourful Chinatown, each of these famous places has an intriguing story to tell. 

1. Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn

The impressive silhouette of Wat Arun’s towering spires is one of the most recognized in Southeast Asia. Constructed during the first half of the 19th century in the ancient Khmer style, the stupa showcasing ornate floral pattern decked out in glazed porcelain is stunning up close. This will dazzle all of us. The shrine by the river side with holy chants in the air will not only mesmerize my grannies but all of us.

2. Grand Palace & Wat Prakeaw

No visit to Bangkok would be complete without visiting its dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. The place my father will love to explore , mother will relish its grandeur and we would love to pose in front of it. 

3. Floating Market

The pioneer of all floating markets, Damnoen Saduak continues to offer an authentic experience despite its increasingly touristy atmosphere. I can't resist myself from imagining dozens of wooden row boats floating by, each laden to the brim with farm-fresh fruits, vegetables or flowers. Food vendors filling their vessels with cauldrons and charcoal grills, ready to whip up a bowl of ‘boat noodle’ or seafood skewers upon my request.

4. Wat Pho

Wat Pho is a lot more than the gigantic reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage. It harbours a fascinating collection of murals, inscriptions and sculptures that delve into various subjects, from warfare to astronomy to archaeology. The vast temple complex contains a landscaped garden with stone sculptures, stupas adorned with glazed porcelain, a souvenir shop and the College of Traditional Medicine. My entire family will love to be here. Under the shade of Buddha we all will find solace.

5.Chao Phraya River & Waterways

It is one of the most scenic areas, which if I visit, I'm sure to fall in love with the riverside reflecting a constantly changing scene, water-taxis and heavily laden rice barges chugging upstream, set against a backdrop of glittering temples and luxury hotels. I wish to live its charming ambience of stilt houses flanking the complex waterways. 

6. Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise brings any seasoned shoppers like me to their knees. The market is home to more than 8,000 market stalls. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. I'm pretty sure if my family visits here, we will be carrying loads of bag fulls of Bangkok offerings.

7.Jim Thompson’s House

Jim Thompson’s house is an exquisite example of his three decades of dedication to the revival of Thai silk, then a dying art. After he mysteriously disappeared into the jungles of Malaysia, he left a legacy behind, which is reflected through his vast collections of Thai art and antiques now on display at the Jim Thompson’s House and Museum, itself a lovely complex of six Thai-style teakwood houses preserved to their original glory. I'm fond of speculating antique things and I have heard so much about this house that I wish to reach Bangkok in a trice and explore its every corner till my legs succumb.

8. Rama IX Park

After visiting all the major attractions of Bangkok, it would be very difficult for all of us to escape its magnetism. The intense thrall of Bangkok might captivate us forever. Before leaving Bangkok, I would wish to relax in nature's lap and compile all the sight-seeings compact. Rama IX Park is the largest green space in the city. It has an International Garden, where seven countries are horticulturally represented. I would enjoy sitting in the green expanse with my family before heading for India carrying a bag pack of Bangkok memories.

¡Salud!
JJJ

 

This post is written for a contest organised by Skyscanner in association with Indiblogger.

Image Courtesy - Google
Content Source - Bangkok

Aisle Be Damned - Book Review

About the Book 

Title: Aisle Be Damned

Author: Rishi Piparaiya

Publisher: JAICO Publishing House

ISBN: 978-81-8495-465-4

No. of pages: 214

Price: INR 250

Genre: Humor

About the Author

Rishi Piparaiya is an over-worked and over-travelled corporate executive based in the skies, 38,000 feet over India. He heads sales and marketing for a financial services multinational. His other professional claims to fame include running football betting syndicates in Spain and setting up random internet businesses that contributed to the dotcom bust.

The Cover Speaks

"Swaying hips, praying lips and flying tips" scripted on the front of the book with the image of an air hostess passing through the aisle of the plane catches one's eye and for once compels the reader to browse through the pages for what all red hot stuff they carry.

The rear cover has some says from the first readers starring the book as a good pick to laugh through the pages.

" Absolutely first -rate sense of humor... a must read for harassed travelers, frequent or otherwise!" - Jerry Rao.

"I read... this veritable from start to finish in one go... Rishi's writing is as fluid as his surname is complex." - Cyrus Broacha.

A Hilarious Take on just about Everything Associated with Air Travel.

- Getting seamlessly upgraded to Business Class.
- The hows and whys of micromanaging the pilots.
- Action plans to counter the airlines Technical Snag routine.
- Sure shot strategies for winning the affections of flight attendants.
- Awesome icebreakers to start conversations with attractive co-passengers.
- How smart executives deal with the Walk of Shame to the economy section.
- How a water bottle dramatically improves flight safety.
- Breezing through immigration and customs, always making your flight connections and a whole lot more.
Rest assured, your flying experience will never be the same again!

Book Review

The book is a hilarious take on the air journey. The way author starts with a list of the things to be carried while travelling amuses the reader. And the reasons mentioned later why to carry them makes you roll on the floor. Rishi starts his book from the thought of planning an air travel to the entering into the place called airport and then the entire journey from check-in to check -out.

 It can hardly be a coincidence that no language on earth has ever produced the expression, ‘as pretty as an airport’. – Douglas Adams.

The author has covered every minute details while travelling. He has collected all his experiences and penned down this book in his amusing tone. He tells you everything from how to entice the lady behind the screen to upgrade your ticket to business class to how to manage to get your arms rested if you get a middle seat. Why should you carry a sack of birdseed for a safe travel or a masala dabba to ensure a pleasant journey leaves the readers laughing out loud. 

Air travel has traditionally come with more than its share of flamboyance, ostentation and romance. Rishi goes on to prove this. He reasons why window seats should be preferred for not only staring at fluffy , candy floss clouds but for aisle passengers get shafted more during hijacks. His weird reasons yet sensible arguments keeps the reader trapped. He tells you how to kick start conversation with business tycoons and make the flight attendants take extra care of you. 

This book is a complete package of laughter gags while you reach your destination. It will guide you throughout the journey with funny do's and dont's. Even if haven't experienced air travel, give it a shot with this book and you will come to know what lies behind the flamboyant air travel tradition.

In a Nutshell

The author has put down his views in an impeccable humorous way. This book will serve as the best catch-up read during your travel. Don't forget to put it in your travelling bag.

My Rating

4/5

Hioy'oy Hoi Polloi

JJJ

       

The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on The Tales Pensieve.

Beat the Berlin

 

 “Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev,  tear down this wall”.
I'm here at  Brandenburger Tor Not Ronald Reagan
But a traveller who came so far.

I want to climb Fernsehturm -the Telespargel
Relishing the Currywurst at Telecafe with left hand
Swishing away my wisps with the right
Spanning the Berlin from 368 metres of height
Resplendent Berlin is in my sight.

The Berlin wall carrying the graceful Graffiti
Stands still as the testimony to the division
Want to walk through the Checkpoint Charlie
Saying the story of the Unified Germany.

I yearn to swim in the lakes of Berlin
Sipping the cocktail at one such beach
Go for boating in the clear water so deep
Resting in the lap of Mother Nature green.

Digging into Kurfürstendamm avenue
Shopping full into the bags till I drop
KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens) will fill
my remaining bags with the gourmet licks.

Posing for four shots in Berlin’s Photoautomaten
Will serve as brilliant souvenir in black and white
Seizing my amazing time in the city
I'll pose for my posterity.

Partying 24-hours in the city of 48-hours
Moving to the music in Farbfenseher.
I'll not miss the  Salon Zur housing the party vibes
An adventure playground, with a labyrinth underground.

I wish to watch a movie at Friedrichshain Open Air Cinema
Starting from sunset into the dark
Moving next to hear the Berlin Philharmonic
At the iconic yellow building.

I long to attend the Festival of Lights
In october when Berlin will transform
Into city of lights where squares will be dazzling
With the colourful light projections each night.

Hioy'oy Hoi Polloi

This post is written for Creating Happy Travellers organised by Indiblogger in association with http://www.yatra.com

Amber tint of Diu in Ambipur's Fragrance

           “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

So to read a few more pages of this book, we set out on our weekend trip and this time we targeted reading the unexplored pages of the beautiful island DIU. We soon sketched our road map from Ahmedabad to Diu.

Distance between Ahmedabad and Diu : 354 kms  
Time taken to travel : 6 hours 15 mins



Ahmedabad-Diu road map

As said "A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles". So we, a muckle of twenty friends, geared up to measure this distance to dabble in the colourful hue of Diu.

 

Since we all could not get accommodated in a car, so we decided to hire a bus. Yeah! a Volvo bus to fix all the twenty monsters under one roof. To sweeten the trip, we also took an    Ambi Pur air freshener so that the driver always feels fresh and we can breathe in pleasance.

We started on Saturday morning at around 8 a.m. much later than the scheduled time of      6 a.m. How can the nocturnal beasts like us get up early on weekends. Anyhow after umpteen calls to each other, finally the gang occupied the bus. 'Asli majaa SAB ke sath aata hai' . All were in the party mood to set the bus floor on fire. 

   

Capturing every tangy and spicy moment is a must-do for every trip so that the trip remains vivid and fresh forever whenever you flip back. I was all set with my camera to flash and wink at everyone.

The monsters had gone crazy in Ambi Pur's fragrance. Everyone wanted to be clicked as if Anurag Kashyap was looking for the next Barfi. Some were sitting still because they still couldn't overcome the past night's lullaby. Some were poking the still idols to get them into motion. Some were looking for their Jhilmil. Some were flaunting their new branded glares. Some were flaunting their new attires. In short everyone was occupied with the silliest of the tasks the world has ever seen. The old melodies in the air added to the mood and all the crazy fellows sunk in the madness. 

The flock  babbled...

Zindagi ek safar hai suhana
Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana

Boys pitched these at the loudest.... 

Yeh dil na hota bechara, kadam na hote aawara

Jo khubsurat koyee apana humsafar hota

gaadi vaale gaadi dhire haank re
 jiyaa udaa jaaye lade aankh re hoy

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go
 I'm standin' here outside your door

All were pointing towards the only jumbo in our group.... 

Chal chal chal mere haathi, O mere saathi
chal le chal khatara kheench ke

This time the girls were in action...

Yeh ladka hai allah kaisa hai divana

Kitna mushkil hai tauba isko samjhana

Again awakening the only desire of boys...

Mere sapnon ki rani kab aayegi tu
Aayi rut mastaani kab aayegi tu

The gang hummed ...

Zindagi ke safar mein guzar jate hain jo makam,
woh phir nahin aate

The guys were on their knees... 

Hume Tumse Pyaar Kitna Yeh Hum Nahin Jaante
Magar Jee Nahin Sakte Tumhaare Bina

The guys and girls were in the field...

Ladki kyon na jane kyon Ladkon si nahin hoti
Sochti hai zyada, kam wo samajhti hai

The song jazzed up the sphere...

Hum jo chalane lage, chalane lage hain yeh raaste
aa ha ha ha manjil se behtar lagane lage hai yeh raaste

It was really romancing with the wheels. The wind in the hair, the trees passing by silently, the people gurgling with laughter, the changing colour of hills, the music falling into ears, and the eyes tracing the long unwinding beautiful country roads made me fall in love with the journey.                   

How fast did the time fluttered no one noticed until the driver honked loud saying, "We have reached Diu". On reaching there, few of us went to book hotel for such a huge crowd. Rest of us stayed back looking for something to feed the rats in the stomach. Luckily we got rooms in a nearby hotel at affordable price. All were asked to take some rest and gather in the evening. After such lively hours, each one of us fell dormant for a few hours. In the evening at around 5p.m. we steered the bus towards Diu fort. It took around 20 minutes to reach there.

Diu Fort is located on the coastal side of the of Diu Island near by the Arabian Sea. The fort offers a kaleidoscopic view of Diu town, which is located very close to it, and its adjacent areas. It is noteworthy that this fort of Diu lies in the strategic complex that comprises of Passo Seco Fort, Nagoa Fort, Gogola and Barra. The fort was built by the Portuguese during their colonial rule of the Diu island. The fort was built in 1535 subsequent to a defense alliance forged by Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese when Humayun, the Mughal Emperor waged war to annex this territory. The Diu fort and the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa were chosen as the two wonders from India, among the seven from across the world, out of a list of 27 monuments built in 16 countries during the Portuguese rule.



We explored every corner of the fort for the next four hours. We decently completed the photo-session ceremony with every historical mark. Digging into every crook of the fort, we went back to the hotel. In the night, we again searched for some restaurant to feed twenty hungry storks. It was a very nice experience to sit together on the dinning table, deciding the menu for half an hour and after much discussion ordering some plain food. It was really fun to be together.

Next day, it was decided to leave by 9 a.m. so that no one has to compromise with their sleeps. But still the lazy lizards made it half an hour late. So on Sunday morning we left for Nagoa beach. It took 20 minutes to reach there.

Nagoa beach in Diu is horse shoe shaped bordered by palm hoka trees. It has clam water ideal for swimming, sailing, boating, and water skiing. Nagoa beach is well known for 'hoka' and 'rukhada' trees which are originally African and brought to India by Arabian traders. We all dunked into the waters and had lots of fun.We even lazed in the sea beach enjoying the balmy breeze and the sight of swaying palm trees.

After gulping enough of the salty water, we moved towards the sunset point. Sunset Point is a small beach in Diu, which is famous for watching the sun set. There we saw a serene sunset, waves attacking the coast, and heard the soothing gurgle of Arabian sea. It is the one of the amazing place on island.

 

The setting sun ,the serene waves and the calm breeze gave the most solacing experience we ever have had. I felt like sitting there forever in nature's lap. It seemed as if every wave babbled something into my ears, the cold wind gently kissed me each time it breezed past me and the setting sun gave the message of hope, after every sunset the sun rises to spread the amber hue.

After spending almost two tranquil hours beside the Arabian sea, we boarded the bus back for Ahmedabad. The calmness of the breeze was hovering everyone's mind but soon all got up from their seats to groove to the music. We had already taken a good number of rocking tracks with us. So, on the way back, the peppy people leaped and bounced to some shaky-wavy tracks.

 Pehli baat to yeh, Jo tu tik-tok tik-tok chalti hai
Maana ye saari teri high heels ki galti hai 

Chikni chameli chhup ke akeli

 pawwa  chadha ke aayi 

 Ooh la la…Ooh la la…
Tu hai meri fantasy..

Mundeyan nu chardi thaari thaari thaari ohdi heat te
Marjani paundi bhangra Angrezi beat te

Hua chhokra jawaan re
Hua chokra jawaan re,Hey hey

Subah hone na de, saath khone na de
Ek doosre ko hum sone na de
Tu mera hero ...

 Battiyan bujha lo jee, Jinde kunde la lo ji
What I say just follow ji, This party getting hot

Char baj gaye lekin party abhi baaki hai

We all wished that this 'Perfect Road Trip' never ends. Still having the hangover of this beautiful journey and finding it difficult to concentrate on what the person standing on the podium trying to explain. I'm just humming.

Chalte Chalte Mere Yeh Geet Yaad Rakhna
Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna ...

Hioy'oy Hoi Polloi

JJJ

This post is written for the contest 'The Perfect Road Trip' organised by AmbiPur India in association with indiblogger.in.