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Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Travelogue: Scandinavia, Russia


The Book on Travel to Scandinavia and Russia

Authors Dr Kalpana Bhatawdekar and Shyam Bhatawdekar of this travelogue (titled "Travelogue: Scandinavia, Russia")  had been traveling extensively on business in their capacity of top notch business executives, highly sought after business and management consultants, eminent management gurus, authentic human behavior experts and prolific authors.

Yet they felt that traveling and seeing different places as a part of their business driven journeys was not as complete an experience of the visited places, as they would have liked it to be. That realization gave a kick-start to their additional journeys purely as dedicated tourists.

Simultaneously, they started journalizing their various travel and sightseeing experiences. Now they have decided to bring their travelogues in open in order to share these with all. This book narrates their journey to Scandinavian countries and Russia.

Decision to Travel

The authors write in their book, "When we get set in the routine, we start getting bored.  It is said that travel is a powerful antidote to routines and habits. So, Shyam- my husband and co-author of this travelogue and I decided to go out and see the world. This kind of a venture requires resources. We needed to check up on it. And we did a detailed check up. Luckily we arrived at the conclusion that perhaps we could manage it as we went along. Now that we were somewhat assured of mustering the required resources it was possible for us to explore the different parts of the world.

In our various travels we were looking forward to gaining the worldly experience in addition to doing sightseeing, amusement and holidaying. It's great to be more focused on experiences.  We feel more youthful and enthusiastic about life than ever when we see the world that way. We learn a lot about the ways of the world and try to understand different ways of dealing with life. As we move around we gain new perspectives about our inter-connectedness with rest of the world. All of this was important to us.

So we started out. Gradually we travelled many continents and many countries. We documented a good portion of our travels in detail. The travelogue presented here pertains to our trip to Scandinavia and Russia.

I am narrating the travelogue the way I experienced it along with Shyam."

The Itinerary of Scandinavia-Russia trip
  1. Copenhagen
  2. Oslo and Bergen
  3. Stockholm
  4. Helsinki
  5. Saint Petersburg
  6. Moscow 
The trip involved travel by air, ship, train and bus. 

It also included cruise in the famous fjord of Norway and the most scenic journey by Flam rail.

Read More in the Book........ you can own your copy of the book from: Nuubuu (eBook) http://nbuu.co/bF or Amazon (eBook and printed book) online.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee

Often times a good number of tourists may feel confused about the selection of right kind of coffee for themselves from the coffee dispensers/vending machines or from the manned coffee counters. The main reason being the large coffee type availability.

To help them take the right decision on which coffee type to order, given below are some explanation of the types of coffee as well as types of milk.

Coffee Types

Espresso is the base of various coffee types. It is prepared by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground compacted coffee. Using espresso as the base, following types of coffee are prepared:

Short Black: Black espresso

Long Black: Two shots of espresso or one with a small amount of water added

Flat White: Espresso with slightly foamy milk

Americano: Espresso with lots of water

Macchiato: Espresso with a splash of milk

Mochaccino: Chocolate mixed into coffee

Cappuccino: Espresso with a bit of milk, foam and chocolate/cinnamon topping

Latte: Espresso with lots of milk.

Milk Types

As far as milk is concerned mostly there are two types available:

Regular

Trim (non-fat milk)

Soy milk

Rice milk

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Sightseeing and Things to Do in New Zealand and Australia

(Country wise World Heritage Sites are given at http://world-heritage-spots.blogspot.com/
For Travel and Sightseeing in India, refer
http://india-tours-sightseeing.blogspot.com/)

Around Three Weeks in New Zealand and Australia

New Zealand

Day 1: Christchurch, City tour

Christchurch Museum
Antarctic center and South Pole Attractions
Botanical Gardens along the Avon River
Cathedral Square
Enjoy Tram Ride within the city

Day 2: Christchurch - Wanaka - Queenstown

Proceed to Queenstown
En-route visit Lake Tekapo- carved out of mountain rock by glaciers and picturesque Lake Pukaki
Glimpse of Mt. Cook
Visit Puzzling world at Wannaka
Arrive at Queenstown

Day 3: Queenstown, City Tour

Arrowtown museum
Bungy Jumping Point
Experience Jet Boat Adventure in Kawarau river
Gondola ride to Bob Peak
Stroll around Queenstown's beautiful waterfront and enjoy shopping

Day 4: Queenstown - Milford Sound

Full day excursion to Milford Sound
Wakatipu Lake,
Te Anau Lake
Most scenic travel through the Fjiord Land National Park by Milford Sound Cruise
Chasm water fall

Day 5: Queenstown - Auckland - Rotorua - Waitomo

Flight to Auckland
On arrival proceed to Rotorua
En-route Waitomo caves
En-route Glow Worm Grotto with a Silent water boat ride
Government garden
Enjoy Maori Dance Concert in the evening

Day 6: Rotorua - Auckland

Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
Agro Dome Sheep shearing show
Arrive at Auckland

Day 7: Auckland, City Tour

Mt. Eden
Harbour Bridge
Queens Street
Waterfront
Auckland Sky Tower Observatory Deck
Kelly Tarlton Underwater World
Shopping in the evening

Australia

Day 8: Auckland - Sydney, GAP, Showboat Cruise

Flight to Sydney.
On arrival tour of Bondi Beach and The GAP
In the evening board the Show Boat Cruise for dinner and dance and enjoy the view of Sydney harbor bridge and City Skyline.

Day 9: Sydney - Canberra

Full day excursion tour to Canberra
Embassy Road
New Parliament House
Mt. Ainslie
War Memorial
National Capital Exhibition Center

Day 10: Sydney - City Tour

Opera House
Harbor Bridge
Macquarie's Point
King's Cross
Views from Sydney Tower Observatory deck
Virtual Sky Tour
Darling Harbor
Shopping at Darling Harbor

Day 11: Sydney - Cairns

Flight to Cairns
Butterfly Park
Army Duck Tour.
Shopping in the night market

Day 12: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef – Cairns

Natural wonder of the world- The Great Barrier Reef
Enjoy glass bottom boat and Mini Submersible

Day 13: Cairns - Brisbane City tour - Gold Coast

Enjoy the Tjapukai Dance show
Try your hand at Boomerang Throwing
Enjoy Sky-Rail cable car ride through tropical wonderlands and Kuranda Rain Forest. Flight to Brisbane.
On arrival, tour of Brisbane includes Town Hall, Kangaroo Point and South bank waterfront
Proceed to Gold Coast

Day 14: Gold Coast

Visit Warner Brother's Movie World
In the evening enjoy Conrad Jupiter Show

Day 15: Gold Coast

Currumbin Bird Sanctuary: See Kangaroos, Koalas and hand feed the Lorikeet Birds Enjoy various shows at Sea World

Day 16: Gold Coast - Brisbane - Melbourne

Flight to Melbourne
On arrival do shopping

Day 17: Melbourne - Phillip Island - Melbourne

Proceed to Philip Island
En-route visit Shrine of remembrance.
Nobby Point to see several sea lions flopping about on rocks
Witness the Penguin Parade in the evening at Phillip Island

Day 18: Melbourne - Great Ocean Road, Helicopter Ride - Melbourne

Experience coastal drive at Great Ocean Road
12 Apostles rock formations including the Lock Ard Gorge
Enjoy a scenic helicopter ride
Later drive through Port Campbell National Park

Day 19: Melbourne City tour

Visit MCG ground
St. Patrick cathedral
Captain Cooks cottage
Fitzroy garden
Town hall
Old Parliament house
Enjoy the city tram ride
Visit the world famous Casino in the evening.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Sightseeing and Things to Do in Scandinavia and Russia

Two Weeks in Scandinavia and Russia

(Country wise World Heritage Sites are given at http://world-heritage-spots.blogspot.com/)

Denmark
Copenhagen
  • Tivoli Garden
  • Renaissance Stock Exchange
  • Amalienborg Palace
  • Christianborg
  • Danish Parliament
  • Little Mermaid
  • Overnight cruise to Oslo
Norway
Oslo

  • Vigeland Sculpture Park
  • Viking Ship Museum
  • Holmencollen Ski Jump
  • 14th Century Fortress
  • Akershus Castle
  • Kon Tiki museum
  • Broadcasting House
Bergen

  • View of Bergen city from top by travelling in Mt Floyen Funicular Tram
  • Fish-a UNESCO world heritage site
  • Flower market
Gudvagen, Flam, Laerdal

  • Sogne Fjord- the biggest Fjord
  • Fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flam
  • Take Alpine Train from Flam to Myrdal and back to Flam
  • Arrive at Laderal
Sweden

Karlstad

  • Enjoy scenic journey from Laderal to Karldtad
Stockholm

  • Enjoy travel on the scenic route of Karlstad
  • Souvenir shopping on Drottninggatan- Stockholm's beautiful walking street
  • Townhall
  • Royal Palace
  • Vasa Ship Museum
  • Waterfront
  • Overnight cruise to Helsinki
  • Proceed to St Petersburg
Russia

St Petersburg

  • Hermitage Museum
  • Winter Palace
  • Peter and Paul Fortress
  • St Isaacs Cathedral
  • Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
  • Statue of Peter the Great
  • Russian Ballet Show
  • Neva river Boat Ride
  • Walk along Nevsky Prospekt and Catherine Palace at Pushkin
  • Overnight train journey to Moscow
Moscow

  • Red Square
  • St Basil's Cathedral
  • Lenin's tomb
  • Great Russian Circus
  • Kremlin Walls
  • Czar's Bell
  • Czar's Cannon
  • Cathedral Square
  • Palace of Congresses
  • Armory Chamber of Russian czar
  • Metro Stations
Finland

Helsinki

  • Modern Finlandia Hall
  • Sibelius Monument
  • Lutheran cathedral
  • Unique Church in the Rock
  • Market Square
Estimated Duration of the Tour: Approximately 14 to 15 days
Estimated Cost of the Tour:
Approximately US$ 4500 to US$ 5000

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Sightseeing and Things to Do in Egypt



A Week's Tour of Egypt (The Most Ancient Civilization)

(Country wise World Heritage Sites are given at http://world-heritage-spots.blogspot.com/)

Cairo - Alexandria

  • Arrive at Cairo- capital of Egypt
  • Proceed to Alexandria by road
Alexandria - Cairo

  • Roman Amphitheater
  • The Catacombs
  • Qaitbay Fort
  • Mediterranian Sea
  • Montazah Palace
  • Return to Cairo by road
Cairo

  • Egyptian Museum
  • Royal Mummies room in museum
  • Ancient treasures of king Tutankhamun in museum
  • Khan al Khalili Bazaar
Cairo - Abu Simbel - Aswan - Nile Cruise

  • Flight to Abu simbel.
  • Temples of Abu Simbel built by Ramses II
  • Flight to Aswan
  • High dam
  • Old dam
  • Philae Temple (go by felucca boat)
  • Take Nile Cruise (from Aswan)
Aswan - Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor

  • Temple of Sobek Haroeris at Kom Ombo
  • Temple of Horus at Edfu
  • Esna Lock
  • Arrive at Luxor
Luxor

  • Valley of Kings and Queens
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
  • Colossi of Memnon
  • Karnak Temple
  • Enjoy ride in hot air balloon
  • Disembark cruise and transfer to Luxor airport
Cairo

  • Pyramids of Giza
  • Sphinx
  • Citadel
  • Alabaster Mosque
Estimated Duration of the Tour: Approximately 7 to 8days
Estimated Cost of the Tour: Approximately US$ 2000

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Sightseeing and Things to Do in Turkey, Greece and Egypt



Tour of Turkey, Greece and Egypt


(Country wise World Heritage Sites are given at http://world-heritage-spots.blogspot.com/)

Turkey

Istanbul
  • The Blue Mosque- Sultan Ahmet Tsami
  • Hippodrome Square
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Sophia Museum
  • Boat cruise from Eminonu on Bosphorous Straits lined with palaces
  • Shopping at Grand Bazar
  • Cruise in Maramara Sea to Pricess Island
  • Ride in horse drawn carriage among the pine trees after relaxing on beaches
Greece
Athens

  • Acropolis Site and Museum
  • Royal Palace
  • Angora Museum
  • Temple of Zeus
  • Hadrian's Arch Monument
  • Royal National Garden
  • The Parthenon
  • Corinth Canal
  • Ruins of Mysenae
  • Beehive Tombs
  • Treasury of Atreus
  • Lion gate
  • Sanctuary of Aesculapius, God of Medicine
  • Amphitheater
  • Saronic Cruise on Agean Sea
  • Islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra
Egypt
Alexandria

  • Roman Amphitheater
  • Catacombs
  • Qaitbay Fort
  • See the Mediterranean Sea
  • Montazah Palace
Cairo

  • Egyptian Museum
  • Royal Mummies Room
  • Ancient treasures of King Tutankhamun
  • Cairo Tower
  • Shopping at the Khan al Khalili Bazaar
Abu Simbel

  • Temples of Abu Simbel built in the middle of desert by Ramses II
Aswan

  • High Dam
  • Old Dam
  • Philae Temple by felucca boat
  • Horse drawn carriage ride
  • Board Nile cruise for 3 nights, 4 days from Aswan
Kom Ombo

  • Temple of Sobek Haroeris at Edfu
  • Temple of Horus at Edfu
  • Cross Esna Lock and sail to Luxor
  • Belly dance show on the Nile Cruise
Luxor

  • Valley of Kings and Queens
  • Deir El-Bahari Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and two Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor and Karnak Temples
  • Disembark the cruise
Cairo

  • Light and sound show at Giza Pyramids
  • Great Pyramids of Giza
  • Visit second Pyramid from inside
  • Giant figure of Sphinx
  • Citadel and Alabaster Mosque
Estimated Duration of the Tour: Approximately 19 to 20 days
Estimated Cost of the Tour: Approximately US$ 6000

Friday, August 29, 2008

Take A Break: Sightseeing and Things to Do in South East Asia



Whirlwind Tour of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore
(Country wise World Heritage Sites are given at http://world-heritage-spots.blogspot.com/)

Thailand
Pattaya
  • Alcazar show
  • Mini Siam: miniature world
Coral Island Excursion
  • Speed boat ride
  • Parasailing
  • Coral formation through glass bottom boat
  • Swim in the sea
  • Thai cultural show and elephant show at Nong Nooch village
  • Tropical garden
  • Pottery garden
  • Scientific Thai massage
Bangkok
  • Biggest gems gallery of the world
  • Cruise with dinner and live music on Chao Phraya river
  • Safari world: marine park, orangutan boxing show, sea lion show, Hollywood cowboy stunt show, dolphin show, spy war show. Zoo: giraffes, zebras, tigers, lions and more
  • World's largest Buddha- the "Golden Buddha", Wat Traimit, Wat Pho- Principle Buddha, Reclining Buddha in Vihara hall, Phra Ubosot- the largest triangular building, Spires of Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajkarn. View of Bangkok from the revolving observatory deck of Thailand's tallest hotel Sky Baiyoke. shopping at Indra Square
Malaysia

Genting Highlands
  • Travel by Asia's longest and fastest cable car to Genting Highlands. Visit Casino de Genting and try your luck if you like
  • Genting Theme park: enjoy various rides like go-carting, roller coaster, Jurassic park, space shot, space mountain, mini train ride, flume ride, flying dragon. unique snow world
Kuala lumpur

  • Batu cave
  • View of Kuala Lumpur from the observatory deck of K L Tower.
  • Petrona's twin towers
  • King's palace
  • Eye on Malaysia
  • Dataran Merdeka Square.
  • National mosque
  • Cricket field
  • High court building
  • Shopping at Sungie Wang Plaza
  • Malaysian cultural dance performances with dinner
Putrajaya

  • Visit Putrajaya- administrative capital of Malaysia
  • Sunway Lagoon: rides and water slides at Sunway Lagoon's Waters of Africa
Malacca

  • St Paul's Hill
  • Pota De Santiago Maritime museum
  • Cheng Hoon teng temple
  • Triorichshaw ride
Singapore

Singapore City

  • Orchid botanical garden
  • Singapore river
  • Statue of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles
  • Parliament house
  • Suntec City
  • Fountain of Wealth
  • City Hall
  • Singapore Gems Gallery
  • Orchard Road
  • Hotel Swiss- tallest hotel in Singapore
  • Ultramodern MRT underground train
  • Night safari in evening/night: take tram ride and see Creatures of Night show, Gala dinner in the uniquely eerie environment of Night Safari
Sentosa Island

  • Cable car ride from Mt Faber to Sentosa Island
  • Images of Singapore- The pioneers of Singapore, the Surrender Chambers, festivals of Singapore, wax works
  • Breath-taking 360 degrees view of Sentosa from Carlsberg Sky Tower.
  • Sentosa 4D Magix
  • Underwater World
  • Merlion walk- a 120 meters long Gaudi inspired mosaic walkway
  • View of Sentosa and Singapore's southern shores from Mouth Gallary Viewing Deck on level 9, also spot Singapore's skyline
  • "Songs of the Sea Show" in the evening
Jurong Bird park

  • Panorail ride
  • Talking birds
  • Penguin Parade
  • All Stars Birds Show
  • World of Darkness
Estimated duration for this tour: approximately 13 to 14 days
Estimated expenses for this tour (per person): approximately US$ 2000

Friday, August 15, 2008

Whirlwind Tour of Most Must-Visit Countries of Europe



Countries of Europe: Sightseeing and Things to Do

(Country wise World Heritage Sites are given at http://world-heritage-spots.blogspot.com/)
Spain

1. Madrid

Royal Palace, Plaza de Espana, Cervantes Statue, Cibeles Fountain
2. Barcelona
Barcelona Beach Front, Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Olympic Stadium, Colorful la Ramblas, Christopher Columbus Statue, Cable Car Ride
France
1. Cannes
Beaches, particularly La Croisette beach, Stroll along the beaches of the two beautiful islands also called the St Marguerite and St Honorat, Old Town museum, Castre Museum, Musee de la Mer and the Villas of Cannes
2. Nice
Townhall, Waterfront area
Monaco
1. Monte Carlo
Perfume factory at Eze, Palace of prince Rainier- princess Grace, World's oldest SBM Casino
Italy
1. Rome
Colosseum, Tiber river, Roman Forum, Novona Square, Trevi Fountain, Time Elevator Ride
Vatican
1. Vatican City
Vatican Museum, Michelangelo's Frescoes, The Last Judgment, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica, Michelangelo's famous Pieta.
Italy
2. Pisa
Square of Miracles, Baptistry, Cathedral, Leaning Tower of Pisa
3. Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo Point, Statue of David
4. Venice
Vaparetto water bus ride to Venice island, Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace, Bell Tower, St Mark's Square, Basilica, Glass blowing factory, Gondola ride in the canals of Venice
Austria
1. Wattens
Swarovski Crystal Museum and show room
2. Innsbruck
Inns river Golden Roof, Maria Theresien Strasse
3. Salzburg
Mirabella Gardens, Salzach river, Mozart's birth place, Linzer Gasse, Residenz Fountain, Salzburg Cathedral
Liechtenstein
1. Vaduz
Enjoy surroundings of Vaduz by Tram ride
Switzerland
1. Schaffhausen
Rhine Fall- enjoy boat ride to the fall
2. Zurich
Zurich Lake
3. Lucerne- Engelberg
Excursion from Lucerne to Engelberg. Mt Titlis, Cable car drive to Mt Titlis by world's first revolving cable car 'Rotair Titlis'. At Mt Titlis visit Ice Gretto, Ice Flyer ride and snow sliding.
4. Lucerne
Lion Monument, Kappelbrucke Bridge, Lake Lucerne dinner
5. Lucerne- Jungfraujoch
Excursion to Jungfraujoch, enroute visit Trummelbach Glacial Waterfall, take Cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen to Europe's highest rail road station Jungfraujoch- Top of Europe via scheidegg station. Ice palace with ice sculptures, Sphinx Terrace.
6. Interlaken
Spend some time seeing Interlaken City enroute Lucerne
Germany
1. Titisee
Travel through Black forest region, Cuckoo clock factory
2. Cologne
Cologne Cathedral
Netherlands (Holland)
1. Den Hague
Madurodam- miniature of Holland
2. Amsterdam
Famous windmill, Cheese and Clog shoe factory, Amsterdam city tour by Canal Cruise, Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
Belgium
1. Brussels
Atomium, Grand Place, Town Hall, Guild Houses, Serclaes Monument, Manneken Pis- statue of a little boy
France
3. Paris
Champs Elysees, L'Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Notre Dame Cathedral, Monalisa's original painting at Louvre Museum, Seine river cruise, Euro Disney Land, Disney Parade, Lido Show at Champs Elysees, Eiffel tower
England
1. London
Tower of London Museum- Koh-i-noor Diamond, Tower Bridge, 'Changing the guards ceremony' at Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, River Thames, Trafagar Square, House of Parliament, Hyde Park, St Paul's Cathedral, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, British Airway's London Eye Ride
2. Oxford
University of Oxford, Brsenose College
3. Stratford
Stratford upon Avon- birth place of Shakespeare
Estimated No of Days (Approximately): 21 to 22 days
Estimated Cost Including Air Travel Per Adult (Approximately): US$ 6000

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Must-See and Must-Do in China


(Country wise World Heritage Sites are given at http://world-heritage-spots.blogspot.com/)

Beijing
  • Tienanmen Square
  • Forbidden City
  • Imperial Palace Complex
  • Great wall of China
  • Temple of Heaven
  • Summer Palace

Xian

  • Wild Goose Pagoda
  • Buddhist Monk statue
  • Tang Dynasty Show
  • Terracotta Warriors Museum (Also, Film show and Tram Ride)
  • Ceramic and Porcelain Art Factory
  • Yangshu Market

Guilin

  • Li River Cruise Excursion
  • Reed Flute Cave (Stalactite and Stalagmite Formations)
  • Elephant Trunk Hill
  • Sha Lake
  • Banyan Lake
  • Pearl Factory
  • Chinese Foot Massage

Shenzhen

  • Window of the world (Tram Ride)
  • Grand Evening Show

Shanghai

  • Jade Buddha Temple
  • Yu-yuan Garden
  • Bund Water Front
  • Take an Electro Mobile transfer under the Huangpu river tunnel
  • Pearl Oriental Tower and Observatory Deck
  • Ocean Aquarium
  • Shanghai Urban Planning Museum
  • Shanghai Circus

Hong Kong

  • Shopping at Harbor City mall
  • Hong Kong Harbor Illumination show- Avenues of the Stars
  • Repulse Bay
  • Aberdeen Fishing Village
  • Victoria Peak
  • TSL Jewellery factory
  • Madame Tussaud's wax museum

Estimated No of Days (Approximately): 10 to 11 days

Estimated Cost Including Air Travel Per Adult (Approximately): US$ 2500

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